The Big Windy City

I know I haven't posted for awhile, but I haven't really had the inspiration to the past month. But as i sit in my bed listening to one of my favorite albums on vinyl, I suddenly got the inspiration to tell a tale about an amazing opportunity I was given!

This past November, I flew to Chicago to check out DePaul University. Not only did I hop on a plane, it hit me that I am growing up, and I am flying half way across the country to check out my potential home. As soon as I stepped foot into the city, I fell in love. The constant flow of people, city lights, and endless culture really brought fourth a new perspective.

Before I get into that, can I just say that I literally love airports and flying to a destination? I believe it is realizing (even if you are far to close and personal with the person next to you) but if you disregard that little factor, you have a few hours to yourself to do (almost) anything you please. Flying to Chicago, I sat next to these two mothers who were on a get away for a girls week. Now, I was so blessed to have them sitting next to me. The whole four hour plane ride there, we talked about college, schooling, life, etc. When we landed (which seemed so fast because they were such good company) they were a little worried about me finding a cab by myself, in a huge city that I have never been before, to the place where I was staying. The two mom's walked me all the way to the cab and made sure I was in the right cab (Chicago has so many different cabs that take you places you don't want to go.) and hugged me before I drove away. Humanity is great sometimes.

Entering Chicago as the sun was going down.
So beautiful. 

I stayed in little apartment with my mother's friend's sister (kinda confusing) whom I have never met before, and we instantly clicked and became friends. My first night there we ordered pizza, and let me tell you, deep dish pizza was a creation from God. It was so good, I can't even.

Now, how beautiful does that look?

The next morning, Lisa had to work, so I was on my own for the day. I had the whole day to look, eat, and do whatever I wanted. I woke up kind of late because there was a time change and what would have been 8 A.M. in Oregon was 10 A.M. in Chicago. I finally left around 11:30 and I just could not figure out what bus I needed to take, which was slightly embarrassing. When I finally got off the bus, I walked around with the biggest smile on my face because I knew that I could see myself living here one day, and it seriously wasn't that expensive, besides the $4 coffee I bought, oh sales tax how you put a damper on life sometimes. Anyways, the first thing I did was just walk around and just people watch, I decided that it was time to get some coffee and then proceed looking around. I went to see the Bean, a gallery park, these moving faces on glass brick and the Chicago Art Museum! I didn't done ounce of shopping while I was there, besides on the last day, and I bought socks… I took a lot of pictures, and I can't even express how blessed I am.

Pictures at the Bean! 

These glass bricks actually moved and made eye contact
to one another. This city is amazing!

Guardian imagery before entering
the Art Museum! 

The original American Gothic!
Mr. Nickel would be proud! 

A picture of a man sketching the statue

My sassy Korean friend I found! 

A park dedicated to the a art project called "Boarders" 

Great great coffee!! 

Some pictures of the city and how stunning it is! 

I took all these photos from my iPhone, so they aren't the best quality, and I do have some on a disposable camera! I forgot to bing my nice camera, and Lisa just gave me the hardest time.

On Saturday, I went to tour DePaul University, and I was disappointed in the fact that I wasn't as please as I thought I was going to be (but this is why touring colleges is so important!) I have my heart set on one school, and if I get rejected, I will probably consider DePaul if I were to get accepted. DePaul is a very respected school and also happens to be the largest Catholic school in the nation (just a fan fact), they offer all the things I want to study and have amazing scholarships! I could see myself living in Chicago, so it is definitely in the running of becoming my new home.

On Sunday, I was preparing to go home and all of a sudden, a tornado just busted out and my flight got delayed a few hours. And I was so excited, I was slightly hoping that my flight would get cancelled so I could stay just one more night. But, I was pretty productive those few hours my flight was delayed! I learned hoe to crochet and I made a headband! Which was pretty dandy.

One of the coolest things that happened was on my flight back to Oregon, I sat next to a women who filmed and edited two seasons of America's Next Top Model, and she told me that nothing is like what it is like in T.V. The film team have to put aside their morals when they see something get out of control, and have to stay completely neutral to the issues that arise during the show. Also, not only does the production team struggle with their morals, the contestants on the show struggle with all kinds of disorders. She told me that two of her favorite girls from the show now have major issues they are working through. One girl is highly addicted to meth, and she was recently just on Dr. Phil to try and receive treatment. The other girl is struggling through a huge eating disorder to try and win her modeling career back.

Most people know that those kind of reality T.V. shows bring out a staged side of people, but the struggle goes so much deeper than that. It was interesting to hear a behind the stage source to the things that really go on!

All together, the trip to Chicago was an absolutely success. Thanks mom!

-Saige