Of course, we are on the back slide of the summer here. Shorts are still too short and many of our ladies are still showing too much skin, but....you know that is a soapbox subject that I written about many times. SOOOO, on to something else....
So this past week, I had the opportunity to enjoy the fabulous city in which I live, Chicago. Thursdays are my days off my FAB job, so I took some time to walk through Millennium Park and then go to the Art Institute for the Magritte exhibit (he was one weird dude). I also read an article (probably on facebook, where I get most of my news...sadly) about how large populations of Democrats...aka liberals live in large urban areas. For example, Illinois is considered to a blue state but that is only because the city of Chicago is liberal, the rest of the state is pretty decidedly conservative. Now, you know this classy isn't going to make a statement on my opinion which political party is appropriate. But as I enjoyed the city this week and thought about the article, it got me to think about why I love living in the city.
Is it because there is ALWAYS something to do? Because there is constantly a new restaurant, concert, or event to attend? Because I can shop at thrift stores and high end stores in the same day or because I can choose from the opera, symphony, musical theater or dance at any time? Or is it really because I am constant exposed to new places, people and experiences? I would say the biggest reason is the last one.
I am true believer in that your exposure to different people, places and experiences are those things that make you a well rounded awesome person. In this country, we have so much hatred and intolerance and I believe that if we all opened our eyes and our hearts to different people, places and experiences, we would be a much a better country and society. And in a city, you get an opportunity to do all of those things. Plus you can get a cab to any one of those places, instead of having to drive.
NOW, I am not saying that everyone should move to the city...PLEASE don't, our traffic is bad enough. But I think that no matter where you live, if you seek out new people, places and experiences, you will be a much more accepting individual. And just because you are accepting person, doesn't mean you aren't entitled to your opinions, but as an accepting person, you can respect that everyone has a right to their own opinion and how they choose to live their life.
So for all of my people that live in the cities here are some suggestions to take advantage of the awesome place that you live:
- Take advantage of all that you can. Don't poo-poo an event or restaurant just because it is new or different.
- Be open to meeting new people especially those outside of your own ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious beliefs. You can learn from all of them.
- Smile, open doors for people, be helpful to those tourists (as much as they drive us insane), give up your seat on the train or bus when appropriate (THIS means YOU...gentlemen. This past week I had a lovely gentleman give me his seat...THANK YOU sir).
- Just generally be courteous.
So there is ladies and gentlemen seriously, experiencing new things makes you a classier, more well rounded person. And the travel agent in me HAS to say this, if you have the money and the time, traveling outside the US really does broaden your horizons. The good ol' US of A is still a great place to live.
So one last bit of news, there is a new man in my life. Really, really good guy! We have been having a great time, he loves to travel just as much as I do. More to come on this one.
....Keep your chin, heels and standards high....
BONSOIR, CHEERS and CIAO BELLAS!
