As a shorter New Yorker, when the rain comes, so too comes the anxiety of having to navigate with an umbrella. One would think that the shorter you are, the easier it is to dodge in and out of the sea of nylon coverings above. The truth is however, if you are taller, your umbrella hangs above everyone else and you can at least lift your arm up to further the height of the looming contraption. Short equals umbrella being level with normal height pedestrians heads - even lifting my arm only helps poke them in the eye. I carry a small and compact umbrella that takes up only what is supposed to be my "personal" space. But living in New York, there is no invisible bubble protecting anyone from anything. I do giggle as I open my umbrella and notice that next to me, two men are struggling to open their space-ship size golf umbrellas. Maybe I should just ask where they are going and tag along underneath their movable awning. That would save me from getting a lot of snide remarks and evil looks as I politely try to maneuver along the sidewalk. I could also enjoy my Starbucks with my free hand along the way.
Happy puddles.
