Who doesn’t love challenges? The competitive character coming out within us? The tricky, yet tactful plans we think of? The waves of motivation that come crashing in, thrusting forth the endurance we need? Last week, I took on a challenge. Nope, I did not try and cut out gluten, sugar, meat, or processed foods for a week? Indeed, I did not cut off communication connections for a week either? I did not nix television for a week nor did I neglect my tabloids for this duration either? I set out on a personal challenge-I divorced my longtime partner-public transportation.
After stalking Pulsd during each of my classes since the semester started, memorizing each event The Skint posted, tracking down every sample sale in the city, I actually did benefit from on of these hunts. Aha! Gilt City. Who would’ve thought this foodie mecca, and facial frenzy would spark and interest in me. An annual CitiBike membership for half the price. Sounds good no? Why not invest the $52 in my city-my love? So, I gave in. Submitted payment and waited. Waited for one week. Waited for two weeks. Waited for three weeks. I guess they say third time’s a charm, eh?
My Citi Bike has become my go to. Gone with my “go-to” black tee shirt. Who needs a “go-too” lunch of an omelette and a Trader Joe’s fiber bagel anyway? Even my “go-to” essay topic (timelessness of art in NYC) seemed trivial to me. My Citi Bike became my “go-to” object of desire and it came everywhere with me for a week. Bike rides to the East River, check. Bike rides to the Upper East Side shopping adventures (yes, I did stuff three shopping bags in that tiny basket,) check! Biking in the rain to work, even that got a check!
So for a week, my Citi and me took on my City in fact! Venturing into new neighborhoods, running extra errands, exercising excessively became frequent activities for that week of my personal challenge. Hey, it didn’t even feel like a challenge. Who needs the MTA anyway?
