The Chocolate City

The "Loop" is the heart of Chicago and the second largest business district in United States. Named for the original, circular streetcar route, it is home to the first skyscraper, the Sears Tower, great shopping, majestic theatres, and, most importantly, professional service firms and centers of commerce galore. Walk out of Ogilvy Transportation on any weekday morning, and you will be herded like khaki-wearing cattle across the Chicago River and into some feat of engineering.

However, things are not all about steel and bottom lines. On days when things are "just so" and there is a pleasant breeze off of the lake, the most delightful transformation happens. Though beautiful and inviting, it is not the sun reflecting off of the sky scrappers; or the children giggling in the Millennium Park fountains; or the bucket drummer playing his Friday anthem on the bridge next to the opera house. Rather, it is the scent that fills the air.

Each day, when I leave work, I ride the elevator down 25 stories to the atrium. I hustle to the door, step outside, and take a big, deep breath of fresh air. One day, not too long ago, I inhaled deeply and thought, "What is that? What am I smelling? It's.... it's.... chocolate chip cookies!"

After a bit of research, I discovered that a chocolate company (yes, like Charlie... but no scary green men) has it's factory on the north-west corner of the Loop. Bloomer Chocolate even drew the attention of the EPA, when a west-loop resident was concerned about the levels of cocoa powder being released into the air (clearly, this individual did not get enough love as a child).

Each day since, when I walked out of the building, I have been disappointed to smell the city - some combination of lake, industry, rain and bus exhaust.

Today was a particularly hard day at work. I couldn't wait to get the weekend started. My mind was singularly focused as I pushed the revolving door around.... "HOME. Just get home." And, then it hit me again. Chocolate chip cookies. Warm ones, fresh out of the oven. It felt like a huge, comforting hug from Grandma. And, I smiled.

If you are ever in Chicago when the breeze is just right, I wish you a scrumptious afternoon full of the delights of life.

And... the picture said...

I lice chez pesu and gapj oos
win it isz worm i lice too play awsid
i lice to swim

- or -

I like cheese pizza and grape juice.
When it is warm, I like to play outside.
I like to swim.

Thanks for playing!

I can't spell

I can't spell.

And, just incase you need a little more evidence, I will not run spell check once I have finished this entry.

It all started with a little program called "Write to Read." When I was in kindergarden, my district decided to try a new program that taught pheneticly. It makes perfect sense... spell by sounding things out. Perhaps not. Here is a sample of my fine work.

Click on the picture and sound it out. Extra points to the first person who gets it right.

I'm not the only one in the family with this problem. My grandmother - the smartest women I've ever known - almost finished her PhD. She took all of the classes, finished all of her requirements, except one. She was such a poor writer that she didn't want to finish her disertation. My cousin is a worse speller than I am. Perhaps it is genetic.

The real kicker is that for a living I am a communicator. Now, as an adult, my best friend is F7.

Welcome to my world

I am a unique snowflake. Or, at least that is what my husband tells me when I am demanding attention.

Welcome to my world. (Or, blogdom as I like to call it)

• In my world, you will be able to get Godiva honey almond truffles everywhere. (Did I mention they are fat free?)
• In my world, Southwest will always Ding! me for $49 tickets to Maui. (Cleveland, of course, will always be full-price, refundable only)
• In my world, I always have fresh flowers. (Don't think I mean carnations)
  
• In my world, my OCD will switch from rearranging bottles to the treadmill.
• In my world, I get to cook for my friends and family every day. (and use Paula Dean amounts of butter)
  
• In my world, having lots of cat will not make you crazy. (Two does not make you crazy!)
• In my world, everything can be turned into a song. (Try it - "Don't miss that exit ramp, yeah!)
• In my world, mommies who can't drive will not drive the biggest SUVs on the market, while putting on their lipstick, while changing the radio, while their kids jump around in the back seat, while they are saying to their friend on the cell phone, "You just can't have enough air bags."
• In my world, bread will always be served with butter. (Does anyone like olive oil?)
• In my world, I will not feel a need to remove the dust cover from books with "shopaholic" or "baby" in the title and a main character who is single, white, female lawyer/journalist/banker.
• In my world, "The Office" will have a new episode every week. (Can I get an Amen?!)
• In my world, good parenting will have nothing to do with portable DVD players and flower-shaped cheese.
• In my world, great shoes will not go unnoticed. (Feel free to notice the above fabulousness)
  
• In my world, weddings happen everyday.
• In my world, PlayStation 2 (or substitute the video game console of your choice) will magically shut itself off after 1 hour each night.

• In my world, I am a unique snowflake!
  

What does your world look like....?