What I Miss The Most About Chicago

Picking up and leaving a place is never easy. Just ask Jennifer Beese, a twenty-something blogger who left her childhood home of Chicago to venture out west to LA, the City of Angels. A self-proclaimed closet stand up comedian, Beese's blog explores her daily life and her (quite hilarious) dilemmas in LA.  Whether it's the familiar smell of the neighborhood bakery, to the sounds of the city train, it's not hard to forever cherish the things we love.  In the guest post below, Beese reflects on the things she misses most about The Windy City. 

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The grass is always greener on the other side (No, really. I live in a desert.)

Last November I did what nearly every Chicagoan wishes they could do at the beginning of Winter: I moved west. That meant that I missed the four (alright, six) months of frigid temps, slush-layered streets and face-punching winds.

I promise this isn't a "Nana-nana-bo-bo I've got sunshine!" kind of post. In fact, it's kind of the opposite. After spending nearly six months in La La Land (I hear that's what the cool kids call it) I learned that the grass isn't always greener on the other side (unless you mean literally, then yes - desert remember?) There are things that I really miss about Chicago. Some would even go as far as to say that these things made me a Chicagoan.

*Good pizza. 'Nuff said

*The CTA. I'm just as surprised by that one as you are. I never thought I'd miss using my Chicago Card.

CTA Blue Line Photo Credit

*Cold weather. I have all these cute scarves, hats and sweaters and can't wear them. I can't use it as a conversation starter. The weather is always the same, which means I can't complain about it! And god forbid it should rain. The entire city shuts down. Then I'm looked at like I'm crazy because I enjoy the weird drops of water falling from the sky. It's rough. I swear.

*Scowling at the Sears, er, Willis Tower: I'm invested in Chicago. I haven't lived in LA long enough to develop a bond or affection for anything. I have no right to be upset if Hollywood Boulevard is renamed Tennessee Avenue.

Sears Tower Photo Credit

Chicago has craziness just like any other city, but those quirks add character. I miss rain in the morning, sunshine in the afternoon and snow in the evening. I miss the ridiculous banter between the Cubs and Sox fans. I even miss the Red Eye's crossword puzzle! I don't regret coming to Los Angeles. It might grow on me, but Chicago will always be home.

Chicago skyline credit: Jennifer Beese 

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What are some things you miss  (or even don't miss!) about your hometown? Feel free to post a comment or two below.  We're all ears!