A Discovery...

I found my new favorite place. After walking past this particular place close to 100 times since I've moved here, I decided today was the day I would actually step foot inside. Depending on where you're reading this from, you may have experienced a rainy morning, much like we had here in Chicago. But I had my whole day planned out, and I was not about to let a little rain alter my plan. Up at 5:30, morning workout downstairs, two cups of vanilla/hazelnut coffee, shower time, online midterm, and one more cup of coffee. Shortly after the morning rush in the city really started to pick up, I bundled up, grabbed my umbrella, and headed out. Fortunately, this new gem is within a good walking distance from where I live so I arrive quickly, but still not knowing what to expect. It is the French Market, which for some reason I always assumed sold French food (can you blame me?). Anyway, to my surprise, it is basically a year-round indoor farmer's market! It actually sits inside the train station and is much larger than I expected. Not only do they have every fresh fruit and veggie imaginable, they also have vendors with insanely delicious looking breads, cheeses, and desserts! Oh, and an entire area with fresh fish and other meats! As you can see, I am very excited about this, but also kicking myself for not exploring it sooner. I went straight for the Golden Michigan apples (the name makes me feel closer to home), and also grabbed a few huge honey crisp apples (and when I say huge, I mean huge...check out my picture below...I put one on a large dinner plate so you get the full effect). I proceeded to the veggie area and got a few tomatoes and peppers before heading for the checkout. And this is the best part...my total was $5.00 and some change! I might just be going here every single day (and you think I'm kidding), even if it's just for these big delicious apples. Lesson learned today: never judge a book by it's cover. 


As I've told you in the past, I love rainy days. Others may struggle with them, and I see where they're coming from. But for some reason they just make me smile. I had a little extra bounce in my step on my way to and from my destination today (maybe the coffee is to blame). One thing I've realized is that it's not hard to make yourself happy, no matter what kind of situation you are in. There's always something to smile about, you just need to find it. If nothing else, the sheer fact that you are alive and healthy should be enough to make you smile. And if the majority of your day is spent with a smile on your face instead of a frown, then I'd say you've had a successful day. I know I have! 




Yes, those are Christmas lights on the tree in the picture below! And, Starbucks now has their red holiday cups...I saw people carrying them today! It's right around the corner...