Sherry-Sherry BABY

I am going to see Jersey Boys on December 20th and I am so excited. I bought two tix over the summer for my boyfriend and I for $65 a piece. Our seats are now $195 a piece- I guess it is going to be a great show. My boyfriend is trapped in the olden days (check out the hair do) and I figured this would be a perfect Christmas present.

Sherry, Sherry babySherry, Sherry babySherry baby (Sherry baby)Sherry can you come out tonight(Come,come, come out tonight)Sherry baby (Sherry baby)Sherry can you come out tonight(Why don't you come out) To my twist party(Come out) Where the bright moon shines(Come out) We'll dance the night awayI'm gonna make you mineSherry baby (Sherry baby)Sherry can you come out tonight(Come, come, come out tonight)You better ask your Mama (Sherry baby)Tell her everything is alright(Why don't you come out) With your red dress on(Come out) Mmm you look so fine(Comeout) Move it nice and easyGirl, you make me lose my mindrepeat to fade Sherry, sherry baby

Creeping on Chan's Blog

I loved K. Chan's blog. I finally just uploaded my first picture and I am so proud of myself! Then I look at K. Chan's blog and I feel really bad about myself. Technology is my enemy. Anyways, Chan's blog is awesome. There are so many pictures- it looks like an official website.

I like the way she personalizes each blog entry. I tend to vent a lot on my blogs and I think it is more interesting.

Every Monday Chan and I walk to the other side of campus after UPP. She usually attends a music show over the weekend and I never know the music she is talking about since all I listen to is country music. Chan is very passionate about music and it is obvious after reading her blog entries. I loved the lyrics to the Ryan Adam's song about Chicago. That was my favorite blog entry because I have heard the song before- but never listened to the actual lyrics. I had the words all messed up. It is kind of like Ms American Pie drinking whiskey and wine---- woops RYE!

These are a few of my favorite things......

This city is so big. There are so many places to go; however I find myself circling around my same favorite spots. I need to start exploring more places. Hopefully I can discover some new hot spots from other people in the class.

1. Watertower Place- Whenever I have an entire day off, Watertower pops right into my head. I love grazing through all the stores and splurging on myself. The hussle and bussle can be rather annoying- but I kind of like it in a weird way. It's a great place for people watching.

2. Wrigley Field- Believe it or not, I am a SOX fan! However, Wrigley Field blows U.S. Cellular out of the ballpark! I may be cheering for the other team, however I love the atmosphere- especially in the bleachers.

3. North Ave Beach- This just made my very depressed. I love the beach.... I rode my bike there all summer and I loved every minute. Unfortunately my bike was stolen and I had to start using the bus- but I still made it there often. I love the crowds of people and I also love sipping margartias, laying on the sand and soaking up the rays.

4. Volare- It is a fantastic Italian restaurant where I love spending Sunday afternoons. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is fantastic.

5. Northerly Island- This place is aweseome to attend a concert. The breeze off the lake and the sky line is the perfect setting for music and beers.

Gobble Gobble

It is almost that time of year. Walking the streets of Chicago reminds me everyday the holidays are coming. The leaves all over the sidewalk and the crisp breeze are a few of the everyday reminders here in Chicago. This year I plan on spending Thanksgiving with my family who live on the Southside of Chicago. I am bringing Liz's poem about Beverly to Thanksgiving dinner because my McAuley cousins are every bit of that poem and I can't wait to give it to them.

Anywho, I am really excited for the holidays. Many people dread the holidays for whatever reason- however I refuse. I try and focus on the positives rather than the family drama that each family deals with every holiday season. There are so many things I want to do before Christmas. I promised my younger cousins they could come visit me in my DOWNTOWN apartment and we could have a slumber party. They think it is just the coolest thing in the world. I want to take them to Millenium Park and State steet so they can see the big tree. For some reason the Cheesecake Factory reminds me of the holidays so we'll probably swing by there for dinner. My aunt took me dowtown when I was younger around this time so I want to be sure to return the favor.

The Creative Class

I really enjoyed reading Florida's article on the Creative Class. I agree with his theories one hundred percent. Strangly enough I notice the creative class mostly in the restaurant industry. After serving for three years, I can pick out a city person from a suburbanite accurately. I can also guess what an individual will choose off the menu. After moving to Chicago I have realized a consistency among the inhabitants of the city. People who live in the city dress, talk, and walk differently then those individuals living in the burbs. It was an adjustment for me since I was used to the way of the suburbs after living there all of my life. Living in Chicago changes people dramatically. I feel I have changed a lot as well. I may not be an asiring rock superstar, an artist or a homosexual but I understand the importance of this group in a city. These individuals bring about excitement, entertainment and livelihood to cities all over the world. I feel I have conformed right into the creative class and it makes me appreciate the uniqueness among others.

Friends in the City

Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends.”

These are my closest friends I have made in the city. These girls are more than my friends- they are like family. We are all living in the city on our own and away from our families. Some days it is hard to be all alone in a big city. It is nice to have a great group of friends to fall back on when your real family can not be there to make your day a little brighter. We eat, drink, work, party, cry, laugh, fight and gossip together. We are there for one another no matter what. We haven't known eachother very long but we understand we're all one another has in this big city that can be so cold sometimes.

Part IV... You get what you pay for!

Little Italy is a great example of land use and housing. Recently the low-income housing projects have been torn down in the area and condos are shooting up all over the place. Even though the inhabitants are being housed in nicer facilities- the low income natives are still in the neighborhood and others have been relocated. They are just residing in nicer homes. The majority of people living in this neighborhood are at least of middle-class standards. People are looking to move to the city at a rapid rate. Condos and land use are needed in order to house all of the people willing to pay the pretty penny for city property. Obviously housing surrounded by projects will cost less but if you tear down the ugly low-income housing and replace those projects with better facilities buyers will be willing to pay more for a nicer looking location.

Extreme University Makeover Needed

UIC is a very depressing campus. The only positive places i enjoy at this school are: the new recreation facility and my spanish classroom, Lincoln hall rm. 218?, it is colorful and delightful.
If ABC had some spare time, UIC could use an Extreme Makeover: University edition.

I am a transfer student therefore I do not feel loyalty to this University at all. The buildings are ugly, BROWN and depressing. Do you want to know how I really feel? haha Anyways, I feel the architecture is negatively overwhelming. When the weather is sunny and warm the campus is tolerable- however during the fall and winter months this campus is a very unpleasent place to walk around. It is a very cold atmosphere.

The new building that is across from Lincoln Halls looks great. I wish every building on this campus looked that way. The glass and warm colors really make a difference in that specific location. As far as the older buildings, I would take out the old riot proof windows and add new windows that can be opened during class. I sweat so bad in some of my classes the temperature interferes w my attention level.

I would add new bathrooms. I do not care if they need to pay someone to sit in the restrooms and monitor grafitti artists. The bathrooms at this school are DISCUSTING!! I try to never use them EVER for two reasons. First I do not want to catch a disease with all of the germs swimming around. Second, the harsh words on the stalls are not the best reading material while one is doing their buisness.

For all the negatives, I will say the recreation facility is wonderful. I love going to the gym as much as possible. It is a very positive atmosphere because everything is new and state of the art.

IL = A+ in my eyes

Illinois
Overall :C+
People: B
Money: C
Infrastructure: C+
Information: C+
Lousiana
Overall:B
People: B+
Money: B
Infasturcture: C+
Information: A-
What is this some sort of joke? The people of Chicago are B? That is just ridiculous... On what scale is this non-sense measured? How did Lousiana beat Chicago? These grades seem slightly ridiculous and unreliable. I find it very hard to believe that Lousiana earned a B in money where Chicago earned a C.... I feel like Lousiana is one of the poorer states. I am just really confused with this scale!

What do you wanna do? IDK What do you wanna do?

This blog kind of applies to the five favorite places. Last Thursday I was sitting around my apartment all day long. Two of my girlfriends stopped by and then there were three of us sitting around for hours. Normally Grey's Anatomy would be a sufficient reason to stay in; however that show has gone from my priority television program to backround noise while I do homework. We stared at eachother and debated on what to do the rest of the night. We brought up the usual ideas: bowling, drinking, board games etc. Nothing sounded appealing at all!

We proceeded to join my boyfriend and his two friends at Nuevo Leon. None of us girls were hungry since we sat on my couches and ate all day long. We were just bored to tears and needed a reason to get out of the house. Before we knew it we were sitting right back on those couches. Every idea that came to mind involved drinking. Personally I am so sick of alcohol so I refused to participate. My friend Natalie was determined to get to the bars some how -even if it meant going alone. My other friend Ashley and I decided to go to Blockbuster and rent Shrek 3 (I wasn't a fan). How come in a huge city like Chicago three gals can't figure out a way to past the time? It is pretty pathetic andI look forward to reading other students blogs in order to find new hobbies.

These are my friends from high school. We went to a private Catholic school, home of the Celtics and we take the Southside and St. Patrick's day parade very seriously. It is in our blood. We have no choice. Anyways, those two parades are close to my favorite times of the year.

I love the way our city celebrates St Patricks's day. Maybe it's because our Mayor is Irish or because Chicago has a lot of Irish people residing. I don't know but I do love it and I hope the tradition never ends. The best part of the two parades is being with family and celebrating our culture.

A Virtual Apple

FYI:This specific blog may or may not be about cities, but I am going to do it anyways. Also, I am not trying to win points with the professor either. I just wanted to dedicate a blog to Professor Sherry.

The idea for this blog was insipired by a negative experience I had the other day. Some @ss O was talking bad about me and a friend had brought it to my attention. I am human; therefore I was pretty upset. Within minute of hearing the awful things that were said about me, my roommate strolls in the apartment w a heavy envelope she found in our mailbox. The timing was perfect. My aunt had sent me a wonderful card with tons of pictures that turned my frown around! It was a simple gesture that helped me forget about that bald headed @ss O! (that felt really great) Therefore, I decided I wanted to pass the kindness around!

Upp202 is a fantastic class- the perfect course to take my senior year. Even though it is a hike from my apartment, once I am there- I enjoy myself. The best part of the class is Professor Sherry. She is the nicest, most genuine professor I have ever had in my entire college experience. I don't think she could hurt of fly. Every time class is over- My friends and I say, "She is just so nice!" By the time we hit Harrison street, we are still praising you. Your class makes my day a little brighter.

Normally, professors are not student's favorite people! It is obvious you are fulfilling your calling because your energy and kindess is noticeable and contagious! I love hearing your insights on different cities and I respect your depth of knowledge with random interesting facts. Thanks for your enthusiasm!! It is much appreciated!!!!

Thanks to Pops

This is my Grandpa I call him Pop. He is the reason I am living and going to school in the city. I was a total suburbanite until "Pop" came to the rescue. Pop was born and rasied in Bridgeport while I was sheltered in Tinley Park.

One evening my family met my grandpa for dinner in Little Italy. I was in the midst of transferring schools and had no idea where I'd end up. My grandpa asked the owner if he was hiring and low and be hold I would end up working at the restaurant we were dining at a month later and still be there today (3 years later). I applied to UIC and the rest is history. It's funny how things work out. I love living downtown because I am very close with my grandpa. He takes such good care of me. He brings me fruit, peanut butter and even toilet paper for my apartment on a regular basis. He's the best. I am so lucky to have him in my life.

Old Blue Eyes

I wanted to post this song because Frank Sinatra came into the restaurant I work at now many moons ago. A little boy was at my work on Sunday doing a research project on Little Italy. He was singing My Kind of Town and obsessing over the fact that Frank Sinatra came to eat at the same place he was eating at. It was super cute and suitable for a nice quick blog entry before I turn into bed for the night!!

My Kind Of Town
(Writers: Cahn/van Heusen)(Performer: Frank Sinatra)
Now this could only happen to a guy like meAnd only happen in a town like this
And so I say to each of you most gratefullyAs I throw each one of you a kiss
This is my kind of town, Chicago is My kind of town, Chicago is My kind of people too People who, smile at you And each time I roam, Chicago is Calling me home, Chicago is One town that won't let you down It's my kind of town My kind of town, Chicago is My kind of town, Chicago is My kind of razzmatazz And it has, all that jazz And each time I leave, Chicago is Tuggin' my sleeve, Chicago isThe Wrigley Building, Chicago is The Chicago Cubbies, Chicago is One town that won't let you down It's my kind of town !

cHiCaGo 20lympics16

I really hope Chicago has the chance to host the 2016 olympics. What a perfect city to bring peeople all over the world to. After traveling to many US cities, Chicago clearly rests among the top in an array of different categories. Chicago is a clean city. Chicago is also easy to navigate around. Mayor Daley has done wonders as far as restoring and keeping this city immaculate. Compared to other cities such as New York, Chicago is spotless and fresh and easy to manuver around. People from all over the world will have the opportunity to witness what a magnificent city Chicago truly is. Although Chicago may not be completely prepared to host such a huge event, what city was ready? We know how to prepare. We have the facilities, knowledge and leaders to make the 2016 olympics unforgettable.

Moreover, I salivate thinking about the money that will be brought into the city if the olympics took place here in Chicago. As a waitress at one of the oldest restaurants in the city- I know I would make a killing. I will be 32 in 2016 and I don't know if I can hang onto my apron until then. However, the olympics would do wonders for the economy. Of course it costs money to host the olympics but I believe we would earn it back and then some. This city would be mobbed with people from all over the world: eating, drinking and shopping each and everyday. It is kind of like a wedding. People pay thousands to get married and hopefully make it back in the end from family and friends.

The 1996 olympics held in Atlanta, GA did wonders for their city. Atlanta isn't even half of what Chicago is and Atlanta prospered. The Braves are my favorite baseball team because I love Chipper Jones. The stadium was transformed into the new home for the Atlanta Braves. Since I do not know exactly what I am talking about here are some facts:

According to Jeffery Humphreys "The short-term economic impacts will result from new dollars brought into the region by the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games (ACOG), related sporting and cultural events, the media, pre-Olympic training, marketing activities, athletes, officials, spectators, and other visitors to Georgia. The initial injections of new dollars will occur primarily in and around Atlanta, Athens, and Savannah, and to a lesser extent in the Columbus and Gainesville areas, but re-spending of these dollars will have effects that will be felt statewide.
The long-term benefits, or major legacies, fall into three categories: (1) the creation of world-class facilities; (2) national and international recognition of city and state through extensive media exposure; and (3) community benefits including local volunteerism, job creation and training, youth and education programs, funding for community economic development projects, and cultural programs."

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr- It's cold!!!

Today is the coldest day thus far and I hate it! If this was not my last post I'd probably be in a worse mood; however I am thrilled that I will be finished with this section of the project for a while.

As I walking to class today I was thinking about the weather in this city. It is unpredictable. Meterologists in Chicago are the only people who can screw up their job everyday and never get fired! What's up with that? I don't think they told me exactly how cold it was going to be today. Taft said a light jacket would suffice for today and boy was he WRONG!

On Sunday I layed out in my bathing suit at Arigo Park hoping to soak up a few rays before the cruel, cruel weather arrives. I was sweating terribly and I began to sweat even more when I looked south a few blocks and saw a stream of wacko's running the marathon( I admire anyone who competes in marathons). However, I can't believe I wore a bathing suit on Sunday and a scarf on Wednesday! Bizarre huh?

But the weather in Chicago is one of the major reasons I love this city. It changes things up a bit. It's kind of like a new bag or even a new fling (it's refreshing)... I try and enjoy each moment even if it brings about a little nip in the air.

WoooooooooooHOOOOOOOO!! I AM FINISHED!!

Weirdos in the City

I hate to keep harping on my love for Sex in the City, but the show just inspired me to write this blog entry.

I am sitting in the computer lab at school and this random man keeps talking to me! I am a super friendly person; however there is a time and place for everything. I can not help but laugh in his face because I do not know what he is talking about. I do not think he is interested in me romantically at ALL. I really think he is just a huge werido! He is watching a Tupac video on YouTube and dancing around in his seat. He keeps tapping my shoulder and asking me to watch with him! Did I mention I do not know this man next to me. If UIC had more computers I would move my seat.

I know you can all relate to me right now. I have never encountered so many strange people in my life. Whether it is on the "L" or walking to class there is always some strange person there to make your day a little weirder. When I went to EIU, this situation would have never happened. This is the type of situation where you want your best friend with you so someone understands how bizarre this person is. These are the moments when you laugh so hard your stomach hurts. I am LOL thinking about how awkward this is!! I hate Tupac's music. Why me? Why all these weridos in the city??

Ritzer Smitzer

I love how Ritzer discusses Disneyworld because I just adore going to "The happiest place on Earth!" NOT!!

Disneyworld is a very nice place to go and then never go back. It is over-priced, too crowded, stinky and it's always way too hot to walk around. I am glad I can say I have been there, but quite frankly I'd never want to go back. If I have kids my husband will have to take them and I'll lay poolside with my Pina Colada.

Disneyworld reminds me of the Taste of Chicago. These public outings bring about super hot weather and huge swarms of people. I don't know if it is a coincidence or my horrible luck but I always feel that these places STINK, literally. There's always sweating/stinky people walking around with HUGE chicken leg residue hanging from their mouths and then there are the little brats running all over the place. Thousands, maybe even millions of people in one area is not my idea of a good time.

I may not be a credible source- I am the type of customer that can walk in a restaurant starving and loose my appetite when the workers don't wear gloves!

City=Smaller thighs?

I have a new diet fad that I am hoping will catch on! Are you ready for it? LIVE IN THE CITY. My thighs have always been one of my problem areas. However since I have been living in the city my "American thighs" have shrunk dramatically. Here are three valid reasons why:

First, I am carless and I've learned to become careless. Let me expand. I do my best to make it to the gym. I am there year round consistenly two times a week. However, I walk so much that if I can not make it to the gym I am able to firm up my thighs with a swift walk to class. Therefore, I careless!! I don't beat up on myself anymore because I tell myself, "UPP class is in Timbucktwo so don't feel too guilty!" Without a car I have become very sufficient. I walk to the grocery store, Wal-greens, friend's houses, etc. When I lived in the suburbs I drove everywhere and my thighs were significantly larger. Even if I decided to take the "L" downtown I still get in at least a two mile walk somehow.

Next, the people that live in the city motivate me. For the most part, everyone around me appears to be health nuts and that forces me to jump on the band wagon. Working-out and eating healthy is a lifestyle in the city, not a resolution. I love being surrounded by healthy, positive individuals.

Finally, I have never seen so many damn stairs in my life. I attack stairs everywhere I go. Even when there is an escalater available- I opt for the staircase. My apartment is on the third floor and I have been up and down those things a million times. I've also fell down them a few times (it hurt but I got down them faster). I figure I am 23 I better be able to climb a few flights of stairs.

In conclusion, move to the city and loose those cottage cheese thighs!

Surfing around the websites

I enjoyed looking around the different websites. Chicago is a beautiful city. This class gives us an opportunity to explore new exciting places we never knew existed. I can not speak for everyone in the class, personally I feel as though I have become comfortable in this little area of the city (Little Italy) and I find it difficult to branch out and discover new places to hang out, shop and roam around.

The overview shots on the revealing Chicago website were amazing. Many of the overhead views were familiar to me; however I have never seen them from that point of view before. This particular website also helps me visualize where specific streets are located. I am still trying to learn my way around the city. As I looked over these maps I was able to gain a better perspective as to where certain streets are located as well as the direction to which they run.

The picturing Chicago website was interesting as well because I liked viewing pictures of all the different neighborhoods. I felt like a kid because as soon as I saw something familiar I got excited. I wish the pictures offered color or maybe that would defeat the purpose of their website? Who knows? This website was very neat. I also wish I knew how to post pictures because there is one specific picture I loved and I can not figure out how to upload the damn thing!

Finally, the UIC web page was rather impressive. I didn't know they had such a resource and it was pretty cool to check out. My favorite pictures were the water pictures. I love looking at the river and lake shots the best. It makes me feel like I am somewhere warm again!

I do not photograph often, but if I were to I would photograph all the major monuments like a little tourist. I would be sure to swing by Harpo, Wrigley, US cellular, Sears Tower, Water Tower, Millenieum Park, the beaches etc.

The Metro Chicago Immigration Factbook

In relation to the online reading, "The Metro Chicago Immigration Factbook" I would like to discuss the location of such nationalities throughout the city. I was intrigued to learn the amount of immigrants that cluster their way over to Chicago and reside in areas with similar ethnicities. Who decides where each nationality will reside? Why each location? What changes over time?

I ponder which Italian native wandered from Italy to Chicago and decided to set up camp on Taylor street. Clearly several hundreds of thousands followed and began their new life in what is now known as "Little Italy." I think it fantastic immigrants remain loyal to their culture. I really like clusters of nationalities because I beleive diversity is only good to a certain extent. I think diversity brings about many problems in an old-fashioned community.

Furthermore, as an Irish Catholic Sox fan I tend to believe those three characteristics go hand in hand. Many Irish natives voyaged to Chicago and started their lives on the South side of the city. Beverly, Mount Greenwood and other areas surrounding were very Irish back in the day. Although times have changed- there are still many Irish natives residing in the south end of the city.

I could go on and on about each ethnicity: for example, Greektown- Chinatown- and even Boystown to a certain extent. People feel comfortable living in a familiar culture on familiar terrain! Maybe it is right or maybe it is wrong! I like it that way!!!

Chicago <3

~"I go to the orginal Second City, the orginal House of Blues and I ride the "el". The Cubs are a baseball team and not an organization for little boys. I like my pizza with thick crust. I know why it's called the windy city. I know Buckingham is a fountian, not a palace. 3 MILLION PEOPLE TALK JUST LIKE ME. LSD is a street, not a drug. I drive on expressways, shop on Michigan avenue and drink POP. I live in the third largest city in the country. I am from CHICAGO and damn proud of it!"~

I love this poem!!!

Stalking Lisa M.

Lisa and I have been in classes together for the past few semesters. She is an awesome girl; however I only really know her via internet and chit-chatting in class, which I guess sounds rather creepy. I chose to look at her blog since she offers personal insight into her view on cities. I feel as though I have gained a deeper understanding of who she is by creeping around her profile!!

In Lisa's latest blog she talks about immigration which she touches upon many of the issues that I have discussed in my previous blog. I can relate to her because my family ventured to America roughly the same time. I loved how Lisa writes, " I just think that if they're not doing anything to help the country they do not belong here!" However, my family were positive forces in America oppossed to riding the American wave just like Lisa said her family was. They worked hard to better themselves and make a better life for their family. That is what America is about! Go big or go HOME!

Furthermore, Lisa writes about the gentrification outside of her window. She writes about the three stages and I like how she applied those concepts to her blog entry! She's making my blogs look inferior with all of her technical terms!

My favorite part of Lisa's blog was her description of her lake house. Living in the city is fabulous; but sometimes you just need to get away from the hustle and bustle! Lisa is super lucky to have a getaway house so close, yet far enough from the fast pace city! Take me to your lake house sometime Lis!

The Hull House

Sorry Professor I was not in class today! I was sick. Well, not exactly. I weighed my options and listening to the rain in my bed was more appealing than splashing through puddles to get to class. However, I decided to get up and be some what productive; therefore my productive day will begin with this blog entry!

Last week we attended the Hull House and I loved it. I've walked past the Hull House one million times and never had an urge to creep around inside. I am glad we were given this opportunity.

I was completely fascinated with the history behind the Jane Addams Hull House. Throughout the entire tour I kept thinking, "How did they get by with such little means?" I think it is so intriguing when you ponder the way of life these people were accustomed to. I mean we all live with luxury after luxury and these people were just happy to have a roof over their head. It makes me feel so grateful to be able to live so comfortably each and every day. I also felt proud at the same time. My grandparents came to the United States from Ireland in the 1940's and worked their @**'* off to make a new life for themselves.

Moreover, I was extremely impressed with the tour guide's knowledge. She did an excellent job. I wonder how many times she has said the same thing over and over again. That has to be rather tedious. She'd could dominate the Who Wants to be a Millionaire show with all those facts!

To-do list

As I had stated in my previous blog, I'd rather visit "my list" of cities in the US before I venture off to Europe. So here are some of the places I've been:
Los Angelos-Hollywood sign/Playboy Mansion/Santa Monica Pier/Venice Beach/Disneyland
Boston- Fenway Park
Tempe AZ- ASU and plenty of mountain climbing/river floating
Las Vegas- The strip (very blurry however) and Palms
New York- Time Square, Ground Zero, Statue of Liberty, NYU, I drank a $23 mojito at the W Hotel and spent most my $ in cabs (so expensive)
Florida- everywhere but Miami/did it all and I'm over Florida
Charleston, NC- played in a softball tournament/can't remember many sights
Overland Park, KS- Softball again, met Dorthy and Toto
Louisville, KY- Softball and love southern hospitality
Chicago- I love driving past HARPO (guilty pleasure)
San Fran- Alcatrez and the bridge
Wash D.C.-all the monuments
**********
To Do:
Anywhere Hawaii- San Diego -Santa Fe
Miami Beach- New Orleans- Denver
Anywhere Alaska -Houston -Utah (I <3 Big Love)
Nashville- Atlanta (to see Chipper Jones)

Proud to be an American!

Since 9/11 immigration has become a huge issue in the United States. Have we gone too far as a free nation? We as Americans are entitled the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. But are we sacrificing our own safety in our own country? Chicago has been faced with many different stands on immigration. For example, in "Big Cities Balk Over Illegal Migrants" Judy Keen writes: "Despite a federal effort to enlist help from local police to catch illegal immigrants, some of the USA's biggest cities are declining to enforce immigration laws." Some cities are cracking down on the loopholes in regards to immigration and some cities are simply avoiding the controversey. How will the problem of immigration ever be fixed? Are we as American citizens in danger?

I do not follow up on such events quite frequently; however I am aware of the huge marches held downtown in reference to the immigration reforms. As a second generation American I can understand both sides of the argument to a certain extent. However, I want to feel safe in my country PERIOD! I just feel it is a privilege to be an American and immigrants need to follow the rules properly just as my relatives did. Learn OUR language, work hard and pay your end to the government and honor the best country in the world! God Bless America!

Is it the sex, or the city?

I am a late bloomer when it comes to the Sex and the City phenomenon. I love the show! I think it is brilliantly entertaining. The plot, comedy and drama swallows me whole. I can sit on my white leather couch, hours on end, watching four women BS about their lives and love every minute of it. In turn, I can call my girlfriends and hear the same BS in a non-fictional dramatic manner and be annoyed? In typical Carrie Bradshaw fashion, "I got to thinking", is it the sex, or the city? Why are we as living beings so enthralled with this fictional show about a journalist and her sex-life in the big city? Why are our own lives so draining and tedious? Anywho, enough role playing. All I need is a pack of Marbrolo Lights and my body weight divided by two and I would be Carrie Bradshaw.

I am fascinated by New York. New York has it's own style, pace and reputation of dominating cities around the world. Likewise, Chicago holds it's own as well. Whenever I run into old classmates or catch up with family members I often find myself idolized for living in the city at the age of 23? "That's so great you're living in the city!" "You're so lucky, do you love it?" People are just mesmerized with the idea of a young single gal cutting bread and the rug in the big city. The bottom line is many people are and always will be obsessed with big cities. I guess it is the city in The Sex and City that makes people yearn for more. The sex part probably helps, but I won't get into that (my grandpa knows how to use the computer)!

1076 W. Gentrification

Gentrification is my current address. I currently live in the Little Italy neighborhood and love every minute of it. I had moved into an apartment with a co-worker and planned to eventually move in with a good friend from high school. However, I still live with my co-worker because Laura's (friend from high school) parents were not thrilled with their daughter living in the UIC area. Laura's parents both attended St. Ignatious high school, (many moons ago) and did not feel comfortable with the surrounding "slums." I could understand their point initially since the projects on Taylor and Ada were less than reassuring; however gentrification has begun in this area.

I have noticed dramatic changes in the Little Italy neighborhood. The best change has been the destruction of projects previously located in the center of a fantastic city attraction. When I first moved down to the city I was slightly hesitant when walking west down Taylor St. However, some pepper spray and a brief street education from some of the neighborhood natives helped me feel better about roaming the streets.

Ironically, Laura has moved to Lincoln Park despite all of the crime that has gone on this summer. Crime can happen any where. I tried to convice her to move in the neighborhood; however her parents just won't let it go. Maybe her parents need to read my blog!

from Charleston, IL to DIVA

I began my college career at Eastern Illinois University back in 2003. The itzy bitzy town of Charleston was fine, nothing to blog (haha brag) about. It was tiny and rather dirty- I felt deprivedl; I wanted more. I was desperate for new adventures. I left EIU- moved home for an incredibly long year with a roomie (my father), saved some money, traveled and finally made it to the big city I was lusting for!

In that year I was traveling nearly every other month- thanks to my awesome job at Tufano's (located on campus)and the flexibility of community college. In one year I went to Los Angelos, New York, Boston, Vegas and ASU (can't think of the town T?????). I had so much fun in each city. I am actually LOL thinking of the times I had.

Believe it or not, Los Angelos is my overall favorite city. I have been going there since I was a young pup and I feel loyal to the city of angels. I love the ocean- I love the mountains- the carefree attitude of the wacky people down on Venice beach is amazing. My 2nd favorite trip was ASU- I had never laughed so hard in my life. I went there on Spring Break and eleven of my friends and I stayed in a one bedroom apt! I wouldn't have done it any other way! We climbed mountains- drank plenty of just about everything and floated down a beautiful river thingy! It was just gorgeous.

I would rather visit every major city in the USA before I go to Europe!!!

Tract This!

It seemed appropriate to stay organized and efficient considering school has only just begun. Therefore, I wanted to talk about my census tract. I live considerably close to Liz, "Little Italy" therefore the example shown in class was fantastic for me.

It is just amazing how much research must go into one single census. Personally, I would never graze the census site in my spare time; however I was fairly amused in class today. I know censuses are significantly important since it serves a greater purpose other than UPP 202 entertainment,obviously! However, all that work had to be a pain in the (beep)without technology way back in the day.

Overall, the census is out of date. The projects have been torn down and relocation probably would alter the demographics dramatically. I believe the University brings huge diversity to the area compared to other parts of the city. However many of the native residents still reside in the neighborhood. I work at one of the oldest family owned restaurants in the area; therefore I am familiar with many of the families that reside in this neighborhood. I have to disagree with the majority of "types" of households in the area. I think the majority of households would be families living around the neighborhood in comparison to college students.

PLaNnInG Gr8 CiTiEs