my mom flew in to visit me last saturday.  it makes me smile even now to think of it.  sadly, i've spent only about 3 full weeks with her this year. it's funny that just 3 years ago, i wanted to get away from chicago, from everything and everyONE.  now that i've got my wish, i've never been so homesick.  granted, i'm happy where i am and i have no regrets for the decisions i've made since. but i seriously underestimated my connection to chicago and how much i'd miss it. i mean, i take pride in the littlest of things now: my Illinois (ill-E-noy) license plates, my U of I t-shirts and other paraphernalia, my driver's license (snowball's chance in hell i'm going to renew in RI).

side story: i saw a girl in an SUV with illinois plates. i nearly jumped in front of her moving ca and gave her a thumbs up with a crazy smile. i bet she's glad i didn't.