A couple of weeks ago I took a trip to the Bronx to hang out with some friends at the end of a busy workweek. After a few drinks, a tasty burrito and an hour of figure skate dancing, I began the pleasant journey home. Following a quick train ride to 125th and Lex, I emerged to the street and headed for the bus stop. Through my journey down the icy sidewalks, my eyes continually surveyed the surroundings. Often times I find myself easily distracted by the skylines and sights of the part of town I’m in.
While I stood patiently waiting the 25 minutes for the M60 to arrive, I couldn’t help but have this overwhelming feeling that made my head start to spin.
“Holy shit. I live here.”The constant sound of the Raymond’s Room sign smashing in to the metal security grate as it thrashed around in the howling wind over and over again provided a strange soundtrack as I drifted away in thought. It was strange standing there in Harlem thinking about where I was one year ago.
In the thick of performances for “Blood Brothers” (a musical that I was in at South Dakota State University), my mind was torn between a thousand things including classes, graduation and planning a move to New York City. It was around this time, a year ago, that I finally set a date to move. That was the moment I henceforth committed to moving out east in pursuit of my dreams. Though I was securely and comfortably enjoying my senior year of college, my life had a new purpose and every action was dedicated to the impending move to The Big Apple.
Thinking back now, I am amazed at how much has changed in the span of a year. Instead of enduring last March’s 30 days below freezing in Brookings, I have enjoyed New York’s mere 14. OK, so that isn’t that much better, but at least I didn’t have to worry about skipping class in the Brookings tundra. Instead of the worries about midterms on my mind, my most stressful moment of the day is getting on the N Train in time for work.
Now as old college friends journey to the city for spring break, I am reminded of how much time has gone by outside of my life. As many of my friends have commented on frequently, an astounding number of classmates are planning weddings, having children and moving along in their adult lives. With shared stories and comical reminiscing, we enjoy a few short hours of time and then part ways left wondering when our paths will cross again.
It is this aspect of adulthood I am least fond of. There are so many wonderful people that I would love to sit down with and resume our casual dalliances without a single worry.
However, reality must continue. Instead of mustering the energy to leave my bed and go to class, I now focus on keeping caffeinated enough to get through work and rehearsal. With rehearsal reports, prop shopping and a conference to prepare for, I have to feel proud.
I set out to accomplish a dream by working in my field, and by George, I’m doin’ it.
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Life: One year ago by Geoffrey Nixon http://bit.ly/bLEQ2j http://bit.ly/cah9EP
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
So proud of you, Geoff.
Great article.