revjim.net

I'm actually a bit nervous about my trip to Manhattan next week. Not because of the travel, I'm quite used to that. And not because of the city itself, I've been many times and love it.

What's bothering me, I think, is that while I'm there, I'll be all on my own. I know a friend or two who wouldn't even question coming to my aid. I even know a few co-workers there that would be happy to help in any way that I needed. But, still, in the end, I'm there all on my own. In the past, I've either traveled there with someone, or had gone there to meet someone. I'm good at exploring. Good at finding my way. Very good with directions. But I still have this whole "safety in numbers" thing going. Being in a car is one thing. There's some safety that it provides. But walking alone is something else entirely. Should I just hole myself up in the hotel all week? No. I'm adventurous and I intend to have an adventure. I don't want to be afraid when there's nothing to be afraid of. Yet, at the same time, I don't want to force myself to be courageously stupid either.

Also, it's that I'll have to work there. It's one thing to be on my schedule, on my time, doing my thing. It's something entirely different to be working. I have to get from point A to point B on time. I know where my hotel is, I know where I have to report to work. I don't have the foggiest idea of how long it will take me to get there. Should I walk? Take a cab? A bus? A subway?

Usually, I drive to the office, walk in and start work. Being in Providence was a small break from that, since I walked 5 or 6 blocks to work every day. But, NYC is very different. Do I need a different bag? Something smaller? Something lighter? Will I be comfortable carrying this around all day? Is it going to be blazing hot? I take great pride in my work and always make sure I go above and beyond to make a good impression. Especially a first impression, which this will be. I don't want to show up, stinky, sweaty, late, and overburdened with a too-heavy bag.

I'm sure I'll figure it all out in the end. I'll have to — it's two days away. But, until then, I'd be lying if I didn't say it was consuming quite a few of my brain cycles.