October's Artsy Essay....

Judi's Essay this month is:  The one thing I would most like you to know about me........  

Those who read here, know I am intelligent.  Some might say very or extremely, and MENSA would agree with them.  My IQ is high and I have been tested repeatedly over the years to verify that.  I make no effort to hide it, usually, and often feel that I flaunt that aspect of me, when I try not to do so.  

I try not to make people uncomfortable when I am around them.  I have, over the years, learned to control my impulses to correct others, whether it be grammar, spelling, or in general.  But that journey was a long and difficult one. 

What people don't know is that this 'intelligence' comes with a price.  A very high price, at times.  

My best and longest friend, my 'sister', Melody, will say things like "There you go using those big words again."  So I used to dummy down.  I am a master at dummying down now.  I find I do it subconsciously, at times.  I go on auto-pilot or instinct.  But it depends on who I am around.  

This is not the problem, though.  Not even close.  What I am about to write may surprise my closest readers.  Then again, maybe not.  Of course, knowing them as I do, I'll still have their love, respect and support, but it's time to confess.  

One reason I keep getting tested is because, even though my IQ is 130-135 range, I cannot perform the simplist of daily routines without a list, or something written down in my face, all the time.  Now before you guys start thinking you make to do lists, that is not what I'm writing about here.  

I mean, I have to have a note to remind me to brush my teeth.  I have to write down the day I take a shower, so I can remember to take another in a timely fashion (yeah, I know that is disgusting, but it is the truth).  I have to write down the time to pick Grace up from preschool, go to work, and for any appointments.  

This is something only three people have known.  Until now.  Now, with Judi's essay prompting me, the world knows.  Well, maybe not the world... but it's out here.... in the open.   

When I was young, I could not understand what was wrong with me.  People at school seemed to have everything together.  They could make plans in an instant when I couldn't, for the life of me, remember what I had to do.  They could remember school assignments, chapters to read, and what they did last week.  I'd be lucky to know what day it was.  

I never told my parents until well into my college career (12 years there~ what would you call it?)  It was beyond them to help at that point.  Had I mentioned it sooner, they may have found help somewhere.  Instead, I felt ashamed that I couldn't remember the easiest tasks, so I kept it hidden.  

Once I went to work at the hospital, I started talking to doctors about my situation.  This is when all the testing started.  I was 19.  Now, my IQ has always been high, even through school.  It has been documented since the beginning of my formal education in Kindergarten.  I was always doing work from two or three grades higher than the grade level I was assigned. Then, they called me 'gifted', I called it cursed.  

That, in itself, caused problems as my classmates would make fun of me.  Maybe this caused the issues I have today with social graces... but it was kids being kids.  It just stuck to my brain and never left.  Like a lot of things....  

I was once told that those considered genuis, had similar problems to mine.  Einstein had some of the same issues.  Hitler, also a genuis, had the extreme version of this syndrome.  It drove him crazy.  I wonder about myself sometimes....  

I have yet to find a medical name for what goes on in my head.  No doctors have a clue, though some called me bi-polar, I don't believe that label.  My moods don't change.  I don't change.  I just cannot remember the simple, everyday things that people do.   

The only thing about me that changes is my ever-increasing thirst for learning.  I can't get enough!  My fear is that it seems, now, the more I learn, the more 'normal' things I forget.  It's like I've filled up my brain's filing cabinet, so everything new I put in, something has to be removed.  The things I 'lose' are the mundane tasks one should not forget!  

The other side of this, is the social one.  I can write and write and write, but when it comes to face-to-face contact, or phone contact.. I am an unsocial clutz!  I cannot think of what to say.  I have a difficult time making small talk.  So, to those who have wondered why I don't call or IM much, now you know why...  

If there is a subject to discuss or something that I can relate to, it is no problem.  But to just come up with conversation... well, I just suck at it.  I keephoping, one day, I'll figure out how to be 'normal'.  I've been waiting about 30 years now :)  

So, there you have it.  What goes on inside Kitty's head... or what doesn't ;)  

Thank you, Judi, for the inspiration and the opportunity to come clean.  Thanks to my friends here, who gave me the ability to trust them with my 'secret'.   

Now you all know.....  

Cat

Funk, funk go away. Never come another day....

I'm not sure if it is something in the air, in the water... or maybe some rare planetary alignment.... but whatever is causing this J~Land Funk Syndrome, can go back from where it came. 

It has spilled into everyday life and that is so not good.   We had 13 tots today.  Make that 13 tired, irritated, teething tots who insisted upon tackling each other, or pulling all one girl's hair out.  They even went on two buggy rides outside today, and they still drove each other up a wall.  

Oh, and the newest trend, started by one of the oldest in the room?    Pulling down their own pants.  Yeah.  It's been fun.  Now, one might be thinking how cute that might be.  But when you have 13, chances are one of them has got a loaded diaper.   Not a pretty sight. 

We have one boy who has 4 smelly diapers a day.  He has since he moved to our room.  I wouldn't care, but it's always diarrhea.  His Mom tonight was like "I'm not sure what to do.  The doctor says its from teething."  

Now, first, most doctors will say teething causes no other illnesses or side effects.  Second, some will admit to a clear, runny nose and low-grade fever.  But none will ever tell you teething causes diarrhea. 

I asked her if they had ever taken a stool sample.  She said no.  I asked if they ever thought he was lactose intolerant.  She said no.    But she took him back to the doc today, so we'll see what happens.  They are some of our 'concerned' parents, so they take things serious.  Wish they all did....  

So, that was work.  I get home and Grace informed me that while she was supposed to be napping, she instead, used her stick-pony (Snow White) to unlatch my bedroom door.  She told me she wanted to look at my stuff. 

I didn't want to look at 'my stuff', at that point.   See, we use hook and eye latches on all the upstairs doors, so while Dad is watching Grace, I can leave her door unlocked and she goes down after she wakes up from her nap.  

Today, after I went back to work (she apparently faked being asleep!), she snuck downstairs got Snow White and used her to open my bedroom door.  She has done this before, so stick-pony is restricted to downstairs ;)  (I know I'm gonna go insane before she hits teen years)  

Anyway, I came up here at her bedtime and just saw a spilled small bottle of baby shampoo.  No big deal.  I was rather impressed that's all she did.  I was about to tell her it wasn't so bad.  

Then I walked in here.  The old guest room, now dubbed computer room.  Holy Cow Dung!  (That's shit if you didn't know :)  It looked like a baby-powder bomb exploded in here!    Everything was covered. 

I had a mountain of baby smelling white stuff on my keyboard.  I had powder and lipstick on my monitor.  The window sills were covered in a thin layer of powder, looking like snow... only on the inside.  

There was baby powder in the cat food bowls, and of course, on the cat food.  She had started on a puzzle.  An 1000 piece puzzle.  On the middle of the floor.  Also topped with powder.   

She dumped an entire new bag of cat food out for the cats.  In the litterbox!  Guess she thought they might like a snack while they did their business.  

She even shampooed my cat, Forrest.  Too bad she didn't wash it off.  Probably a good thing she didn't try.  Forrest has some long, nasty sharp claws!  

All this while my father slept blissfully, unaware, downstairs.  Until tonight that is.  He heard it from me and from now on, he will have to be upstairs while she naps.   

As for Gracie, well, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't irrate and thinking of taking the girl out... not really, but you get the point... she did get spanked, though.  She was refused stories and songs tonight and put straight to bed.  It was also the most hysterical I've ever seen her.  She did not like this punishment.  Not one bit.  

That made my Dad come upstairs yelling at us (Mom and me).  He went into Grace's room and calmed her down.  (He yelled because he felt guilty and that is his reaction to guilt)  He made her apologize to me.   I sat her on my bed and we talked about it.  I put her to bed and then sent my Mom in to also talk to her. 

Needless to say, it has been a real crappy day.  Unfortunately, from the way many of you read today, I am notalone.  

Sorry, my friends.  Let's hope tomorrow is tons better, shall we?!  :)  

Cat  

PS~Thanks for all of the card and well wishes for my birthday!  You guys are swell :)

Dolmades, falafel, and birthday cake...

I survived another birthday.  I only 'self-reflected' for one day, which is not bad considering.  My sweet mother and daughter gave me some Ryan Newman gear and $100.  Totally unexpected.  Definitely appreciated :)  

Mom's birthday was today.  We got her some big candles and a nice tray for them.  We burn a lot of candles here in the winter as we heat with oil, and they provide heat as well as light.  Anyway, we got her some nice smelling pillars.  

We ordered Greek food for dinner ~ Yum!  It was for my birthday, but since we normally cook family dinner on Saturday night, we had it tonight.  Which happened to be Mom's birthday.  Nothing like killing three birds with one stone ;)  

I ADORE Greek and Middle Eastern cooking!  It tastes great and it is good for you :)  There is a place we order from every year, and they treat us real nice, too.  Could be because our order keeps them in business another week ;)  Tonight's tab was $197.13.  I made no typos.   Okay, pick your jaw up off the floor now.  That fed 5 adults tonight and 4 of us a day, or two, more.   It is worth it.  Our kitchen smelled (and looked) like a Greek kitchen :)   

You wouldn't believe how much you can eat and not get that too full feeling ;)  It's not like Chinese, where you get hungry an hour later.  It's also not like Thanksgiving, where you dock on the couch for the rest of the evening.  Nope, it's that I'm pleasantly full feeling....  

So, I am back out of my hidy-hole and amongst the walking... or sitting of this world.   

I see mother nature has yet to end her wrath of games on us.  The recent earthquake in South Asia, and that last tropical storm on the East coast.  One can only hope she rests herself soon.  She's been working hard this year.  Too hard...  

Mom said today that Grace isn't like the other kids.  She won't just sit there and behave.  I asked her if she was just now noticing that...  It's not that she won't, it's more that she doesn't.  First of all, my mother does not discipline her.  I have told her to, yet she feels she can distract her.  I keep telling Mom Gracie is four years old now~ the girl is on to that....  

I am not saying my child does not have some issues with patience, by any means.  When she is tired, she is a pistol.  Add to that being in a public place crowded with other kids running amuck and No, my child is most likely not going to be listening very well to directions.  

On the other hand, Grace is not meek or shy.  She is very outgoing and outspoken, but she is also the first one to a fallen friend, comforting them.  I'd say she has her priorities straight, it's just when she chooses to use them :)   That's about all from my way....  

Today's high was 58, and I'm a happy Cat~

Round up...

Wrote an entry yesterday about my thoughts on the newest Supreme Court Nominee.  AOL ate it.  That about sums up my feelings on the SCN subject as well :)  

Today, in the hour and a half I am allowed to think on the days I am off work, I wondered about some things.  It wasn't a series of things, or a chain of thoughts.  Just things that I wondered about.  

Like, why is it possible to copy/paste by right clicking my mouse in other people's journals and in the comment section, but not in my journal when making entries?  

Like, when I say I am fat, what does that mean to you?  What do you guys 'see' in your minds?  

If the sky is blue because it reflects our bodies of water, what color would it be if we had no bodies of water?  

On that subject,  I am nowhere near water, so why do I see blue?  

See, thoughts like that.  They're what make me tick.  Its what makes me seek answers to my never-ending questions.  Most of which may not be able to be answered, but I have to try to find anyway.  I spend a lot of time looking things up and reading whatever I can.  

This obsession also makes me neglect other vital areas in life.  Friends and family take a back-seat if I don't keep myself in check.  Lately, I have been doing more investigating than investing.  In quality mother/daughter time, that is.  

Today, I was reminded of the relationship with my mother.  Mostly I was reminded that I did not want the same thing for Grace and me.  I am nothing like my mom.  I am also nothing that my mom likes.  Well, that's a bit harsh.  She likes things about me and I know she loves me, but we are not what she wanted us to be like.   

And I began to think.  And question.  

I need to make changes.  It seems others are going through the same thing right now. 

Change is everything.  Change is good.  It drives societies, businesses, and people to keep up and thrive.  It is scary.  Sometimes, change goes wrong.  But I think, for the most part, change is for the better.  

Okay, that part is over :)  

Gracie had dance class today and went pretty good.  I had to talk to her a couple of times, but other than that, it was a good day.  We went to the grocery afterwards, and I could only remember milk.  I think my brain is too full of useless knowledge....  

We arrived home with milk and stuff that was nowhere near my listed items  ;)  I was getting the girl out of the car and she informs me we forgot waffles.  She's wanted some and I think Mom gave away our waffle maker, so I was going to get some frozen ones.  I thanked her for reminding me....  

Mom got back today.  She went to a euchre tournament with a friend last Sunday.  She said all they did was eat but she had fun.  Next weekend, my parents are going to travel to State Parks that have Inns.  I hope I get a turn to leave soon!  Preferably alone :)  

Tomorrow is work. The weather is still supposed to hot and humid.  Hopefully, it will cool down soon.  I miss taking the daycare kids outside for buggy rides.  They need to get out after being cooped up in our room for 6 hours....  

Thursday, I turn 37.  I wish my brain would comprehend what that means... I still feel 20ish.  It's hard to believe 40 is around the corner and I need to get my isht together  :)  

Friday, Grace has a walking field trip to the local park that I'll be joining.  Those are always fun and I love watching her interact with other kids :)  

Here's something else I have neglected... pictures!  Some shots Mom of my girl for you.     

  

 

K, Lovies, I'm off of here.....  

Cat  

PS~Sorry about the captions!  The didn't look that blurry when I saved them....

And the Nominees are....

Well, the VIVIs are among us now. 

In my rush to assign my favorite J~Landers a category, I have run into some areas that I cannot fill.  Lord knows I hate blanks, too....  

Actually, I only have 3 blanks but, to me, that is oh so wrong.  If anyone has a clue of who to nominate for the following categories~please allow me to share in your nominations.  

The categories I need are:  Marquis/Marquise of the Blog, Best International Journal, and Most Missed Journal.  So, help a sister out if you can.  

On to bigger and better things.   

In trying to find where my journal fits into the categories given, well, I've come up empty.  I like the 'Best use of Attitude' (because we all know my head is as big as my body ;)  However, I have discovered much bigger heads, here, than my own.  So, that knocks me out of that one.  

I don't use graphics often, nor do I write series of entries (or a single entry) worth an award.  Again, there are better people in J~Land than I where these are concerned.  

I like being outspoken in real life and I am here as well, but yet again, there are people better than I am for this as well.   I'm also not consistent with making entries and I'm sure that doesn't help. 

But rest assured, my friends, I have found my award niche!  

      

What do y'all think?  

Okay, I am not perfect and I intentionally write non-words, like Ya'll, c'mon, whatcha, and don'tcha... but I do know these are not words in the dictionary.... yet. 

Most of you know I am anal about spelling!  I correct errors as I go and only spell check to make sure I have caught them all.  ( I would've been a high school or college English teacher, if I could tolerate kids that old... LOL!)  

I'm secretly hoping that no one actually wants this award ;)  It is the one with least amount of praise worthy rave (in my opinion), compared to the others.   

So, maybe I'll be the only candidate (I happen to like those odds, too ;) for this category.  But I still need your vote!  

Alright, I'm done shamelessly plugging myself :)  

Have a good night, people....  

Cat

What tree did you fall from?

This is from Jen's Place  :) 

I happen to be from a Rowan Tree (Hey to Pickles ;)   It is pretty much right, too   :)

WHAT TREE DID YOU FALL FROM?

Find your birthday and then find your tree. This is really cool and, scarily, somewhat accurate. Then send it to your friends, so they can find out what tree they fell from....


Dec 23 to Jan 01 - Apple Tree
Jan 01 to Jan 11 - Fir Tree
Jan 12 to Jan 24 - Elm Tree
Jan 25 to Feb 03 - Cypress Tree
Feb 04 to Feb 08 - Poplar Tree
Feb 09 to Feb 18 - Cedar Tree
Feb 19 to Feb 28 - Pine Tree ~ Wayne (Feb 19)
Mar 01 to Mar 10 - Weeping Willow Tree
Mar 11 to Mar 20 - Lime Tree
Mar 21 (only)    - Oak Tree
Mar 22 to Mar 31 - Hazelnut Tree
Apr 01 to Apr 10 - Rowan Tree
Apr 11 to Apr 20 - Maple Tree
Apr 21 to Apr 30 - Walnut Tree
May 01 to May 14 - Poplar Tree
May 15 to May 24 - Chestnut Tree
May 25 to Jun 03 - Ash Tree ~ Charles (brother-May 27)
Jun 04 to Jun 13 - Hornbeam Tree
Jun 14 to Jun 23 - Fig Tree
Jun 24  (only)   - Birch Tree
Jun 25 to Jul 04 - Apple Tree
Jul 05 to Jul 14 - Fir Tree
Jul 15 to Jul 25 - Elm Tree
Jul 26 to Aug 04 - Cypress Tree
Aug 05 to Aug 13 - Poplar  Tree
Aug 14 to Aug 23 - Cedar Tree
Aug 24 to Sep 02 - Pine Tree
Sep 03 to Sep 12 - Weeping Willow Tree
Sep 13 to Sep 22 - Lime Tree
Sep 23 (only)    - Olive Tree
Sep 24 to Oct 03 - Hazelnut Tree~Gracie (Sept 29)
Oct 04 to Oct 13 - Rowan Tree~Kitty and her Mom (Oct 6 & 8) 
Oct 14 to Oct 23 - Maple Tree ~ Dad (Oct 23)
Oct 24 to Nov 11 - Walnut Tree
Nov 12 to Nov 21 - Chestnut Tree
Nov 22 to Dec 01 - Ash Tree
Dec 02 to Dec 11 - Hornbeam Tree
Dec 12 to Dec 21 - Fig Tree
Dec 22 (only)    - Beech Tree
Dec 23 to Dec 31 - Your Guess (it was left off) (Kitty says Christmas Tree!)

TREES (in alphabetical order)

Apple Tree (Love) -- quiet and shy at times, lots of charm, appeal, and attraction, pleasant attitude, flirtatious smile, adventurous, sensitive, loyal in love, wants to love and be loved, faithful and tender partner, very generous, many talents, loves children,
needs an affectionate partner.

Ash Tree (Ambition) -- extremely attractive, vivacious, impulsive, demanding, does not care for criticism, ambitious, intelligent, talented, likes to play with fate, can be very egotistic, reliable, restless lover, sometimes money rules over the heart, demands  attention, needs love and much emotional support.

Beech Tree (Creative) -- has  good taste, concerned about its looks, materialistic, good organization of life and career, economical, good leader, takes no unnecessary risks, reasonable, splendid lifetime
companion, keen on keeping fit (diets, sports, etc.).

Birch Tree (Inspiration) -- vivacious, attractive, elegant, friendly, unpretentious, modest, does not like anything in excess, abhors the vulgar, loves life in nature and in calm, not very passionate, full of
imagination, little  ambition, creates a calm and content atmosphere.

Cedar Tree (Confidence) -- of rare strength, knows how to adapt, likes unexpected presents, of good health, not in the least shy, tends to look down on others, self-confident, a great speaker, determined, often impatient, likes to impress others, has many talents, industrious, healthy optimism, waits for the one true love, able to make quick decisions.

Chestnut Tree (Honesty) -- of unusual stature, impressive, well-developed sense of justice, fun to be around, a planner, born diplomat, can be irritated easily, sensitive of others feelings, hard worker, sometimes acts superior, feels not understood  at times, fiercely family oriented, very loyal in love, physically fit.

Cypress Tree (Faithfulness) -- strong, muscular, adaptable, takes what life has to give but doesn't necessarily like it, strives to be content, optimistic, wants to be financially independent, wants love and affection, hates loneliness, passionate lover which cannot be satisfied, faithful, quick-tempered at times,  can be unruly and careless, loves to gain knowledge, needs to be  needed.

Elm Tree (Noble-mindedness) -- pleasant shape, tasteful clothes, modest demands, tends not to forgive mistakes, cheerful, likes to lead but not to obey, honest and faithful partner, likes  making decisions for others, noble-minded, generous, good sense of humor, practical.

Fig Tree (Sensibility) -- very strong minded, abit self-willed, honest, loyal, independent, hates contradiction or arguments, hard worker when wants to be, loves life  and friends, enjoys children and
animals, w sexual relationships,  great sense of humor, has artistic talent and great intelligence.

Fir tree (Mysterious) -- extraordinary taste, handles stress well, loves anything beautiful, stubborn, tends to care for those close to them, hard to trust others, yet a social butterfly, likes idleness and laziness after long demanding hours at work, rather modest, talented, unselfish, many friends, very reliable.

Hazelnut Tree (Extraordinary) --  charming, sense of humor, very demanding but can also be very understanding, knows how to make a lasting impression, active fighter for social causes and politics,
popular, quite moody, sexually oriented, honest, a perfectionist, has a precise sense of judgment and expects complete fairness.

Hornbeam Tree (Good Taste) -- of cool beauty, cares for its looks and condition,  good taste, is not egoistic, makes life as comfortable as possible, leads a reasonable and disciplined life, looks for kindness and acknowledgment in an emotional partner, dreams of unusual lovers, is seldom happy with its feelings, mistrusts most people, is never sure if its decisions, very conscientious.

Lime Tree (Doubt) - intelligent, hard working, accepts what life dishes out, but not before trying to change bad circumstances into good ones, hates fighting and stress, enjoys getaway vacations, may appear tough, but is actually soft and relenting, always willing to make sacrifices for family and friends, has many talents but not always enough time to use them, can become a complainer, great leadership qualities, is jealous at times but extremely loyal.

Maple Tree (Independence of Mind) -- no ordinary person, full of imagination and  originality, shy and reserved, ambitious, proud, self-confident, hungers for new experiences, sometimes nervous, has many complexities, good memory, learns easily, complicated love life, wants to impress.

Oak Tree (Brave) -- robust nature, courageous, strong, unrelenting, independent, sensible, does not like change,  keeps its feet on the ground, person of action.

Olive  Tree (Wisdom) -- loves sun, warmth and kind feelings, reasonable, balanced, avoids aggression and violence, tolerant, cheerful, calm, well-developed sense of justice, sensitive, expressive, well-empathetic, free of jealousy, loves to read and the company of sophisticated people.

Pine Tree (Peacemaker) -- loves agreeable company, craves peace and harmony, loves to help others, active imagination, likes to write poetry, not fashion conscious, great compassion, friendly to all, falls strongly in love but will leave if  betrayed or lied to, emotionally soft, low self esteem, needs affection and reassurance.

Poplar Tree (Uncertainty) -- looks very decorative, talented, not very self-confident, extremely courageous if necessary, needs goodwill and pleasant surroundings, very choosy, often lonely, great animosity, great artistic nature, good organizer, tends to lean toward philosophy, reliable in any situation, takes partnership seriously.

Rowan Tree (Sensitivity)  -- full of charm, cheerful, gifted without egoism, likes to draw attention, loves life, motion, unrest, and even complications, is both dependent and independent, good taste, artistic, passionate, emotional, good company, does not forgive.

Walnut Tree (Passion)  -- unrelenting, strange and full ofcontrasts, often egotistic, aggressive, noble, broad horizon, unexpected reactions, spontaneous,  unlimited ambition, no flexibility, difficult and uncommon partner, not always liked but often admired, ingenious strategist, very jealous and passionate, no compromise.

Weeping Willow (Melancholy) - likes to be stress free, loves family life, full of hopes and dreams, attractive, very empathetic, loves anything beautiful, musically inclined, loves to travel to exotic places, restless, capricious, honest, can be influenced but is not easy to live with when pressured, sometimes demanding, good intuition, suffers in love until they find that one loyal, steadfast partner; loves to make others laugh.

So, which did you come from?

Cat

PS~Why is it that the only comment alerts I am getting ones for sites about sex?  A little help, please, AOL.....

PSS~ Sorry about the gaps in the text.  That's what I get for copying it  ;)

 

 

Weekend Assignment #79~Sweet home Chicago...

Weekend Assignment #79: Chicago! It's a toddlin' town. Share some of your favorite things about the City of Big Shoulders. If you've ever been to Chicago, memories of your visit would be a topic. If you live in or near Chicago, some hometown favorite things would be good. If you've never been, share your favorite Chicago-related thing, from the Jordan-era Bulls to the Blues Brothers to Ferris Bueller. As long as it's tangentially related to Chicago, it's all good.

Extra Credit: Chicago Deep Dish Pizza -- the best pizza ever? Your thoughts.                                                     

Chicago is my favorite city for so many reasons.   

First, the variety of things to do is awesome.  One could spend a week in Chicago and never get bored or do the same thing twice.  Let's start with the museums.  I can spend a good week wondering through all the museums Chicago has to offer. 

These are my favorites:  

Museum of Science and Industry  

The Field Museum of Natural History   

The Art Institute of Chicago  

University of Chicago - Oriental Institute Museum  

Chicago Historical Society  

Chicago Academy of Sciences - Nature Museum    

Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum  

Shedd Aquarium                                                                                                                                           

 

Then there is the cultural varieties of this City.  I like to think of it as a 'Little New York' with a lot less people to deal with :)  And it is a lot closer to me than NY  ;)   

Where to begin? 

One could eat out every day for a month and never eat the same type of food!  It is awesome.  Since I am a big Middle Eastern food/culture fan, I venture to Lawrence and Kedzie Avenues to satisfy my craving for authentic foods from 'Salam'. 

There are stores that offer clothes, jewelry, and items of every day use from these countries, too :)  

There are many other cultures here, too.  Korean, Italian, Cuban, Jamaican, and African.  I love this town! 

There is no way a person could get bored in a short amount of time in Chi-town.   The nightlife never stops here.  Navy Pier is open and crowded well into the wee morning hours.  If you're a water lover and looking for something to do~take a ride on the 'Ugly Duck' Boat.  A multi-level cabin cruiser that offers a nightclub onboard and a top deck view of the Navy Pier skyline :)

 

For those not into the crowd scene, walk one of the beaches on Lake Michigan or venture into downtown Chicago to see the Sears Tower, Oprah's show, or even the University of Chicago (where ER is taking place).  

If you're looking to spend some cash, Chi-town offers most major store names like Macy's, Bloomingdale's, and such.  But I am an outside Kitty, so I've never been there :)  

What can I say?  I love the diversity of this city.  I like to visit, but it's crowded to me, so I wouldn't want to live there.  I'll just hop the train and visit :)

For the record, though, I prefer NY style pizza.  Then again, it's all good  ;)  

Cat  

**All images from here