My cab driver last night was checking his email from his computer while driving. He literally had a computer on his lap while driving through the streets of Chicago. He had one of those verizon cards where you get internet literally everywhere.
I told him the new stat I heard how texting while driving is 3 times more dangerous than drinking and driving. He said "mmmhhhmm" while pulling up a youtube video from his computer... so I asked him what was so important in his email that he had to check it while driving me home. He ignored me and put the computer down..
Then we got to talking about why Old town is called old town and why Lincoln Park is called Lincoln Park.. since we didnt know he went to his computer, while driving, and googled it. Almost hit a crosswalk full of people. Thats when I decided it was a nice night and I would walk the rest of the way home...
Monday, July 27, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
mmm mmm dog biscuits!
Besides working at the nonprofit as their events coordinator I am also working at a Wedding Boutique assisting with weddings and helping out at the shop. At work today we had a sidewalk sale. Being the new girl, my job was to sit outside with the sale and make sure no one walked away with anything. It was a beautiful day and lots of people came by. You see three things in the West loop on a Saturday.. couples, babies and dogs. I would say 97% of the people I saw had at least one of these. Chicago is a very, very dog friendly city. People take their dogs to restaurants, into stores, they are everywhere. We set out a dog bowl and jar of dog biscuits for the puppies to stop on their walk. One woman walked by and got two biscuits out. Her dog was a puppy and couldnt bite into an entire biscuit by herself. So the owner bit the biscuit, with her own mouth. Not only did she split the biscuit with her mouth, she ate half and gave her dog the other half! It was so unexpected my jaw dropped. She continued to do the same with the other biscuit. Now, I have grown up with dogs my entire life, and never, NEVER, would I consider sharing food with my dogs. The best part... she came back again and got another biscuit to split with her dog! BAH!!!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Moped?!
I am seriously considering a moped.
Seriously.
Here are the thoughts behind my decision..
-I could get around the city in a jiffy.
-They make really cute pink ones and I could wear a white helmet with it.
-Its a moped (how cool).
-I wouldnt have to pay for parking because the people I see with mopeds just park them on the sidewalk (perk!).
-I don't think mopeds take gas.. double perk. : )
-I could park my moped in the burbs and then I wouldnt have to walk 15 minutes to work.
-Less blisters on my toes... less needed pedicures... saving instant money.
-I cant afford a car.. but could maybe swing a moped.
-Think of the stories that would come out of having a moped.
Thoughts?!
Seriously.
Here are the thoughts behind my decision..
-I could get around the city in a jiffy.
-They make really cute pink ones and I could wear a white helmet with it.
-Its a moped (how cool).
-I wouldnt have to pay for parking because the people I see with mopeds just park them on the sidewalk (perk!).
-I don't think mopeds take gas.. double perk. : )
-I could park my moped in the burbs and then I wouldnt have to walk 15 minutes to work.
-Less blisters on my toes... less needed pedicures... saving instant money.
-I cant afford a car.. but could maybe swing a moped.
-Think of the stories that would come out of having a moped.
Thoughts?!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Wedding Planner
After work one day I was on my way home for the weekend. I was dressed in a black dress with a strand of pearls and a big white flower (my favorite). Running into the store to pick up a new book the woman at the sales counter looked at me and asked why I was dressed so nice (for the airport, I assume). I explained I was at work and came straight to the airport. She looked at me and said "You look like you would be a wedding planner" and I squealed "I am!!". It made me very happy that someone guessed my profession : ) Looks like its meant to be!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Dry Cleaning!
I am not all that familiar with dry cleaning prices because I have gone to the same one in Westlake for forever. So it was to my surprise when I went to pick up my 6 articles of clothing this afternoon and the bill was over $100! The woman did not speak very good English. I asked her, three times, what she was trying to say, she finally pronounced, in broke english, "$120"! The best part.. my sorority pin was on one of the pieces and she charged me for it back! I am livid! Maybe this is a normal price but I think its crazy to charge that much for dry cleaning. In my opinion, I was scammed. I will now export dry cleaning to a reasonable location.. even if it's WESTLAKE!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Appropriate Changing Tables & Violent Muscle Spasms
Back from Cleveland and the people watching continues. It isn't even like I look for these hilarious things that I see on a daily basis, they just happen to me. Today two funny things happened and I thought, well I guess I am writing an entry tonight!
First of all, it is very hard to find a public bathroom in downtown Chicago. Every public place has signs that say "NO PUBLIC RESTROOM" and they seriously enforce it. Some restaurants have keys but you have to make a purchase to get the key. Anyways, this can be a slight inconvenience if you are out in the city and need to use a restroom. My point was proven today as I walked near a Corner Bakery. I decided to stop to get a diet coke on my way home from work and as I turn the corner I notice a baby lying on a table outside. This mother decides that instead of finding a bathroom with a changing station she could change her daughters diaper on the tables outside the corner bakery. She had the baby lying (naked) on the table placed outside the restaurant for guests to eat. I begin to feel ill as I witness this. I have sat at tables outside thousands of times and never thought that I could be placing my food or purse where a baby's bottom and dirty diapers sat moments earlier. This is seriously disturbing. What was more disturbing was when I left the restaurant someone was sitting at the same table eating their dinner. BAH!
The second story was just bizarre. I was on the bus on my way home (right after the corner bakery). This man sat down next to me, I was sitting in the row with three seats and there was a woman in the far seat. The man who sat down was doing some kind of muscle strengthening or had some weird spasms because every 30 seconds or go he would push his legs out and then squeeze them together. Because the seats were tight the pushing would force the other girl and I into the walls of the bus. It was weird.
First of all, it is very hard to find a public bathroom in downtown Chicago. Every public place has signs that say "NO PUBLIC RESTROOM" and they seriously enforce it. Some restaurants have keys but you have to make a purchase to get the key. Anyways, this can be a slight inconvenience if you are out in the city and need to use a restroom. My point was proven today as I walked near a Corner Bakery. I decided to stop to get a diet coke on my way home from work and as I turn the corner I notice a baby lying on a table outside. This mother decides that instead of finding a bathroom with a changing station she could change her daughters diaper on the tables outside the corner bakery. She had the baby lying (naked) on the table placed outside the restaurant for guests to eat. I begin to feel ill as I witness this. I have sat at tables outside thousands of times and never thought that I could be placing my food or purse where a baby's bottom and dirty diapers sat moments earlier. This is seriously disturbing. What was more disturbing was when I left the restaurant someone was sitting at the same table eating their dinner. BAH!
The second story was just bizarre. I was on the bus on my way home (right after the corner bakery). This man sat down next to me, I was sitting in the row with three seats and there was a woman in the far seat. The man who sat down was doing some kind of muscle strengthening or had some weird spasms because every 30 seconds or go he would push his legs out and then squeeze them together. Because the seats were tight the pushing would force the other girl and I into the walls of the bus. It was weird.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Ribs Anyone?
Quick story..
Today. On the bus. This man comes and sits down next to this very put together business woman. They were on the other side of the isle from me. He is a little grungy. but hey, I don't judge. Anyways, He starts moving around and I watch him from the corner of my eye. I see him pull this plastic zip lock bag from his pocket. Something absolutely disgusting was in the bag, God knows what at this point. It was brown and took some kind of sticky liquid texture, it filled the bag.
I turn to watch a little more... (mind you the woman he was sitting next to looked like she was about to gag and completely lose it) The man is trying to get the bag open while feeling for something in the brown liquid. Sick. All of a sudden I notice him pull out some ribs! He was trying to eat his lunch. Mind you, no napkins, no drinks, just a bag, his fingers and some ribs. He separates the one rib from the rest and drops them in the bag as he starts to munch on the rib. Disgusting. The woman got up and left the bus (I don't think it was her stop). He continues to eat this rib.. and when hes done with it places the bone in his lap. His fingers are completely drenched in rib sauce. He attempts to open the bag again, with his teeth. As he does this sauce lands all over his lap. He pulls the ribs out, grabs onto one with his teeth, separates it and drops the rest in the bag. Continues enjoying his lunch... When I finally got off the bus he was on rib 4. My recommendation, if you are going to have left overs from the 4th enjoy them at a kitchen table.. or anywhere but the bus.
Today. On the bus. This man comes and sits down next to this very put together business woman. They were on the other side of the isle from me. He is a little grungy. but hey, I don't judge. Anyways, He starts moving around and I watch him from the corner of my eye. I see him pull this plastic zip lock bag from his pocket. Something absolutely disgusting was in the bag, God knows what at this point. It was brown and took some kind of sticky liquid texture, it filled the bag.
I turn to watch a little more... (mind you the woman he was sitting next to looked like she was about to gag and completely lose it) The man is trying to get the bag open while feeling for something in the brown liquid. Sick. All of a sudden I notice him pull out some ribs! He was trying to eat his lunch. Mind you, no napkins, no drinks, just a bag, his fingers and some ribs. He separates the one rib from the rest and drops them in the bag as he starts to munch on the rib. Disgusting. The woman got up and left the bus (I don't think it was her stop). He continues to eat this rib.. and when hes done with it places the bone in his lap. His fingers are completely drenched in rib sauce. He attempts to open the bag again, with his teeth. As he does this sauce lands all over his lap. He pulls the ribs out, grabs onto one with his teeth, separates it and drops the rest in the bag. Continues enjoying his lunch... When I finally got off the bus he was on rib 4. My recommendation, if you are going to have left overs from the 4th enjoy them at a kitchen table.. or anywhere but the bus.
The Difference between the big screen and the real world
A lot of movies taken place in Chicago have been on the tv lately.. but I have noticed that there is a major difference between real world Chicago and the fictional city that they display.
1.. The Media has two versions of Chicago: La La Land or Crime Chicago. There is no happy medium. Some versions show Chicago as the most pleasant, safest place ever, others show it as if you step out your door you will be raped, murdered or framed. Both of these versions happen to be false.
2.. The weather! It is always so pleasant when filmed. Even when its winter, the weather is bearable.. this happens to be FALSE.
3.. City Traffic: I think its pretty funny that whenever someone wants a cab they are always directly there for them at their disposal and when they want to take part in a high speed chase there is never traffic.
4.. Have you ever noticed that the only people on the streets in Chicago are pretty people that look like moviestars? Not many homeless' are featured on the big screen streets.
5.. The El isn't a scary place dispite what you may see in While You Were Sleeping (he was robbed and pushed onto the tracks) and if it was the EL attendants sure as hell would not jump out to save anyone..
6.. and for those who love the television show ER.. the hospital its meant to take place at is way out in the west loop but they always show it in the middle of the city. Hate to burst your bubble.
Regardless.. its a great city and everyone should visit it for themselves instead of watching it in the movies.. I have a couch you may sleep on.. :)
Here are some movies that take place in Chicago:
My Best Friend's Wedding
The Break Up
Chicago (Go Figure)
Ferris Buellers Day Off
The Blue's Brothers
While You Were Sleeping
Ground Hog Day
Home Alone (1 and 2)
etc..etc..etc..
1.. The Media has two versions of Chicago: La La Land or Crime Chicago. There is no happy medium. Some versions show Chicago as the most pleasant, safest place ever, others show it as if you step out your door you will be raped, murdered or framed. Both of these versions happen to be false.
2.. The weather! It is always so pleasant when filmed. Even when its winter, the weather is bearable.. this happens to be FALSE.
3.. City Traffic: I think its pretty funny that whenever someone wants a cab they are always directly there for them at their disposal and when they want to take part in a high speed chase there is never traffic.
4.. Have you ever noticed that the only people on the streets in Chicago are pretty people that look like moviestars? Not many homeless' are featured on the big screen streets.
5.. The El isn't a scary place dispite what you may see in While You Were Sleeping (he was robbed and pushed onto the tracks) and if it was the EL attendants sure as hell would not jump out to save anyone..
6.. and for those who love the television show ER.. the hospital its meant to take place at is way out in the west loop but they always show it in the middle of the city. Hate to burst your bubble.
Regardless.. its a great city and everyone should visit it for themselves instead of watching it in the movies.. I have a couch you may sleep on.. :)
Here are some movies that take place in Chicago:
My Best Friend's Wedding
The Break Up
Chicago (Go Figure)
Ferris Buellers Day Off
The Blue's Brothers
While You Were Sleeping
Ground Hog Day
Home Alone (1 and 2)
etc..etc..etc..
Monday, June 29, 2009
Kids Say The Darndest Thing
When flying back to Chicago the last time I was waiting to board the plane. Unfortunately I was one of the last people on the plane so I didn't have my choice of many seats (southwest does open seating) and had to wait a while to get on the plane. When I was sitting in the airport the woman next to me was stalking out little kids like no one I have ever seen.
Dont get me wrong, when I see a cute kid I will smile at the child or tell their mother their baby is cute. But, this woman took it too the next level. She was an older woman around 45 or so. When the family was sitting around a kids table she said to the father "Your son is so sweet, he is such an adorable child!" The father said thank you and then she continued "He is such a sweet heart, I am so in love with your boy. What a heart breaker! What a gorgeous face. How old is he. He is just too cute! I love his face, hes such a heart breaker" The father smiled kind of awkwardly. He then had to "go to the bathroom" with all of his children.
The next victim to sit down was a father and his daughter. She must had been around 5 or so and she was a cute kid. The woman began again "Oh my gosh, your daughter is so beautiful" The father said thank you and then she began drilling them with questions "She is just gorgeous, so pretty, how old is she, is her mother around, what a gorgeous child, so well built. So pretty, just gorgeous" The father wasnt sure how to respond. She was treating the child like a cross between a cute puppy and a man talking about a Baywatch lifeguard. I am pretty sure this lady wasnt aloud to be within 50 feet of children and she was pretty obnoxious and very creepy.
When they called our seating zone we all went up to the poles telling us where to line up. Fortunately the woman was the last on the plane. I always hate this part of Southwest. Its nerve racking, looking for a seat, and people get so mad when you decide to sit in their middle seat. I always look for the most successful people on the plane and sit by them. I figure if they look successful maybe they are a CEO and are looking to hire an event planner. I will do just about anything to network these days. Well anyways, the seats were pretty picked over so I went to the back of the plane and took a row to myself. The father and the daughter followed. The creeper woman found another set of children to stalk for the 42 minute plane ride. I felt bad for their parents and even more for the children. They didnt know what they were getting themselves into.
The little girl began talking to me and her father was sleeping against the window. She started off pretty harmless but then got personal with questions. She asked where I was going, why I had an umbrella, the kind of questions kids ask. As we were getting off the plane she turns to the old man (he was like 65) in front of me and said "ma'am ma'am is that man your husband!!" this was insulting. First off, he was 3 times my age. Second, no. Third, she had just made things very awkward between the man and me. I quietly said no. Then she looked at the book I was holding. It was Chelsea Handlers "Hello Vodka, are you there, its me Chelsea". The girl starts spelling "V-O-D-K-A.. Vodka! thats what my mommy drinks. Right daddy, mommy loves vodka!" This little brat didnt know when to shut up and she was basically screaming. It was entertainment for the entire back of the plane.
We proceeded to baggage claim and the old grandpa comes up to me and goes "it's pretty funny that girl thought we were married" I responded with a "ha ha hilarious". Then he goes "Hi, I'm Paul." First thing that crossed my mind was I needed to start dressing younger. How did this man (THREE TIMES MY AGE) think I wanted to be hit on. Thank god as he was starting conversation my very noticeable bag came out onto the line and I could get to my train.
On the train this man was clearly not "with it". First his shirt looked like a child's bib. He was sleeping and particles were coming out of his mouth and nose. It was disgusting. A group of children board the train and automatically begin making comments about the man. One of them got their camera phone out and took a picture. The man never woke up but the kids were saying all kinds of things... Kids say the darnedest things...
Dont get me wrong, when I see a cute kid I will smile at the child or tell their mother their baby is cute. But, this woman took it too the next level. She was an older woman around 45 or so. When the family was sitting around a kids table she said to the father "Your son is so sweet, he is such an adorable child!" The father said thank you and then she continued "He is such a sweet heart, I am so in love with your boy. What a heart breaker! What a gorgeous face. How old is he. He is just too cute! I love his face, hes such a heart breaker" The father smiled kind of awkwardly. He then had to "go to the bathroom" with all of his children.
The next victim to sit down was a father and his daughter. She must had been around 5 or so and she was a cute kid. The woman began again "Oh my gosh, your daughter is so beautiful" The father said thank you and then she began drilling them with questions "She is just gorgeous, so pretty, how old is she, is her mother around, what a gorgeous child, so well built. So pretty, just gorgeous" The father wasnt sure how to respond. She was treating the child like a cross between a cute puppy and a man talking about a Baywatch lifeguard. I am pretty sure this lady wasnt aloud to be within 50 feet of children and she was pretty obnoxious and very creepy.
When they called our seating zone we all went up to the poles telling us where to line up. Fortunately the woman was the last on the plane. I always hate this part of Southwest. Its nerve racking, looking for a seat, and people get so mad when you decide to sit in their middle seat. I always look for the most successful people on the plane and sit by them. I figure if they look successful maybe they are a CEO and are looking to hire an event planner. I will do just about anything to network these days. Well anyways, the seats were pretty picked over so I went to the back of the plane and took a row to myself. The father and the daughter followed. The creeper woman found another set of children to stalk for the 42 minute plane ride. I felt bad for their parents and even more for the children. They didnt know what they were getting themselves into.
The little girl began talking to me and her father was sleeping against the window. She started off pretty harmless but then got personal with questions. She asked where I was going, why I had an umbrella, the kind of questions kids ask. As we were getting off the plane she turns to the old man (he was like 65) in front of me and said "ma'am ma'am is that man your husband!!" this was insulting. First off, he was 3 times my age. Second, no. Third, she had just made things very awkward between the man and me. I quietly said no. Then she looked at the book I was holding. It was Chelsea Handlers "Hello Vodka, are you there, its me Chelsea". The girl starts spelling "V-O-D-K-A.. Vodka! thats what my mommy drinks. Right daddy, mommy loves vodka!" This little brat didnt know when to shut up and she was basically screaming. It was entertainment for the entire back of the plane.
We proceeded to baggage claim and the old grandpa comes up to me and goes "it's pretty funny that girl thought we were married" I responded with a "ha ha hilarious". Then he goes "Hi, I'm Paul." First thing that crossed my mind was I needed to start dressing younger. How did this man (THREE TIMES MY AGE) think I wanted to be hit on. Thank god as he was starting conversation my very noticeable bag came out onto the line and I could get to my train.
On the train this man was clearly not "with it". First his shirt looked like a child's bib. He was sleeping and particles were coming out of his mouth and nose. It was disgusting. A group of children board the train and automatically begin making comments about the man. One of them got their camera phone out and took a picture. The man never woke up but the kids were saying all kinds of things... Kids say the darnedest things...
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Paradise by the Dashboard Light
In honor of my fathers birthday yesterday and the fact he told this story totally wrong to everyone, I will reminisce on a story that still haunts me from last summer.
Every Monday my friends and I met up at a restaurant/ bar called Duffies for "Chicago Idol". A friend of our was participating in the singing contest so we would go and cheer her on and then vote for her to make it on to the competition next week. Since I worked later hours than my friends many times I would get off work around 7 pm and meet them out at the restaurant.
One particular Monday I was heading to Duffies and the weather didn't look so great. The storm clouds were rolling in and I wanted to get to the place in time to hear Lindsay sing. Once I got off the brown line I walked a very steady pace to get to the restaurant. It was about 8 blocks from the line so I knew it was a long walk. I was on the phone with someone to make the time pass quicker. I walked quite a distance, maybe 10 blocks or so before I realized that this wasn't the right place. (I was walking the opposite direction I needed to to get to Duffies.) Since I was on the phone I wasn't paying attention to the streets or the landmarks I would usually look for (since I had done this trip many times). I began to turn around and walk back when the rain started.
First, it started off as a light sprinkle. My white shirt couldn't last more than a sprinkle before it was going to be see through so I hoped to get to a place of cover quickly. Of course, this was the one day I forgot my umbrella. My short black skirt began to blow as the rain and wind picked up. The rain kept getting harder and harder. I couldn't find any place to retreat to and I was getting soaked. Pretty soon the sprinkle turned into a near hurricane and I was 18 blocks from my location. Of all times I couldn't find a taxi either!
I continued to walk, rain falling so hard it felt like it was piercing my skin. I witnessed two trees fall and saw so much lightening I thought I would get hit for sure by one of its strikes. The rain was not letting up. This is like one of those storms that you think, omg I have never seen rain like that before, and I was in the middle of it. After about 6 or 7 blocks (which felt like 16 or 17 blocks) I finally got a cab. I only had 5 dollars on me so I told the driver to take me as far as 5 dollars could get me. At this point I couldn't just turn around and go home because I did not want to be on an elevated train with as much lightening as their was and 5 dollars was not getting me home.
The driver took me to the location and when I got out of the cab he told me to be careful because he had heard on the radio that they were comparing this storm to a hurricane. Wonderful. Just what I wanted to get caught in. It wasn't letting up either. When I entered the restaurant the man at the door laughed at me. In my face. Literally, laughed at me. He said it looked like I jumped in a pool before I walked in the door. I wasn't as amused as he was. Another waitress handed me a bus towel and said, maybe this would help. I met up with my friends and they were all shocked. I don't think they expected to see me with mascara to my chin, a see through shirt, drenched hair and a pretty sour attitude. I grabbed one of my friends and made her follow me to the bathroom where I attempted to dry off. Not happening. From there, we went to the table and I dealt with a lot of awkward glances, dumb comments and a few too many drinks. Turns out some people found my wet mess of a self amusing and bought me a drink or two.
On the way home the rain was still going on but the trains began running again. I was mad because all of my friends parents called them to see if they were okay. Apparently, Chicago's weather had been all over the news. Well, they were fine! They were dry and weren't the butt of every joke for the last 3 hours. I, on the other hand, was. My parents (who didn't call) needed to know I was okay so I decided to call them and let them know. Unfortunately, I was not in the best state of mind when I called and my 8 minute and 43 second phone call with my dad at 1:30 a.m. consisted of me singing "paradise by the dashboard light" to him and ended with "I'm singing in the rain".
This was not one of my prouder moments, but it is one of my dads favorite stories. Among others, he finds this an appropriate story to repeat to family, friends and coworkers and inappropriate times. I am not to happy that this is the story my dad likes to tell people but it was one I will always remember... the day I was stuck in a hurricane!
Every Monday my friends and I met up at a restaurant/ bar called Duffies for "Chicago Idol". A friend of our was participating in the singing contest so we would go and cheer her on and then vote for her to make it on to the competition next week. Since I worked later hours than my friends many times I would get off work around 7 pm and meet them out at the restaurant.
One particular Monday I was heading to Duffies and the weather didn't look so great. The storm clouds were rolling in and I wanted to get to the place in time to hear Lindsay sing. Once I got off the brown line I walked a very steady pace to get to the restaurant. It was about 8 blocks from the line so I knew it was a long walk. I was on the phone with someone to make the time pass quicker. I walked quite a distance, maybe 10 blocks or so before I realized that this wasn't the right place. (I was walking the opposite direction I needed to to get to Duffies.) Since I was on the phone I wasn't paying attention to the streets or the landmarks I would usually look for (since I had done this trip many times). I began to turn around and walk back when the rain started.
First, it started off as a light sprinkle. My white shirt couldn't last more than a sprinkle before it was going to be see through so I hoped to get to a place of cover quickly. Of course, this was the one day I forgot my umbrella. My short black skirt began to blow as the rain and wind picked up. The rain kept getting harder and harder. I couldn't find any place to retreat to and I was getting soaked. Pretty soon the sprinkle turned into a near hurricane and I was 18 blocks from my location. Of all times I couldn't find a taxi either!
I continued to walk, rain falling so hard it felt like it was piercing my skin. I witnessed two trees fall and saw so much lightening I thought I would get hit for sure by one of its strikes. The rain was not letting up. This is like one of those storms that you think, omg I have never seen rain like that before, and I was in the middle of it. After about 6 or 7 blocks (which felt like 16 or 17 blocks) I finally got a cab. I only had 5 dollars on me so I told the driver to take me as far as 5 dollars could get me. At this point I couldn't just turn around and go home because I did not want to be on an elevated train with as much lightening as their was and 5 dollars was not getting me home.
The driver took me to the location and when I got out of the cab he told me to be careful because he had heard on the radio that they were comparing this storm to a hurricane. Wonderful. Just what I wanted to get caught in. It wasn't letting up either. When I entered the restaurant the man at the door laughed at me. In my face. Literally, laughed at me. He said it looked like I jumped in a pool before I walked in the door. I wasn't as amused as he was. Another waitress handed me a bus towel and said, maybe this would help. I met up with my friends and they were all shocked. I don't think they expected to see me with mascara to my chin, a see through shirt, drenched hair and a pretty sour attitude. I grabbed one of my friends and made her follow me to the bathroom where I attempted to dry off. Not happening. From there, we went to the table and I dealt with a lot of awkward glances, dumb comments and a few too many drinks. Turns out some people found my wet mess of a self amusing and bought me a drink or two.
On the way home the rain was still going on but the trains began running again. I was mad because all of my friends parents called them to see if they were okay. Apparently, Chicago's weather had been all over the news. Well, they were fine! They were dry and weren't the butt of every joke for the last 3 hours. I, on the other hand, was. My parents (who didn't call) needed to know I was okay so I decided to call them and let them know. Unfortunately, I was not in the best state of mind when I called and my 8 minute and 43 second phone call with my dad at 1:30 a.m. consisted of me singing "paradise by the dashboard light" to him and ended with "I'm singing in the rain".
This was not one of my prouder moments, but it is one of my dads favorite stories. Among others, he finds this an appropriate story to repeat to family, friends and coworkers and inappropriate times. I am not to happy that this is the story my dad likes to tell people but it was one I will always remember... the day I was stuck in a hurricane!
waiting for the train on the way home from duffies (sick of the rain)
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Conversation Starters
As I get to know people in the city its really funny how you meet someone and they always resort back to the same conversation topics. For example, each of my doormen all have a conversation of choice. Between the weather, Cleveland sports and if I have any packages its nearly impossible to break the conversation cycle.
I will say things such as "How are you today?" or "Whats new" and the response is always in the ballpark of their conversation of choice. "Whats new with you today" I ask. "Just trying to enjoy this weather as much as I can!" Great. More weather conversations to get me absolutely no where.
I ask again, "What are your plans for the weekend?". "Just going to watch the CUBS, you know those Indians aren't doing so great". Wonderful.
Its not just in the building. The deli man, the CVS salesperson, the welcome desk at my gym, they all have their own personal conversation spiel. Its like when your at Texas Roadhouse and your sitting a little too close to the hostess stand and you hear every single person who walks to their table be asked the question "Do you come here often" and you know that the person asking has absolutely no interest if you have ever been there or not. In fact, your kind of insulted because they have been asking you the same question for the last three years once a week. I cant talk to one more person about the weather, its just too boring and rather depressing considering Chicago has had the worse summer weather ever this year.
Next person I speak to because of good manners I am just going to pull out a fold up chair from my purse (I carry a rather large purse) and sit down next to them and tell them to tell me their life story. If they mention weather, sports or the headlines of the Chicago tribune I will taser them and say, try again. I am sure this new tactic will be a good way to make friends in a jiffy!
I will say things such as "How are you today?" or "Whats new" and the response is always in the ballpark of their conversation of choice. "Whats new with you today" I ask. "Just trying to enjoy this weather as much as I can!" Great. More weather conversations to get me absolutely no where.
I ask again, "What are your plans for the weekend?". "Just going to watch the CUBS, you know those Indians aren't doing so great". Wonderful.
Its not just in the building. The deli man, the CVS salesperson, the welcome desk at my gym, they all have their own personal conversation spiel. Its like when your at Texas Roadhouse and your sitting a little too close to the hostess stand and you hear every single person who walks to their table be asked the question "Do you come here often" and you know that the person asking has absolutely no interest if you have ever been there or not. In fact, your kind of insulted because they have been asking you the same question for the last three years once a week. I cant talk to one more person about the weather, its just too boring and rather depressing considering Chicago has had the worse summer weather ever this year.
Next person I speak to because of good manners I am just going to pull out a fold up chair from my purse (I carry a rather large purse) and sit down next to them and tell them to tell me their life story. If they mention weather, sports or the headlines of the Chicago tribune I will taser them and say, try again. I am sure this new tactic will be a good way to make friends in a jiffy!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Throw a BROWNIE in with that ten dollars too!
The city is full of all kinds, but lately, the poor camped out at corners have drawn my attention...
Last week a man asked for some "suga"..
Another man asked for some money and when I replied I didnt have any he began yelling at me with some very vulgar language.
On Sunday a duo of a man and woman were sitting near the train performing music such as (I kid you not) The Thong Song and Take Me Home Tonight. The man had been there for a while. the woman walked up to him (requesting the thong song) and they began singing together. They were strangers, in fact, I saw the woman try to get his information to contact him later that night.
The requests aren't the same as they use to be. Last summer I use to walk down the street and be asked for some change. A reasonable request considering they are interested in a cup of coffee or some food. But lately, the requests have changed. For example, a woman tonight asked for $10 and as I walked by the corner bakery she continued to see if I would "throw in a brownie as well". This is a lot to ask of a stranger in my opinion.
As I walked on kind of surprised by how aggressive this woman was trying to get me to go into the corner bakery to buy her a brownie a man walking near me mentioned that earlier in the day he was approached for a $10 bill as well. Apparently the donation request has raised to like 1000 percent.
My favorite story, however, was from my sister Megan when she was in Cleveland. A man held a sign that said "I'll be honest, I just want to buy some beer". I give him credit for his honesty and I assume he was more friendly than the woman hounding us for ten dollars and a brownie!
Last week a man asked for some "suga"..
Another man asked for some money and when I replied I didnt have any he began yelling at me with some very vulgar language.
On Sunday a duo of a man and woman were sitting near the train performing music such as (I kid you not) The Thong Song and Take Me Home Tonight. The man had been there for a while. the woman walked up to him (requesting the thong song) and they began singing together. They were strangers, in fact, I saw the woman try to get his information to contact him later that night.
The requests aren't the same as they use to be. Last summer I use to walk down the street and be asked for some change. A reasonable request considering they are interested in a cup of coffee or some food. But lately, the requests have changed. For example, a woman tonight asked for $10 and as I walked by the corner bakery she continued to see if I would "throw in a brownie as well". This is a lot to ask of a stranger in my opinion.
As I walked on kind of surprised by how aggressive this woman was trying to get me to go into the corner bakery to buy her a brownie a man walking near me mentioned that earlier in the day he was approached for a $10 bill as well. Apparently the donation request has raised to like 1000 percent.
My favorite story, however, was from my sister Megan when she was in Cleveland. A man held a sign that said "I'll be honest, I just want to buy some beer". I give him credit for his honesty and I assume he was more friendly than the woman hounding us for ten dollars and a brownie!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Rain Rain Go Away...
So sometimes I wonder why I am posting all of my embarrassing stories for all my friends and family to see.. but then I guess its better than laughing at myself all the time.
Yesterday was one for the books. Of course it has to do with transportation.. or kind of.. because public transportation may be the worse thing to ever happen to me, let me explain...
It was raining all day yesterday. All day. I get up and decide I am going to run errands, etc. So I get dressed and head out umbrella in hand. First stop, Target. I should had known that this was a bad idea because Target and Chicago dont mix. I head down to the red line stop (underground) and notice that the steps look wet. So I hold on to the banister and still manage to fall down the filthy subway steps.. luckily, I was holding onto the banister so I stopped after about 4 steps. I pull myself up, look around to see if anyone saw this embarrassing fall and step down... fall, AGAIN. Two steps this time. landed on my wrist and left side. Ew. Dirt. Everywhere. Stand Up again and immediately fall again to the bottom of the first flight of steps (on the landing). At this point I was sitting in a puddle of filthy city water and fearing another fall climbed back up to the street and walked home. The rest of the day was devoted to icing my entire left side and doing what I could do online opposed to going out in the city. It doesnt help I was wearing flip flops. mark June 11th as the last time I EVER wear flip flops in the city ever again. bah.
The Steps I fell Down... BAH!
Yesterday was one for the books. Of course it has to do with transportation.. or kind of.. because public transportation may be the worse thing to ever happen to me, let me explain...
It was raining all day yesterday. All day. I get up and decide I am going to run errands, etc. So I get dressed and head out umbrella in hand. First stop, Target. I should had known that this was a bad idea because Target and Chicago dont mix. I head down to the red line stop (underground) and notice that the steps look wet. So I hold on to the banister and still manage to fall down the filthy subway steps.. luckily, I was holding onto the banister so I stopped after about 4 steps. I pull myself up, look around to see if anyone saw this embarrassing fall and step down... fall, AGAIN. Two steps this time. landed on my wrist and left side. Ew. Dirt. Everywhere. Stand Up again and immediately fall again to the bottom of the first flight of steps (on the landing). At this point I was sitting in a puddle of filthy city water and fearing another fall climbed back up to the street and walked home. The rest of the day was devoted to icing my entire left side and doing what I could do online opposed to going out in the city. It doesnt help I was wearing flip flops. mark June 11th as the last time I EVER wear flip flops in the city ever again. bah.
The Steps I fell Down... BAH!Thursday, June 11, 2009
The Metra...
I had my second interview with the non profit that is looking for an event planner.. they asked me back for a third interview so I am really hopeful this is the job!! : ) I dont think I have mentioned that this job is in the suburbs, so I take the train to a bus to the metra (the Illinois version of the Amtrak) out to the suburbs then walk to the location about 15 minutes from the train stop. The town is the most adorable place you have ever seen.. it is like the birth place of the land rovers. I swear, wisteria lane may just have popped right out of this adorable town. However, it isnt as adorable when your running late for a train and in a full out suit...
I had just finished my second interview with the executive director, I looked down at my watch and it was 5:45.. the next train into the city came in 10 minutes, and it was a 12 - 15 minute walk in a suit and heels.. So I began to speed walk in my suit and hustle through the suburbia streets trying to make the train (if I missed it I would have to wait another hour). As I jogged in my suit I looked down to see the back of my foot bleeding all over my new shoes, looks like new shoes for my mini marathon wasn't a good idea.. but I kept "speed walking"... As the train tracks came in sight I saw the RxR lights go on and the little stick that comes down to stop traffic lower and I was a good 5 minutes away... shit.
At this point I was hot and I was going to have to sit in the sun for an hour and wait for the next train.. So I ended up sprinting for this train, running. I kept getting funny looks from people but I didnt care. I didnt want to wait for the next train if I could make this one... running.. tripping.. running.. the train passes me. There are a few people sitting on benches laughing at me and I hear them snickering. I was so upset that I was just about to hit them. But then I looked around, no one got on that train. Everyone was sitting there reading their papers, listening to their iPods.. the train was a freight train. Ha. I was so concerned about getting on a train I didnt realize it wasnt the right train. Turns out, I made it to the stop with 5 minutes to spare and got on the train I wanted to, and only made a fool out of myself in front of about, 30 people.
Once I got on the train I distanced myself from the people at the stop because I think that my scurry to the train stop made a couple of their stomachs hurt they were laughing so hard. There was one booth left open on the car I got on, soon after I learned why that seat was the one left free.. the man sitting behind me had a bad case of some kind of cold/ flu. He was sneezing into his hands snot, for a good 10 minutes straight, cursing in between. He didnt stop, I swear to god.. Achoow... Shit... Achhow.. damn it... SFJSEJFSdfsefAChoooooow.. #$#@% .. you get the picture.... I couldnt help but laugh. He saw me rocking back and forth laughing, but it wasnt as much at him but at my life.
I had just finished my second interview with the executive director, I looked down at my watch and it was 5:45.. the next train into the city came in 10 minutes, and it was a 12 - 15 minute walk in a suit and heels.. So I began to speed walk in my suit and hustle through the suburbia streets trying to make the train (if I missed it I would have to wait another hour). As I jogged in my suit I looked down to see the back of my foot bleeding all over my new shoes, looks like new shoes for my mini marathon wasn't a good idea.. but I kept "speed walking"... As the train tracks came in sight I saw the RxR lights go on and the little stick that comes down to stop traffic lower and I was a good 5 minutes away... shit.
At this point I was hot and I was going to have to sit in the sun for an hour and wait for the next train.. So I ended up sprinting for this train, running. I kept getting funny looks from people but I didnt care. I didnt want to wait for the next train if I could make this one... running.. tripping.. running.. the train passes me. There are a few people sitting on benches laughing at me and I hear them snickering. I was so upset that I was just about to hit them. But then I looked around, no one got on that train. Everyone was sitting there reading their papers, listening to their iPods.. the train was a freight train. Ha. I was so concerned about getting on a train I didnt realize it wasnt the right train. Turns out, I made it to the stop with 5 minutes to spare and got on the train I wanted to, and only made a fool out of myself in front of about, 30 people.
Once I got on the train I distanced myself from the people at the stop because I think that my scurry to the train stop made a couple of their stomachs hurt they were laughing so hard. There was one booth left open on the car I got on, soon after I learned why that seat was the one left free.. the man sitting behind me had a bad case of some kind of cold/ flu. He was sneezing into his hands snot, for a good 10 minutes straight, cursing in between. He didnt stop, I swear to god.. Achoow... Shit... Achhow.. damn it... SFJSEJFSdfsefAChoooooow.. #$#@% .. you get the picture.... I couldnt help but laugh. He saw me rocking back and forth laughing, but it wasnt as much at him but at my life.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
The B***H at the Bar
For the CAVS Magic game 6 Jessie and Meghan (Hughes) were in town and very excited to watch the Cavs hopefully beat the Magic (we wont talk about that game). We went down the street from my apartment at a very nice bar/ restaurant and got a great table in front of the television. Well if you know my family.. they love the Cavs.. so Jessie was screaming at the television and making all kinds of a scene.. shocking I know.. Well, as you can imagine, this cheering drew some attention to our table and people began coming over to talk to us about the game and just making conversation.
One individual, was not very friendly, and when she found out I was going to be an event planner snapped. We were sitting there after the game when she came over and said "you are going to fail as an event planner, you're never going to make it". Shocked, that someone would be so blunt (and SO WRONG) I turned to her and said.. "excuse me?" and she repeated "You are going to be the worst event planner, your never going to make it. You suck" (Mind you, I have NEVER spoken to this girl before, she over heard my conversation with someone else talking about being an event planner). So I replied something like "excuse me? Who are you and why would you say that"... to make a long story short.. We had a heated conversation for about 10 minutes where it ended with me screaming at her to "WALK AWAY MA"AM, and when I make my first MILLION I will dedicate it to you, the bitch in the bar". She had nothing to say.. so she walked to the bar and sat on a bar stool talking about me until we left.... I usually wouldnt be so rude to someone (or straight up mean) but she attacked me, with no reason, and wouldnt go away..
Some people! It was a very funny story at the time and I may not had been able to give it the humor it deserved in this blog.. but since that encounter, I have seen her on the street, at my fitness center, at the grocery store.. basically everywhere you could imagine. Shes like a bad nightmare that wont go away. This may not be the last story about the wonderful woman that tried to tell me I was going to be a failure without knowing me AT ALL!
There are a lot of nice people in Chicago too so dont judge that this one CRAZY woman is the representation of the citizens of Chicago. Theres a clown in every group. haha.
One individual, was not very friendly, and when she found out I was going to be an event planner snapped. We were sitting there after the game when she came over and said "you are going to fail as an event planner, you're never going to make it". Shocked, that someone would be so blunt (and SO WRONG) I turned to her and said.. "excuse me?" and she repeated "You are going to be the worst event planner, your never going to make it. You suck" (Mind you, I have NEVER spoken to this girl before, she over heard my conversation with someone else talking about being an event planner). So I replied something like "excuse me? Who are you and why would you say that"... to make a long story short.. We had a heated conversation for about 10 minutes where it ended with me screaming at her to "WALK AWAY MA"AM, and when I make my first MILLION I will dedicate it to you, the bitch in the bar". She had nothing to say.. so she walked to the bar and sat on a bar stool talking about me until we left.... I usually wouldnt be so rude to someone (or straight up mean) but she attacked me, with no reason, and wouldnt go away..
Some people! It was a very funny story at the time and I may not had been able to give it the humor it deserved in this blog.. but since that encounter, I have seen her on the street, at my fitness center, at the grocery store.. basically everywhere you could imagine. Shes like a bad nightmare that wont go away. This may not be the last story about the wonderful woman that tried to tell me I was going to be a failure without knowing me AT ALL!
There are a lot of nice people in Chicago too so dont judge that this one CRAZY woman is the representation of the citizens of Chicago. Theres a clown in every group. haha.
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