Month: May 2024

Originally posted at: Danielle Olivera’s Green Geometric Print Short Set

Actually, I’m not sure just how new bidding up is. It could be a few years old, but I just discovered it.

I recently went by train to visit my best friend. It’s hard when your best friend lives so far away (10 hours by car) but fortunately, Amtrak goes directly from my home in Michigan to where my friend lives near Omaha, Nebraska. Also fortunate in that I love traveling by train. And that it only takes one day, with no overnight travel.

Getting an Upgrade

Well, almost no overnight travel. It does arrive late at night (midnight by my time zone) and leaves early in the morning on the return trip (5am in my friend’s time zone). While I normally travel by coach, I read an article about someone who “bid up” for an upgrade on Amtrak. Apparently, Amtrak now lets passengers bid up on upgrades if, at the last minute, they have those upgrades still available.

In the waning days of COVID, I splurged and got myself my own roomette on the return trip from visiting this friend. (We try to see each other once a year, and it is easier for me to travel because she is not fully retired and also cares for her 100-year-old mother.) By doing so, I had my own little bubble and didn’t have to wear the required mask. I could read – and breathe – in peace! In post-COVID traveling, I would not normally consider this splurge.

Bidding Up

Would not consider it until hearing about “bidding up.” Should I try to snag a roomette again?

When I made my original reservation, I offered the lowest possible bid – $105 – and didn’t get it. While the weather during my visit was beautiful for that time of year (70s and 80s in April!), April is also the prime month for tornadoes in the Midwest. Sure enough, a storm system blew in the night before I was to leave, complete with tornado warnings. Nope. Not going to travel by train if there are tornado warnings.

I decided to change my ticket and stay one more day. This time I bid $10 over the lowest allowable bid – and was informed I had indeed “won” a roomette.

So, Was It Worth It?

For me, the answer is definitely yes.

It was lovely to get on the train (priority boarding) and have a freshly-made-up bed waiting for me.

I didn’t sleep, but the gentle rocking motion of the train helped me have a relaxing rest before breakfast (included) was announced. The staff seats passengers at the tables in the dining room, filling all the spots, so I found myself seated with strangers. The couple across from me were fairly non-communicative (not enough coffee yet?), but the woman seated next to me was a lovely companion for the meal.

After breakfast, my attendant transformed my bed into a sitting area with two seats facing each other, with a little desk in between. While the emphasis should be on the “ette” part rather than the “room” part, the space was adequate for me and my luggage (nice to have all my luggage so close by!) and when the door was closed, I enjoyed the coziness and quiet of my own little world for reading and writing on my laptop. Free bottled water and coffee were also provided.

At lunch time, I ordered off the menu and the meal (once again included) was delivered to my room by my attendant. Both meals were delicious, and the options offered a good variety. (I noted vegan options, but not gluten-free ones. I believe the café car might have had a gluten-free option.) One of the nice things about train travel is that you can bring as much of your own food and drink on board as you like, especially helpful if you have diet restrictions.

Perhaps loveliest of all was the use of the Metropolitan Lounge in Chicago. With a four-hour layover, the comfortable chairs, artwork, pristine bathrooms, and unlimited free snacks and drinks made for a lovely respite. Also appreciated were the large tables and charging stations. The Great Hall in Union Station has only hard wooden benches and nowhere to set up or charge a laptop or phone.

It is also possible to bid up from coach to a business class or even the higher-end bedrooms. While there might come a time when I try those options, I have decided I will always bid up on my return trip from Omaha so, Bid me up, Scotty!

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you ever taken advantage of “bidding up” on Amtrak? If so, what was your experience and would you do it again? If not, is this something you would consider?

Paige DeSorbo’s White O Ring Bikini / Summer House Season 8 Episode 13 Fashion

Under Paige DeSorbo’s white o ring cover up was a white o ring bikini! And after last night’s Summer House I searched high and low for it, but couldn’t find a link. Then this morning it came across my desk on accident, so now it can come across your desk on purpose. Because this is the perfect bikini to have since its both simple and chic. So if you happen to hear a ringing its the Style Stealers of this bikini because they are totally calling your name.

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Originally posted at: Paige DeSorbo’s White O Ring Bikini

In the fast-paced, ever-changing world we live in, lasting relationships have become increasingly precious and vital. These bonds are the cornerstone of our emotional well-being and are essential for our personal and professional growth. Research has shown that people with strong social connections tend to live longer, experience less stress, and enjoy better mental health. Relationships also provide a safety net in times of crisis and offer opportunities for personal and professional development.

Whether it’s the unconditional love of family, the unwavering support of friends, the pleasure of acquaintances, or collaborative synergy with colleagues, the relationships I describe below provide a sense of belonging, security, and personal fulfillment.

Family: The Roots of Unconditional Love

Michael J. Fox was spot on when he said, “Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.” With good reason, cultures across the world see family as the most enduring and fundamental relationship in our lives.

The bonds we share with our parents, siblings, children, and extended family are built on a foundation of unconditional love and support. One of the best explorations of the dynamics of successful relationships within families that I have read in recent years is The Secret of Good Family Relationship by Frank A. Cunningham.

Friends: The Pillars of Support

C. S. Lewis remarked that “friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.’ I love this way of looking at friendship. Friends are the chosen family we make along the way.

Friendships are based on shared experiences, trust, and the ability to be our authentic selves. The formula for friendship is simpler than we think it is: we discover common ground with someone; in that common ground we plant seeds, and over time these grow into sturdy trees that have deep roots and produce wonderful fruits and blossoms.

One of the most celebrated books on friendship is The Art of Friendship by Roger Horchow and Sally Horchow, which explores the art of forming and maintaining meaningful friendships in a fast-paced world.

Providing practical insights on how to build, nurture, and cherish these vital relationships, The Art of Friendship emphasizes the significance of authenticity, vulnerability, and active listening in cultivating lasting friendships. It argues that true friends are the ones who accept us for who we are, flaws and all, and are there to celebrate our successes and provide solace in times of trouble.

Acquaintances: Proof that All of Us Need to Feel Connection

Although acquaintances make only fleeting appearances in our life stories compared to friends and family, they hold a unique and often underestimated value. They are the individuals whose paths intersect with ours, if only for a brief moment, and who leave an indelible mark on our day by providing moments of warmth, shared laughter, and a sense of connection.

Through these casual connections we gain insights into different perspectives, cultures, and stories. These enrich our lives with diversity and foster a sense of community, adding depth and vibrancy to our daily experiences.

Colleagues: The Cornerstone of Professional Growth

Many of us will settle for tolerable relationships with colleagues. But there is much to be gained by aiming for more. In Connect, 2021, David Bradford and Carole Robin emphasize the benefits of building a network of genuine professional relationships that go beyond transactional interactions. They argue that true satisfaction and success in the professional and business worlds come not only from what you know but also from who you know and how you nurture those connections.

Moreover, theydemonstrate how generosity, reciprocity, and a desire to help others are essential principles in forging meaningful and lasting relationships with colleagues and mentors.

The Enduring Benefits of Lasting Relationships

“Ultimately, the bond of all companionship, whether in marriage or in friendship, is conversation”: this observation made by Oscar Wilde is just as true in our time as it was in his. For the common thread running through all types of meaningful relationships is communication.

Whether it’s heart-to-heart talks with family, shared laughter and stories with friends, brief exchanges of pleasantries with acquaintances, or collaborative discussions with colleagues, conversation is the glue that binds us together.

In Good Conversation, Jack Thomas delves into the art of having productive and meaningful conversations. He argues that the ability to navigate crucial conversations effectively is essential for building and maintaining lasting relationships in all aspects of life. The book provides valuable insights and techniques for addressing difficult topics, managing emotions, and fostering understanding.

Conclusion

In a world that often emphasizes individualism and self-reliance, it’s easy to overlook the profound value of lasting relationships. But there’s no doubt that connecting with family, friends, and colleagues provides us with a sense of belonging, emotional support, and personal growth. As we’ve explored through quotes from authors and insights from notable books, the enduring essence of these relationships lies in their ability to nurture our souls, provide solace in times of need, and help us achieve greater heights than we could ever reach alone.

In the end, it’s the conversations we have, the laughter we share, and the support we provide one another that make lasting relationships invaluable. So, let us cherish and invest in these connections, for they are the true treasures of our lives, enriching our journey in ways we may not always fully appreciate but should never take for granted.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How do you maintain good relationships with all your family and friends? Do you have a good relationship with yourself? Do you have a good relationship with your community?

Also Seen on Olivia Flowers

Photo: @tamrajudge & @ginakirschenheiter

Originally posted at: Gina Kirschenheiter and Tamra Judge’s Black Cutout Dress with Sequins