Lists, Lists and More Lists

Many of you know my obsession with making lists. I've always had Post-Its or sheets of paper laying around my apartment listing things to do today, this week or throughout the year. My lists aren't only for things to do though. What else is list-worthy? New Year's resolutions, breeds of the dog I hope to own someday, foods I should eat, what to buy on my next shopping spree, funny sayings I've said or heard, companies I owe money to, favorite songs - these are all lists I currently have.

Ever since I moved to Chicago, I began carrying a little notebook around with me filled with lists. The lists are Chicago restaurants I should try, places to go in Chicago, places to take visitors in Chicago, events coming up in the city, etc. Whenever I read or hear from anyone in Chicago about a favorite restaurant, great place to go for drinks, the perfect Chicago date or an upcoming event, I add it to my notebook. It's so handy and serves as my memory most of the time. There are so many new places I want to try and experience in Chicago, so my lists keep track of it all.

My problem is that my lists keep growing and I haven't put a dent in them yet. I've checked off a few to-dos, but I have a long way to go. Looks like I have a summer just waiting for fun things to happen. If you're curious about what is on my two main Chicago lists, see below. If you have a suggestion on Chicago favorites, then post them.

Chicago Restaurants/Bars to Try:

• Lula Cafe
• Ann Sather (for breakfast/brunch)
• Catch 35 (when I have the money to eat there)
• Charlie Trotter's
• Ed Debevic's
• Heaven on Seven
• Hot Chocolate (when it's cold again)
• Blackey's
• Perry's Deli
• Wishbone (brunch)
• Volare
• Violet Drape (or Room, maybe Door...not sure the exact name, but it's in Wicker Park)
• Cafe Ba Ba Reeba
• Sushi Mira
• El Cid
• Azucar
• Cafe Spiaggia
• Gibson's (again, once I have the money for it)

Chicago Things To Do:

• Second City
• Architecture boat tour
• Wicked
• Jersey Boys
• Go to the beach
• Blue Man Group
• Cubs game
• Sox game
• Tailgate and go to Bears game
• Lincoln Park Zoo
• John Hancock Observatory
• Botanical Gardens
• Chocolate tour
• Museum of Science & Industry
• Garfield Park Conservatory
• Six Flags
• "Fly Me to the Moon" exhibit at Adler Planetarium
• Air & Water Show
• Long Grove (in suburbs)