Summer Fun

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Many single women dread summer time and seek to hibernate and retreat because of the abundance of families and couples.  This does not have to be the case this summer.  If you live in a big city like me (Chicago) there are many activities and events to partake in.  Many can be enjoyed alone and many can be the catalyst for a girl’s day out or a girl’s get away weekend.  There are literally thousands of events going on around the country that will be great events for singles and for friends; they will also pose a great opportunity to meet more people. 

If you have been waiting for winter to be over as we have here in Chicago, you may have cabin fever.  Of course there are many indoor events you can go to and of course the restaurant scene is always a viable option, but there is nothing like being outside in the fresh air.  Even though there is always a parade going on throughout the year, being able to enjoy an event without a coat and gloves is a welcome change.  So whether you want to enjoy local activities or travel to another area, get ready for May to start the summer fun season.  The fun begins in May with Memphis in May a wonderful music festival near Beale Street.  Check your local newspapers or city websites for more information. 

June is a month where many cities and states have state fairs or county fairs.  This is another activity that can be enjoyed in groups or solo.  County fairs offer music, food, shopping.  One of the biggest celebrations in Chicago in June is Chicago Pride, which has a Parade and other activities throughout the weekend.  This is a weekend to celebrate with LBGT community and enjoy the music, costumes, dancing, food and fun.

July has even more to offer.  While there are neighborhood festivals with food and music all over this city I am sure that wherever you live may have the same offerings.  The biggest summer event in Chicago is the Taste of Chicago.  This event takes place right off of Lake Michigan and has food, music, entertainment tents and events for the entire family.  For house music lovers there will also be the Chosen Few Picnic which is a huge festival in the park with the world’s best and greatest House music DJ’s. 

August in the descent into the fall and though for those with children and those who are school teachers it signals the end of summer and there are just as many events as in June and July.  The Illinois State Fair begins in August.  The Illinois State Fair last year had a wine tasting tent, which provided much needed relief from the sun and a refreshing adult beverage or two to assist with cooling me off. 

While many of these events can be enjoyed in groups or with friends, a single woman can have just as much fun at the events alone.  Don’t forget to check your local listings for what your own offers.  If there is somewhere you want to go do your research and check websites like Frommer’s and other sites that offer tips for singles as well as proposed itineraries.  As we prepare to be out and about for summer remember to have fun, enjoy yourself and most importantly BE SAFE!

No Apologies

No Apologies

It is no secret that the majority of my friends are older and wiser.  One of the pearls of wisdom they often shared with me was that once I get older I would stop letting other people’s opinions, ideas, and feeling affect me.  This is something that I am beginning to embrace.

Maybe it is because my last birthday was a milestone birthday, but I have reached a point where I feel that apologizing for what I feel, think and believe is necessary.  I know that it is not.

Oprah often shares what she knows for sure.  What I know for sure is that as long as me and God are on great terms, there is little else to worry about.  I may not always be right, I will make mistakes, I may speak out of turn or may act differently from what other people may think I should, but as long as it is well with my soul, I will make no apologies.

I know that my actions and/or reactions may often be unorthodox or viewed by others as incorrect, but I still sleep well at night despite what others may think.  Ironically, recently I have begun to actually sleep, after years and years of being an insomniac.  I think this is because I have reached an age where I have decided that the most important opinion of me and how I live my life belongs to God and not one else.

Now that does not mean that I am open to comments and suggestions.  I am still seeking the pearls of wisdom that friends offer.  I am thankful for the wisdom within my midst and for those who may have had similar experiences to what I may go through and what I may encounter.  I value that because there are many people that pay for the sage advice that is available to me for free.

When you get to the point in life where you offer no apologies there is something liberating and encouraging about making your plans, failing and succeeding on your own terms and allowing God to move you through life as God sees fit without cause, instructions or provocation from anyone else.  No apologies simply means that you have decided to put your big girl panties on and live life and life’s consequences on your own terms and in your own way.  When that happens you make room for God to move in your life in ways that you may have never imagined.  So look out work this girl is offering no apologies!