Would You Do It Again?

I have been nostalgic for the past few months...thinking about old friends, old boyfriends, Chicago the city I grew up in. I don't want to call it a mid-life crisis (I'm not that old!)

I live in a semi-rural area of northern Illinois now and while it is beautiful and full preserves and lakes galore, I miss the city. My husband thinks I am nuts, but what does he know?? He was raised by 2 parents in a suburb! I was raised by a single mom who didn't drive! The "L" was my playground; the CTA my second home. My husband was driven everywhere and had dinner every night at 5:30. I was lucky to get a bowl of cereal if mom was exhausted after work.

I remember the carefree days of summer spent at the beach, the park, the zoo or just in the neighborhood. I remember getting interested in boys, my first kiss, and the boy I lost my virginity to. I remember meeting some guys at the lake with my cousin, hanging out with them for the 4 weeks that were left in summer, getting stoned on the abandoned railroad tracks; drinking Peach Schnapps until someone puked. And that was just 14. 15 brought more boys, more parties and more pot. Ah, the good ole days.

I suppose you are thinking, "What is so great about that??" Think back on your memories; what do you remember with a smile? What memory makes you shake your head and snicker? What would you do again? What wouldn't you do again?

I  can tell you never to eat 4 day old éclairs when the munchies set in... not pretty.