6 Degrees of NYC!

One of the (many) benefits of moving to NYC is the network. I have found that many friends that I know have a friend who has also made the move. There is something about moving to New York that I feel bonds you. When you meet you already have an instant bond and similarity. You are the brave ones. Because of this I have had many friends introduce me to their friends who are now living in NYC. I have been thoroughly impressed with the outreach I find from these people. It is like they are all cheering for you, they all want you to make it in the city and pay it forward to another new New Yorker one day. I can not put it into words. I was nervous coming up her with the one friend I had in the city subletting her apartment to me and temporarily residing in Chicago. However, I felt so welcomed by her friends. Also, with Katie's visit I was able to connect with new friends and previous acquaintances from College.
This evening I was off to meet another Florida native turned New Yorker. I was chatting with a friend on Facebook this weekend when she mentioned she had a friend who had moved up here this past summer. She immediately messaged both G and myself. Seconds later we had made plans to meet up! It is always a great feeling knowing someone is interested in meeting you and helping you find your way. I was hoping to rack G's brain with how she found an apt where she was working..Remember, my current situation is temporary and soon coming to an end. Carolynn will be back March 17th and I'll be in need of a new apt and a new job by March 22! G and I had made plans to try a chocolate bar she had wanted to try. Unfortunately G had lost her wallet today and we had to reschedule. I was bummed, but glad that I had ventured to mid-town today. I still need to find my way around this often intimidating city. So I had some time to kill and found myself walking the streets of New York City. Thankfully, it was a beautiful night, slightly chilly, but only 40 degrees! I tested my Lenten promise (to give up shopping!) by walking down 5th ave, said hello to the Chrysler building (my favorite site in all of NYC), and was asked for directions.... I often get asked for directions when on the subway or walking the streets. I feel empowered thinking to myself, "Yes! I must look like a real New Yorker!" However ,I think its more likely that I look like a friendly face and not anything that resembles a jaded New Yorker. I was asked directions by a mother and daughter, "Is 5th ave in this direction?" I had no idea. I had come off at 7th and knew that 8th ( I was headed towards 9th) was either a left or a right. Since I had time, I guessed (wrongly) left and took a stroll. As we approached 6th, I stated, "Yes, you are going the right way, I am not." They looked at my puzzled. I mean, why would this crazy lady (me) be going the wrong way intentionally. I explained I had just moved here and was trying to get to 9th ave and coming from 7th, which is how I knew they were on the right path. They were very pleasant and we talked briefly as we came to 5th and I decided to walk on a bit further instead of do the embarrassing stop and turn around in the middle of the sidewalk (which I do often) when you realize you're headed in the wrong direction. I had time to spare and I get very sentimental when I see mothers and daughters together. I asked if they were visiting, they were in a sense. The daughter was touring NYU. I told her how I always wanted to attend NYU, but unfortunately given some changes during that time, it was best for me to stay in FL for college. They asked me why I moved to NY. "I have always wanted to live in NYC" I told them. With that the mother told me, like only a mother could, "You are so brave." I had never thought of myself as brave. I joked to her, "Brave or crazy" we laughed and wish each other luck, then went our separate ways. I think we all have choices daily that can make us face our fears and show bravery. What is that one thing you have always wanted to do, or experience? What changes have you put off in your life? What is standing in your way? What do you really have to lose? Think of what you have to gain. Be brave. Even if people call you crazy, even if you feel the obstacles in your way may defeat you, be strong. Live the life you always dreamed. Trust me, you'll never regret it. Even if it turns out to not be what you expected.