My single-parent Mom worked two jobs to support me and my two brothers, so she wasn't able to drive us very often. Fortunately, I had a pretty inexpensive bike that I used at least twice a day during the school year and 10x per day during summer vacations. During high school, I'd ride 7 miles each way to visit friends and sometimes had to ride through the forest (scary) at night, which is why I got my license as soon as I turned 16.
Resign is employee initiated, being laid off, or layoff, is company initiated. Not sure about other states, but in Illinois if you resign, most likely you won't qualify for unemployment benefits. If you're laid off (as I've been multiple times), you can qualify for unemployment benefits. I'm basing this on my experience, but you should consult an attorney before signing anything if you're being fired/laid off/let go, etc.
I've only seen this at one place - a Japanese restaurant in Boulder, CO. Each table has a small red button with a weighted base, right next to the soy sauce and cube of extra gari.
You press the button, a server appears a few seconds later. Need to order, press the button. Need water, press the button. Need the check, press the button. Need for them to pick up credit card, press the button. I love it; it's like a flight attendant call button and I never have to wait for anything.
The only regret I have in life (I'm in my mid-50s) is not attending the funeral of my friend's Mom. I didn't know her, so I figured I didn't have to go (I was in my early 20's, not that my age excuses anything). Another friend made me realize that I should've been there for my friend. After that, my friend moved away and things were never the same, no matter how hard I tried to keep in touch. Ever since, I always go to the wake/funeral.
A few years ago, O'Reilly had a 60% off sale for an annual subscription, which I promptly took advantage of. I've been paying only $200 per year ever since. Not sure if they still have that deal.
I agree. Other than the many beautiful homes and beaches, there are not a lot of things to see in Wilmette. Unlike other large buildings, mainly in the Northwestern (Evanston) campus area to the south, the Baha'i Temple is truly majestic and elegant that blends in well with the surrounding neighborhood.
I have 84 first cousins - 44 on my Dad's side, 40 on my Mom's. I lived in the Philippines for 3.5 years with my Dad's extended family and got to know almost all my cousins on that side. It was a great time and all my cousins were amazing. Our Christmas celebrations were the best and I still miss them, 40+ years later.
I feel more comfortable cycling in downtown Chicago than I do on suburban or country back roads. Nowadays, cyclists must worry about people using their phones while driving. Based on my observations of city driving, drivers are more aware of their surroundings due to the increased traffic and overall hustle and bustle. Drivers in the country often let their guard down due to the serene and idyllic environment.
"I don’t need you to tell me how f**n’ good my coffee is, okay? I’m the one who buys it. I know how good it is. When Bonnie goes shopping, she buys s*t. I buy the gourmet expensive stuff ’cause when I drink it, I wanna taste it. But you know what’s on my mind right now? It ain’t the coffee in my kitchen. It’s the dead ** in my garage." - Jimmy, Pulp Fiction
Expose yourself to new people and different situations:
Take a class at a community college or maybe teach a class or become a substitute teacher at a local high school or grade school.
Join a sports club (like others have mentioned here) - Cross-fit, Jiu-jitsu, Krav-Maga, running, cycling.
Go to your library and check out the bulletin board - usually there are club notices or other events posted.
Get a part-time job that involves a lot of interaction - Walmart, McDonald's, chair-lift operator at a ski resort.
Volunteer at a food repository or at a charity like Feed My Starving Children or assist at a retirement community. For volunteering, in Chicago we have https://www.chicagocares.org. There might be something similar in your city.
As a huge music fan, I found "Country Music" by Ken Burns to be extremely enlightening and entertaining. After watching, you'll realize country music is the foundation of modern western (rock, pop, electronic, etc.) music.
I used to take the Chicago Metra and ride in the vestibule to exit the train quickly. The same 8 people would always be there every day but this gentleman, "Gary", would always carry the conversations.
People were just drawn to him and I was in awe of how he captivated us with his stories. I was able to study him for a couple of years and came up with a list of how he was able to hold our attention:
1) Gary spoke loud (he had to since we were in the train entryway) but did not shout.
2) He adjusted his tempo of speaking to match the urgency of his story. Just like a good song, he had noticeably different ways of expressing himself.
3) Just as he adjusted his speaking, his hand movements and facial expressions also supported his story telling.
4) He was older (maybe early 60s) so he had a lot of life experience.
5) He was not condescending or patronizing. He was very empathetic with his audience and the stories he told. You could tell that he really cared about the subjects of his stories and how we could relate to them.
6) He knew everyone's name. So when he talked to you he would use your name a lot.
7) He always was to the point. He didn't meander or deviate from his train of thought. Every story had a build-up and a conclusion.
8) He was very funny without being mean. Sort of like Cosby before we found out what Cosby was really like.
9) He was always happy. He loved his job and his family and he was nearing retirement (he told us this). His happiness was infectious.
10) He was always asking questions. Sometimes, I'd get to the train early and it would just be me and him. He'd always ask about my day, any interesting projects, etc. He would then comment on what he had for lunch ("Have you ever had the Chicken Vesuvio?" he asked) and go on about an experience he had at an awesome restaurant.
After two years I had to stop taking the train, but I'd sometimes hear about Gary from a friend. He did retire a couple of years later and moved somewhere warmer. I've always read articles about excellent speakers, but then I always think that I was fortunate to learn from Gary.
I have Spotify Premium and I'm okay with any promotions/recommendations as long as I don't get interrupted with actual ads in between 2-3 songs on my playlists.