Okay, so I’ve been away for a long while, doing nothing in particular. I think I just lost my taste for the blog, after having the sudden, intrusive thought one evening–what the hell is the point of this? Then, after weeks of avoidance, I realized that this little project is mostly pointless and mostly without external value. But, it’s my pointless, valueless baby. As such, I love it unconditionally–warts and all. So I had a thought–a challenge to myself. One post each and every day for a year. 365 posts, each simply numbered with a .jpg I either rip off or make myself (this one, I ripped off and am rather proud of having found it)…

Enough of the preamble. Onto something I’m endlessly thankful for–lists. I love reading them, and making them. Life’s little bullet points. What is upsetting, as of late, is that each week a new list comes out, and Illinois always seems to be unfortunately positioned…

Evidence:
1. From today: 10 Most Financially Troubled States (Ill #2)
2. Yesterday: Happiest States (Ill #31)
3. From 11/09: States with Jobless Rates of 8.5% and Above (Ill placed)
4. From 2/09: America’s Most Miserable Cities (Chicago #1)

Enough. Illinois ranks #1 in plenty of outstanding categories: Saltiest roads, fattest squirrels, and longest string of corrupt Governance. I heart Illinois… Until Z goes off to college and I can move to one of the happier, less miserable, and more financially viable states…