Gratituesday 1.26.21 - Normalcy & Forgiveness

When the world started shutting down last March, there was a pause in a sense of normalcy. People started hoarding toilet paper and there was so much unknown that fear was overwhelming. I moved into my new apartment at the very end of 2019. I put off updating my driver’s license with my new address and then when all non-essential businesses closed, so did the DMV. I completely forgot that I needed to update my license. I finally remembered last November, however I could not get an appointment until today.

Since I was headed down to the Penn Station area, I planned a day. A bit of normalcy. I wanted to get pizza at NY Pizza Suprema, visit Primary, my co-working space and take a stroll around the new Moynihan Train Hall. I was kind of excited about this adventure. Heck, if I was headed down to the DMV, why not make it fun?

However, when I went to sleep last night, I looked at the weather for today, and it was FULL of snow. I was not about to cancel an appointment I waited almost 2 months for, so I planned on dressing for a blizzard and adventuring on! So, after my regular yoga class, I took a quick shower and put on my layers. Made sure I had a warm hat, scarf & gloves. Put on some snow boots, my down coat and a mask, and off I went.

Luckily the snow didn’t stick and it stopped early. I got off the subway at Penn Station and walked through the homeless population to the exit at 8th Ave. and West 31st street. I walked this path so often. It was hard to believe that I had not done this weekly ritual since March 2020. I was running late, so I had to forgo the new train hall. I headed straight to Suprema and quickly decided on a Hot Honey slice and walked down to Primary to say hello to the staff and eat my pizza before my DMV appointment. The door to the building was locked, so I used my key card to enter. However, when I got in the elevator I forgot what floor I needed to go to, and we now had to use our key cards in there, and mine didn’t work. The elevator door shut and then nothing. I looked for the GMs number, I pressed the help button, but nothing happened. Luckily, I had a slice a pizza since it was unclear how long I may be in there. And then I realized I kept pressing the CLOSE door button. What an idiot. So, after a few minutes, I pressed the OPEN door button, the door slid open and I exited back into the lobby. No one was around, so I took my mask off, and ate the most delicious slice of pizza at the front desk. I looked at the time, and realized that I was going to be late.

I quickly walked down West 30th Street, spoke to the security guard in front of the DMV and be brought me an application on a clipboard. As I waited outside, it started to train. Great. Thankfully there was a little overhang over the door and I was able to keep dry. And then one of the staff members motioned for me to come in. Once I was checked in, I got my number and waited for it to be called. A few minutes later, I was standing at Window 8. I told the clerk that I needed to update my address and get the new enhanced license. I quickly grabbed proof of my address before I left the house, but completely forgot anything for the enhanced license. So, when she asked for my social security card and my passport, I just laughed. While “stuck” in the elevator I thought what an idiot I was, but this time I said it out loud. How could I be so stupid?

Luckily, the clerk didn’t belittle or make me feel even worse. So, after shaking my head and beating myself up, she unknowingly gave me the space to forgive myself. Thankfully, she gave me a pass so I can come back tomorrow and not have to wait another 2 months for an appointment.

So, tomorrow I have another shot at normalcy. Time to do all the things I wanted to do today. And perhaps there will be a Crispy Creme donut to celebrate a new adventure!

In the meantime, let’s keep up with the reflection. Care to join me on my weekly lists? I can always use a little cheerleading and accountability with my gratitudes, victories and desires. The comment box is always open for you to add your own. Let’s go!

Gratitudes

1. A strong yoga practice

2. Andrea Freeman’s masterclass and being able to articulate my uniqueness

3. Connecting with a friend who’s also going through renovation issues and getting suggestions from her

4. Cheese…in all forms

5. Hot baths and showers

Victories

1. 312 consecutive days of Spanish lessons on Duolingo

2. Creative meal planning

3. Keeping up with my cleaning schedule - yes, I have a cleaning schedule

4. Saying no to an opportunity that didn’t work for me

5. Finishing my second book of 2021, and starting a third

Desires

1. To get rid of all items I do not need

2. For everyone to take this pandemic seriously

3. To go on another safe date

4. To see steps towards racial equality

5. A better COVID vaccine plan in New York