The state of independence

"It's not community theater; it's better," Ben, the pastor from Cincinnati Church of the Brethren (and my supervisor) told me as he pointed to Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. "Bob from church has an ushering gig there and sometimes he needs help.  It's a great way to see shows for free."

Free theater?  Sign me up please!  Well, someone in the universe was listening because two nights ago, my housemate got a call from Bob, who needed someone to fill in for him as an usher. Bingo! I was set.

Cut to Friday night.  I'm walking at what would be dusk if the snowy rain would let up, cutting through the park to go to a theater where I've never been before to usher, even though I'm not entirely sure what that entails or where I'm supposed to go or to whom I'm supposed to report.

And I start to feel a little smug.  A little proud of myself.  I'm an independant woman.  I'm going after the things I want.  Look out, world!  I'm strong, I'm confident and I'm on my way up and I'm doing it all by myself!

Except I'm not. At all.  I wouldn't be in Cincinnati without the support of BVS.  I wouldn't be in BVS if it weren't for the support of my family.  I wouldn't be able to usher without the help of Bob from church.  Hell, I wouldn't even be properly outfitted without loans from my housemates and the pastor's wife, Kristin.

Maybe though, that's part of being independent.  While it was true that a number of people had helped make my trek to the theater possible, no one was holding my hand.  I had chosen to do it myself and I was taking the steps to get my self there (pun definetely intended).  I think independent doesn't mean being alone, it means being able to take on life on your own.

So here's a big thank you to everyone who supports me and enables me to be the independent woman I am.  I couldn't have been this awesome without you.