Every time I finally think I figure out the Subway system....I get lost or confused. Today I was correct and some crazy man convinced me I was wrong. Last time I listen to someone without inquiring their help! The sad thing is, the man today really seemed like a true New Yorker. I guess not though since he told me I needed to go Uptown to Staten Island, when it is definitely downtown.

When I finally made it downtown, I met Robin, Amy, Grant, and Mason at Pier 17 for lunch at Pacific Grill. This restaurant had awesome burgers. I had the turkey burger and it was fantastic. I enjoyed the balsamic dressing on the salad as well. There were a lot of old ships for viewing, definitely a great way to spend an afternoon. Pier 17 is where Bobby, Amy's husband, docked with the Coast Guard last fall.

I mentioned a few days ago I went to the New York Health Club to workout. When I went they said my membership hadn't been approved yet. Therefore, today I tried finalizing everything. I "go" to the gym on West 23rd St., but the lady said I had to go to the East 57th location to fill out paperwork. Not sure why, but I did.

Unfortunately i got on the express train, so it didn't go to the stop I needed. Therefore I walked. Although it was far, it was nice because I was able to walk down 5th Ave by all of the high-end shops while talking to Alicia. I can't wait to go back when her and Katrina visit. It is going to be so much fun to "shop" at Tiffany's, Chanel, Burberry, Fendi, and Louie Vuitton! You can send donations to 50 West 34th Street!

Once I finally made it to the 57th St. location, they told me I couldn't sign up there. Do these people realize I am new to this town and can't make it around that well!? Fortunately, they gave me a week membership until mine goes through.

After the NYRHC journey, I went back to my apartment and to the Post Office. Like always, I had the hardest time finding it. Upon my arrival I felt like an idiot because this was the biggest post office I have ever seen. It was probably 2 times the size of St. Dominic's Church!

I went to the most amazing yoga class tonight at NYRHC. It was a core yoga class and it was so hard, but so rewarding. Unfortunately I came back to the apartment to find Alexis needing chocolate. The bakeries in NYC are definitely a perk, but also a downside. Whatever I did to my body at yoga, I certainly erased with the peanut butter brownie from Pax. I need to learn self-control...fast!

Stacey, who works at Maryville but is originally from NY, e-mailed me some awesome suggestions today. All of the suggestions were food related....how happy this made me. I'm finding the best way to experience NYC is through the food! One of Stacey's suggestions include rice pudding, I've seen this offered in many restaurants. I'm super excited to go to her favorite place...Rice to Riches!

Tomorrow I would like to try her Chinese recommendation, who knows maybe Thursday I'll try Greek. Here's to a new cuisine every night of the week!

-Sam