08/11/10
August 11th, 2010
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Posts Tagged ‘Chicago’
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May 25th, 2010
There are some days that I think to myself, “What photo am I going to post today? Who am I kidding, photo-a-day is a stupid idea. I live too boring a life.” I snap a photo of something lame and move on. Then, I come across something like this. And it makes me happy.
Two in Two Days
January 31st, 2010
I haven’t really posted on here in the past couple months because I’ve been without internet. Pretty much living in suspension. It’s starting to seem like it will be a long time before I’m really settled in Chicago. It’s not the first time I’ve moved to a new place on my own, I really didn’t count on it being this hard. As Kanye says… “That that don’t kill me, can only make me stronger.”
He also says, “Bow in the presence of greatness”
Moving on with an update of what I’ve been living with lately:
- I moved twice in the past 3 months.. This results in me wanting to get rid of about half of my crap. But that would mean I’d have to carry the shit back down the steps from this third floor apartment. And well, that can just wait.
- I hate the holidays and I am glad they are over. I haven’t been very social at all this winter. Complete total contentment just staying in and cuddling the kitty.
- My last roommate hogged my car keys and broke my car window. Didn’t tell me about it until I saw it, never once even attempted at an apology, and then blamed me for not telling him that he shouldn’t roll the window down. I am one hundred percent serious. I tried to hold my patience here, but it was pretty much impossible at this point. I, surprisingly enough, was able to fix it myself. Props to D Knapp for showing me how, back in Omahaland. But I was unable to get the door panel back on. So, I’ve been driving around with a panel-less door for like a month now. It’s my ode to Valerie.
- I got a flat tire. In the parking lot of a grocery store that my car was recently towed from, because I left it overnight… $170. So, I did not want that to happen again. Unfortunately, I do not have a spare tire. I had to get it towed to a place to fix it. On a Sunday. Fortunately, I found a place right down the street that fixed it for cheap. And the tow truck driver was hilarious… After seeing my car door in all it’s non-panel glory, he asked me point blank if I smuggle drugs from Mexico in that car. After that, we discussed our jobs, work, and life.
- I was really really really sick for a week or weekend there, right after the new year. And with my roommate hating me, and me wanting to move immediately.. it was stressful and complete hell. I love helping my friends when they’re feeling sick, where’s my help? I was surrounded by people who hate me and my “friends” seemed non-existant. It was the first time since moving here that I felt completely, utterly alone and helpless. I was queen of Pathetic Land. If I learned nothing else, it made me realize that I never get sick anymore. Go, immune system!
- Someone stole my CTA card. I ordered a new one to be mailed to me at my old place. Also, stolen. Speaking of, if you happened to mail anything to me in early January, I definitely did not and will never receive it. It’s neat how you can go online and see where the card was used…. Though of course, looking at the routes totally makes me suspicious that it was my freeloader roommate who took it.
- My air mattress has a hole in it or something. It’s unusable and already thrown away. I have another one my parents gave me, but no means to blow it up. So, I’ve been sleeping on the floor since I moved here. Using cushions from some chairs, my 43 comforters and blankets, and my 52 pillows. And now wishing that I hadn’t pressured my dad to let me take the air mattress that I can’t even blow up.
- Things I’ve lost recently, don’t imagine I’ll ever see again, and blame on living with freeloader: 1) One disc out of my Simpson’s season eight set. One disc. Most annoying thing in the world. 2) A bear shaped spice dispenser that I loved and used for a cinnamon-sugar mixture. 3) Coat rack. 4) My friend gave me some beef from his family’s farm for Christmas, I never got to try it. 5) Me Talk Pretty One Day by Dave Sedaris, though if I never see this again, I gained When You Are Engulfed in Flames, so it’s mostly even. 6) Kinda blame my air mattress death on the party he had the day before I moved out. 7) The remote control to my bose speakers. 8 ) My retractable iPod USB cord. 9) $50.
- I’m lacking discretion here, but I want to point out that at the height of all this drama-y bullshit, that asshole had the audacity to accuse me of taking some of his things. I suspect that’s why that one disc is being held hostage. For the record, I’ve moved nine times since leaving my parents house, I think I know what belongs to me and I definitely do not need or want more crap to move around with. That’s the last time I live with anyone younger than me. Or even my age, for that matter. Basically, if you’re still sucking life from mommy and daddy, get out of my life. I am not your replacement mom. Yah, I know, I need to let it go. Just really irritated by that fucking single missing disc. I love the Simpsons, I’m sure you can understand my frustration.
- I must have done something really shitty to be getting all this bad karma lately. Or maybe all my good luck ran away with last year. The future will tell.
- I managed to pay off two credit cards and then fill them right up again. Really need a part time job. But alas, I am lazy. Also, this is kind of just giving myself an excuse, but most places want part time help on Saturdays and I’m already working every Saturday. Maybe I should just give in to the inevitable and get a waitressing job for Saturday nights. This topic alone makes me miss Omaha. It was so cheap to live there and I knew so many people, all I’d have to do is say “I want a part time job.” and I’d have one the next day. I didn’t realize a sweet deal when I was living it. The story (and fear) of my life.
- I was turned down for volunteer work for a women’s free clinic. Volunteer work. What is this? Even when I try to do good, the odds are against me.
- As you may know, I started a job a few months ago. October, I think? Add us on twitter! Let me tell you… my boss hated me. First of all, let me say.. I learn best by trial and error, meaning it doesn’t really stick until I do it wrong. Second, he spent years with the last girl. So, I can’t really blame him, it would be super frustrating to get a new girl and start over from scratch. He hated me. And I lacked all confidence. Daily battle. But I think he’s finally starting to warm up to me. That or at least able to tolerate me now. And I’m finally starting to get the hang of things. Oh, and I get to see BB King in April. Brag.
- I started writing blogs for a couple different things at work. I like it. But it’s weird, part of me loves writing and the other part of me absolutely hates it. I enjoy writing freely, but given an assignment, I will get instant writer’s block and lose all attention span.
- My new roommate loves my cat (very important), cleans, and is good at leaving me alone (2nd on the list of importance). The apartment over looks Humboldt park and we get an amazing view of the sunset. Right now, I love coming home. Emphasis on ‘right now’. Moving so often gives me a new outlook on living with people. The first month or two are always awesome, because you are trying to keep things nice and pleasant at home. But people can only fake it for so long. It’s amazingly similar to dating. And I could never date a girl, they are way too fussy and finicky. And you can’t have two finicky people under one roof, that just doesn’t work.
- Which reminds me, when I first moved in… freeloader did my laundry a couple of times in exchange for use of my car to drive to his parent’s place in order to do the laundry. I thought this was just amazingly awesome. My laundry gets done while I’m at work, with no effort on my part. I bragged to everyone about how awesome my new roommate was. And then it went sour. First of all, he certainly took it upon himself to freely use my car whenever he damn well pleased. In the amount of an entire tank of gas, which he did refill, thankfully. But then argued that he was entitled to use all that gas up as well, because he paid for it… Is this making any sense to my readers? Because it didn’t to me. Second downfall to the laundry doings, weeks later, I find out that he didn’t even do the laundry himself, he made his dad do it. If I had known that in the beginning, I would have refused the offer. Doesn’t passing along the chore defeat the purpose of doing a favor in the first place? Third, what kinda idiot am I to let this idiot take my car in the first place? Lesson learned.
- I really need to let it go. damn disc.
- I’ve read three books in the past three weeks.
- I learned to knit recently, started a scarf, and just started over for the 3rd time. I think I got it right this time.
One year
January 16th, 2010
Tomorrow will be my one year anniversary of moving to Chicago. I’m thankful to say at least I have a job and a place to live.
Speaking of, recently moved. Email me for new address, though who knows how long before it will change again. I’m amazed at my ability to accumulate so much crap. I thought I just got rid of all my junk? No, it’s stock piling, time to purge once again. Soon as I get internet at the new place, I’m going to start Craigslisting stuff. I have way too many material things that aren’t important. And not worth moving around with. Living on the third floor is awesome, but makes me hate all my shit.
Well, the years are flying by. Things aren’t improving fast enough for my liking. It’s been a rough couple months. Hopefully, I can just hibernate the rest of winter away. I did just learn to knit, half way through a scarf, and have two books waiting to be read.
Spring, please be good to me.
PS: David Sedaris makes me happy.
Friday Free day
August 21st, 2009
Creating a job, of sorts, for myself.
If you are looking for an apartment, I’ll be happy to do the work for you. Out of town or otherwise engaged? Need someone to go check out an apartment for you? I am your woman! I have a car, I can get to anywhere in the city or around it. Work too much? Don’t have the free time to spend looking at ads for some kinda must-see apartment? I do! You don’t necessarily have to be in the Chicago area, I can find postings for you, in your price range with all your specifications, contact landlords, schedule viewings. Please give me something to do. Thanks.
Plus, I really really love looking at apartments. The grass is always greener, right? Why not indulge myself by checking out the other side?
Lastly, I also have a friend in the Wickerpark area who needs a roommate, if you or anyone you know can afford $925/mo, plus utilities. It is a really, really nice place. Two bed, two full baths. Hardwood floors, fireplace, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, breakfast nook. No pets.
I am loving today’s weather. Feels like fall already. If the summer heat could fly by this fast every year, I think I would be pretty okay with that forever. Have I mentioned I love Chicago?
Indecisive Neurosis
August 7th, 2009
One of the prime reasons I thought Chicago would be a good place to move was the access to a lot more, generally respected colleges. I want to go back to school. ITT Tech did nothing for me and I want to start over. The credits I have from ITT Tech would not transfer to any new college. I have a completely clean slate. Problem is, I have no idea what to do with that. I used to be so engulfed in learning every tiny aspect of everything having to do with any kind of programming. Now, it can’t hold my attention span for very long at all.
I can’t decide what I want to major in. Okay, so start with the basics. Sure, which school? I went from two crappy options, right into way too many options. And I don’t want a repeat of my past mistakes, mentioned above. I’m scared of making another huge mistake, I’ll admit it.
So, let’s think about what can I afford? Oh right, I can’t even afford my current living situation.
Okay, ignoring that.. What do I want to do for the rest of my life? Where is my passion hiding? It is so incredibly sporadic and random, I cannot hone in on one thing that I am confident will never bore me. Or maybe I can blame it on abundance… I am interested in way too many, completely unrelated topics, but not strongly enough in any single one of them.
How do people decide? That one thing you want to focus on, for… as long as it takes to retire, I guess? Even then, it still defines you. What you’ve done with your life, how you lived, who you are, etc. That must be it, I have no idea who I am yet.
…yet? I meant, still.
And what about those nutsos out there who already know what they want to do/be at a very early age? And their mind never ever changes and they never doubt that first instinct. I can’t even fathom living a life like that. For me, that is right up the same alley as marrying your high school sweetheart. How are you not curious about anything else?
Don’t get me wrong though, I am jealous of these people who seem to be so sure of what they want. I would love it if I never second, third, tenth guessed anything ever again.
I am often uneasy making plans two days in advance. Who knows what can happen between now and then? Maybe I get sick, you get sick, or one of us just isn’t the mood for it by the time that day comes, we’re both stuck with an obligation. Let’s not even go so far as thinking about two years from now. No one knows.
I mean seriously, you are my witness.. I can’t even decide on a new layout that I like enough. I’ve changed it maybe… twelve times in the past two days. And it was not a new layout each one of those twelve times. Of course, I have to return to that one I already rejected, for whatever reason, and see if maybe I will like it more this time? Maybe whatever my reasons for rejecting it the first three times, were short-sighted? Maybe the thing I hate about it can be overlooked, changed, corrected…? It’s exhausting and frustrating, all mashed up into a very unappetizing, unappealing bowl of crap.
And now, I will allow my teenage heartthrob, Tom Petty, to express my feelings in song form. He says it better anyway.
Healthy Eating
August 4th, 2009
Of course, I am a woman. We gain weight by just looking at food. And I sure do like looking at food. But since not working, all I do is sit around all day, applying for jobs. Add to that, since not working, I am completely broke. I basically eat what is available, when it’s there. Healthy food is pretty hard to come by. I’ve probably gained about ten pounds just in the past month. None of my clothes fit comfortably anymore, I don’t sleep well, back always hurts…. All of that yummy goodness that comes with unhealthy living.
A few years ago, I did Weight Watchers for a year or so. I had always been skeptical of it until I watched many people that I personally knew, thin down, while following WW. It’s all about portion control and being a bit more conscious of what is going in your mouth. I lost so much weight. I don’t recall how much in total, but it was noticeable in my face the most. Don’t you hate that double chin crap? Also, I was regular gym goer. So, that didn’t hurt.
Anyway, my point is.. reason number 86 that I love the internet, I googled cheap healthy meal ideas.
- 12 Meals from Frugal Law Student
- Cheap Healthy Good – I like that these have “leftover potential”. These also seem super easy and I’m pretty lazy, so that works out.
- eHow.com: Ramen Noodles – Ramen noodles are the cheapest lunch around, but so not good for you. Ramen noodles + frozen okra + 1 egg = delicious
That’s it. Send me some ideas.
Oh! Check out my new Photo of the Day thing. Flickr wants to charge me and I said screw them. Also, the gallery is more in my control now.
I changed my mind, new photo a day.
The other night, I went to the beach, stood in the water, and let my feet sink deep down into the muddy sand. Chicago is glorious.
The Upside
July 23rd, 2009
I forgot to mention that I got the chance to go to the Pitchfork music festival last weekend. Not all three days, just Friday. I got to see Built to Spill, Yo La Tengo, The Jesus Lizard, and Tortoise. Just look at all those people!
It was a lot of fun. Also, there is a free festival this weekend, just down the street from my place. I can walk there. William Elliott Whitmore is playing.
I love it. I’ve just never lived in a city with so many fun things to do at all times. And free, to boot! So many things within walking distance, and if not.. public transportation. I still don’t have a whole lot of friends here, but I am meeting new people daily. And I love the friends I have made. Especially the ones who call me back. I love living in Chicago, I really hope I get my shit together sometime soon. Then, all will be excellent.
I also love that everyday around 12:30 pm, I can smell the BBQ place around the corner from here. Well, it’s a love/hate thing, because while enjoying the smell, I also want to eat it.
I still have this splinter in my toe. And you want to know the worst part about it? All I can think about is a memory of me at maybe.. 6 years old, at the zoo or something, somewhere in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, crying my eyes out, as my grandfather used a pin to get a splinter out of my finger for me.
The Midwest
July 15th, 2009
I just got back home from a week long road trip. From Chicago, IL to Counce, TN to Memphis, TN to Kansas City, MO to Lincoln, NE to Omaha, NE. Here’s my route:
View Summer roadtrip ’09 in a larger map
Noted for next time: Do not go through St. Louis. It would have saved time (while also making the route more triangle shaped).
I had lots of fun. Photos to come later, I’m having computer issues right now. I wish I could move all my Omaha friends to Chicago. In the meantime, visits will just have to do.
Things and stuff
June 29th, 2009
My weekend was pretty uneventful. I want to go to Taste of Chicago, but was warned against going on the weekend.
I ate an insane amount of food yesterday at Green Eye. I’m actually a little in pain today. But the food was delicious… ribs, bacon-wrapped, stuffed jalapeno’s, Mongolian beef on a stick, delicious gaucamole, potato casserole thing, homemade pizza, baked beans, goat cheese, olives, salsa, White Sox cookies, pita chips, um I can’t remember what else. But I definitely ate all of it.
It was such a nice day to sit outside and grill with friends. Too bad Green Eye is on the noisiest, busiest city block ever.
Also, I witnessed some guy being a douchebag for no reason. It took me a few minutes to realize he was being mean just for the sake of being a total asshole. I think he had the tiny man complex. Pretty entertaining. It was the highlight of my day, actually.
All I want is to love and be loved. By someone who deserves and wants it as much as I do. Why can’t that be simple? Oh right, because I’m insane. No one wants it as much as I do. And if they do, they don’t deserve it.
Millennium Park
June 23rd, 2009
So, Millennium Park has like a million free events all summer long.
Saturday, I went for the first time with Ryan to see the Rachmaninoff piano concert. It was beautiful outside, blanket, drinks, friends, food, oversized underwear… I had a fantastic time.
Once they kicked us out of the park, we went all over town. I don’t even really know for sure where we were. It didn’t matter, fun everywhere. I got a video of this random girl with the best singing voice. My first video-of-the-day.
And Monday night, I went to Katie’s and played with her adorable dog.
We met up with Alice, Kim, and some of their friends at the same place. Different music: the Dirty Projectors and The Sea and Cake. Two bands I had never heard of until living here. Both enjoyable.
I failed to get any decent photos of the musicians, because the sound is so awesome in this place, there’s no need to get close to the stage. I did, however, get a photo of the lovelies:
That’s it. It’s only Tuesday. sigh. I’m ready to go on another road trip now. Or of course, New York, I really hate to see cheap plane tickets go to waste. OR rollercoasters! I want it all.
PS: Using these tag thingies is making me more susceptible to name-dropping people. What happened to my discretion?
Loserville. Population: me
June 16th, 2009
I have been living in Chicago for five months now. I can still count the number of good friends I have in town, on one hand. And even amongst them, the list is slowly diminishing, because of associations. This bothers me. Apparently, the awesome social skills I thought I had, only come across as me being an excessively friendly, yet.. creepy, brash girl who flew in from the Cornhusker state, in the middle of nowhere/America. They can smell the desperation on me from miles away.
The best weekends I’ve had are the ones when someone is visiting me from Nebraska. This is not enough to make me miss the place, I only miss the people. It doesn’t help to get more attached after leaving.
Don’t get me wrong, I know exactly what I need to do in order to remedy this situation:
- Stop expecting to meet fantabulous people in bars.
- Focus on my own interests: Join groups/classes with similar tastes. Get more hobbies.
- Remind myself how to enjoy being alone.
- And the ever-so-vague one: Stop getting stuck in the past.
I realize that I’ll eventually meet more people who will widen my eyes and I will love them all dearly. I look forward to it, believe me. It’s just sometimes, you have to complain when you feel like it. And I’ve been so frustrated with this topic lately. Better to get it out of my brain than let it stew and brew.
Funny, the girl who used to want everyone to go away and leave her alone… Now, wishes she had more people around. This lady is never satisfied.
In other news, this stuff makes my face soft and firm = Awesome.
Oh, one more thing… a few people got laid off at work today. There goes my hopes of being hired on (I am currently a temp via Aerotek). It was sad, people were definitely upset.
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