july 16: james, real estate worker

i met james on a night when i was missing home, half-due to the fact that i was really craving some cafe rio.  so i went to chipotle, which doesn't even come close (but it did put an end to my mexican craving...). but that is very much beside the point.

james and his friend rick were looking for a table.  i was sitting alone at a table for four (because it was the only open one when i had sat down moments earlier) and when i saw that almost every other chair in the place was occupied, i told them that they could sit in the open chairs by me.

they thanked me and sat down.  asking me my name, james put the chips and salsa that he had gotten (one of chipotle's virtues, actually) in the middle of the table and, in a southern accent, said,

"well kate, you help yourself to as many of those chips as you'd like."

i said that that was completely unnecessary but very nice, nonetheless, and he said,

"well i think the world would be more fun and tight-knit if people were always as kind as you and as generous as me!" and with that he let out a hearty laugh and said, "i mean, seriously, what's more fun than sharing chips and salsa with strangers?! i think that's what the 'ol mexicans call a fiesta!  just kiddin.  but really, do help us eat those chips..'

could more kindness and generosity make the world more "fun" and "tight-knit"?  its a simple idea and the line was spoken in jest, but the more i think about it, the more i agree with him.  kindness and generosity really could save the world.  bring on the chips and salsa!