All it takes is a smile...

There seemed to be an unusual theme in the city today. Maybe it's the warmer temperature, maybe it's because tomorrow is Friday, or maybe there is no reason at all. Today I saw an odd amount of courtesy floating around, as if it was normal. As sad as it may be, being polite is not typical here, or anywhere. As I made my way from class to lunch to my apartment and back to class, I was stunned by at least three smiles. From random people I didn't know. Even more shocking was my reaction to them. Naturally, I smiled back; however, for a couple minutes after the encounter I couldn't stop thinking about it. Something so simple and so easy to do. Yet, no one does it, as if they are too busy to move a few muscles in their face. It just amazes me what a simple smile in passing will do. And I not only witnessed others being courteous toward me, I witnessed someone else noticing my politeness. Thanks to my parents, I cannot live my life without saying the accustomed please, thank you, excuse me, etc. You'd think being in a busy city that it would diminish, but no way. As I bustle down the sidewalk I blurt out more "excuse me"'s than I can count, as I did today. And as I made my way forward I heard the woman behind me say "That was nice, you never hear anyone say excuse me". But I did, and I always will. Not only for my own well being, but for the well being of others. You never know what the other person is going through, what kind of day they are having, or where they come from. Although, as previously discussed, I would like to know. But anyway, just smile. It doesn't take much, but it may change someone's life. 

Let's switch gears. Because it's not warm enough to have my air on, I chose to open my windows, as I have for the past couple of nights. This forces thousands of sounds into my apartment, some expected and others not. There is frequent rumbling of trains going through, a mixture between the Amtrak, the Metra, and the L. With that comes the dinging of the railroad crossing warnings and the blowing of the trains' horns. Chiming in every once in awhile is a siren of some kind, never a good sound to hear. Further in the distance is a constant, undefined humming. Maybe it's just the natural sound of the city. Or maybe it's the chocolate factory next door. Yes, I said chocolate factory. And I said next door. With this dangerous gem comes an almost constant aroma of milk chocolate in the air throughout the whole city, but of course most pungent in its direct vicinity. It hits you out of nowhere, filling your nose and lungs with the sweet smell. It's impossible not to close your eyes and smile while this is happening, for me at least. There have been occasions where I have been awaken by the smell of chocolate. Yes, you heard me correctly. I do not exaggerate. I have been sleeping sound in my bed only to wake up with the scent already filling my apartment. This is one of the many reasons I love living where I do. One of the many, many reasons.