NYC Bus- "Dra-mom-a"

Boston to NYC
9:25am: Kiss my husband and daughter goodbye in front of train station

9:26am: Daughter reaches out her arms for me from car seat as they drive away- Heart ripped from chest.

9:45am: Stand 1st in line to board the China Bus for first dibs on seating.

9:55am: Tall brunette college student asks to sit next to me. Thank goodness it’s her and not that guy 3 rows ahead talking to him self.

10:52am: Dabble a bit of writing in my journal.
10:54am: Stop because the girl sitting next to me is trying to read it.

Noon: Wake up from the road-raging Chinese bus driver laying into the horn while swerving through traffic.

12:15pm: Repeat

12:45pm: Starving. Must pee really bad, but will wait for pit stop.

1:30pm: Given up all hope for a pit stop. Bladder about to explode. Stomach self-digesting

2pm: Arrive in NY Chinatown. Bolt off bus. Find out nearest train station to friend’s apartment is 5 blocks away.

NYC to Boston
2pm: Say goodbye to friend and hail a cab.

2:15pm: Wonder why the cabby is taking the wrong streets to Chinatown.
2:17pm: Sit in traffic. Watch the meter tick higher and higher. Understand why we’re taking the long route.

2:25pm: Hand the driver $12 for what should have been a $6 cab ride and slam the door.

2:30pm: 3rd to last to board China bus.

2:31pm: Grab only vacant seat near window. Pray someone doesn’t sit next to me so I can sprawl out.

2:32pm: Teenage girl asks “do you think you can sit next to someone so that me and my daddy can sit together?” (“Daddy”, how old are we?). < Sigh> “Fine!”

2:33pm: “Move to the only vacant seat, right next to a guy wearing a yarmulke.

2:34pm: Guy wastes no time initiating conversation. Asks all sorts of questions with big flirty smile. Lose any hope for napping.

2:45pm: More questions. Try to get a word in edgewise to mention my HUSBAND and DAUGHTER.

2:53pm: Guy confesses his strong desire to find a wife. Wish I was anywhere but here.

2:55pm: Find out that I was just hit on by a RABBI. Lose all hope for religion. Quickly pull out a picture of my daughter on her first birthday.

2:57pm: Guy sits back, closes his eyes to sleep - Hallelujah!


Summation:
- Great time in NYC with old friend as always.
- Bus ride to NY- quick, precarious, physically uncomfortable.
- Ride back home- Long, disheartening, quite uncomfortable all around.

Conclusion:
- Leaving my husband and baby girl for a 24 hour sample of the city life- heart-wrenching at first, but sooo worth the mani & pedi and full day of no tantrums.

- When recapping for my husband, I’ll blame the shameless hit on by a rabbi on my small wedding ring size. “People must not be able to see it”. Must address immediately.

Hit the "Reset" button

Wandering down 7th avenue in Greenwich Village, my friend and I stumbled upon the Village Vanguard. (Yeah I know. Shocker I left the house, much less trek to a trendy town in NYC for a day). The endless line outside their dark and eerie doors drew intrigue. How curious this tiny place could draw such a crowd? Once at the door, we were greeted by a kind-faced man requesting “$35 dollars please”. My thoughts-- this place better be damn good!

As the heavy door swung open, a steep and dark staircase led us deep beneath the depths of the bustling city. A small, congested room appeared as we turned the corner. Soon another 70 or so people crammed themselves in there with us, making us a sure fire hazard. The rows of seats were solid wood, and terribly uncomfortable. Drinks were pricey and reminded me of those tiny beverages offered on airplanes. But no one sat down here for a comfy seat or tasty beverage. What would soon begin is what we all came to consume.

The room darkened more and a warm red light filled the stage before us. Six musicians took their places and began to gear up- two saxophonists, a drummer, guitarist, bass player, and a signature piano man. A miss-mash of keys and chords played as they warmed up. Then with one deep breath, a “1-2-3”, I was soon blown away to a whole new place.

I was captivated as each musician grew lost in their own ecstasy playing their instrument. What are their thoughts while up there on stage? Do they worry about their bills, kids, or even a ride home? Watching the man with his eyes closed tight while straining to hit a high note, I thought- No way! This must be their escape; their bliss. Doing what they love, and playing before a crowd hooting and hollering for more. What a feeling that must be? To satisfy the music cravings of people each night.

And that I did. I craved. The music. The city. The absolute escape. And then it happened-a key change. The piano man massaged the ivories with a bit more oomph, and the guitarist strung a heavier chord. The music ran right through me. As the walls shook from the passing subway train, my body warmed from every sound within the room that came to create perfect harmony. A moment where I wanted to lie down before the stage and close my eyes to remember; to just devour the moment for just a bit longer. Ironically enough, I turned amicably to my New Yorker friend, only to find her fast asleep (oh geez, and not even a mom yet!). I chuckled. My night owl eyes were still wide open at this ungodly hour, like they were years ago.

In a New York minute, everything DID change--body, mind, and spirit. What a difference a day makes. Twenty-four little hours. It was my much needed mommy escape. A re-awakening of my soul. Only in New York- the city that never sleeps.

Winter-07