10 things i learned in chicago

1. i have a new found affection for imbibing on ouzo. who knew that black licorice could be bottled in liquid form and slide down the throat with that much ease.

2. that the history, architecture and expansiveness of one city could make denver look like it was an ant colony.

3. that navy pier closely resembles disneyland's main street where it is unbelievable the amount of people that can be packed on to one strip of concrete.

4. to enter rush street means that you must have a median income of probably close to a million dollars. no where i have seen a rolls royce and two lamborghini's parked less than one block from each other.

5. where my presentation at the conference could go so well, that i've decided to redirect a dissertation that was seriously in cardiac arrest.

6. that billy goat's tavern could set the standard for all dive bars i enter into the future. when my elbows stick to the bar, grease from decades of burgers line the walls and house beer is on tap for a decent price, i knew i was in love.

7. an invigoration to learn how to ride a harley. 'nuff said, i think i've officially entered my midlife crisis at 34 beginning in the windy city.

8. that lake michigan is so expansive and windy, i feel like i'm back on the pacific coast. i wouldn't want to feel that wind in the winter. brrrrrrr.

9. cicadas are nasty, ugly, flying space aliens who lurk in trees and screech so loud it feels like fireworks going off in your head.

10. that i'm ready to take my next step professionally in terms of my research and i can't think of a better place to have had this knowledge illuminated.

thank you, chicago, for schooling me .