State and Washington

Shopping. It’s what Chicago’s about during the holidays, right? You’d think so with all of the Crate & Barrel, Eddie Bauer and Pottery Barn bags we were assaulted with. But Tiffany and I were more interested in exploring and snapping some photos. Some observations:

• It was cold
• Very cold
• I’m convinced that The American Girl Place is some kind of cult — I’m just glad I’m not a part of it
• If you’re wistful for a pretzel during the holiday season in Chicago, get your butt to the Christkindlmarkt
• I kinda miss the annoying toy soldier who used to harrass me (and other passersby) out in front of FAO Schwartz
• But I don’t miss the crazy line to get into that stupid store
• Nor that horrible “Welcome to Our World of Toys” song that assaulted me the one time I went in there — and which is stuck in my head to this day
• Mayor Daley’s latest holiday decor consists of throwing evergreen branches into all of the empty flowerbeds
• I really admire the Salvation Army volunteers who cheerfully played their trumpets and saxophones under layers of scraves and mufflers
• Gee, I’m sorry we missed Gene Simmons’ appearance at the Virgin store
• No wonder Starbucks is taking over the world — hello tourists, there are other coffee shops in Chicago!
• Crate & Barrel is no place to be on a Saturday just two weeks before Christmas
• The Inkwell has been replaced by a Subway (the shame)
• Peabo Bryson and Sheena Easton are headlining at the Chicago Theater this month — get your tickets while they last!
• Tiffany was a good sport to hang out with a sniffly, coughy, not-over-this-whatever-sickness-this-is girl
• I was damn glad to come home to a big cap full of NyQuil
• It was cold