I'm On A Mission...

… and I want you to join me!

On Friday, I had the annual alumni event for the consulting company I used to work for. It’s actually pretty fun. Anyone who’s ever worked there is invited back to the office (and Booz was founded in 1916, I believe) for appetizers and drinks and meeting up with old friends while making new ones. All in the aim of getting more business for those currently working there, of course (not that this is the stated aim or ever mentioned)!

Anyway, I took the train down this year since I didn’t want to deal with any of the traffic issues of driving into the city on a Friday afternoon in the summer while the Edens is under construction. Not surprisingly, I made a good dent in the newspapers I’m behind on. Sadly, I still have about a seven inch pile to go.

Anyway, my point is that a woman approached me on the escalators to the street.

Her: Excuse me.
I slid over to the side of the escalator so she could get by me (without looking of course – no one actually looks in Chicago)
Her: Excuse me? (more of a questioning tone)
Me (turning this time): Yes?
Her: Where did you get your top? It’s fantastic!
Me: Oh uhhh White House Black Market. Thanks!
Her: It’s really great; I love it!
Me: Actually, I got it last fall, so I can guarantee they don’t have this one anymore, but they’ve always got really great stuff.
Her: Thanks so much for the recommendation. I’ll definitely have to go check them out.

Not that I was having a bad day before that, but her giving me a compliment like that (and granted, it is one of my favorite tops) really made my day.

Then I got to thinking – because, really, what else is there to do while walking the streets in the Loop. I see things I like and admire on or about people all the time, but I rarely say anything. But if it gave me such a life on a not bad day, what would it do for someone who is having a bad day? And how hard is it?

The only downside I can see is someone being snooty about it, but really, that’s their loss and just provides more fodder for entertainment, right? But if I can find someone to compliment every day, how great would that be? Who’s with me?