Good Morning! and Bon Appetit!

Dab a little blush here, ma chère, a side of pronunciation with that Café Noir and croissant, and my day has officially begun. My morning routine now includes approximately 30 minutes of Rosetta stone language immersion, interspersed with Coffee Break Spanish/French when I have less time.

I'veI hooked my shower curtains together while taking a cab. I've studied GRE vocab while walking to lunch. I've plucked my eyebrows while riding the A train home. (OK, that last one isn't true...but I've seen this more than once. There's an apparent pandemic of people doing things in public that NO ONE needs to see).

Now that I think about it, maybe I've just deeply misunderstood the crazy people mentioned in previous posts....since I probably look like one about 50% of the time. It's okay, though, because the multi-tasking has given me even more time to further the crazy vibe into NYC.

Lesson #29: Become a master multi tasker, and basically create time for things. Just don't spend so much time strategizing, unless of course you're also listening to the new Roots album and furiously cooking dinner at the same time (which I highly recommend).

For me, the reason I'm able to multi-task effectively is that I choose one mindless, automatic function and pair it with something that requires some mental acuity. It's kind of like pairing wine with food. Some good pairings thus far: doing dishes and listening to NPR's All Songs Considered. Making to-do lists while trying to stay upright on the train. Blogging and reflecting on my time in NY thus far (har har), with a large glass of wine.

Of course, on the flip side, it feels unbelievable to do just one thing, and do it well. As I've mentioned, I often find chores to be therapeutic, especially when I allow my brain to wonder anywhere. Not to mention, to really learn something or do something well, full attention is absolutely necessary for hours on end! This harmonica isn't going to master itself.

But honestly, multi-tasking is inevitable and necessary to survival here. Just please, don't let me catch you clipping your toenails on the subway - wouldn't you rather have unruly nails than be subject to the wrath of 50 pissed off New Yorkers?

The Search Continues

Lesson #25: Some things are out of your control, and you simply need to learn and accept it. Literally, let go and enjoy the ride! Unless you're stuck on the tracks, surrounded by people, and the air conditioning shuts off. Then I really have no advice, as I haven't yet figured out how to not freak out in those instances.

If you like Piña Coladas....

I do enjoy getting caught in the rain from time to time, but prefer to not be caught sans umbrella.

Lesson #8: Prepare for anything. Just buy a big bag and before leaving each day, make sure to prepare for any type of weather/event/whim. 

I'm not advocating bringing heels with you in case you find yourself needing to look fancy (well, unless it's the weekend. Then I might advise this), but more of your daily necessities. For instance, I often bring a snack with me because I don't know if I'll be hungry at some point, and a hungry me = an unhappy me. Plus it is sometimes hard to find vegan food around, though arguably easier here than anywhere in the country.

Other things that would come in handy to carry on a daily basis:

Book (obviously good for commutes. Or if you're eating alone and don't want to look really alone or something.)

Floss (I don't actually carry this, but I should. Days have been ruined by the agonizing feeling of something caught between teeth.)

Bandaids, in case you get blisters while walking. Or in case you get bloody nipples (wait, maybe that's just for marathon runners? hmmmm. Happy that I've never experienced this.)

Snack, umbrella, sweater (the necessities)

The list could go on and on, but just bring more than you think you'd want. Then in case you can't make rent, you'll have lots of cool things to do to pass the time.

I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date

I noticed a theme recently, which is that as of late, I've been late to just about everything. Which leads to...

Lesson #3: Take the amount of time you think it'll take you to go somewhere, and add 10-15 minutes. You'll still probably be late, just less late, more in an adorable 'she's a bit irresponsible, God love her,' and less of a 'rude New Yorker, doesn't care about other people's time' way. On second thought, maybe it's better to fall into the latter category?

Either way, just assume that it'll take you longer than you think to get just about anywhere. I do realize that there have been various service interruptions to the subway, but even just walking I usually go the wrong direction a couple blocks here & there, which adds up. Before NYC, I kind of prided myself on being on time (this is quite tame of me, I realize) - but I've found that being late adds so much stress to life! The frantic stride, the flushed cheeks, the anger that starts brewing...these are not my favorite things.

Basically, there needs to be more than 24 hours in a day to accomplish all the things I'd like to do, and not be consistently late for each. Such is life!