DEAR CHICAGO

You'll never guess . . . just kidding, I am not going to sing one of my 'too many to list' favorite Ryan Adams numbers. What was I saying? Oh yes.

Dear Chicago,

You are forever fabulous with your seemingly endless array of music venues, superb shopping as far as the eye can see, and enticing eateries on every corner. But why must I always be disheveled by your unyielding winds? I am on to your charm sir.

WHY VEG?

Hot off the heels of the holiday devoted to eating turkey, I thought this post would be appropriate. Especially after getting such a hard time at the Thanksgiving dinner table.

Why are you a vegetarian?

No matter how many times I receive the end of this question I am always taken aback by it. Maybe because it is such a normal thing for me. Or maybe it is because I have a multi layered answer. Either way, I react with deer in the headlights look. So, at this point, not only does my inquisitor think I'm a weirdo, they also think I'm an idiot for stumbling over such a simple question.

At any rate, here is my answer to this query. It may be less inspired than you think.