A Hop, Skip, Car, Train, Cab, Subway, Train, Train & Another Cab Away

Whew.

I crossed through six states today.

I shouldn’t complain. My trip back to NYC was fairly easy and uneventful. Most New Yorkers weren’t so lucky this week.

But still, I spent a lot of time sitting up and trying to entertain myself.

Here’s how it all went down…

I woke up at 7 am in my hard bed in New Hampshire. Sorry Mom & Dad. I love you both for buying me a full-sized bed when I was in high school, but now that I’m a bit older, it’s like sleeping on a rock.

As sad as I was to leave my parents after a few wonderful, Wii-filled days together, I wasn’t sad to be leaving that bed. Ouch!

The first step in getting from New Hampshire to NYC was driving to Boston. My mom drove me down to South Station (She hates the drive, but loves me enough to do it — thanks, Mom!) and we made record time.

South Station is so pretty and way less crazy than New York City’s Penn Station. It’s also less hectic than Grand Central Station.

I had booked an Amtrak Acela Express train to take me from Boston to NYC.

These trains are so nice!

Comfy leather seats, loads of leg room.

Happy Ali.

I watched I Love You, Man (for the millionth time) on my laptop and snacked on the peanut butter sandwich (cut into triangles!) that my mom made me.

Thanks to the on-board wireless access, I also caught up on some of my favorite guilty-pleasure websites.

The train ride itself was smooth and easy.

The scenery was booooooring.

(Sorry for the blurry “I’m a speedy train” iPhone pictures.)

I always feel happy when I get that first glimpse of the epic NYC skyline.

Once I got off the train at Penn Station, it’s like I got slapped in the face with a stress ball.

Ahhhh New York, NY. You’re so cruel, and yet I love you so much.

The city is seriously a mess. The snowstorm cleanup effort was a failed one.

Needless to say, getting a cab was not easy.

I lugged my huge suitcases, my laptop and my purse all over midtown before I could get a cab.

It was a struggle to get back to my apartment, but once I walked in the door I felt calm and happy.

And I wanted to run.

The roads are quite messy, but I figured I’d give the East Side running path a try.

I only had time to cover about 3 miles, and this is what the path looked like.

It was cleared in some parts…

The snow was piled so high on the sides of the path!

And then the path was not a path at all.

I gave the snow running a whirl — slowly and very carefully — and it was difficult. It was also a great core workout, since I was tightening my entire upper body in an effort to stay strong and not slip.

After my run, I took a really quick shower because I had big plans tonight:

Taking ABS to the NJ Devils vs. NY Rangers hockey game!

That was my Christmas present to him, since he’s a big Devils fan. Plus, it was my first NHL experience.

Of course, getting to the game in Newark, NJ, required a subway ride and a train ride, plus a train ride and a cab to get back home.

Still, it was So. Much. Fun.

The Devils lost, which was a bummer, but I loved getting rowdy with the rest of the crowd.

At one point, ABS asked me if I had any idea what I was yelling.

I didn’t.

I just like to make noise.

I love stadiums. There’s so much to see!

Now I’m back at the apartment — totally unpacked — and ready to get into my cozy, soft bed.

I have tomorrow off (yay!) and need to make a dessert for the New Year’s Eve party ABS and I are attending. I got a Twitter suggestion from Emilia recommending red velvet cookies. Love that idea! I’m also contemplating peppermint bark or (finally) trying out cake balls and/or dough balls.

Thoughts? Ideas? Suggestions?

TELL ME: Are you back home safely from your holiday travels? Also, what’s your preferred method of transportation? After today, I’m a huge fan of the Acela Express train!