Column:
The universe is coming to get you
Published Feb. 27, 2007
A clearly stated theme of Paulo Coelho's book "The Alchemist" is that the universe aligns to help you achieve your goals, aspirations and dreams.
My contrasted view of the universe, in my limited experience, is that when things are going well, the universe tends to scissor-kick you in the face. Or in the tradition of optimism, when things are going wrong, it's certainly going to get better. That's why I tend to be prepared for things to go terribly wrong or completely exceed my expectations.
Through MU's Magazine Club, I was given the opportunity to visit eight high-profile magazines in three days in New York City. We ran around Manhattan all day Wednesday through Friday but had plenty of time to power through our exhaustion at night.
I've been to New York before, so the fast pace and extreme honking was not new to me. However, relying on myself to navigate the subway system proved to be a challenge, especially when I ended up in Brooklyn while intending to go to Staten Island. I also had to face the fact that most people I asked for directions were straight-up lying to my face.
I tried my best to network and simultaneously control my stomach growling during the 13 hours I didn't have time to eat on the first day. My roommate Kate lost her digital camera on the second day. I lost my cell phone on the third. Kate lost her glasses on Saturday morning and then the entire club's flight was cancelled Saturday night. Clearly, we had a great trip.
In the spirit of Coelho's fable, after all attempts to find a way back to Columbia by Sunday failed, the universe presented my dreams on a silver platter. At precisely the moment we realized we'd be "stuck" in New York until at least Monday morning, Kate let out a startling gasp and proclaimed that we'd be able to make it to ABC Daytime Salutes Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
To share in my excitement you have to realize that I've been watching soaps since I was born.
While staring at a giant chart, Kate constructed listings of every hour of our day in New York. Once Kate pointed out that we could go, I was so excited I went to church with her Sunday morning.
After some quality time at St. Patrick's Cathedral, we spent our extra day shopping as I secretly agonized over whether I'd be able to get tickets to the show. We had to go to the venue at 5:30 p.m. to buy late tickets and bonded with fellow fanatics while waiting in line.
Shortly after we bought tickets, my absolute favorite soap couple walked out of the "talent" door. I actually spoke to the real-life version of my favorite "General Hospital" female character, Dr. Robin Scorpio, when I asked to bother her for a picture. She told me that she and her on-screen beau would be right back. It was as if losing a camera, a cell phone, a pair of glasses and a flight schedule actually meant something.
I never actually got a picture with them. That would have been even weirder than the fact that I went to the show.
I really do feel as though the universe churned out a snowstorm in Chicago to cancel our flight to keep us in New York for one more night. It really does work in mysterious ways.
To combine Coelho's philosophy with mine, at least once I fail a test or alienate a friend the universe will be in my favor once more.
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