Leaving on the Midnight Train to New Haven
So last week I got over my anxiety and made my way into New York City solo, traversing the trains from New Haven to Grand Central, then taking the "shuttle" to Times Square, and the A train down to the West Village. I spent the morning trying to talk myself out of even going because I'd had a terribly shitty and painful night of sleep and I was honestly a bit scared to go into the city by myself for the very first time. However I was even more eager to finally meet in person the members of my former writing class and also the lovely softanimal. And I am so glad I did.
H and I met at the coffeehouse Grounded, which was a lovely cozy coffeehouse where I finally found a chai tea latte that rivaled the best cup I've had. H is a vivacious and friendly woman who you just want to talk to for hours about all sorts of things. Thanks so much for coming out to hang out with me.
From there, we walked over to Risotteria where I was meeting my writing friends for dinner. Risotteria is one of the few restaurants in the city that offers a full gluten-free menu, which was excellent news for my celiac editor and for myself who is supposed to keep away from wheat and gluten whenever possible. The food was delicious, and it was great to finally put a face to the names of the people who'd been such a great support and friendship over the 12 weeks of class. We come from various backgrounds, but a commonality is having a strong desire (and dare I say some ability) for what we do, and it is a boost to have such gifted writers be so positive and uplifting about your work and capabilities as a writer. I deserved to be there as much as they did perhaps?
Honestly, I didn't want to leave. One of my classmates offered his place to stay overnight and it would've been great getting to know him better and just having more fun time in the City. But i also wanted to conquer another big fear that night which was taking on the New York subways at night.
No problem. I almost had a heart attack walking back to my car in New Haven at close to midnight, but no worries. :) At 30, I am finally a big girl now. :)
H and I met at the coffeehouse Grounded, which was a lovely cozy coffeehouse where I finally found a chai tea latte that rivaled the best cup I've had. H is a vivacious and friendly woman who you just want to talk to for hours about all sorts of things. Thanks so much for coming out to hang out with me.
From there, we walked over to Risotteria where I was meeting my writing friends for dinner. Risotteria is one of the few restaurants in the city that offers a full gluten-free menu, which was excellent news for my celiac editor and for myself who is supposed to keep away from wheat and gluten whenever possible. The food was delicious, and it was great to finally put a face to the names of the people who'd been such a great support and friendship over the 12 weeks of class. We come from various backgrounds, but a commonality is having a strong desire (and dare I say some ability) for what we do, and it is a boost to have such gifted writers be so positive and uplifting about your work and capabilities as a writer. I deserved to be there as much as they did perhaps?
Honestly, I didn't want to leave. One of my classmates offered his place to stay overnight and it would've been great getting to know him better and just having more fun time in the City. But i also wanted to conquer another big fear that night which was taking on the New York subways at night.
No problem. I almost had a heart attack walking back to my car in New Haven at close to midnight, but no worries. :) At 30, I am finally a big girl now. :)