Rockefeller Center

Built by the Rockefeller family, this National Historic Landmark is located right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan and features a statue of Prometheus, who in Greek Mythology was a champion of mankind know for his great intelligence. He was punished by Zeus for stealing from him and giving to the mortals. Zeus bound him to a rock and had an eagle eat his liver, only to have it grow back and be eaten again the next day, playing a pivotal role in the early history of mankind. This is also the site where the most famous Christmas tree in the nation is lit every year. People from all over travel to see the incredibly beautiful tree adorned in colored lights lit in the plaza the Wednesday after Thanksgiving each year. The tradition began in 1933 and holds strong today, with the traditional horn-blowing angels leading the path to the tree. Next to the plaza is the Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink where many couples get engaged each year amid the magical lights and overwhelming holiday spirit. It is touching to watch the couple skate happily throughout the rink and then, suddenly, the man gets down on one knee and pops that live-changing question, while the woman puts her hands to her face and adamantly shakes her head yes and they skate off to their happily-ever-after. But, of all this, perhaps the most sought after attraction is the Top of the Rock observation deck. Sitting 70 stories above the city, this jewel was envisioned by John D. Rockefeller as a place for both locals and visitors to marvel at the city he loved. Construction started in 1930 and was completed in 1939 and to this day holds the most spectacular view of the city we all love. You feel like you're on top of the world standing among the beauty of this city and I promised you, there's nothing quite like it!

My Mother, My Rock

This one's for you mom: my hero, my inspiration, my rock.
As a child, I  looked up to my mother as if though she were a super hero. She was breathtakingly beautiful, more generous and kind than anyone I've ever known, stylish as a Hollywood starlet, and full of life with a contagiously electric personality. As my dad has always said, when she walks into a room it just automatically lights up! Today, as I watch her constantly struggle with things so simple and basic that we all take so easily for granted, like breathing, I admire her even more. Having COPD, a chronic lung condition, leaving her with only 30% lung function and watching her with her oxygen tank always by her side, I pray to God every day that I never take even a single breath for granted. It is so sad when I turn on the news every day and see people killing each other and raping and stealing each other blindly, when we all should just be down on our hands and knees thanking God for even just being here on earth, which is a blessing in itself. I know this isn't a typical "confession from New York" but this is real and, today, as I await to hear if my mother will be sent back to the hospital for pneumonia for the second time this year, I can't help but get so angry at the world we live in today for it's disrespect of human life. As I watch my mother who's strength has miraculously pulled her through a heart-attack, internal bleeding resulting in a full blood transfusion, COPD flare-ups, and pneumonia several times, I am so proud of her and her persistent struggle and consistent faith. She is and will always be my rock and she and others who suffer with so many physical ailments and conditions out there, such as Cancer and heart disease, to name a few, should be a wake-up call to us. Life here on earth is far too short and it should never to be taken for granted. We must also always remember that family is the most important thing we have here in this lifetime and we should always hold it dear to our hearts. Nothing is more important than those we love and we should thank God every day for blessing us with them in our lives. My mother, who has and will always be my best friend has taught me that courage is the silent fighter in all of us and that with the love and support of family it is intensified. If only we could all love each other like family, this world would be a far greater place to live!

Serendipity

Merriam-Webster defines serendipity as the art of finding the pleasantly unexpected by chance. I personally first discovered this fabulous restaurant extraordinaire, which also happens to be named Serendipity, while watching the classic 2001 romantic comedy Serendipity, starring John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale. It was here that they first shared a frozen hot chocolate together as Beckinsale perfectly described serendipity as a  "fortunate accident". But this trendy place is definitely no accident. From its eclectic style to its long lines and even longer list of celebrity patrons this delicious spot has earned itself a permanent place in history as one of New York City's most sought after restaurants. Their food authentically combines the most mouth-watering unexpected combination of flavors and ingredients, leaving you feeling adventurous and daring. But the desserts are what they are best known for and deliver the most bang for your buck, specifically the famous Frrrozen Hot Chocolate. It's a take on the traditional childhood favorite of hot chocolate put over ice and blended to perfection. It is topped with the creamiest whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and coco powder. But I dare you to order the Golden Opulence Sundae from the menu. This is the creme de la creme of desserts. It is a hot fudge sundae with countless scoops of vanilla ice cream, covered in all the chocolate gooeyness of a regular sundae but, unlike any other one you've ever heard of, this one takes the icing on the cake for being covered with edible 24 karat gold. And for just a small price of $1,000. Just be sure and order this one ahead of time because in order for them to make this delectable decadence it must be ordered 24 hours in advance.