It's still bad -- or worse -- the second time

Recently, I had a minor health issue.  I'd had it before and tried to recall what I'd done to get on the other side of it.

AH HA!

I took a certain medicine.

It seemed to me that it had made me sick but I wasn't sure.

Then I rationalized that perhaps it wouldn't make me sick this time.

So, I took it.

A few hours later, I was beyond sick.  I was almost wrenching and holding my tummy and weeping.

It took over a day for the medicine to work its way through the system.  But, I remembered one thing:  If it didn't work the first time, you'll get the same outcome the second time -- or worse.

Believe your gut.

Why I travel alone...

Folks always ask me: "Why do you travel alone?"  They think I'm missing out on companionship and fear for my safety.

But, traveling alone has opened up so many opportunities.  I've met people I would have never met.  I've explored haunts I'd have never explored.  I've experienced adventures I'd never would have if I'd been traveling with someone.

I'm quirky.  I'm free spirited. I'm out of the ordinary.

I explored the caves of Rio Secreto near Playa del Carmen -- alone -- and had a BALL!

While at the Grand Canyon, I met two wonderful women -- one a professor at Harvard -- who are lifelong friends.  I ended up visiting them in Martha's Vineyard.  I'd have never met them had I been with a companion.

While on the Chicago Architecture Tour, alone, I met two wonderful women who helped make the trip joyful and memorable.

I went to Cuba alone and had a wonderful time getting to know Havana.

My solo travels began when I wanted to see Red Prysock in Gary, Indiana.  My boyfriend at the time thought Gary was too far away.  So, he passed.  Then, my best friend, at the time, agreed to go...but backed out at the last minute.

Pondering my options, I opted to go ANYWAY.

I had the best time.  I met Red, partied with them, and they brought me up front so I'd have a better view of the action.

I ended up staying until wee hours of the morning.  But I smiled the whole time.

And that is when I started my solo treks.

I could write forever about my adventures.  But, suffice it to say, going alone is not for the meek but if you can get past your fears, you will be fulfilled beyond fulfillment.

I've had friends who want to join me on my trips.  I always find a way to slither out.

The last time I went with friends was a disaster.  I was in Miami during Orange Bowl time.  My boyfriend, at the time, wanted to stay in the hotel and cuddle.  HUH?  I left him in the hotel and explored the city, making new friends and recording new adventures.

When I got back, he had an attitude and I left early for home.

When it comes to my vacays, I don't want to compromise.  I want to do what I do...I want to do me!

Getting to know my hometown

About a year ago, I took a quiz to see how many Chicago landmarks I'd seen or visited.

Out of 50, I'd only gone to about 15.

Since then, that has changed.  Adventurous as I am, I set time out to discover these new places or visit familiar ones.

It has been a whirlwind...but so much fun.

I've visited Wrigley Field, the Botanic Garden, Willis Tower, Billy Goat Tavern, Lou Malnatti's, Northwestern University, Improv Olympics, famous hot dog stands, steakhouses and of course, every Museum.

It has been a blast, educational and so much fun.

I'm doing # 46 tomorrow, taking the Chicago Architecture Tour on a Wendella Boat.  Can't wait to knock another visit off my list.

And, I just discovered a new list: Discovering Chicago's unusual sites.

So, with this 50 almost done and more on the horizon, I'll never get bored.

Three good things

I recently went to an empowering seminar, which are events I like to attend.

A lot of the information is not new but it is always nice to hear it again.

One piece of advice stood out and I have been applying it:

Make a journal and list three good things that happened to you that day.

I started such a journal and it has helped me focus on what good is in life.  Each day, I wait for those three good things and they come in different forms.

When I read the entries back day after day, I smile...I laugh..I am happy.

You'll be respected if you try

OK. I admit it. I'm a senior citizen. But I'm still standing and still rockin' it.

Recently, I went to a Zumba class where there were a lot of younguns there.  They were agile, flexible and supple.  And I'm old.

BUT, I tried.  I was shakin, shimmying, jumping up and down and doing my best to keep up.  During a particularly difficult routine, I nailed it.

When the segment was over, these young girls came up to meet and praised me for doing so well.

The point is:  I tried and they loved me for trying.

Same logic for being in another country and trying to speak the language.  While it may not be perfect, the natives respect you for trying.