I had never eaten Russian food before so I was unsure of what to expect.  I, along with five other ladies, dressed up and were excited to try something new.  When we arrived, we were seated and immediately served.  Beginning with bread, I was fascinated by the rose-shaped butter.  The bread was different than what I was used to but still tasty.

From that point, large plates of food were being brought from the kitched to our table, seemingly never ending.  The food was delicious!  From caviar, to potatoes, to different types of salad, everything was different to what I am accustomed to.  Still, I enjoyed every bite!

As the name advertises, tea time was next.  There was a large array of teas from which to choose.  I am a devoted tea-phile, and this part of the night was my favorite. Rose Black tea pleased my tastebuds and very pleasantly swam down my throat, alongside the delicious cakes that we ordered.

I highly recommend that you go to Russian Tea Time.  Chicago offers a taste of different cultures on practically every street and it would be a shame not to take advantage.

This is where the waiting comes in.  I can’t stand waiting for the dreadful letter to come to my mailbox.  I want it to come now!  The anticipation of that letter and the joy it may bring may be even more exciting than my first day of school.

But it’s not here yet.    I will wait for however long it will take to get my high school letter.

SMILE On!

Miss Lori

“As a mom February is the month that I have to sign up for camps for my children. Are you thinking about Summer yet? What camps have you or do you hope to participate in?”

Abi age 10~
My family and I always have a special Valentines dinner together.  We exchange small gifts and celebrate our family.  It is actually one of my favorite holidays and I can’t wait!

Tess age 9~
I hand make Valentines, and I put hershey’s kiss on the cards for the people I love the most. I like to do community service—this year for Chicago Canine Rescue, and in Girl Scouts we sing for senior citizens.

Arianna age 10~
Yes! Last year I found out about a camp Rock that I could go to but it was to late to register for it. This year, my mother is signing me up because this camp looks awesome! Just like the movie, there will be singing, dancing and music every day and I cannot wait to go!

Elita age 9~
I give extra hugs and kisses on valentines day!

Kyra age 11~
I send everyone in my extended family Valentines, usually handmade. This year we are making heart-clovers and picture cards. Last year we made candy cell phones! I love Valentines Day. It is one of my favorite times of year!

Ava age 11~
Valentine’s Day is fun. I like to make a special card for those I care the most for. And of course the treats are fun to make and give (and eat) too!

Anaiya age 7~
I like going to Summer camp because at camp, I get to meet new people , do fun activities and go camping outside. Last year at camp, I got to go horse back riding and it was the best!

Jaedyn age~6

A music camp is what I really want to go to. And also one kind like Skyler’s, (big brother), camp for directing. I want to become a professional director. I also know that I get to go back to Museum camp which will be better since this year I will be with the 7 year olds. I didn’t like the 6year old counselors. They always assumed you were going to behave badly.

Chicago is obviously a thriving metropolitan area.  From the city to the suburbs, we are definitely not lacking in parks, museums, hospitals, and animal shelters.  Each of these places have a common need for helping hands.  Twice a month, I devote my time to a hospital in my area.  I am able to create a comfortable environment for the hospital’s patients and families, and help the nurses with anything they have to do that they just don’t have time to get to.  I would encourage anyone to find an area of interest in which they can volunteer.

There is a satisfaction I get when stepping out of my comfort zone.  I am no longer doing something for myself, or even for my friends, but rather for the people in my community whom I don’t even know.  Somehow, I am able to make a difference in their stay at the hospital, even if they don’t notice.

Not to sound cheesy, but seeing smiles upon the faces of those stuck in hospital beds is very gratifying.  Furthermore, I work in the Maternal and Child Care level of the hospital.  So, I get to ensure that a baby’s first moments in the world are as comfortable as possible, by keeping their cribs supplied with clothes, blankets, diapers, etc. as well as keeping new mommies happy by running errands for them, providing them with snacks and beverages, or baking fresh cookies for them and their guests.

Perhaps volunteering at a hospital doesn’t interest you.  In that case, there are plenty of other places that need your help!  You can volunteer at animal shelters, camps, libraries, museums, and all kinds of places.  I now know it is quite a learning experience that benefits to both you and your community.

SMILE On!

Miss Lori

“At holiday time many people speak of ‘Charity’. What is your definition of ‘charity’ and how do you think it is best taught to young people like yourselves?”

Abi age 10~
Charity to me means giving to those who are in need.  My family gives toys and clothes to different charities several times a year.  I give to charity through my school during the year.

Tess age 9~
Charity is when you do nice things for people. This year we are GIVING Santa gifts, like some hand-warmers to keep him warm.  They teach us to be good to others in school, and at my temple. My mom especially is always telling us we have to do things for others.

McKenna age 11~
I would define charity as helping people who don’t have much at all. Like volunteering your time to help the needy. I try to get as much volunteer work in as possible. I’m in a club at school that is specifically for volunteer work. If you don’t have any clubs at school, you can do anything to help your community. Make dog treats for a local dog shelter, make blankets for a local nursing home. Practically anything! The best part of volunteering is that you get this great feeling afterwards, a feeling like I just made these people happier.

Elita age 9~
To me charity means to give as a good deed. It’s important because then we will learn to do it and tell our kids. And it will keep going on and on!

Kyra age 11~
Every Thanksgiving, my family and anyone visiting us all receive three pieces of corn dry, colored corn. Then a bowl is passed around the table, and we say something that we are thankful for for each kernel as we place them in the basket. It’s a great way to remember our blessings. This year, my family and I are going to the McDonald’s Thanksgiving day parade for the first time, and since it is the first time I’ve ever lived in a big city, it’s the first time I’ve ever been to a big Thanksgiving parade. I would like to start doing that every year.

Ava age 11~
Charity means that you give from the heart to the less fortunate. The way I learn about charity is by helping a group called Hephzibah Children’s Home.  I think that it is best to bring it up by talking to kids saying that you can make a difference by helping people.

Jaedyn age 6~
Charity is helping people that can’t help themselves. I know Mckenna cut her hair and donated it to make wigs for people with cancer last year. I donate my clothes to the Salvation Army. That’s a charity.

If your a Chicagoan, you’ve most likely gotten into a squabble about your favorite Windy City baseball team (unless you’re one of the smart people who say they’re a fan of both teams).  Insults get thrown at each other about players, team season performances, and of course, how long its been since certain teams have won certain championships.

I can’t lie.  I’m a pretty big Sox fan but that doesn’t mean I hate the Cubs.  If the Cubs ever make it to the World Series, I’d want them to win (unless they were playing the White Sox, of course).  It seems that if you’re on one side, you have to stick to that side and only that side, which can sometimes get you into squabbles about which team is better.

I’m pretty sure there will always be this city divide between the two baseball teams and their fans.  Even if there was a chance to settle the “dispute”, true fans will stick to their teams and keep fighting until they prove they reign champion (of Chicago, at least.)

It’s time for Winter break. A chance for our children to shake off their school routines and hang loose for two weeks. (I think I am looking forward to it even more than my own kids. This has been a hard semester!) Typically vacations have meant just that, VACATIONS, a chance to get away from your regular routine by getting out of town. But money is tight for so many people these days that traveling is not often and option. Lucky for us we live in a city rich with opportunities for enrichment and fun. I love visiting Museum CAMPUS, Millenium Park and Navy Pier downtown. But I also love visiting The Kohl Children’s museum and Make-a-Messterpiece in Glenview, OR the Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield, OR Ikea and Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, (now that’s my kind of Amusement park!) The CAMPUS Kids and I have had the great pleasure of performing at so many wonderful sites around Chicago, and there are still so many more we have yet to encounter. So I asked them which Chicago attractions they would most like to visit during a STAYCATION this holiday break. There suggestions paint a beautiful picture of this wondrous city.

SMILE On!

Miss Lori

Winter Break is almost upon us. With the economy as it is many people are doing “staycations” instead of traveling. Imagine yourself as a tourist visiting Chicago, what attractions would you most like to visit?

Abi age 10~
I love going to Navy Pier, the Museum of Science and Industry and the Zoo Lights at Brookfield Zoo. The Museum of Science & Industry has Christmas trees decorated from all over the world. They also have a dollhouse of the White House there right now. The zoo is fun to go to at night and see the animals surrounded by tons of Christmas lights!

Sinead age 17~
Chicago is a great city! I’ve lived here for about 9 years, but I still love going downtown Chicago! It’s always exciting to visit, and it never gets old! If I had never been to Chicago, and had only one day to tour the city, I would definitely go to Millenium Park, because it’s always so packed with people. I love being around a lot of people! Michigan Avenue is my street, of course, because of all the shopping. So that would probably be at the top of my list! There are so many stores that surround you while walking down Michigan Avenue, not to mention the Water Tower Place, a mini mall in itself. Every 17 year old girl’s dream, if you ask me! There’s definitely not enough time in a day to fully experience Downtown Chicago, that’s for sure. But if you’re looking to shop, downtown Chicago is the right place to be!

Tess age 9~
I would like to see the Science and Industry Museum. I want to goto the Mayor’s Sports event. I also want to goto Devon Avenue and Little India!

McKenna age 11~
Well I would like to see the Willis Tower, (aka Sears Tower), for the phenomenal view of the city. I’d also go to see the Big Bean, I love going there. While I’m there I’d go to the outdoor ice skating rink, even though I’m not the best ice skater. On the top of my list would be Macy’s, the Walnut Room, (located in Macy’s) and the Magnificent Mile.

Elita age 9~
I would like to see American girl doll place, and Dillions Candy Bar!

Kyra age 11~
I would visit the Willis (Sears) Tower first, and then probably go down to Navy Pier. I would also like to see some of the museums. Chicago really is a cool place.

Jaedyn age 6~
Museums! Museums! Museums! Navy Pier. And my favorite, The Kohl Children’s Museum!

Ava age 11~
Skating in Millennium Park by the Bean is the coolest, but sometimes too cold when you fall a lot! But it’s a lot of fun. I think the Science and Industry Museum with all the Christmas trees from around the world is very pretty. I would love to see more shows with singing and dancing. And of course shopping is fun. Sightseeing too!

Ariana age 9~
I would most like to see the Sears Tower (I keep forgetting it’s the Willis Tower now). I want to go up to the very top of the Sears Tower and see how far away I can see. I wonder if I can see other states from up that high!

Anaiya age 7~
I would want to go to Navy Pier and take a boat ride. I also want to ride the big ferris wheel and the hot air balloon they have at Navy Pier. Me and my family could spend an entire day there and not get bored!

The other day, I was reading Chicago Magazine when I came upon an article talking about what adults believe it takes in order to be considered a Chicagoan.  It stated that one had to know what all four stars on the Chicago flag meant, have pride in the grid system, and live here for at least ten years.  Although I have complete pride in the adult Chicagoans who came up with these standards, I couldn’t help but wonder, “What about us, kids?  What do we need in order to be allowed to declare, ‘I’m a local’?”  I decided to walk around and ask friends and relatives what they believed it took for one to be a true Chicagoan.  It surprised me.  I noticed there were four main criteria that people had in common for being considered a Chicagoan:

1)      A good taste in real hot dogs. Almost everyone I surveyed accentuated the importance of appreciating a good-tasting, high-quality hot dog.  So what is a good-tasting, high-quality hot dog?  “It has to be longer than the width of your face,” states one of my friends, adding “It has to be big enough to keep you full for two meals, AND has to have pickles, relish, onions, tomato, jalapeños, and mustard.  Maybe some ketchup.”  Wow.

2)      Be proud of your sports team…kinda. “One must worship their sports team,” a boy in my class declares.  “They have to root for them all the way and watch at least 20% of their games.”  Another friend of mine claims, “You have to talk about your team all the time.  You have to constantly be saying, ‘The Sox rule!’ or ‘The Cubs rule!’ or something of that sort.”  I laugh and ask him, “So, just to clarify, do you ever think that our sports teams will win?”  He scoffs and replies, “Psh. Of course not.”

3)     At least 7 years in Chicago. “I know I’m a Chicagoan,” an acquaintance of mine cites, “because I’ve lived here my whole life. I’ve felt the ridiculously freezing winters and the absurdly melting summers.  I’ve seen the stunning falls and revitalizing springs.  I’ve suffered the most extreme weathers one can go through.”  I nod and ask, “But doesn’t it only take a year to go through all the seasons?”  They respond, “Yeah, but you need to have suffered more than once.  You need to have endured many times.”

4)      A sense of Midwestern security from natural disasters. My eight-year-old brother is very confident when making this point. “Chicago isn’t close to any oceans and there are lots of buildings. That’s why there aren’t any hurricanes or tornadoes.  Those are really scary.  And we never had any earthquakes.  Not like California.  We only had that teensy-weensy one and it didn’t even hurt a fly!  Oh, and there are no floods‘cause we’re right near a lake.  AND there are no burglars.”

Among all of this, I would like to add my own criteria.  I think what makes a true Chicagoan is an ability to appreciate the little things.  One doesn’t have to live in the John Hancock Building or own all of the Cubs merchandise.  A true Chicagoan knows where good food is.  A true Chicagoan can predict the outcome of a Sox-Tigers baseball game.  A true Chicagoan knows where there’s safety.  A true Chicagoan knows the city.

At first there was much controversy about whether or not the cameras should stay or go.  There are some people who believe the cameras have made the community safer.  They believe the cameras let police watch whenever there’s a shooting or gang related activity.  I disagree because most of the time police say that the suspect for the crime committed around the area is unknown.

Most people believe that the cameras don’t play a major role in safety because people are still getting shot all around the neighborhood, especially teenage boys. These cameras also don’t keep our teens from hanging out on the street corners all the time.  Every time I walk home from school, I pass through a corner where a camera is located.  In this corner, teenage boys are always hanging out looking for trouble and harassing girls.  Although there’s a camera at that corner, the police never seem to kick them out.

Also, these cameras are costly.  During a recession, the government should spend its money on something more helpful.  I wonder if somebody is looking at all the cameras everyday.  How can they know when a suspicious activity is occurring?

I believe that these cameras are just put up to make the people living in the community feel safe, but they don’t actually do anything to make the community safer.  If the city wanted to actually help out the community, they would organize more programs like CAPS (Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy) to get more teenagers off the streets.