For the past two months, I've been constantly moving to avoid the cold. The temperature reached 71 degrees this afternoon, so I spent the majority of it outside and basking in the sun. A friend invited me to go to one of the piers to share a drink and to talk about the upcoming Oscars. We held a friendly debate over whether or not there was going to be a Sinners sweep while we clinked cans of White Claw. It was enjoyable to be social and sit outside for more than five minutes in the lovely weather. The cold seems (mostly) over.
In the middle of the day, I had an eye exam to complete. I walked into the store in my Big Butt Energy socks and told the staff that I wasn’t going to change my glasses. They all laughed and nodded before explaining that my prescription may change. Luckily, it did not happen, and I am wearing the same glasses while writing this newsletter. My optometrist and I are close, so we often discuss our journeys. We chatted about everything from school to my first year in NYC. I told him about this newsletter and how I took a break from writing it for several months. I admitted that the best way for me to accept any work is to put it out there. The majority of people will simply enjoy your willingness to post.
After a long discussion about me, my optometrist admitted that he is also the creative type outside of the medical field. He explained how he designs eyewear and went into detail about the meticulous planning that goes into creating wearable pieces. He told me that he goes through every step from concept to finish. I enjoyed hearing how a process I practice at school is being applied in the real world. He asked me my big goals after school, and I told him that part of me wants a show with a number to call. I told him to call in and he said with a big smile,
“That may be a HIPAA violation.”
I replied with the idea to create a pen name. I asked his first name and helped him come up with “Nicky Thomas.”
Nicky is derived from his first name, Nicholas, and Thomas is derived from Thomas Jefferson, who is on the Nickel. I know that if I get a call from Nicky Thomas, it is my optometrist.
TJL
“Bring that beotch up here!!!”