What I Love & "Love" About Chicago

In honor of my three week anniversary in the Windy City I've decided that it would only be appropriate to reflect on the things that I love about Chicago:

1. I love that the public transportation system is so well developed! I've learned to navigate it fairly well and love not having to worry about gas or parking! Plus, every adventure using CTA is guaranteed to be an adventure and you never know who you're going to meet.

2. I "love" that I can't find toilet seat covers in any public restrooms. While I'm glad that the city is being green and saving paper, I don't understand why toilet seat covers are a "no go". I mean lets be real here-sanitary practices should not be sacrificed for sustainability. I've resorted to making toilet seat covers out of toilet paper which is not an easy task mind you, given that it slips off the seat before I have a chance to sit down. Thus, I'm fairly certain that the cities environmental efforts have been single handedly destroyed by yours truly.

3. I love that the people of Chicago are so friendly! I feel like everywhere I go I meet new people who for the 30 seconds to a minute that we interact are as pleasant as can be! From the willingness to answer questions, provide directions or simply say good morning, the people of Chicago are precious! I think Chicago should be the city of brotherly love!

4. I "love" that the flushing mechanism on most toilets here is about 2 feet higher than the actual toilet. While this may not seem like a big deal to most, those of us who prefer to flush with our foot are outraged! (Yes, it has been discussed with others). Every attempt is like an acrobatic feat where a full leg lift is absolutely necessary-just make sure to not pull a muscle!

5. I love that the night life is electric! People are out in the streets, walking around, eating and being merry! Most places don't even close until 4am on the weekends which is astounding! It's a total culture shock from Stockton where people don't walk in the streets or stay out past 1:30am.

6. I "love" the humidity! There's absolutely nothing better than walking outside and feeling like you're entering a cloud of moist air. In fact, my favorite thing is that I can't straighten my hair and you know how much I hate doing that :(

7. I love that I can go to the beach at the drop of a hat! Whether it's to lay out or just for a casual walk it's something that I love having the luxury of being able to do.

8. I "love" that I never know what to wear. Mother Nature is especially deceptive in Chicago. While it may appear cloudy or rainy one must not be fooled because despite the massive thunderstorms it's still about 95 degrees.

9A. I love that so many people here run! It's so inspirational and makes me want to get back into the habit once my gym membership is up and running (no pun intended....maybe just a little). Everyone seems really fit and health conscious so maybe I'll even join a runners club?!

9B. I "love" that so many people here run! It's such a reminder of how I need to get into shape. I don't know why but for some reason there's something I just don't enjoy about people around me running outside in the heat when I can barely walk 5 steps without feeling like I'm going to keel over from heat exhaustion.

10. I love how many bougie food places there are here from elaborate cupcake bakeries to gourmet grilled cheese sandwich restaurants or even chocolate shops with unusual mixtures. There's truly a taste for everyone!

11. I "love" how many people here have dogs! Everywhere I go I see people walking their dogs. In fact, I'm convinced that most younger twenty-something guys only have dogs to hit on people. But I've seriously never seen so many dogs in one place. It's like a daily adventure where I ask myself, "will my biggest fear attack me today?" Luckily I've survived three weeks without being eaten alive so I think my chances of survival are looking good.

To end on a serious note with all sarcasm and wittiness aside-I really do love Chicago! There's so much to see and do and I can't wait to discover more of the city!