NEW YORK, NEW YORK

NEW YORK PALACE HOTEL

http//www.newyorkpalace.com/hotel-new-york

Allstate President's Conference, June 2010

Frugal is a word I cannot define; therefore, my husband prefers to let me think we are destitute. So when he won this Allstate recognition of the top ten percent of agents [1600] in the entire country in this unstable economy, I was pretty impressed.

Allstate recognitions over the years have been amazing. We've traveled all over the world. The company wanted to stay state-side this year because of the onerous tactics permeating big business over the past few years. Helping the economy here in the states was also a consideration.

The trip to New York was fantastic. Arriving at The New York Palace, our hotel, late afternoon on Monday, we were greeted with chocolates and wine in our room, which faced St. Patrick's Cathedral. We attended morning mass there.

Later that evening, Allstate hosted an early evening cocktail party near the skating rink at Rockefeller Center. Roving servers enticed us with cocktails and hors d'oeurves. At 9:00 we walked to Times Square with another couple then back to the hotel

Tuesday after the hotel brunch, Allstate hosted a recognition ceremony and lunch at the new Yankee Stadium. Giant video screens scrolled names of agents from each of the regions. The CEO of Allstate addressed the crowd, and NYPD bagpipers and officers in full dress saluted us. During lunch, singers entertained. Quite a treat for Larry who loves baseball.

That evening we dined at a wonderful Italian Restaurant just off of Madison Avenue. The lamb in plum sauce was amazing. We then found a small restaurant bar with a sing along piano player who had been stationed in Augusta, GA in the forties.

Wednesday we toured China Town and had lunch, alfresco, at our favorite Italian restaurant then had cannoli's from Ferraro's Bakery in Little Italy. By then I had to have a power nap to prepare for the evening gala.

BUT FIRST, I had to bedazzle the tacky black Allstate badge that we had to wear to every event. I sent Larry into a high-end hootchie-mama store off Madison Avenue to purchase a rhinestone-covered tank top. At the hotel I cut it up and super-glued sequins on my name badge-front, back, and on the neck loop. I wore a silver sequined ensemble to the gala; now I felt totally accessorized!

Allstate took the entire group to Battery Park for cocktails, then we had to embark on ferries to get to Ellis Island for the evening event.  The red carpet was laid out to lead us to the dinner event. Beautiful tables were set outdoors on the lawn. Strolling servers brought us wine, appetizers, the main courses, and dessert. Keith Urban, our surprise guest, entertained the crowd.

Thursday evening we dined at Sardi's, then walked across the street to see MEMPHIS, a Broadway musical based on the story of a DJ who plays black rock and roll music on a Memphis radio station challenging the segregated music industry during the sixties in Memphis, Tennessee. Rousing music, hilarious but poignant script, and choreography that makes you want to dance.

Friday we strolled down Madison looking for a notary for papers Larry needs for new agency he is purchasing as a legacy for our children and grandchildren. He's hiring more staff so he can semi-retire, two words that frighten the dickens out of me. I have a perfectly happy unsupervised daily life schedule as of now. What if he asks me what I'm doing every five minutes?

Then we awaited our transportation to LaGuardia. Very nice trip. Next year; San Francisco and Hawaii.