Dealing with the Unexpected

We tend to pair the word unexpected with negative connotations. After all, dealing with situations that aren't part of "The Plan" — aka "Our Plan" — means we could potentially be left unaware, unsure and unprepared. I don't know about you, but I like to know exactly what's going to happen before it happens. Sometimes I even read the last page of a book or  the synopsis of a TV show before reaching the end, so that when I get there, I know exactly what to expect. There's little risk in the unexpected, and I am not a known risk-taker.

In fact, I pride myself on my planning abilities. I use every shade of highlighter created to set my schedule straight. I make countless folders (and subfolders) in my email to differentiate my mail. I write lists for EVERYTHING — and I mean EVERYTHING. But you can't possibly plan EVERYTHING out, and nothing prepares you for life quite like dealing with the unexpected. 

My entire move to New York has been met with the unanticipated. I had never even envisioned myself living in New York until I met JP. And even as I prepared to make the move, I still wasn't ready for what was to come. 

During my nearly four months in the city I have struggled to find employment — a predicament I never imagined I would be in. I have gotten lost more times than I can count, and a lot of the confidence I once had in myself as a writer and editor has disappeared.

And yet, I've realized that it's not all bad. There's beauty in the unforeseen, too. 

Being in a new place with unrecognizable surroundings has actually led to some remarkable finds. We've walked into establishments simply because the neon sign reading "BAR" looked enticing, and we were surprisingly met with a swanky speakeasy, equipped with old-fashioned tile backsplashes and seductive jazz music. JP got a drink that came with a side of bottled smoke, and I delighted in sweet-and-sour gulps of fruity liquor — my fave.

We've also ventured a few streets down from our place into brunch spots with plates toting every color of the rainbow, and even tried Belgian waffles with Nutella dust for the first time — It's a thing! I've found love in a burger, and have pledged a sacred vow to never stray again. We've even found pieces of home in the city. There's the pho place near our gym that satisfies our noodle cravings, and the soup dumpling spot that has zero contenders. 

And then there are the places that could never fit in Hawaii, like The Met, and all of its many historical splendors. Or the vast city views observed from light-strung rooftops and enjoyed over famous New York cheesecake right out of the box. Don't even get me started on the pizza. Dollar pizza. Thin-crust pizza. Square pizza. Even Domino's Pizza tastes better here. (Maybe it really is the New York water.)

I guess the most unexpected part of New York, however, is the people. Sure, there are those rushing past you, eager to get to their destinations and grumbling as they nearly knock your bag off your arm, but there also are those who are understanding. In the midst of the chaos, there are thousands of people who moved to New York — just as I did — some because it was their dream, and others unexpectedly. There is a community of outsiders here, and that fact is surprisingly comforting to me.

I hope to now shift my perception and welcome the unplanned events of my life as opportunities. Besides, always knowing the outcome ... where's the fun in that?