I recently had an annoying interaction that I know many women (and especially Moms) deal with. Within the same week I met more than my limit of people who relentlessly asked me to do simple things for them. At work, people kept asking me questions they could have easily answered themselves- like math problems, food suggestions, or train directions. Am I being rude, but can't you just ask Siri, or Wiki or Shazam or Yelp or Hopstop or Google, or a robot? Or, by all means, can you use common sense?
"What train stop is this?"
"Well, what does the sign say?"
"42nd"
"Well, then you're on 42nd, idiot!"
I am just so rude, they should keep NY girls caged.
Anywho, last week, too many people needed my help with questions that were not worth asking. I don't want to sound like a jerk, but sometimes you gotta be a grown a** woman, stop asking for help and Figure it out yourself! Or in most cases, Deal with it!
I think it's time to be brave, independent & smart and start doing things ourselves! (unless it's killing a spider or lifting heavy stuff- pick one weakness)
I am a 25 year old Mormon girl living in New York City and I Love it! Am I scared? No. Am I bored? Never.
Just living in this city for one year can change your actions and your belief in yourself!
I am a New York Woman and I am:
1. Independent
I just feel like I can do anything! My possibilities are limitless because I live in such a beautiful place, I have friends. I am constantly around people, nature, buildings, shopping, good smells, bad smells, and CONTRAST! You can tell because I said buildings & nature and good smells & bad smells. I mean, I don't love the smell of urine, but I do love walking by pizzerias and waffle carts! I love the leaves on the trees at the park and I love the Empire State Building. There is contrast here and I love it all and I am happy.
There are so many independent women here I can aspire to be like. Working in NYC makes me feel like I am waving back to 100 years of women saying "Hey ladies! We made it! We have a place in the city workplace! I love cramming onto a subway at 8:15 and swiping my badge in the lobby of my office. I am happy to be in the working class of the greatest city in the world!" (Or just watch Thoroughly Modern Millie and you'll get what I mean...)
2. Cultured
Gals, it's a Melting Pot here! You can be 23, Mormon and have a baby; you can be 30, Atheist and an actor; you can be 40, Muslim and icing cakes at a bakery. I've seen it all! I not only get my fill of culture by being included in this mix of races and religions, but by being exposed to the history, music, art, recipes, museums, statues, concerts, festivals, markets, outdoor recreational activities, movie filming's, celebrity sightings and subway enter-train-ment with young opera stairs, the little Michael Jackson, break dancers, Mariachi bands and homeless guys getting in fights. I see a lot here.
3. Brave
Being in New York "changed my fate!"
There were times in my life when I was sad, when I was full of stress and anxiety, when I was too reliant on my husband (or mom.) I outgrew that foolish life way and became brave when I moved to New York City.
The city unleashed my need to go, get out, explore and have fun! I felt satisfied with my activity level and I grew more and more comfortable with exploring the city by myself. Spring 2012, my husband got a job in regional theater out of state and I felt confident enough to stay in New York alone. I worked 2 jobs, auditioned, did call backs, went back to being vegetarian, it was all good. I was happy. I felt empowered. I felt strong.
I lived here for 2 months by myself and I testify, I was safe, I was happy, I was life-fulfilled. All because I was brave! Looking back I feel proud of myself and I know I can do all things through Him who gives me strength :) I am brave!
4. Frugal
You think that "New York is so expensive!" And, well.. it is. BUT, that doesn't mean you have to spend all you money. Living here has made me more frugal than I have ever been in my entire life and here is why:
I can go ANYWHERE for free!
I spend $112 per month for unlimited use of MTA and nothing more. I can ride and subway or bus, make as many transfers as I want and I am one happy bee with unlimited destinations
I don't waste any money on food- I enjoy it!
When I lived in Utah I, and like everybody else there, got bored in Utah, I would get in my car and head to the drive-thru. It didn't matter if it was an Arby's medium Roast beef meal, McDonalds Ice cream cone, or fourth meal at Taco Bell, it happened several times a week because, friends, I WAS BORED! In New York, Drive-thrus aren't as accessible nor are they popular. What IS popular are Delis, Salad Bars, Juice Stands and gourmet pizza. It's not the best for you, but it's a heck of a lot better than Arby's curly fries! Consider that it's not a matter of caring about what you put in your body, the calories, the convenience, the whatever- It's about DELICIOUSNESS!! And when I live here, I don't crave Taco Bell, I crave the delicious Ricotta and Basil Pizza at the famous place around the corner. Therefore, I save up each week so I can order it and Enjoy my food! I eat in most days of the week and save up for special meals at local eateries I want to try as an "Adventure." This way of budgeting allows for a lot less impulse buy and a better grasp on my outgoing money.
Sorry, Cash Only!
Places that only allow cash actually prevent me from buying things. In addition, most small businesses have a 10-15$ credit limit- you can only use your credit or debit card for large purchases.
No room in the Inn
I know it's the holidays, so maybe that joke isn't funny but another reason why am frugal is because I don't have a car to carry everything I buy in. Yes, I love that throw pillow, and that beside table is on sale, but do I want to carry it home with me on the subway? I think not! And back at "the Inn," my apartment is teeny so I can't fit anything in it anyway! And more reasons to buy less stuff? I will only use it for another while?, I might move when my lease goes up, I can't nail the walls of my rental, Where will I store it? It's just not happening People!?! I am a cook and I don't have a microwave or a toaster, or many other things from my Williams Sonoma wish list. How do I do it? Minimalism- its a way of life!
5. Awesome!
This is the coolest city and anyone here who dare to deny it- thou shalt change your ways!!
I don't mean to start an argument, but the bottom line is, I feel awesome and proud when I tell people where I live. I have changed, grown and become proud of the woman I have become. I have this city to that for that!
I live in New York city and I wear awesome panties!
Melissa Hoffman
survivingmormoncouple.blogspot.com
Come to New York!
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