Day #7

The "EL"

The "EL" is a great means of transportation for the people of Chicago.

Personally, I use the "EL" almost every day to get from place to place.

A tip for visiting...Don't be afraid to ask for directions. Getting on the wrong line could have you getting off at some not so friendly neighborhoods if you know what I mean.

I actually LOVE when people ask me for directions because I feel helpful. 

....And I use to not know my North from South. 

Now I am a PRO!

Lost. This was me.

Any-who...Back to day #7

After leaving class I normally go straight to the stop and wait for what seems like a life time until my train shows up.

For some reason I am exceptionally well at missing the train by only a few minutes which in turn leaves me waiting for 15.

Zoooom.

Oh well. While listening to my music and walking up the 1,000 stairs to the platform an older lady approaches me and asks for help. It is not uncommon to see others pass people by and proceed without thinking twice. I stopped mid step and paused my music.

This lovely older lady was lost and looking for the Pink line. She was currently on the Brown line platform. Lucky for her the Pink line is on the opposite side and she only had to walk to the other set of stairs. 

For some reason I felt very connected to the woman even though I had only spoken to her for a few moments. While I was waiting I wanted to document the woman that I had this connection with and share her with all of you.

(No I am not a creeper)

Black Coat. White Hat.

Only two days earlier I had met the man on the "EL" and now this woman.

Before I became familiar with using this mode of transportation I was afraid of it. I won't lie.

Yes, there may be some creepers every now and again, but use your smarts.

So far I am having some pretty awesome experiences on my commute to and from school.


Are there people during your commute that might need the unexpected?

Always,
Jayme Lynn

Photos courtesy of Flikr and my Personal Photos

Day #6

Lunch Time.

Ahh Lunch.

1 of 3 main meals during the day. 

It is difficult to eat lunch during my class days, but a pleasure when I do. 

On a very chilly wednesday afternoon on January 26 I was able to go out to lunch on an hour long break from class.

Alex (my boyfriend) met me for lunch this lovely day. 

Only a few blocks away is none other than...The Corner Bakery Cafe.

I had never before been and have heard nothing but great things about it.

I entered.

Looked around.

Ordered some yummy food.

Then saw the MASS amount of people!

I am talking about every single table being occupied with someone. 

Some were eating.

Some were talking.

Some just reading the paper. 

Finally I spotted a girl leaving the corner 2 person booth by the exit door. This table was fine with me even though there would surely be a lovely draft.

The food was so satisfying and delicious. I wanted to stay for the remaining 30 minutes of my break.

The mass amount of people had not changed at all in the mean time. 

Then....

I saw a man looking around just as I had been doing only 30 minutes earlier.

I stood up and told him that we were leaving and he may have our table. 

That man became #6.

Unexpected acts do not have to be thought of in advance. Some people may think that I go looking for a specific person each day, but I do not. I think that the unexpected acts should happen as they come.

What unexpected act would you like to be done for you?

Always,

Jayme Lynn

Photos courtesy of Flikr

Day #5

The Simple Things.

My definition of ''simple things'':
Small acts taken for granted daily, but can change ones outlook on a day when noticed.

Maybe we can start noticing the small things in our everyday lives, and return the favor.

Giving up a seat.

Holding the door open.

Waiving along the other car to go first.

All of these simple small acts can add up and make a not so great day into a fantastic day.

We take for granted the people in the world who do the simple things on a daily basis.

Maybe there is a way we can give back...

I believe that smiles are contagious and I try my very best to give one out to each person I pass.

Yes, there are some individuals that seem allergic to smiles, but don't let that stop you. Those are the people that need the love and kindness most in the world.

My mother always tells me, "Kill them with kindness".

She is a pretty smart woman.

On my 5th day into my 365, I met a man. 

Everyday I take the 'EL' to class and have a lovely ride of about 32 minutes. During this time I listen to music and wonder about peoples lives. That may sound creepy, but I am always curious to learn about others. About three stops from my school a man takes a seat not to far from mine. He is a man in his early 40's, average size and height, possibly a business man going to work. He carried with him a black book bag. the contents probably being paperwork, books, dress shoes to change into after being in the snow, and maybe lunch. 

In the mean time I was enjoying the lovely view of the Chicago skyline when I hear BOOM! (ok I like to exaggerate a little) He dropped something, but didn't notice. I looked down and it was a water bottle. I paused my music and asked if it was his, no biggie. It was in fact his and he was very grateful I noticed. 

My small gesture of simply picking up his water and starting a small conversation brightened his day and only took a few minutes. I then went back to my music and gathered my things. I did not consider this to be my #5 until he approached me as I was exiting the 'EL'. He said, "Thank you, Have a great day". 

I know, simple right? This little gesture towards me gave me a smile all the way to class. The fact that I had helped him was almost as if I had surprised him that there is kindness in the city. After smiling I remembered how important small gestures are and he then became #5.

Here it is more simply...

It is a beautiful thing.

+

Small Talk

=

A smile.

It is universal.

Do you believe that an act as simple as smiling can generate kindness?

Always, 

Jayme Lynn

Photos courtesy of Fliker and my Personal Photos

Day #4

It's Laundry Day!


Ahhh laundry. I have yet to meet an individual that enjoys laundry day.

We always hear about how lucky we are to have laundry done at home. It is no joke.

My laundry room is outside in the cold and in a dungeon like room. Scary.

There is something that I have always liked about laundromats even though I have never used one.

Really old laundromats are great for photography scenes. Trust me. Look it up.

Waiting is the worse.

In the dungeon of a laundry room we pay $1.00 for each load in the washer and $1.00 for each load in the dryer. $1.00 + $1.00 = $2.00

It was free at home :(

I enjoy the coin part of laundry and putting the coins in. The memories of going to the arcades return.

not exactly the same.

During the weekends when I am stuck at home doing my homework and trying to stay warm, my act of the unexpected is closer to home.

This is it...

To: You - From: Me
Love The Unexpected

"After using or taking the quarter you must pass on the unexpected to a stranger. This can range from holding open the door to simply leaving the quarters in front of you. Pass.It.On. :)"


Again a note and a gift. Above is a picture of $2.00 in quarter and a dryer sheet.


The unexpected doesn't have to be a huge thing. The simplest things are the greatest surprises because they are so unexpected and a lovely delight.


When you go to do a daily deed such as the laundry or even pick up the mail. Leave a note for the next person. Maybe even a little gift. 


Do you remember the last time the simple things made you smile?


-Jayme Lynn

Photo courtesy of Flikr

Day #3

Menus.

Menus are everywhere.

I have NEVER gotten along with menus because I am no good at making decisions. 

When I choose what to eat and stare at the menu longer than 15 seconds a decision won't be made. It will then take up to 10 minutes to decide.

With traveling to new places comes trying new foods which is also a big favorite! Luckily my father loves basically every type of food and will try almost anything with me. After moving to a new part of the city, my boyfriend and I have been exploring new places to eat. 

We found the most adorable diner!

They have a cereal bar!

3 bowls for $4. YES! 

My first time visiting this adorable diner was in the morning and the cereal was pulling me in! That morning was a 10 second look at the menu. Cereal it was. The next visit was dinner and a 10-15 minute look at the menu. 

Only being my 3rd day, I still had a few ideas up my sleeve for my 362 days ahead of me. I love finding notes that others have left to leave a smile on another's face. 

That is what I did.

"You Are Special. Love Who You Are"

A small note. Maybe this was exactly what someone needed to hear. I have no idea and I will never know. Maybe who ever found it didn't need to see it, but whoever finds it next will. The mystery about the unexpected acts is one of my favorite parts.

When you open a menu next will you think about what you want or what someone else may need?

-Jayme Lynn

Day #2

School. 

I have mixed feelings about school.

 I am a student which makes it difficult to like school and think that it is good for me. 

I spent a year at a traditional university and met so many great people and made good memories. However, I was commuting and know that the experience would have been much different if the school was away from home. The homework was like any other school and not too much different from anything I had previously. Reading assignments, papers to write, and finals to take. 

Books. Books. Books. 

Art and design have always always been a love of mine. After high school art school was in my eyes, but my parents thought it would be smart to have some gen eds under my belt before I transferred. Charleston, SC is one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited and was already packing my bags to move for school. 

Charleston, South Carolina

Obviously, I am not living in Charleston or I would be writing this outside under my favorite beautiful trees. I will live in Charleston before my 30's. Chicago is where my dream led me and now I am attending one of the best design schools in the country. 

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is rather cold this time of year, but B-E-A-Utiful during the spring, summer, and fall. Never been to the big city? There is nothing to be afraid of unless the south side is on the list of sites to see. Everyone assumes that because Chicago is the 3rd largest city then there must be crime at every corner. It is true there will be crime just like every other city or town, but do not let it stop you. Come visit! And bring the camera!! Shopping is fantastic as well as the sites.


Anyway, back to school. Shopping gets the best of me a lot of the time. I am in my second semester of design school and the work load has multiplied by10. Having class 23 hours out of the week can be draining after awhile, but the education is fantastic. No student enjoys the homework or long classes.

As I said at the start...as a student it is hard not to side towards not enjoying school, but I know that I am at a great school and am learning  A LOT for my future career as an Interior Designer and I WILL be great at what I do. I WILL design Boutique Hotels around the WORLD!

Drafting.

All of that said, on January 22, 2011 I was at an open house for my school with my boyfriend looking at the photography program. Watching all of the soon to be students memories came back to me. I love to think about what someone may be thinking in any given situation.

There was a mother next to me and I started up a conversation with her to reassure her that she and her daughter were in fact making a good decision. I did not lie to her about all of the work and I did let her know that the people and teachers are fantastic!

A sigh of relief came over this woman because a stranger gave her an unexpected reassurance she had been looking for.

Is there ever an overwhelming feeling that comes over you to talk to a stranger and reassure them about something?

-Jayme Lynn

Photos Courtesy of Flikr

Day #1

Tourists. 

In almost every large city there are bound to be tourists around. I grew up in the capital of Illinois. Some have visited this wonderful place to learn more about Abraham Lincoln. Yes, he was a great man and accomplished some pretty awesome things, but after awhile we are all ready to hear about something new. 

Tourist are easy to spot. 

Whether it is how they are dressed...

Or how the map is blocking their view...

We have ALL been there now and again in our life. 

Almost everyone enjoys traveling and discovering new places. One of my very favorite things in life is traveling and learning about others cultures and ways of life. Although our own town/city may be boring in our eyes, it is a new adventure to another. 

Now, living in Chicago instead of Springfield...tourists are absolutely everywhere.

...unless there is a blizzard going on outside!

Although we may get frustrated with having visitors in our town because their walking or driving is slowing us down,  remember that everyone has been there and it is nice to take in the new sites. 

For my first act of the unexpected I offered my kindness to tourists close to my home. 

On January 21, 2011

None other than Wrigley Field.

Yes, tourists love this place...especially those cub fans. I am not a baseball fan, but I hear that cub fans love this place. I did however go to a Dave Matthews Band Concert this past fall and stood on the field two nights in a row. 

It was magical...

On my way to a GREAT little cafe called Uncommon Ground only a few blocks from Wrigley...I ran into a couple and yes they were tourists. Lucky for them it was the coldest day ever! I believe the real feel was negative 3 degrees outside. Any who...I saw the girl with a camera staring up at the Wrigley Field sign and her boyfriend standing to her left in a hoodie (not the most ideal coat for the weather). I then stopped to ask if they would like a picture, after hesitating and wondering if I was abut to rob their camera, she gratefully said yes. 

I took the time out to help a stranger or two that happened to be tourists. I know that when I visit a new place I want to remember not only the sites but the residents as well. 

So...next time you see a tourist remember how you want to feel in a new place...

Welcome.

Have you ever had an experience when traveling that was pleasant because of a kind gesture from a stranger?

-Jayme Lynn

Photos courtesy of Flikr.com