January 2011 - Turning 30!

A New Year had begun. Craig and I were trying for a baby! It certainly wasn't what I was expecting to be doing this year. Of course we had hoped that things would progress as soon as possible and I was a little nervous about how long things would take. A baby before Charlie's 1st birthday would be a dream. They would grow up being close in age and hopefully be the best of friends for their whole lives - or perhaps married even? Silly to think that I know, but the thought crossed my mind and made me more determined. Armed with a bag of helpful items, work was in progress.

I was turning 30 on 30th January. Craig had booked a trip to New York for my birthday weekend. New York is my favourite place in the world and I couldn't wait to get there. This was my 4th visit and i'd managed to book New York Knicks tickets for my birthday evening. How exciting!

The time finally arrived. As we travelled to the hotel at Heathrow, I kept looking at the Delta Airlines App. on my Blackberry. It would tell me all the information I needed to know and i'd heard that a snow storm was to pass over the East Coast of America that night. Suddenly I noticed that flights were being cancelled left, right and centre! I remember arriving at the hotel feeling angry that we might not make it. I couldn't sleep. I kept checking the Delta App and kept checking the weather in New York. Things were NOT looking good.

Arriving at check in, we asked the agent what was happening. She asked what flight we were on and when we told her, she replied and said "that flight is going but there may be a slight delay". My attitude suddenly changed from tired and grumpy to relieved excited although I wouldn't be entirely happy until the flight left Heathrow.

The flight wasn't delayed that long. I was so happy when the boarding was called and couldn't wait to get on the plane. I knew that not sleeping the night before would probably mean that I would be tired for the whole weekend but I didn't care. I was going to New York and I would be tired anyway!

We had arrived at JFK. Snow ploughs had to clear the gate so we could park up. How amazing. The scenery  over the East Coast was beautiful and I couldn't wait to get out into the City for a wander. Walking out of the airport there was a huge pile of snow which had been cleared from the roads and paths. I had to stand on it for a picture - I sent this to people at home.

I had the best weekend of my life. Craig and I hadn't been away on our own for quite a while. It was really nice to be together. He took me to Gordon Ramsay's restaurant. Maze at The London Hotel. We had a stunning lunch. My birthday present was a helicopter ride. Something i'd wanted to do each time i'd been to New York but never got round to doing. It was amazing. I got to sit in the front and Craig behind me. He'd  never flown on a helicopter before, that does sound strange. Someone with an airline pilot's license has never flown on a helicopter before? I know, but it's true. I think Craig was as excited as me.

That evening we went to Madison Square Garden to watch the  New York Knicks play the Detroit Pistons. What an experience. It's something I would recommend to anyone even if they aren't interested in Basketball. An amazing atmosphere and a truly forgettable evening and of course 30th Birthday.