You say you’re from Chicago because, well, it’s just easier to say. You constantly hear “Oh my goodness, everyone’s from Chicago.” Well no, you’ve just never heard of Naperville, Villa Park or Algonquin, so I’m trying to limit the awkwardness on your end.
You miss Portillo’s and Lou Malnatis’s almost as much as you miss your mom. There’s nothing quite like an authentic Chicago dog (without ketchup) and the crinkle cut fries (with lots of ketchup, of course) or a chop salad if that’s more your thing (I don’t blame you). And do not even get me started on Chicago pizza.
Whenever you hear ISU, you think Illinois State, not Iowa State. Same goes for U of I—it’s the University of Illinois, not the actual school you go to. You can take the girl out of the state, but not the state out of the girl.
People say you have an accent. Chic-aww-go. Chic-ahh-go. Who cares? It’s a fab city.
When you complain about the weather, people always say, “Welcome to Iowa.” I’m sorry, but I’m also from the Midwest, and not much changes three and half hours away. Chicago isn’t called the Windy City for nothing. I just wanted to complain.
What the heck is a “High-V?” You know Woodman’s and Meijer and Jewel. I’m not saying Hy-Vee isn’t great, because it is! I’m just not familiar with it. Also, Iowans always seem to think Jewel is a jewelry store. Sorry, but no. Just no.
Concerts. Everyone comes to Chicago. Everyone. And things become complicated when your favorite band has a weeknight concert that you just can’t go to because school.
You know the pain of lugging your duffel bag or suitcase to and from the Megabus or Suburban Express stop. And now the Megabus stop is at the Coralville Mall? What’s up with that? But the Suburban Express stop is right by the IMU and is super convenient for those of us who actually live in the ‘burbs.
You get excited when you see someone wearing Bulls/White Sox/Bears/Cubs/Blackhawks attire. Game days are the best days. You feel united with people you don’t even know and also get a small glimpse of home.
People always say “Why Iowa? There are tons of good schools in Illinois.” Because no matter how much I love home, the University of Iowa is a great school with great people, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.