MAKE BIG PLANS

Make big plans. Aim high in hope and work. - Daniel H. Burnham

Las night I got dressed and left early to work out before heading to a free movie in Millennium Park. I got all the way down to the dressing room, proud that after two and a half weeks of gluttony and sloth I was finally going to squash my vices and go work out! Fail. I forgot my effing lock. Dammit!

No matter. I was excited to take advantage of yet another free event in the park this year. It is so cool for August. 40s and 50s at night...what. the. hell. Anyway, I will jump at any chance to hold on to the fleeting fancy that is summer in Chicago.

I had no idea what this movie was about. I really didn't care. It wasn't until I arrived a few minutes before I was to meet Nina that I picked up the program. No Little Plans: Daniel Burnham and the American City, a documentary bout the history of this visionary architect and how he transformed Chicago, Washington, D.C., and countless other cities at the turn of the 20th century. This name should have rung a bell as I've taken architecture and city tours of Chicago before. But it didn't. I know. Documentaries sometimes have the rap (wrap?...you will find I am not a conscientious speller), but I was fascinated by Chicago history and inspired.

He knew how this city should be. He knew it would be great, that someday we would grow into it, even if people were critical or unsure. Despite it all, he worked hard to have many different projects realized during his lifetime. He aspired to be the best in the city, in the world, and he took a driven, persistent, and hard working attitude that ultimately helped him meet that goal.

I walked away completely in love. In love with Chicago. HOW CAN YOU NOT BE IN LOVE WITH THIS CITY!?!?!

It is completely beautiful! And it is SO alive...at least when the bitter cold, wind, and snow isn't numbing our souls and gnawing away at our conviction to this city. (Even then, somehow Chicagoans are resilient enough to endure season after season, even managing to go out every now and then. Alcohol is typically involved. Purely to keep warm, of course.)

Anyway, my point! My point is, I love this city, and being young here, and I am so grateful to be here to enjoy it. And that might not always be the case, me being here to enjoy it....If I am dreaming big, I know that this city will not always be able to contain me or my pursuits. But I have to be brave enough to do this. Why the hell not? It is going to take hard work, commitment, consistency and persistence...These might not all be my strong suits. But I can do it. Certainly.

Just yesterday, I was feeling overwhelmed with my plans, work, and juggling all the elements of life. But I have hope. Never mind my failed work out(s). Or whatever else is still left on that to-do list, today is a brand new day.

One last quote from Burnham:
Make no little plans...they have no magic to stir mens blood.