Trying Something New

Do you feel like your life is stale? a repeat? tired of seeing the same people with the same clothes, listening to the same music, saying the same things? Then try something new. Go investigate a new group of people and say hello. Try a resturant you have never tried before

My professor told me (and the 35 other students in his class) one day that trying something new increases brain function. Trying something broadens your horizons. Since January, with the help of my boyfriend, I have tried many new things.

We had Falafel Pitas at a Hebrew take-out place on Melrose for our Valentine's Day Lunch. That same day, we both visited a few stores we other wise wouldn't walk in. He took me to music store that only sells vinyl records of beats and cool bands for avid hip hop lovers. I took him to a sex store. We had a few laughs about some of th weird stuff they sell (i.e. bondage tape that sticks to itself and high-end toys that cost hundreds of dollars). A couple of weeks ago he took me to a Thai place. I can't remember what I ate, but it was good. Cold vermcelli noodles, bean sprouts, beef, egg rolls and salad (and other stuff I can't remember) all in the same bowl served with jazmine tea (which I love). It was awesmome!

In January, with help from my job, I interveiwed students from different parts of the world. I learned a lot about Germany from a 23-year-old foreign exchange student. I spoke to middle school students from Harbin, China, and I meet a sweet Middle Eastern young woman who just happens to be in several of my classes (and is very smart, I might add).

All of these experiences, I believe, help keep me a diverse person with diverse groups of friends and diverse tastes. I love all kinds of music and can discuss about each genre. I keep up with different fashion trends, not just "black fashion." I like to see what japanese girls are wearing (even though the style doesn't always look good on me) and what's going on in Milan and Paris (even though I can't afford those).

Visiting different neighborhoods with different demographics helps keep you alert and aware. It can help with awkwardness you might feel when meeting some one of a different race or eithnic background. I know a lot about the Middle East because when I first sttarted belly dancing I researched and asked a lot of questions. I feel more comfortable around my Middle Eastern friend because I understand her. It's easier to be freinds with someone when you understand them. That's why we gravitate toards people who think like us, dress like us and listen to the same music as us.

If you've never had a long conversaton with someone that isn't like you, then you coudn't understand the feeling of getting along with someone who is different.

As I stay alert i notice the new trend of people traveling in diverse cliques. There will be a group of girls at the mall. Two will be black, one or two will be Latina, one will be asian, and one or two will be white. They won't be dressed the same either. There will be a hispter, one dressed in a punk style, one in a super chic style, one in bohemian chic and another will be sporty. It's not happening everywhere, but it's happening.

So don't be lame and try something new. Make a new friend. Listen too a new music genre (iTunes lets you sample stuff, rememeber). Eat a new food. The worst you can say is you didn't like it.