Well, I’m headed to NYC today. No, my test results haven’t been sent to me yet. It’s maddening. But I wrote to the company manager about it yesterday afternoon – asking if I should delay my trip on the train if I hadn’t received anything by the time I’m ready to head to the train station and she said, no, come anyway. If nothing comes, they’ll send me to a quick turnaround test site in the city, so I can be cleared for rehearsal on Monday.
I was secretly wishing I wouldn’t be able to go, only because it’s all rather nervous-making and it’s a big, big change for me. But it’s best, I realize, to face up to these things. Once this first trip is finished, next week’s will be easier. And, hopefully, the six weeks I spend in Brooklyn will be easier as well. Fingers crossed.
So today is about packing and then Don will drive me to the train station across the river, where I will travel on Amtrak into Penn Station. It would be a heck of a lot easier if my results are sent to me today because adding another test on to a long day is not what I’d prefer.
Don suggested I take Sophie with me. In fact, he was surprised I was considering leaving her home.
She’s dressed and ready to go:
If you haven’t noticed already, Sophie is far more daring in her fashion choices than I am.
For those of you interested in this, the dress is by Woolly Rockers on Etsy (it’s a Liberty print), the boots are from Northfield Primitives, and the beret and scarf are from House of Blythe on Etsy. The stockings are from a seller in Paris.
She’s so much fun to dress! She’s never been to NYC or on a train so she’s understandably nervous. That will make two of us. She’s my Emotional Support Sprite.
Wish me well. I’m nervous about all of this and worry seems to be my permanent state of mind lately. It’s not a good place to be.
Stay safe.
Happy Sunday.
It is hard to go out in the world after keeping safe at home. We just all need to trust the vaccine and mask up for extra protection. You’ll be fine. We all wanted the vaccine so much now we need to trust it which is easier said than done. I totally feel your concern. I have to give myself a pep talk whenever I venture out to a new place. The more I do, the braver I get.
Enjoy your adventure!
Eileen
Yes….Eileen said it very well! Travel safe….and enjoy this opportunity! You will be fine! ;)
P.S. Sophie looks fantastic! ;)
Have a wonderful, safe and fulfilling trip x
You’ve got this Claudia. I’m so glad you have Sophie with you.
Godspeed
I can imagine how difficult it is to get on the train when you haven’t been away from home for over a year! All my good wishes and prayers go with you! It will all be amazing. I want to start dressing like Sophie.
It is hard to go out for sure. I think we have to mask up, carry hand sanitizer, say a prayer and go for it. Trust the vaccine and that we are doing what is best we can do for ourselves and others. Will be thinking good thoughts for you.
i’ve been working this whole time, been/still am a designated shopper for some members of my family and am fully vaccinated, but am still very cautious in public places … so i can imagine how you might feel after more than 18 months of pretty much being home!
as smart and prepared as you are, I think you will be fine. still i’ll keep praying for you … safe travels, good test results received on time (so you don’t have one more thing to do tomorrow) and that you have safety, peace of mind and fun.
i take touchstones with me wherever i go, too. a Bible, photos, jewelry, rocks … they remind me of God’s love and strength, my faith and my family. :)
it will be well.
kathy in iowa
Hello Kathy in Iowa
just wanted to say Hello to another Iowan that reads Claudia’s blog. Take care where you are too. I have not been able to stay home either these past months but have taken all the precautions that I could muster to protect myself. So Claudie you will do great! IF you feel you need to do something different than others are doing, do it anyway. I wear a mask often when no one else is.
hej, melody! hello to you, too!
i’m in des moines. at work and the small number of shops i go to, i wear a mask and keep safer social distances and rarely see anyone else doing the same. sorry that you’ve had similar experiences. that is scary and frustrating to me, especially after all the hardships and losses of the past 18+ months. i believe in freedom of choice, but i also believe in scientific facts and in being conservative when it comes to communicable diseases (and wish our governor did, too) … so i keep on taking those precautions. ugh.
i hope you and your family are well and happy. stay safe!
also, claudia and everyone else here are great … a wonderful community and always a bright spot in my day … thank you all! don’t know how i found myself here at mhc, but am glad i did and grateful, too.
kathy in iowa
Good luck, Claudia. I understand how you feel.
Good luck Claudia! You got this! You can and will do this!
Get through this and think of the financial gains that may allow you to get to go to Paris again. Live your dreams.
HI,
Safe travels and fingers crossed for the covid test arriving when you need it to.
Take Care,
Kaye
All the best, Claudia! It’s just taking that first step after being outside people for so long. You’ll be fine and adjust sooner than you think.
Happy Sunday
Good luck, Claudia! Glad Sophie is going along with you. She will make a wonderful companion. xo
Good luck, kiddo!! I don’t think people who live in big cities understand that their wishes can’t always be our command. Testing in a large city compared to in our smaller towns & villages is very different. “Just do it” isn’t quite that simple. Maybe a reality check on their side isn’t a bad thing. But sad you had to show them.
Your trip home, I’m sure, will have you in a much better state of mind. So glad this 1st journey out for you is to a familiar job and setting. Can’t wait to hear about it!! Take care.
Will be thinking about you. Good luck on your new adventure!
I know you can do this! Can’t wait to hear about it. Take care!
Sending love and good wishes .So happy you have Sophie as a companion.In my next life I want to have Sophie’s wardrobe!xo
Got the third shot
Still masking and distancing as instructed
Good luck
Safe travels Claudia and Sophie!
You have every right to feel worried; it’s a big deal, it really is, this whole endeavor is NOT a small thing. But your work projects will really feed and further hone your creative soul AND your pocketbook (terrific new stuff to also add to your resume). So, you need to press on as you are, brave Claudia (and you will be FINE; you are organized, you are informed, you are intelligent!). Every wish winging your way for safe and easy travels. Your readers are right there with you, waiting to hear how it all goes! And Sophie is along for the ride (with whom to commiserate and share). You can’t exactly hug her like a big soft teddy bear, but she’s still a comfort (and, I will admit, she has grown on me whereas, before you got her, I knew nothing about this type of doll and wasn’t sure I was sold … but you’ve changed my mind; I think she’s precious, and you are of course ‘dressing’ her just adorably; she’s got personality, this girl!).
When stuff seems overwhelming I try to remind me of the old saying: how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!
Having said that, being around so many people after staying home for so long is what I find b hardest. Sensory overload!
You and Sophie have got this, Claudia! You’re right–the first time is hardest and scariest–but I know you’ll come home feeling great about all you’ve accomplished! Break a leg!
It is a leap for sure Claudia, along with all the worries clamouring for attention.
My hope for you is that once things have been set in motion you will find your way into the flow.
You have much to offer and i wish you well in every way!
Claudia,
Just catching up now….even my other half is now back to performances!
Good luck with everything. Sending you both all of our best. Now our wishes can reach you faster since we will both be in the same city :)
I have been traveling into NYC all during Covid . Mass transit has done a wonderful job during these trying times. I think you are going to find that the majority of people in the city take Covid very seriously. You are going to be fine,NYC is a little tarnished but it’s still a glorious place to be.
Prayers for my dear dear sweet friend who just lost her son to Covid…please also pray for those who don’t believe in the vaccinations…I have had my third one and am still isolating and masking…prayers for your new job.
aw, brendab …
sincere condolences to your friend on the loss of her son. i will be praying for her. i pray for you all.
hope you are well, stay safe and have fun every day.
kathy in iowa
Sending all good wishes this evening, wondering if you were sent for a rapid or the results came back. You’ve got it all on your side and you’ll be back in the groove in no time. I’m glad you have a wee companion to keep you company. She’s a very snappy dresser!
Good luck Claudia. Looking forward to reading all about your experiences in the next coming weeks. Be smart, be safe. Thinking of you….and rooting for you.