Hey hey! I’ve really missed you all, and I’m SO grateful to finally be writing this post!
Since I last blogged a week ago, a lot has happened:
I wrapped up my internship at the USDA and wrote three papers.
I survived a tough final and celebrated by baking peanut butter cookie cups…
(Easy recipe from here)
And then I hopped on a train to continue celebrating in the city that never sleeps. 
I want to share everything with you—-the amazing window displays, the sparkling lights, the delicious food—-but there’s a minor obstacle that’s preventing me from doing so.
This morning, I spilled coffee on my laptop. And now it’s in a coma.
Unfortunately, this means that the photos I uploaded from my camera last night went with it-—as well as all the others in iPhoto—-save for the few that I’d already inserted into this post.
I spent most of the afternoon at the Apple store troubleshooting, and finally decided that my best option was to buy a new laptop. (Eeek).
I’m holding out hope that I’ll be able to recover everything!
But until then, let me share the chocolate chip cookie sandwich I enjoyed this afternoon, post Apple-store mania.
Talk about stress relief. 
Oh yes, it was amazing.
Since I had three hours to burn before hopping my 8:00pm bus back to DC (which I’m blogging from now, but I’ll be posting tomorrow morning), I cabbed to the lower east side, and tucked into Babycakes.
I’ve been dreaming of visiting this bakery for years, and it definitely did not disappoint!
It’s good that I don’t live in New York, because if I did, I think I’d be there enjoying lemon cupcakes and cinnamon buns every single day.
The cookie sandwich was delightful. A perfect combination of sweet, soft, crispy, crunchy and creamy.
I also ordered a sampler box to carry back to DC.
It was difficult to choose, but I ended up going with brownie, vanilla, lemon, pumpkin spice and red velvet cupcakes, as well as a cookie crunch doughnut.
I fully intended to save everything to share with my housemates, however, on the way back to the hotel, I met a man on the street who was holding a sign that indicated he was hungry. As I walked by, he flashed a friendly grin and said “God bless you.”
His simple gesture surprised me.
But it also filled me with with gratitude and joy. The stress from the day’s events dissipated, and my computer problems were put into perspective. I was reminded that I’m blessed with good health, loving friends and family…AND the opportunity to enjoy a cupcake or cookie sandwich when I wish.
Ten steps later, I swiveled around, walked back to the man, opened the box, and handed him the brownie cupcake.
Words can’t express his elation. He was truly grateful for the cupcake. And I was truly grateful that he’d reminded what a simple smile can do to brighten somebody’s day.
*****
I hope you’re all enjoying the last week of the holiday season! I’ll be back in a few days, with or without New York photos…promise!
Until then, if you want to read about my adventures in The Big Apple, check out Katie’s blog for wonderful recaps!
**Holiday hugs to you all!**
What’s making you smile today?
This morning I’m smiling about piping hot Godiva coffee, a Christmas caroling party tonight, and the fact that I’m flying home tomorrow!
What’s your favorite bakery item?
I’d usually say cinnamon rolls, but that cookie sandwich was pretty incredible!
