talk to strangers, all the time

I have been fighting that little voice in my head that tells me to politely ignore everyone. I realize the value of being friendly and what benefits I can get from knowing others. I’m marking this as accomplished because I think Ive made some serious progress with this over the last 5 months. Its all now just a matter of keeping it up.

I took a train ride to SD this weekend. I had to go for a funeral. My husband got the news his uncle died on Wed and Left almost right away. I was left to sort out someone to watch the dog. So instead of having 2 cars there we thought it would be best to take the train down and meet up.

It was a 3 and 1/2 hour ride and I spent the entire time chatting with a woman I met at the platform whom was going to the same destination and a man who was sitting across from us. It unfortunately took on a political tone almost off the bat with the guy sitting across from us. The poor woman I met at the platform looked like she wanted to make a quick escape but stayed and although it was at time a bit much the conversation stayed civil and we were all able to laugh. I’m glad I didn’t get wrapped up in my own world. I took My german workbook to study while on the train but having a conversation and hearing about new ideas and perspectives seemed the better idea.

I felt like I was traveling abroad again. This is something I want to recapture in my everyday life and I think this was a great start.

I was at Trader Joes the other day and a guy and I were looking at the flax seed meal they have there. His girlfriend and he were talking about which one to get and I finally just asked him how he prepares it. He looked at me and said he didn’t know and laughed. It seems like a small thing but it is really big for me. I miss so many opportunities to interact with people I am trying to take advantage of them all. I hope these little things will help me get to bigger ones.

I started a conversation that I normally wouldnt have with the lady at the post office today. I was dropping off the first of my packages to the guys in Afghanistan today and Told the lady about how I adopted them. Told them about thier sad letter stating not all of them had gloves/it was really cold and the heat was only reserved for nights. She and the lady at the counter next to hers commented about how sad that was. It was nice to chat with them.

I should probably aim to talk to ppl that I wouldnt normally interact with but I think this was a good start. I dont think I usually would have gone out of my way to talk to them and who knows maybe they will adopt a soldier now too. Who knows, but it was nice to be friendly.

I dont know why I cant do it all the time.

I was waiting for an oil change the other day. I was sitting reading a book in the lounge for about an hour. There was some guy sitting behind me that kept staring at the dust jacket that I had sitting next to me. I think he want to ask me about it but like every good Angelino politely minded his own business. I promise I wont miss those opportunities anymore.