Yeah, ok. I’m a bit of a “small town” girl. So the prospect of being in New York City filled me with excitement…..and trepidation. My mother, who, let’s say is more than just a bit “cautious,” has prepared me all my life for the danger potentially lurking around every corner.
Chris tried to prep me with “helpful criticism” of the way I handle myself on the NYC streets. “Don’t step out of the way, Jeanne! If someone comes your way, keep walking straight!” “Stop smiling! –Squint and look irritated!” “Broaden your shoulders, and don’t veer aside.” Not sure I ever got it right – years of being polite and offering a friendly smile are hard to undo. Nevertheless, the time came when Chris would deposit me on the streets of NYC to occupy myself for 3 hours while he covered the Bruins game.
“Okay, Jeanne,” he said. “The car is parked on 33rd street. You can walk up several streets to 42nd street, then take a right, and you’ll be in Times Square. Or, you can walk up several more streets, take a couple of turns and find the Empire State Building. Or……” I stopped trying to remember the instructions after the first few complicated directions, and decided to head toward Times Square. How hard could it be?
Block upon block of rushing people not talking to each other jostled by me as I alternated between my attempts at a convincing sneer and my friendly Jeanne default smile – despite the tutoring I had received. My legs began to ache, and it was getting dark, as I approached 42nd street and turned. Sign upon neon sign lit the streets, and there, I saw the beacon of hope that would entertain me for the next couple of hours – a movie theater. Yes, I KNOW how to handle myself there.
So happy was I, that I decided to treat myself to movie popcorn and a drink. I waited in line as other customers barked out their orders to the attendants. Something at the popcorn machine malfunctioned, and the 6’5’’ linebacker attempting to scoop popcorn nervously asked me to please be patient. I smiled and assured him there was no problem. A few minutes later as I was fumbling with my purse, it was my turn to ask for patience, and he stood back, grinned at me and said “You take as long as you want – you’ve been so nice!”
Lessons learned from New York:
1. Every hour is rush hour.
2. I will always lose at sidewalk “chicken.”
3. Being yourself –despite your surroundings is key.
Did New York City change me? Not really. Did I change New York City? Nope. But for a few moments, a hulking New Yorker and I shared an appreciation of human kindness in the midst of stress.
