connect
[kə-nekt] verb.
1. to become joined.
2. to have or establish rapport.




an excerpt from my MAX Musings Book.
"December 21st and 22nd, 2010 - Mini Skirts Are Better Than Pants"
Just leaving work, I was walking up 102nd toward the MAX stop when a sprightly older gentleman asked me how on earth i could be texting on my cell phone and not be wearing gloves in the unforgiving 30 (degrees farenheit) weather. I shrugged it off, blaming my thick Chicago skin. "30 in December in Chicago- that's a heat wave!" We shared a giggle and then I noticed he was clad in shorts, a far colder option when compared to glove-less state. He noticed my downward gesture, "I just finished working out so I'm a bit warm right now anways." I smiled and made note that things are not always as they seem. To which he said, rather flamboyantly, "Oooh, girlfriend! Don't I know it, I have to wear pants in December because it's too cold for mini skirts!" Never being one to judge someone on their lifestyle choices, I simply smiled, "I hear that sister. Tights don't keep a girl warm in 30degree weather!" It was at that moment, the walk signal appeared and we were off in different directions, but not before sharing a hearty laugh and a series of conspicuous winking. I decided to cherish the moment in the "much needed laugh" category in the filing cabinet of my mind. I continued on my way home, thinking I'd never see that jolly ol' man again.


But then came the following morning. Being that this was the first Christmas since my favorite oma (grandma in german) passed away, I knew this particular trip home was going to be a rough one. On the day of my departing flight, I kindly asked Sarah to drive me to the 60th Avenue MAX station so I wouldn't have to lug my thirty pound suitcase behind me for a half mile. She cheerfully obliged, reminding me the two Australian couch surfers that had been staying with us needed to be dropped off there as well. Upon reaching the MAX station, we said our goodbyes to Sarah and Kiri, Tess and I headed down toward the rails. Just as we hit the first stair, that same sprightly old man appeared in my peripheral and started telling Tess her outfit was inappropriate for such weather. "Girlfriend, it's too chilly out here to be wearing that tiny coat with just leggings and a dress on. That's why I can't wear my mini skirts! Winter is just too damn cold!" He then met my eyes, gave me the biggest bear hug I'd ever had thus far and excitedly exclaimed, "Oooh You're the girl from 102nd yesterday! How have the last 12 hours been for you? Snuggle up close to a sexy man last night, because that's what I did! Ooh, look at your fierce self with a bright pink suitcase, where are you going?!" I regaled him with my Chicago Christmas plans, about how I needed to go home, see my family. There must have been a somberness in my tone because immediately picking up on it, he said, "Seems to me like this one won't be the same as last year's. You okay little girl?" I held back a few tears that were forming in my eyes and being the intuitive man he was, he quickly changed the subject to his love of all things Chicago. He talked about his fascination with the Bears, with Michigan Avenue shopping, with the gorgeous skyline and then before we knew it, his MAX line appeared and he had to leave. He gave me another big bear hug and told me to have a very merry holiday. Kiri and Tess stood in awe, he hadn't stopped talking, not once. They were a bit put off by his sheer friendliness but I found it comforting. Five minutes later, I found myself alone on the Red Line MAX en route to the Portland Airport. On the way, I started thinking about the inevitable and surprising connectivity of life. Here was this man, someone I thought I'd never see again, right there in front of me not ten minutes ago. We barely shared more than five minutes of conversation the previous day and yet he greeted me with the enthusiasm you reserve for an old-time friend. Then there were Tess and Kiri, who had only spent three days with Sarah and I, but there we were, making plans to visit each other in the future. And then it hit me: this is what life is about. Making connection. Reaching out to those around you, even if they're strangers. To remind us all: we are not alone. And sometimes, when you least expect it, life surprises you and some of those strangers turn into friends, lovers, family. It's the stringing of those small connections that make up a life, make up your story. Make up my story.