Thin Spread

They say you haven't lived until you've been lost in NYC (and by "they," I mean the board of directors inside my head who occasionally review how well I am living my life) and well... I can say I have lived now. Specifically, I got lost in the subways. By myself. And my phone died in the midst of it. Welcome to the story of my life! Obviously, I am now alive and well. Thank you, God, for bringing me back to my apartment safely!

I'm so grateful to be in this city with Kim. She is basically South Dakota's Elizabeth Gilbert as far as being an expert adventurer goes. One of the great parts about being here with her is that though she knows the city well enough to show us around, there's still enough she doesn't know that makes the art of exploration an adventure we all share! Of course, that could even be more of a statement about the wonder of NYC - there's always something new to see! When Liz and I went to Bali, exploration was not exactly our greatest skill (especially considering it was our first major journey on our own). TIP: For amateur adventurers, its a good idea to start with some sort of guide who's at least relatively familiar with the area. But man, I would love to figure out how travel like she does on my own. I think that will be my adventure guide goal! Because unfortunately, I'm not gonna be able to pack her up for every journey I make. However Kim has taught me an excellent TIP: Cities like NYC are too darn big to wander aimlessly all the time. Ask around for recommendations for places to eat and see. And ask those people questions about their lives. You never know when you'll meet your new best friend!

Despite my befuddlement at direction, I have still managed to find some clarity in my life on this journey. At least, as clear as clarity gets in the cloudy night NYC skies. I've done some serious reflection  on what I might want to do after I graduate USF. There’s a few people I know from Sioux Falls who moved straight to NYC after graduating which is totally awesomely cool. Fantastic! But it makes me sad (not on their behalf, but rather on society’s) that a so many people with talent for theater just hone to the same cities. Chicago and New York and Minneapolis and LA (sort of). The talent is glopped like unspread jelly in a few places and everywhere else in the country is kind of screwed. it's time to spread it out a little more! Why not share your talents in your own home? Do what you love where you are as best you can? Now keep in mind that I am not discouraging people from living their dreams or moving to a new place. But I think feel called to stay in the Midwest. At least, for now.

My Tentative Post-Graduate Plans in an Ideal World

1) Do theater in the Twin Cities

2) As well as be a journalist type thing for money

3) Become successful

4) Still continue traveling and being young throughout this

5) Maybe do grad school?

6) Become successful enough to be called to NYC

7) Continue making money doing theater

8) Eventually grow bored

9)  Instantly hired to be a teacher in the midwest somewhere

10) Die sometime and have an epic party funeral

The end. In a nutshell. :)