Jamie Janosz

When I was little, I wanted to be ethnic. I wanted a strong, proud, national heritage, something other than the United States of America. My own family was a mix of European descent. My dad’s side, Storms, was predominantly German. On my mom’s side, we were a mixture of English, Irish, and a smattering of other things thrown in. My mom and uncle always claimed we are a little bit Native American – but I had my doubts. Even though I later learned of the dominant German genetic, I did not realize that in first grade. We were all-American in every sense of the word. I grew up in a 1960s suburban ranch home. We ate jello salads with our dinner and cheeseburger upside down pie made with Bisquick. My dad drove a station wagon with wooden sides, and we had a swing set in the back yard. The problem came when my first grade teacher asked each of us to prepare and bring in one of our family’s traditional ethnic dishes. Confused, I looked to see what my other friends would do. Ji

  Step inside the doorways of these charming Chicago restaurants, and you will be transported back in time. This was Chicago before north Michigan Avenue was magnificent and the John Hancock was dwarfed by other skyscrapers. Many of Chicago’s original restaurants have disappeared, but a few remain operational. Walk by those chain venues that you can find in any city and visit one of our original Chicago icons. The Italian Village has been in Chicago since 1927, and their website claims they are the oldest continual operating restaurant in the city. This place is pure charm – I have loved it since I was a little girl. When you enter, walk up the narrow steep staircase to the Village (one of the the buildings three restaurants). The Village – perched at the very top – is decorated to resemble a little outdoor Italian city with the fake facades of buildings and twinkling lights that are strung crisscrossed around the room. Old school male waiters might scold you if y

  1. Buying a new mattress can change your world. 2. Taking a long walk is a sure cure for a foul mood. 3. Never send an angry email without waiting one day. 4. Guys say a lot of things they don’t mean when they are trying to meet women. 5. I should drink more water, but I don’t like it. 6. You really shouldn’t keep every childhood memento. 7. Memorizing the Bible works better when you are young. 8. Sweet potatoes are horrible. 9. Getting a dog is a major responsibility. 10. It is fine to go to bed angry when you need time to think and calm down. 11. Most situations look better in the morning. 12. Handwritten birthday cards should never go out of style. 13. Hugs are the best medicine. 14. Prayer changes us. 15. Raising a child is both exhausting and rewarding. 16. Raising a teenager has moments of sheer joy and unexpected friendship. 17. It is better if you wash dishes the same day you use them. 18. Not all stains come out.