PERSISTENCE

(a old post from 2012 will start us off until I start to generate new material)

Even though my calendar isn't super-full, I tend to be wary about agreeing to things without being sure I can meet the obligation. It's agonizing to have to break a promise, to give your word and then from lack of planning have to go back on it.

There is an important balance to be weighed, though. Postponing potential work to be able to fulfill certain work--that's what went down Tuesday the 22nd and it was the right call in order for me to keep improving at the day job. My other client will understand, especially given the busy holiday season.

And then...

This evening I was slated to hold a rehearsal for my martial arts-themed webisode of "Hitmen." Wouldn't you know, raindrops were falling harder than skittles at José Ramírez's piñata party...and then I get the call that one of the guys can't make it.

Rain slicked roads. A cancellation. OK. This just isn't going to happen tonight.

But then I think...what if not making this happen tonight somehow jinxes the actual shoot? Will we be prepared enough? Will my lack of keeping my word when things get tough demoralize other people who wouldn't give up so easily?

So I make a phone call. Turns out the guy who had to cancel was only doing so because the gym we were going to go to was closed. Is there another gym? I ask. Yes. Not too far away, he replies. So this thing can happen. I call the other two martial artists and it seems like all is well.

But then one of the guys can't swing over to pick up the other guy who doesn't have a car. It's too far away.

So I'm going to have to pick up the guy myself.

Rain slicked roads.

Driving out to a place I've never been too in the dark. I hate driving, especially in those conditions.

I go anyway.

I get lost and have to call to let my friend know that I will still get there, I will do whatever it takes, however long it takes, to make this happen tonight.

I call the first guy who's found the other gym, and stay on the phone with him, getting the right directions and swallowing false pride that "I should be able to perfectly get to a strange place in fierce rain and pitch black with Mapquest directions that I've read only once."

It takes a long time, but I make it.

And what do you know? My friend has on a Batman shirt.

He wears the emblem of the one hero who has no "superpowers" except an indomitable will. The will that can break Superman. SUPERMAN. The will that reminds humanity that the difference between winning and losing can sometimes be just one more extra push.

I remember cursing God for making things so difficult reaching this guy for a simple rehearsal that could be easily postponed. But then I was grateful because that night I reinforced that I, despite a life of privilege and ease, can still want something bad enough to move heaven and earth to achieve it.

It's a feeling worth all the money in the world.