If I Can Make There

Today I am shedding a little "lyte" on lifestyle choices.  A close friend of mine is in town from New York City.  She moved there a couple of years ago to pursue a dream of being a comedy writer and actor.

She was describing the gymnastics she had to go through in order to go for a bicycle ride.  It was pretty funny, her apartment is on the 2nd floor and she was telling us how she would have to unlock the door to her house, wedge that door open, run back upstairs, carefully manipulate her bike through her apartment door and landing, all while trying not to get locked out.  

She also was explaining to us how she has to carefully plan her day.  She has a day job and then attends auditions during her lunch hour, and then goes to classes, rehearsals, or shows after work.  So she has to make sure she brings everything she will need for her various activities, including scripts, makeup,clothing and shoes.  But most importantly, her Metro pass.  

Then she schooled us on how not to get mugged in New York City.  She told us to avoid all construction scaffolding, even it is well-lit.  To never walk down dark, empty streets.  And some streets are to be avoided even in broad daylight.  

All of us focused on different aspects of her day to day life in the Big Apple.  Some were appalled at the thought of living with the likelihood of being robbed (or worse) at any moment.  She told us about falling asleep on the subway and she woke up to some guy reaching for her, his intent unclear.  No one on the subway even glanced her way and she realized that if she hadn't woken up, she could have been robbed, raped, assaulted or all three without anyone even turning off their IPod to lend a hand.

Being a mom, I couldn't help but think about how her already complicated machinations to do the things I take for granted:  shopping, laundry, etc., would be multiplied into nearly super human feats by having a child along.  How could you maneuver a stroller, a toddler, and a grocery cart onto an apartment landing or up a few flights of stairs?

We kept saying, "What about driving?"  Her reply, "Cars are for rich people."  Even cabs are a luxury.  I couldn't imagine moving all my worldly possessions without a car.  How do you get a couch onto the subway?

But she loves her life.  She is chasing her dream and starting to see real results.  She is making it in one of the toughest cities on earth and doing it all on her own.  And you can see it in the confidence and joy she exudes.  I guess that is worth having to lug your dirty underwear several blocks to the laundromat, or having to plan your day with all the detail of a shuttle launch.