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."