Things that happen when I'm listening...

Sometimes you have to sit for a long time and sometimes you need to be doing something to help you focus.  

You thought I was done didn't you?

So I saw this beauty from a co-worker on Facebook and well it just shows how beautiful downtown Chicago really is.  A lot of people are afraid of Chicago, but it's really such a beautiful and interesting place.

Chicago: The Great American City from Jackpot in the West Productions on Vimeo.

Day 365

Today is the last day of 2014.  I feel like it requires me to reflect a little on the past year.

Over the year we've learned that the architecture in Chicago is gorgeous, the food is plentiful and delicious, family is only a short jaunt away, and I love my cat.  Fans, I think that I may actually have begun to like this place.  I don't know if I can say that I love it quite yet, but I do love the people I've met and the experiences I've been able to have over the last 365 days living here.

Also, if it weren't for Chicago I would have not made the largest collection of paintings I've ever been able to create.  Some of them are good, some of them are downright awful, and some of them are really beautiful.  I still feel pretty vulnerable posting the awful ones, but I think it's a good exercise in honesty.  Now you know that good painting takes a lot of effort.

So here is my last little project.  It's not a painting, another gift from the husband in my stocking, and of course, it's my cat--kind of.

What I love: I think I might be able to one day say Chicago.

Day 364

My sister gave us a Groupon to Waffles Cafe and On the Bun.  We decided before we start Whole30 to take a trip to Streeterville to try it out.  I ordered pound cake french toast that was OK, but the husband got Waffles Eggs Benedict and it was DELICIOUS.  Also, the hot chocolate and hash browns were wonderful!

What I love: Walking downtown even when it is 13 degrees Fahrenheit outside.  The city is very pretty and you meet and see such interesting people along the way.

Day 363

On a recommendation from a friend we took a trip to the Asian market.  There they had dumplings and all kinds of crazy seafood.

What I love: I love Asian markets and I may also love red bean dumplings, but I'm not such a huge fan of kimchi.  Thanks Chicago for broadening my food horizons.

Day 362

You are looking at my breakfast when the husband is out of town.

What I love: I love that my husband is the cook in our family because he likes it and he's good at it.  Also, I may love Cuties, the orange, not my husband.

Day 361

The husband flew to Kansas City over the weekend and I got to hang out with my mother and sister in law.  We took a trip to The Spice House and picked up spices for our Whole30 diet starting January 2nd.

What I love: Riding the Metra train, except when loud drunk groups get on.  Also, I love hanging out with family and maybe I also love Dimple's Donuts.