Blizzard of 2011

The Blizzard of 2011.

Living in the MidWest all of my life has taught me one thing. 

Never expect normal weather. 

After accepting the fact that the weather will always be strange, the only thing left to do is take advantage.

The morning of February 3, 2011 Alex and I bundled up and headed out to conquer the tundra!

Being the explorer I am and photographer Alex is we documented our entire day.

Intro.

To some up the city........

Correction. City Closed.

Chapter 1

Before making it 10 feet we couldn't find the bench near our door. Oh! There it is...

Alex lost his foot.

It sure is a good thing we don't drive.

Below are the cars around town.

Chapter 2

We then headed for the main road.

There wasn't much of a road left.
Not for cars anyway.

It was non other than a sidewalk.

Only snow today.

Chapter 3

During the day we met many friends. 

The first being...

A man loving the weather with his dog.

SNOW BALL FIGHT!

Chapter 4

The trip down town.

Our mode of transportation.

State Street.

I am 5'6". The snow pile...6'???

That dot in the center....A HUGE piece of ice coming straight for alex!

Hard hats required for crossing.

Hard to see...a small boy lost in the snow with his dad.

Chapter 5

Heading toward Lake Shore Drive.

Left a little love for the next explorer.

Ben and Kelsey before we met.

yumm!

SMASH!

Happy Travels on your snow shoes!

Chapter 6

Buckingham Fountain.

For those of you that have never had the magical experience of visiting Buckingham Fountain...Please do in warm weather. The experience is beautiful. 

Unfortunately no one is allowed inside the fountain to enjoy the water.

Unless.....There Is a BLIZZARD!

Destination: Buckingham Fountain.

Is this really happening?

YES!!

Kelsey and Ben after meeting.

Kelsey and Ben. A very adorable couple out enjoying the day. Kelsey is a student at Columbia. We noticed them debating whether or not to come into the fountain when I screamed, "IT IS WORTH IT!" They then proceeded to jump in and became our first acquaintance of the day.

If you look at the first non snowy picture you will be able to see where we are in the fountain.

Kelsey.

Chapter 7

Lake Shore Drive. 

Most people know it as a beautiful highway to travel on. This was not the case after the blizzard. Lake shore was shut down to everyone that wasn't driving a tractor.

The snow is going on a road trip!

Man + snow = Snowman

Lake Shore Drive.

Tractors only.

Chapter 8

Lake Michigan.

Finally made it to the lake!

THAT ^^^ Is the storm.

The lake was not melted and the cracks made the lake look like it was breathing when the water moved. 

Don't worry. It wasn't yellow.

Dog catching snow balls

Not so smart people standing on the NON frozen lake.

I forget to mention...I had a growth spurt.

Chapter 9

Grant Park.

Skipping ladies. "It's Like We Are In A Fairytale!"

READY.

SET.

GO

GO

STOP! 

L

O

V

E

This was another Unexpected act during the blizzard. I LOVE leaving creations behind for others to find.

Everyone heading to play in the snow.

This is Kevin.

Kevin was the second official person that I met during the Blizzard. I did talk to many people but only got a few names from people that made a difference in my day. I met Kevin after leaving Grant Park. I wanted to cross the street, but there was a HUGE pile of snow (to the left of the picture) that was about 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide. I was stuck in the middle when Kevin walked by and helped pull me out! Thank You again Kevin! He is a resident of Wrigleyville and was out and about taking pictures just like us! 

Chapter 10

Millenium Park.

The ice rink with a GIANT HELLO!

This is what it normally looks like...

The Bean

Chapter 11

Heading back home.

Someone else spreading the love.

A Homeless Man trying to stay warm.

Jack isn't going anywhere today.

It isn't normal to see tractors on State Street.

Shovel was the common accessory during the aftermath.

EVERY fire hydrant had to be dug out. *that's a lot of digging.

Please don't fall. Please don't fall.

Our road.

The End.

Tell me all about your memories and exciting adventures of the blizzard!

Always,

Jayme Lynn

Photos courtesy of Flikr and AC Photography The-Wide-Angle.blogspot.com

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