Chicago! Chicagoooo!!

So, I know this is an advice blog, but people have told me how much I let them into my life, so I thought I'd tell you guys about my trip to Chicago, starting from my very first plane ride.

So, as a lot of my friends know, I am super terrified of heights. So, naturally, I was NOT looking forward to getting on this plane. I had scattered panic attacks in the weeks leading up to it and I silently shook while I was waiting to board. To my surprise, though, it wasn't that bad. I mean watching us take off and land kind of freaked me out, but I can honestly say I'd get on another plane before I get on another rollercoaster. The flight back was also pretty good, minus the minor turbulence.

The hotel that we stayed at was soooo pretty, but it would've been nice to get a heads up about the elevators. Let me explain. When you walk into the hotel, you're in the lobby. From the lobby, you have to take the elevator to the second floor where the actual check in desk is. You can't even get through all floors from that first elevator. Anyway, from the second floor, you have to take the elevator around the corner to your designated floor. Do not (I repeat, DO NOT) go to the third floor because you will end up on an employees' floor like my mom and I did. Not fun looking like some lost puppies lol. Our room was nice though, and sometimes I almost didn't leave that comfortable a** bed. Oh but when I did, there was this light that always felt the need to announce the presence of my feet on the floor. It was funny at first, but then it was like, damn, do you HAVE to light up every. single. time?

Honestly, to say everything I want about food in Chicago, I'd have to do a whole new post. So, I'll just keep it brief by just giving you the highlights. Deep dish pizza? Issa yes from me, dawg. Spinach-filled bread? Yes, please. Tried my very first steak EVER at the Hard Rock Cafe up there and I couldn't talk for 30 seconds because *Inserts GIF of Homer Simpson rubbing his belly*. Oh and we tried this place called Shake Shack and if I didn't love Grindhouse burgers so much, they would be my new favorite burger spot...even though I forgot the bacon. Ikr, how do you forget the bacon? I'm ashamed too, guys. Honestly, I'd move to Chicago just for the food.

Another thing I loveeeeed about Chicago was the attractions. That would also require a whole post, so highlights only. First of all, the cloud gate (commonly referred to as the bean) was a.ma.zing. It was bigger than I imagined and so fun to walk under and take pictures of. My mom and I went on an architectural boat tour, and we saw so many cool things, but the cloud gate was my favorite. It started raining during the tour, so most of my pictures really suck but I have one of the entire city from the water and it's really pretty. We saw the Sears Tower, the Chicago Tribune building, Navy Pier, and some other very cool looking buildings. I would have been content with not seeing it, but I saw the Trump tower, too. There's also this really nice Tribute to Veterans that I saw. It was really cool. We also went to a skate park and watched some skaters, which I actually enjoy doing. I would insert pictures of them, but I don't have their permission. They were really good, though. I also saw Spider-Man just chilling on the side of the road, that was really funny because Riverdale has a Blue Power Ranger that runs around and Chicago has Spiderman.

SHOPPING!!! I did so much shopping within 2 of the 3 days we were there. I could probably describe the entire Forever21 store to you because of how much time I spent in there. What's ridiculous, though, is that when we were at Marshalls, we found out that Chicago has a .07 bag tax. That's crazy, right? I still bought the bag, though. I had a lot to carry. Like...a lot. I bought sooo much stuff from Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and Forever21. It almost makes no sense. My suitcase gained 10 pounds. 10 whole pounds worth of new sh*t was in my suitcase when we left for Atlanta. It was all worth it though. I bought these super cute heels (I might insert a picture) and I bought some other really cute stuff it's crazy. But it was fun being able to spoil myself like that. I deserved it because I said so. This is a picture of some of the things I got. Peep the heels, though. Oh, and before you ask why I bought socks on a shopping spree, it's because I'm always losing socks and wearing mismatch ones so I decided to just get some even though I know I'll eventually lose those, too.

If I went into hella, HELLA detail about my trip, you guys would be bored of me. I mean you probably are, but I'll just quit while I'm ahead. If you made it to the end of this post, though, I'd like to thank you. And I'd like to know your opinions about something. I was thinking about starting a Beautiful Pain YouTube channel where I extend and elaborate on the things I do here on the site. Of course, that would mean investing in equipment and being consistent with posts, so that would also mean that I'd need feedback and support and exposure from you guys. If you say yes, though, I wouldn't provide "filler" content. Everything I post would be authentic, relevant, and it would hopefully make you feel as good as the site does ( if the site makes you feel good). It's all up to you guys, though, so email me and let me know what you think. Also, don't forget the this site isn't just about me. It's about helping you so if you are going through something right now, don't hesitate to reach out to me. You can do it through the Contact page. I hope you all enjoyed my post and I welcome your feedback with open arms and an open mind!