Mama warned me

When I told my mother I was going to Chicago she asked, "Why?"

I explained that for over two years I had been thinking of going to Chicago to see some friends.

"Oh, where do you know them from?"

... uh, my blog?

And then, though I am an adult, I got a very polite lecture on internet security and stories of people who meet others via online and that people are not always who they seem to be.

Being a very good son, I listened carefully and made a mental note to just do whatever I wanted anyway (it was like I was 17 all over again).

I shared my mother's concerns with Lyle and he surprised me by agreeing with her. "You can go, I have no problem with that. But you have to promise me you won't go to their houses." And like a good husband I listened very carefully and made a mental note to just do whatever I wanted anyway (and not tell him, especially if I wound up dead by an ax murderer).

But I am back and everyone I met in Chicago was a revelation. So amazing, so generous, so kind. I feel like summer camp has ended and I can't wait to go back to make more newspaper hats and talk about the boys in the other cabins.

I plan on sharing a few photos, and understand that some people aren't real big on showing their faces but I hope this one time no one will be annoyed with me.

From their tans, you'd never guess that Carolyn and her husband Tony live in Chicago. From their blogs I pictured them much younger. But just as my mother warned me, you never really know people until you meet them face to face. But they were so amazing and I am eager to show them around Los Angeles whenever they'd like to fly out. We could even go to the beach!

From Frontier Psychiatry's blog I had assumed he'd be younger as well. Closer to recently out of college. What he is doing in an office tower in Chicago is unclear to me when he has so many obvious talents that could make him a living, such as trend spotting, writing and perhaps piano moving (if this photo is any indication of his hidden strengths). Thanks to him I will soon be addicted to Gossip Girl and shall curse his leather girded loins.

And then there is Michael Guy. I think he was my first blog friend ever. I feel like I know him inside and out. Though it was a surprise that he wasn't actually joking when he told me he was a 350 lb black woman, his essence, his words and spirit remained in spite of the packaging. I mean we all talk about inner beauty and Michael embodies that to me. In spite of his size, he obviously knows how to bring the bling and work it fierce!

I know it seems odd that all these people were somehow not quite what I'd expected, and yet I found no fault with any deception. But then maybe that's because all along I have been hiding my own true self on this blog. I guess it's time to let you know what Carolyn, Tony, Frontier and Michael all learned this weekend as well, yet still accepted me.
I am actually a 15 year old Japaneses girl.