I will agree with Allison, Chicago is absolutely stunning right now... but it has been quite the adjustment to this weather. After being "that girl in her high heels" a couple weeks ago during out first snow flurry, Santa brought me an early Christmas present... BOOTS. Thank goodness they came early because according to WGN, (the Chicago local news) we are experiencing one of the snowiest Decembers in 124 years. You may think it is pretty, but it is not so pretty when you have to wait for public transportation to take you to and from work.
I think I should write a little book of tips for those who are new to the city. First, don't stand inside the bus stop. It seems like a safe zone, but oh no. Yesterday morning I was standing inside the bus stop waiting for my transfer bus on Michigan Ave when this nice black Ranger Rover came speeding by, hitting a puddle of slush, and spraying me and another innocent bystander. Now I stand behind the bus stop.
Puddles. I don't think I have ever seen bigger puddles here. Of course the biggest puddle in Chicago happens to be located at the bus stop in front of our apartment. When the bus drops you off on the way home, you have to wait on a small curb side until the bus passes and the light signals "walk." If the light is red, you have to wait for cars to pass by. Big puddle + cars speeding by = no good. Thankfully the first time I experienced this I was next to a nice lady who held her umbrella out in front of her to block the splash. Second lesson: use your umbrella as a shield.
Falling ice. On Wednesday I was walking along with my new friend/co-worker Sheila to grab some lunch when all of a sudden we were caught in the line of fire. The buildings in the area put out signs that read "watch for falling ice." Yeah, yeah... falling ice. What, is an icicle going to pierce my skull? I didn't think so... until... Sheila and I were gossiping and minding our own business when a HUGE 80 pound chunk of ice came falling down off the 40-story skyscraper landing at our feet. If we were one second faster it would have landed directly on our heads, most likely KILLING us - ok maybe that is a bit of an exaggeration. But STILL. OMG. I think Chicago should make covered sidewalks with heaters. I mean, come on. This is dangerous, so they want people losing lives from falling ice? Third lesson: start designing my own line of designer hard hats.
The commute home on the bus. During the snow storm on Tuesday evening I hopped on my first bus after waiting in the freezing cold for 30 minutes. Let me tell you, it was a battle to get a spot on the bus, standing or sitting. I shoved my way through and was lucky enough to get a spot on the bus. With my ipod in, hat on, scarf tightly snug around my neck, gloves and huge jacket, I was sweaty. I managed to get an arm up to take my hat off, that helped. We only live about three miles away from the downtown loop. It normally takes about 30 minutes to get home on a good day. This time it took two hours to get home. I guess the city is trying to save money and cut back on the amount of city workers. Thus less people to plow the snow and cause major delays on everyone's commute home. To top it off, I had to spend those two hours leaning against my new homeless friend who decided to scream obscenities across the bus the ENTIRE time. No matter if you have your ipod on and do not give them attention, they still seem to harass you. Fourth lesson: when it snows, bundle up and walk home. It might be a little more painful but it might be worth it.
Here is what is in store for this evening:
"Chicago's 7th snowiest December in 124 years is about to get even snowier. The second major winter storm in a week -- this one wetter and stronger -- hits with thunder Thursday night and Friday morning. Its track will dictate how the cocktail of precipitation it produces is distributed across the area. Current indications point toward major snow and sleet accumulations roughly north of Interstate Highway 80 with serious icing -- capable of snapping power lines and downing branches -- being a problem late Thursday night in the south. Computer models and various snowfall forecast techniques suggest the storm's 12 to 14 hours of steady precipitation will reach the city between 8 p.m. and midnight. Estimates of the storm's water equivalent precipitation range from 0.86 inches to 1.75 inches -- three to six times the moisture generated by Tuesday's system. That could translate to 6 to 14 inches of snow over parts of the metro area -- especially north -- into Wisconsin. The presence of t-storms may lead to bursts of heavy precipitation."
I am walking home, we will see how this one goes.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Tis the season
The city has been transformed. Every store front is adorned with Christmas trees, holiday lights, boughs of holly and humongous ornaments. Every bar, restaurant, movie theater, condo building and tree along the street is covered in holiday cheer. I've never seen anything like it.
In each planter along Michigan Avenue sits a perfect glass ball next to a whimsical tree covered in white lights. I'm sure that if this set up was in Seattle, a bum would quite possible electrocute himself by urinating on the extension cords and would try to sell the blown glass ball on a nearby corner. Also in these planters are white boards on stands with a "Happy Holidays and Happy New Year" scribbled in cursive black dry erase marker. EXTRAORDINARY that nobody should come by and change it to "F*$% all you commercial sinners!" or something offensive followed by a "JESUS LIVES" to really stress the true meaning of Christmas. Day by day I pass the planters and they remain the same. The glass balls are unremoved. The Christmas trees are lightly dusted with snow and sparkling white lights. The dry erase cursive still reads a pleasant and cheerful message. How can this be?
I have seen movies of New York City sidewalks where it looks like a moving river of people packed in so tightly it stresses me out. Michigan Avenue aka "The Magnificent Mile" is no different. Women in their fur coats and hats shuffle along the sidewalks carrying their Saks and Neimans bags, bumping into everyone as though they have a special right to take up more space. RED BAGS are everywhere as the enormous American Girl doll store is next to the Macy's - both big red bags. Then you pass the teenagers that are no doubt still shopping for themselves as they schlep their yellow Forever 21 bags alongside their friends.
Chicago is lovely - flipping freezing - but lovely. The spirit, the pride, the gorgeous snow and the perfect fur coats have made this a truly magical holiday season.
In each planter along Michigan Avenue sits a perfect glass ball next to a whimsical tree covered in white lights. I'm sure that if this set up was in Seattle, a bum would quite possible electrocute himself by urinating on the extension cords and would try to sell the blown glass ball on a nearby corner. Also in these planters are white boards on stands with a "Happy Holidays and Happy New Year" scribbled in cursive black dry erase marker. EXTRAORDINARY that nobody should come by and change it to "F*$% all you commercial sinners!" or something offensive followed by a "JESUS LIVES" to really stress the true meaning of Christmas. Day by day I pass the planters and they remain the same. The glass balls are unremoved. The Christmas trees are lightly dusted with snow and sparkling white lights. The dry erase cursive still reads a pleasant and cheerful message. How can this be?
I have seen movies of New York City sidewalks where it looks like a moving river of people packed in so tightly it stresses me out. Michigan Avenue aka "The Magnificent Mile" is no different. Women in their fur coats and hats shuffle along the sidewalks carrying their Saks and Neimans bags, bumping into everyone as though they have a special right to take up more space. RED BAGS are everywhere as the enormous American Girl doll store is next to the Macy's - both big red bags. Then you pass the teenagers that are no doubt still shopping for themselves as they schlep their yellow Forever 21 bags alongside their friends.
Chicago is lovely - flipping freezing - but lovely. The spirit, the pride, the gorgeous snow and the perfect fur coats have made this a truly magical holiday season.
Monday, December 1, 2008
The sniffle crime
Waterproof Ugg boots, wool socks, double-up mittens and the biggest coat you can find - all essentials for a Chicago winter. The snow has graced us with it's presence - and like like an old tattoo of your astrological sign that you got when you were 18 and will regret for the rest of your life - I think this winter is here to stay... until March anyway.
There have been flurries. There have been flakes. But, nothing has stuck around until last night. I woke up to find a white Lake Shore Drive and a fuzzy view of the lake as the snow continued to dust the sky. I decided to brave the wintry conditions and venture out to run a few errands. I put on my long underwear, jeans, 2 shirts, a sweater, scarf, wool socks, rain boots, hat, jacket, a pair of gloves and walked to the bus stop prepared to wait. The snow was falling sideways and I swear I saw some coming from the ground up... making sure to hit whatever bare piece of skin I had left exposed. I watched people scraping their windshields with devices that I did not know existed... an extendable window shovels with rubber grips ready to rid your car of the dreaded ice.
I made it downtown on the bus (very slowly) and made a few stops, splashing in puddles and crunching in the compacted snow. Everyone was bundled up and then it occurred to me that Jen wore heels to work today. Heels. In the snow. She emailed me about this catastrophic error and told me that she almost fell with every step. She'll be taking a cab home this evening.
Upon my errand completion, I was back to the bus. Jen left me a bag of clothes that she needed delivered to a nearby tailor shop... The bus dropped me 3 blocks away and I decided to hoof it in the snow to the shop - except that I was on the wrong street and completely missed the shop and found myself in front of our apartment. Hmmm. Freezing, irritated, trying to be a good friend and confused about why I am walking around in the snow, I backtracked 5 blocks and found the shop. The Asian man behind the counter helped me with the things and I tried to show him what needed to be done... however, snot was pouring out of my pink nose and as I was trying to sniffle it back in, he walked away from me. At first I thought he was going to be polite and grab me a tissue. Instead, he went back to his lint roller and continued what he was doing. "Excuse me..." I said, rosy-cheeked and still sniffling. "When you ready, you let me know" he barked back. At what point did standing at the counter with the clothes in front of me get confusing for him? "I AM ready" I informed him. "Ohhh... you just stand there sniffle and I not know what you need." Really. Really? I was shocked. He made fun of me for having a runny nose? I should have just walked out, but couldn't fathom the idea of looking for another tailor shop in the weather. Maybe he would have preferred the "let-the-snot-run-down-my-lip-into-my-mouth" look. Always cute...
I showed him the ripped seams and missing buttons, took my slip, and left. I don't know if it felt warmer out because I was boiling mad, or if there had been a temperature increase to a whopping 28 degrees, but the sideways snow had stopped. It was quiet and beautiful. I looked around and saw the huge brownstone mansions with chandeliers and grand pianos occupying their bay windows. Every wrought-iron fence lined with garland and red bows... the snow was the final touch to this winter wonderland.
I walked the 4 blocks home and took deep breaths of the cold air - which did make me cough. I hear that by February we are going to curse at the snow every day, so I might as well enjoy it for the first week or so. Or, until I fall down in it - which I'm sure will happen in no time.
All I have to do now is remember my pack of tissues! And gloves... and scarf... and boots... and...
There have been flurries. There have been flakes. But, nothing has stuck around until last night. I woke up to find a white Lake Shore Drive and a fuzzy view of the lake as the snow continued to dust the sky. I decided to brave the wintry conditions and venture out to run a few errands. I put on my long underwear, jeans, 2 shirts, a sweater, scarf, wool socks, rain boots, hat, jacket, a pair of gloves and walked to the bus stop prepared to wait. The snow was falling sideways and I swear I saw some coming from the ground up... making sure to hit whatever bare piece of skin I had left exposed. I watched people scraping their windshields with devices that I did not know existed... an extendable window shovels with rubber grips ready to rid your car of the dreaded ice.
I made it downtown on the bus (very slowly) and made a few stops, splashing in puddles and crunching in the compacted snow. Everyone was bundled up and then it occurred to me that Jen wore heels to work today. Heels. In the snow. She emailed me about this catastrophic error and told me that she almost fell with every step. She'll be taking a cab home this evening.
Upon my errand completion, I was back to the bus. Jen left me a bag of clothes that she needed delivered to a nearby tailor shop... The bus dropped me 3 blocks away and I decided to hoof it in the snow to the shop - except that I was on the wrong street and completely missed the shop and found myself in front of our apartment. Hmmm. Freezing, irritated, trying to be a good friend and confused about why I am walking around in the snow, I backtracked 5 blocks and found the shop. The Asian man behind the counter helped me with the things and I tried to show him what needed to be done... however, snot was pouring out of my pink nose and as I was trying to sniffle it back in, he walked away from me. At first I thought he was going to be polite and grab me a tissue. Instead, he went back to his lint roller and continued what he was doing. "Excuse me..." I said, rosy-cheeked and still sniffling. "When you ready, you let me know" he barked back. At what point did standing at the counter with the clothes in front of me get confusing for him? "I AM ready" I informed him. "Ohhh... you just stand there sniffle and I not know what you need." Really. Really? I was shocked. He made fun of me for having a runny nose? I should have just walked out, but couldn't fathom the idea of looking for another tailor shop in the weather. Maybe he would have preferred the "let-the-snot-run-down-my-lip-into-my-mouth" look. Always cute...
I showed him the ripped seams and missing buttons, took my slip, and left. I don't know if it felt warmer out because I was boiling mad, or if there had been a temperature increase to a whopping 28 degrees, but the sideways snow had stopped. It was quiet and beautiful. I looked around and saw the huge brownstone mansions with chandeliers and grand pianos occupying their bay windows. Every wrought-iron fence lined with garland and red bows... the snow was the final touch to this winter wonderland.
I walked the 4 blocks home and took deep breaths of the cold air - which did make me cough. I hear that by February we are going to curse at the snow every day, so I might as well enjoy it for the first week or so. Or, until I fall down in it - which I'm sure will happen in no time.
All I have to do now is remember my pack of tissues! And gloves... and scarf... and boots... and...
Monday, November 24, 2008
Waitress.
Almost one month and 7 waitress shifts in, I have learned more than I thought I would about the human race... or, at least the ones that get completely inebriated on the weekends.
Still "day jobless" I am working my rear off at the bar on the weekends to make enough cash to survive in Chicago. Thursday night was a themed evening at my place of employment. Dirty Bingo. I won't go into detail, but the only dirty parts were the explicit give-aways and the crowd. If anyone reading this has ever worked in a restaurant of bar, you will understand the girl I am about to explain. The little helper.
A 5'2" brunette striking an uncanny resemblance to Jennifer Love Hewitt during the Party of Five days popped up next to me within the first three minutes of my shift - a shift that I was all alone on. "oh. hey. um. can you please get us 13 shots, menus, waters, an extra table annnnd, oh, um, the people next to us would like some menus too. thanks!" Deep breaths.
I placed her order, delivered the menus for her group of 13 AND for the people behind her that had been sitting there for maybe 45 seconds. She was just so sweet to be looking out for everyone else in the bar. Suddenly, everyone in Lincoln Park thought it would be a great idea to join "Dirty Bingo Night" and flooded the bar. Every table was full, every stool taken, and a few people that stood... and expected to eat a burger. I was running like a mad woman. Every time I would pass through the tables, my arm was grabbed and "CAN I HAVE A RUM AND COKE" was shouted in my face. By the time I'd reach my station... a few of those RUM AND COKES were completely lost in my memory. Right as I am about to regurgitate the orders and enter them into the computer, I was interrupted. Enter: Little helper. "Um, hi, so, um, we're ready for you to take our order." I politely explained that I was the only person on the floor tonight for the 200 people seated, drinking, and ordering food - and that I would be with her as soon as I had a chance. Two minutes pass... "oh, um, hi. I was just wondering if you'd had that chance yet."
I looked at her little scooped nose and contemplated the consequences of squirting her with mustard, or dumping a drink over her shiny hair. Deep breaths. I walked to the very end of the bar and took orders for her and her 13 friends - all separate checks, of course.
We had one person in the kitchen... so the food took about 20 minutes and since her posse insisted on separate checks, the cook had no idea that they were all together and was making one thing at a time. My little helper was like a two year old screaming for juice on the kitchen floor. She tugged and tormented me at least 15 times throughout the night... FINALLY, dirty bingo was over and everyone was drunk and fed. I had done my job. I deliver the bills all over the bar... and get to my little helper. Her total was $78 dollars, although it felt like it should have been $178 with the amount of dialogue we exchanged. Everyone else in her party was sweet and threw me a $4 or $5 tip for their $8 total. Then, in slow motion, I spotted her bill presenter with the signed check inside. I grabbed it, opened it and suddenly regretted not squirting her petite frame with every ounce of mustard in the bar. $2. She left me $2.
This brings me to my next point. Girls don't tip. I try to bond with them... compliment their top or their designer bag. I'll ask them what they're up to and how the night is going. They'll sit in my section for hours ordering free diet coke refills or only a couple of beers and then leave me the standard 20%. I'm no genius at math, but I am learning quickly that 20% of $2 diet coke isn't much. I firmly believe that every person who dines out should work in a bar or restaurant once in their lives. I can always tell who has, because they get it, and tip generously.
Finally, I was assigned to coat check on Saturday night. A pretty good gig... you sit, take coats, and get tipped. You also have a front row seat to the best show in town: inebriation station. I got out a piece of paper and took notes in between hanging jackets because what I was witnessing, totally sober, was perfection.
First, we have the "wannabe rap stars". These young men open and close their mouths at a rapid pace to make it look like they know the words to the latest Kanye West song - or any rap song. Obviously, they don't and look like total morons mumbling to the beat of the song moving their hands in jerky motions to emphasize the power of being a (wannabe) rapper. Why do boys lift each other off of the ground so much? Is it to show affection? Then, there are the make out bandits - the ladies that I thought were kissing their boyfriend... but then were kissing a different boyfriend? And is that another? My favorite was a guy who came up to me in a panic. "Excuse me. Do you have a cup?" I asked for what... "Well, my friend bought me this beer, and I really don't like it and don't want to drink it. SO, I would like to pour out half of it to make it look like I drank it." Really? A $4 beer. His friend must have been very sensitive. I could go on and on... it was beyond entertaining.
Another weekend at the bar is over, and we're back to Monday. I'm leaving the chilly Chicago for San Diego this week. I'm meeting Darren's family. Wish me luck! I hope everyone has a fabulous Thanksgiving holiday. Just remember, tip generously; no matter how much wine you consume, leave the rapping to the professionals; and try not to do any quick, jerky movements if dancing is involved - it's just never a good idea.
Still "day jobless" I am working my rear off at the bar on the weekends to make enough cash to survive in Chicago. Thursday night was a themed evening at my place of employment. Dirty Bingo. I won't go into detail, but the only dirty parts were the explicit give-aways and the crowd. If anyone reading this has ever worked in a restaurant of bar, you will understand the girl I am about to explain. The little helper.
A 5'2" brunette striking an uncanny resemblance to Jennifer Love Hewitt during the Party of Five days popped up next to me within the first three minutes of my shift - a shift that I was all alone on. "oh. hey. um. can you please get us 13 shots, menus, waters, an extra table annnnd, oh, um, the people next to us would like some menus too. thanks!" Deep breaths.
I placed her order, delivered the menus for her group of 13 AND for the people behind her that had been sitting there for maybe 45 seconds. She was just so sweet to be looking out for everyone else in the bar. Suddenly, everyone in Lincoln Park thought it would be a great idea to join "Dirty Bingo Night" and flooded the bar. Every table was full, every stool taken, and a few people that stood... and expected to eat a burger. I was running like a mad woman. Every time I would pass through the tables, my arm was grabbed and "CAN I HAVE A RUM AND COKE" was shouted in my face. By the time I'd reach my station... a few of those RUM AND COKES were completely lost in my memory. Right as I am about to regurgitate the orders and enter them into the computer, I was interrupted. Enter: Little helper. "Um, hi, so, um, we're ready for you to take our order." I politely explained that I was the only person on the floor tonight for the 200 people seated, drinking, and ordering food - and that I would be with her as soon as I had a chance. Two minutes pass... "oh, um, hi. I was just wondering if you'd had that chance yet."
I looked at her little scooped nose and contemplated the consequences of squirting her with mustard, or dumping a drink over her shiny hair. Deep breaths. I walked to the very end of the bar and took orders for her and her 13 friends - all separate checks, of course.
We had one person in the kitchen... so the food took about 20 minutes and since her posse insisted on separate checks, the cook had no idea that they were all together and was making one thing at a time. My little helper was like a two year old screaming for juice on the kitchen floor. She tugged and tormented me at least 15 times throughout the night... FINALLY, dirty bingo was over and everyone was drunk and fed. I had done my job. I deliver the bills all over the bar... and get to my little helper. Her total was $78 dollars, although it felt like it should have been $178 with the amount of dialogue we exchanged. Everyone else in her party was sweet and threw me a $4 or $5 tip for their $8 total. Then, in slow motion, I spotted her bill presenter with the signed check inside. I grabbed it, opened it and suddenly regretted not squirting her petite frame with every ounce of mustard in the bar. $2. She left me $2.
This brings me to my next point. Girls don't tip. I try to bond with them... compliment their top or their designer bag. I'll ask them what they're up to and how the night is going. They'll sit in my section for hours ordering free diet coke refills or only a couple of beers and then leave me the standard 20%. I'm no genius at math, but I am learning quickly that 20% of $2 diet coke isn't much. I firmly believe that every person who dines out should work in a bar or restaurant once in their lives. I can always tell who has, because they get it, and tip generously.
Finally, I was assigned to coat check on Saturday night. A pretty good gig... you sit, take coats, and get tipped. You also have a front row seat to the best show in town: inebriation station. I got out a piece of paper and took notes in between hanging jackets because what I was witnessing, totally sober, was perfection.
First, we have the "wannabe rap stars". These young men open and close their mouths at a rapid pace to make it look like they know the words to the latest Kanye West song - or any rap song. Obviously, they don't and look like total morons mumbling to the beat of the song moving their hands in jerky motions to emphasize the power of being a (wannabe) rapper. Why do boys lift each other off of the ground so much? Is it to show affection? Then, there are the make out bandits - the ladies that I thought were kissing their boyfriend... but then were kissing a different boyfriend? And is that another? My favorite was a guy who came up to me in a panic. "Excuse me. Do you have a cup?" I asked for what... "Well, my friend bought me this beer, and I really don't like it and don't want to drink it. SO, I would like to pour out half of it to make it look like I drank it." Really? A $4 beer. His friend must have been very sensitive. I could go on and on... it was beyond entertaining.
Another weekend at the bar is over, and we're back to Monday. I'm leaving the chilly Chicago for San Diego this week. I'm meeting Darren's family. Wish me luck! I hope everyone has a fabulous Thanksgiving holiday. Just remember, tip generously; no matter how much wine you consume, leave the rapping to the professionals; and try not to do any quick, jerky movements if dancing is involved - it's just never a good idea.
Monday, November 17, 2008
"Boys" in the City
Jen will probably kill me for writing this. Maybe I should change her name in this entry to be completely conspicuous. That might be more obvious than not, I suppose.
I moved to Chicago with a boyfriend. Wasn't the plan... in fact, the reason Jen and I decided it was time to move was because it was the first time we were single at the same time in five years. NO DATING was our motto three months prior to our departure. One night, Jen came home from a date (totally broke the rule) and was smiling from ear to ear because she had such a fabulous time. I was like the evil head mistress of the No Dating for Jen Academy - waiting with a wooden spoon by the door for her return. She came home and was about to tell me about the date when I burst, screaming "Don't you fall in love with him because we'll never move away!" I've been known to be a little dramatic from time to time. In this instance, Jen grabbed that hypothetical wooden spoon from me and smacked me with it for having such little faith. The guy turned out to be a total jerk a week later - which I claimed I had known all along, of course.
A month later, I had a boyfriend.
Jen has been playing it cool in Chicago... not at all boy crazy and completely in control. In fact, it's just the opposite. None of these young men can seem to play it cool.
We are young, yes. Fortunately, for women, finding an older more mature man is completely socially acceptable. When we moved to Chicago, we realized that we didn't have many guy friends in Seattle under 28 years old. Now, the majority of our new posse would definitely check the 24-27 box. This is not a problem - until they want to date you.
Jen's love life has been more entertaining than any program on tv - her very own soap opera love triangle... or square... or pentagon. These boys (and yes, I mean boys) have been going crazy for our little Jen. Asking her to lunch and then planning the wedding by the afternoon. Sending secret spies on missions to catch her out with other guys and then sending "I caught you" text messages instantaneously when they'd only grabbed a coffee together during a 10 minute work break. The sweet co-worker who set Jen up on a blind date with a VERY nice guy... who was 5 feet tall. My favorite one was sending messages telling Jen how she felt about him "Jen, I know you think I'm attractive" followed by an insecure "right?". One Tuesday night, Jen came home from work to find Darren and I devouring the last of our order-in dinner. She had recieved another text - this time, from a different crazy. She had gone out with him the weekend before (yes, only three days had passed) and it hadn't gone so well. There had been no correspondance from either party after the date... which doesn't mean anything as, like I said, it was only three days post date. The text read: well, i haven't heard from you, so i guess this means we're done. i hope we can still be friends. WHAT on earth was this guy thinking?! The three of us sat on the couch and scripted a line by line dialogue between Jen and "Mr. premature-call-it-quits" outlining a few minor issues like chemistry (or the lack there of) and his actions of insecurity followed by a "we are better as friends", etc. Ready to go, she placed the call. Voicemail. What does Jen do? I'll tell you what she does NOT. She does not say "hey, call me back, we obviously have some things to talk about." Instead, she jumps right into the script! "Hey, got your text - Were you calling everything off in a text message? Yikes! I just don't think we have any chemistry and would still like to be friends. Call me when you get this and we can talk about it..." A day later, he calls. She doesn't answer. His message went a little something like this: "Hey jen, got your message, YEAH, no chemistry... right... no chemistry. I guess we just didn't have chemistry, or maybe there wasn't any chemistry. Let's be friends. Bye." I can't tell, but I don't think he liked the chemistry comment. And that, ladies and gentleman, was a break-up text, followed by a break-up voicemail and yet another chemistry-less follow-up voicemail. The stories haven't stopped, and we haven't stopped laughing.
Jen and I walked home from church yesterday. Bundled up (because it snowed), she asked me through her scarf and I turned my head to read her lips as I can't hear much through the puff of my puffy coat hood - she wondered where all the "older, mature, established Chicago men" were hiding. Frozen, I responded, "Jen, we haven't even started searching. It took us a couple of years to find a few in Seattle. Let's start the hunt...there's just got to be some out there." We walked the rest of the block in silence.
I have to say - I'm incredibly lucky. I have a fabulous, amazing boyfriend who has been nothing but supportive, encouraging and loving. They do exist - hence my decision to move to a new city with a boyfriend back in Seattle - I wasn't letting this one go! This "luck" makes "the hunt" more difficult as our standards have been significantly raised.
Jen is updating a dating checklist to simplify the qualifying process. We don't have time for these crazies. It's almost New Years and Jenny needs a prince for her midnight kiss... or a new Cole Hahn bag by Christmas.
I moved to Chicago with a boyfriend. Wasn't the plan... in fact, the reason Jen and I decided it was time to move was because it was the first time we were single at the same time in five years. NO DATING was our motto three months prior to our departure. One night, Jen came home from a date (totally broke the rule) and was smiling from ear to ear because she had such a fabulous time. I was like the evil head mistress of the No Dating for Jen Academy - waiting with a wooden spoon by the door for her return. She came home and was about to tell me about the date when I burst, screaming "Don't you fall in love with him because we'll never move away!" I've been known to be a little dramatic from time to time. In this instance, Jen grabbed that hypothetical wooden spoon from me and smacked me with it for having such little faith. The guy turned out to be a total jerk a week later - which I claimed I had known all along, of course.
A month later, I had a boyfriend.
Jen has been playing it cool in Chicago... not at all boy crazy and completely in control. In fact, it's just the opposite. None of these young men can seem to play it cool.
We are young, yes. Fortunately, for women, finding an older more mature man is completely socially acceptable. When we moved to Chicago, we realized that we didn't have many guy friends in Seattle under 28 years old. Now, the majority of our new posse would definitely check the 24-27 box. This is not a problem - until they want to date you.
Jen's love life has been more entertaining than any program on tv - her very own soap opera love triangle... or square... or pentagon. These boys (and yes, I mean boys) have been going crazy for our little Jen. Asking her to lunch and then planning the wedding by the afternoon. Sending secret spies on missions to catch her out with other guys and then sending "I caught you" text messages instantaneously when they'd only grabbed a coffee together during a 10 minute work break. The sweet co-worker who set Jen up on a blind date with a VERY nice guy... who was 5 feet tall. My favorite one was sending messages telling Jen how she felt about him "Jen, I know you think I'm attractive" followed by an insecure "right?". One Tuesday night, Jen came home from work to find Darren and I devouring the last of our order-in dinner. She had recieved another text - this time, from a different crazy. She had gone out with him the weekend before (yes, only three days had passed) and it hadn't gone so well. There had been no correspondance from either party after the date... which doesn't mean anything as, like I said, it was only three days post date. The text read: well, i haven't heard from you, so i guess this means we're done. i hope we can still be friends. WHAT on earth was this guy thinking?! The three of us sat on the couch and scripted a line by line dialogue between Jen and "Mr. premature-call-it-quits" outlining a few minor issues like chemistry (or the lack there of) and his actions of insecurity followed by a "we are better as friends", etc. Ready to go, she placed the call. Voicemail. What does Jen do? I'll tell you what she does NOT. She does not say "hey, call me back, we obviously have some things to talk about." Instead, she jumps right into the script! "Hey, got your text - Were you calling everything off in a text message? Yikes! I just don't think we have any chemistry and would still like to be friends. Call me when you get this and we can talk about it..." A day later, he calls. She doesn't answer. His message went a little something like this: "Hey jen, got your message, YEAH, no chemistry... right... no chemistry. I guess we just didn't have chemistry, or maybe there wasn't any chemistry. Let's be friends. Bye." I can't tell, but I don't think he liked the chemistry comment. And that, ladies and gentleman, was a break-up text, followed by a break-up voicemail and yet another chemistry-less follow-up voicemail. The stories haven't stopped, and we haven't stopped laughing.
Jen and I walked home from church yesterday. Bundled up (because it snowed), she asked me through her scarf and I turned my head to read her lips as I can't hear much through the puff of my puffy coat hood - she wondered where all the "older, mature, established Chicago men" were hiding. Frozen, I responded, "Jen, we haven't even started searching. It took us a couple of years to find a few in Seattle. Let's start the hunt...there's just got to be some out there." We walked the rest of the block in silence.
I have to say - I'm incredibly lucky. I have a fabulous, amazing boyfriend who has been nothing but supportive, encouraging and loving. They do exist - hence my decision to move to a new city with a boyfriend back in Seattle - I wasn't letting this one go! This "luck" makes "the hunt" more difficult as our standards have been significantly raised.
Jen is updating a dating checklist to simplify the qualifying process. We don't have time for these crazies. It's almost New Years and Jenny needs a prince for her midnight kiss... or a new Cole Hahn bag by Christmas.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Move over, plum!
As I said before, unemployment is the new black... and you know I hate to be out of style!
That's right, I have the Backstreet Boys lyrics "Oh my God, we're back agaaain" on repeat in my head. It's all so familiar. Waking up, snuggling with Puss on the couch for a couple of hours catching up on Survivor Gabon (all of the cute guys got voted off... lame), hitting the Internet and googling my heart out with keywords like "chicago jobs" and "please find me the best job where I won't feel like I am becoming a robot and I get paid generously". Yes, I quit my job.
I'm not usually a quitter. I like to think I can stick it out and make the best of a bad situation... but, I also think that if the shoe doesn't fit - get a new pair (with sparkles and glitter and high heels)! I sat anxiously at my desk all day Tuesday ready to pop the news to my supervisor that I would not be returning - ever. Finally, at 5:05, she heard me out, wished me well and I was back to black.
Normally, this instability would send someone spiralling into anxiety and doubt - but I felt like a five ton brick had just been lifted off of my shoulders. At least there's the bar... never thought I'd say that!
Darren, Jen and I went to church last Sunday. It was our first time visiting a Chicago church - and it was wonderful. The sermon was written for me. It seems like that always happens... I am completely in denial, or a wreck, or convincing myself of something, and then WHABAM! It's all right in front of you, impossible to ignore. The sermon was about fear and money. She said that we all have fear around money (especially in this market) and that we simply cannot let it dictate our lives. I applied this lesson to my own life and realized that the stress I was enduring at my new sales job every day was not worth the money - my fear of quitting because I would hurt their feelings (because, let's be honest, it wasn't like I was afraid of losing my $6 an hour) was becoming more important than listening to my gut telling me to GET THE HELL OUT OF THERE.
The sermon was perfect. Find courage and strength... and don't forget who you are when money gets mixed in. God has a plan and all that jazz... I like to consider myself a spiritual person; but not necessarily a hard core christian - which may be why when she said " your money is not your money, but God's money" I started to lose her.
However, I am now asking God for money every night before I go to bed since apparently he has is all... Next mission: Google "how to become God so I have all the money". I'll keep you posted on how that goes...
A
That's right, I have the Backstreet Boys lyrics "Oh my God, we're back agaaain" on repeat in my head. It's all so familiar. Waking up, snuggling with Puss on the couch for a couple of hours catching up on Survivor Gabon (all of the cute guys got voted off... lame), hitting the Internet and googling my heart out with keywords like "chicago jobs" and "please find me the best job where I won't feel like I am becoming a robot and I get paid generously". Yes, I quit my job.
I'm not usually a quitter. I like to think I can stick it out and make the best of a bad situation... but, I also think that if the shoe doesn't fit - get a new pair (with sparkles and glitter and high heels)! I sat anxiously at my desk all day Tuesday ready to pop the news to my supervisor that I would not be returning - ever. Finally, at 5:05, she heard me out, wished me well and I was back to black.
Normally, this instability would send someone spiralling into anxiety and doubt - but I felt like a five ton brick had just been lifted off of my shoulders. At least there's the bar... never thought I'd say that!
Darren, Jen and I went to church last Sunday. It was our first time visiting a Chicago church - and it was wonderful. The sermon was written for me. It seems like that always happens... I am completely in denial, or a wreck, or convincing myself of something, and then WHABAM! It's all right in front of you, impossible to ignore. The sermon was about fear and money. She said that we all have fear around money (especially in this market) and that we simply cannot let it dictate our lives. I applied this lesson to my own life and realized that the stress I was enduring at my new sales job every day was not worth the money - my fear of quitting because I would hurt their feelings (because, let's be honest, it wasn't like I was afraid of losing my $6 an hour) was becoming more important than listening to my gut telling me to GET THE HELL OUT OF THERE.
The sermon was perfect. Find courage and strength... and don't forget who you are when money gets mixed in. God has a plan and all that jazz... I like to consider myself a spiritual person; but not necessarily a hard core christian - which may be why when she said " your money is not your money, but God's money" I started to lose her.
However, I am now asking God for money every night before I go to bed since apparently he has is all... Next mission: Google "how to become God so I have all the money". I'll keep you posted on how that goes...
A
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Yes we can and DID!
Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow.
What an emotional night it was. Chicago was an unbelievable seen tonight. We are so lucky to have witnessed such a monumental moment in history, a moment we can all be very proud of. I am so excited and anxious for Obama to take office for the next four years. This is so remarkable.
Here are a few pictures from the evening.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Election Day in Chicago
November 4, 2008.
A day history will be made.
A day we will be able to tell our children about.
A day Allison and I will physically be able to witness.
A day we are proud to be Americans.
As I walked out of my building this at 7am, an hour after the polls opened, and there was a line out the door and around the corner. As I got on the bus everyone was dressed in their red, white and blue, checking their iphones and blackberries for the latest news.
As I rode the bus and walked through the downtown loop, camera crews were all over the place taking in this special day. Everyone had their coffee cup in hand and the Chicago Tribune in other hand. The city is covered in American flags from head to toe, it is stunning. I had to stop and pinch myself... we are here in Chicago for one of the most amazing and influential times in our history.
The city has requested downtown offices to close at 3pm. So today we are having early dismissal (I feel like we are in school again and everyone is on the edge of their seat with excitement). As soon as I am off, I am going to wait in the long line and exercise my right to vote. I am so proud to be an American and to be in Chicago today.
As you may know Senator Obama is going to have his election night rally at Grant Park in Chicago this evening. Hopefully we will be celebrating his presidential victory. They only released 70,000 tickets to the event but are expecting well over a million people to be there. We unfortunately do not have tickets but are still going to take part in the rally. It is going to be insane, but we are only going to be apart of this once.
We will report back tomorrow. Now back to work with all McCain supporting hedge fund colleagues.
Jen
A day history will be made.
A day we will be able to tell our children about.
A day Allison and I will physically be able to witness.
A day we are proud to be Americans.
As I walked out of my building this at 7am, an hour after the polls opened, and there was a line out the door and around the corner. As I got on the bus everyone was dressed in their red, white and blue, checking their iphones and blackberries for the latest news.
As I rode the bus and walked through the downtown loop, camera crews were all over the place taking in this special day. Everyone had their coffee cup in hand and the Chicago Tribune in other hand. The city is covered in American flags from head to toe, it is stunning. I had to stop and pinch myself... we are here in Chicago for one of the most amazing and influential times in our history.
The city has requested downtown offices to close at 3pm. So today we are having early dismissal (I feel like we are in school again and everyone is on the edge of their seat with excitement). As soon as I am off, I am going to wait in the long line and exercise my right to vote. I am so proud to be an American and to be in Chicago today.
As you may know Senator Obama is going to have his election night rally at Grant Park in Chicago this evening. Hopefully we will be celebrating his presidential victory. They only released 70,000 tickets to the event but are expecting well over a million people to be there. We unfortunately do not have tickets but are still going to take part in the rally. It is going to be insane, but we are only going to be apart of this once.
We will report back tomorrow. Now back to work with all McCain supporting hedge fund colleagues.
Jen
Saturday, November 1, 2008
And then I was a waitress...
I have had many jobs in my 24 years of life. Receptionist positions, a dishwasher on Sundays, a Spanish tutor and now a cold caller; and now I can officially add "waitress" to the list. I have never bartended or been a waitress in my life. With no experience, my personality (or something...) must have won over the GM as he hired me quickly.
I went in last Wednesday to learn the computers and shadow another waitress, and after two hours I assumed I knew it all. How hard could pushing color coded buttons be? All I had to do was hand out drinks, right?! The manager called me and told me I was "on" for Halloween... like he was giving me a gift. I was excited about this shift (and really bummed) because I knew the tips would be good... and I haven't seen a paycheck since we moved here. "Hungry" is an understatement.
I thought there would be several waitresses on staff since Halloween is one of the busiest nights of the year and they'd never have the new girl with NO experience handling half of the bar... much to my surprise, it was me and one other server along with 4 bartenders for a HUGE bar (with two bars inside). I had at least 200 people in my section at one time. No experience, 200 people, Halloween, line out the door, weird costumes and too much alcohol. I was in trouble. I acted like I knew what I was doing, punching away orders on the touch screen computer and delivering drinks through the sea of slutty costumes and guys in big wigs. At one point (ok, various and several points) I had to take a breather to fight of the tears forming in my eyes from stress and frustration. By the end of the night I was exhausted, shaking and $250 richer in tips from working for 5 hours. It's like a drug... so I agreed to work again today.
I think this whole waitress/bartending/bar/alcohol/flirty with old guys thing just might be alright - for now. I don't know how long I can do the two-jobs-at-one-time act, but for now it has been great to meet new people, take a shot of tequila at the end of a long day (pretty sure I'll never do that in an office at my day job...) and make a little extra cash. Next misson: Get Jen a job there too. Seattle will take over...
I went in last Wednesday to learn the computers and shadow another waitress, and after two hours I assumed I knew it all. How hard could pushing color coded buttons be? All I had to do was hand out drinks, right?! The manager called me and told me I was "on" for Halloween... like he was giving me a gift. I was excited about this shift (and really bummed) because I knew the tips would be good... and I haven't seen a paycheck since we moved here. "Hungry" is an understatement.
I thought there would be several waitresses on staff since Halloween is one of the busiest nights of the year and they'd never have the new girl with NO experience handling half of the bar... much to my surprise, it was me and one other server along with 4 bartenders for a HUGE bar (with two bars inside). I had at least 200 people in my section at one time. No experience, 200 people, Halloween, line out the door, weird costumes and too much alcohol. I was in trouble. I acted like I knew what I was doing, punching away orders on the touch screen computer and delivering drinks through the sea of slutty costumes and guys in big wigs. At one point (ok, various and several points) I had to take a breather to fight of the tears forming in my eyes from stress and frustration. By the end of the night I was exhausted, shaking and $250 richer in tips from working for 5 hours. It's like a drug... so I agreed to work again today.
I think this whole waitress/bartending/bar/alcohol/flirty with old guys thing just might be alright - for now. I don't know how long I can do the two-jobs-at-one-time act, but for now it has been great to meet new people, take a shot of tequila at the end of a long day (pretty sure I'll never do that in an office at my day job...) and make a little extra cash. Next misson: Get Jen a job there too. Seattle will take over...
Monday, October 27, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Lions in the City
The wind. It's here. I looked up "the meaning behind Chicago being called the windy city" to get to the bottom of things. Native Chicagoans insist that the phrase is about politics and something else about an article written about a rival - or, I have no idea. The wikipedia site states that Chicago is not noted to be significantly windier than any other US city. I believe this to be incredibly false.
My best friend Gena is visiting us this weekend and she called a few days before her departure to ask what she should pack. I told her all she needed was a coat and scarf and that the weather was pretty moderate. Having a visitor means checking out the city and making sure all of the popular sites are photographed - all on foot. We went to Michigan Ave yesterday, sipped tea at the top of the Hancock Building, took photos of ourselves in the Bean at Millennium park and stalked 5 different wedding parties critiquing their colors as they took photos in the park. We were chilly... but not terribly freezing.
Then, today, we decided we would go for round two and take an afternoon stroll through the Lincoln Park zoo and then maybe hit up some of the shops nearby.
Our scarves were flying, my hair whipped my face every 20 seconds, I forgot tissues and I think an entire leaf landed in my eye. Gena, in disbelief, made us stop so that she could film the leaves in a tornado twirl. As we tried to talk ourselves into being brave and facing the blustery fall day - we looked west and saw the darkest, glowing storm cloud. We turned around, and went home.
Is this how the next 5 months are going to be? Will we be hiding out in our purple apartment with Puss fearful of the elements in our new city?
At the zoo we saw the Lions. The big golden cats were no more than 10 feet away from us in an indoor cage, pacing back and forth along the skinny wires that separated the wild animals from the humans (although I am pretty sure the majority of the children around us were much more ferocious than the roaring beasts). Was this a foreshadow for our very near future? Two Seattle lions trapped in our cage afraid of the terrifying wind and puddles that will most likely destroy our outfits and possibly cause our mascara to run.
Do I sound nervous about the following months? I am. However, unlike the lion stuck in his cell, we will explore our new jungle no matter the weather.... we'll just take cabs.
My best friend Gena is visiting us this weekend and she called a few days before her departure to ask what she should pack. I told her all she needed was a coat and scarf and that the weather was pretty moderate. Having a visitor means checking out the city and making sure all of the popular sites are photographed - all on foot. We went to Michigan Ave yesterday, sipped tea at the top of the Hancock Building, took photos of ourselves in the Bean at Millennium park and stalked 5 different wedding parties critiquing their colors as they took photos in the park. We were chilly... but not terribly freezing.
Then, today, we decided we would go for round two and take an afternoon stroll through the Lincoln Park zoo and then maybe hit up some of the shops nearby.
Our scarves were flying, my hair whipped my face every 20 seconds, I forgot tissues and I think an entire leaf landed in my eye. Gena, in disbelief, made us stop so that she could film the leaves in a tornado twirl. As we tried to talk ourselves into being brave and facing the blustery fall day - we looked west and saw the darkest, glowing storm cloud. We turned around, and went home.
Is this how the next 5 months are going to be? Will we be hiding out in our purple apartment with Puss fearful of the elements in our new city?
At the zoo we saw the Lions. The big golden cats were no more than 10 feet away from us in an indoor cage, pacing back and forth along the skinny wires that separated the wild animals from the humans (although I am pretty sure the majority of the children around us were much more ferocious than the roaring beasts). Was this a foreshadow for our very near future? Two Seattle lions trapped in our cage afraid of the terrifying wind and puddles that will most likely destroy our outfits and possibly cause our mascara to run.
Do I sound nervous about the following months? I am. However, unlike the lion stuck in his cell, we will explore our new jungle no matter the weather.... we'll just take cabs.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Public Transportation
I am writing this with an over exhausted brain. It was my first day at work today - which meant taking the bus to and from work during peak commuting hours. A public adventure.
I got ready for my big day with plenty of time, even stopping to down the last of my yerba mate tea before almost slamming Puss in the door. I got into the elevator and watched as it stopped on every single floor from 18 down to 1 picking up professionals ready to make the same trek that I was. Nobody spoke, and it smelled like mouthwash (better than the alternative, I suppose). I haven't worn heels in weeks as I have been in "comfort-unemployment-mode" and as I took my first step out of the front door of my building I saw the 151 bus pulling up to the stop located about 100 feet away.
First of all, these buses wait for no one. You are either on it, trapped in the door, or waiting 15 minutes until the next one stops. I had allocated enough time to wait, but, it was cold. I darted through puddles and prayed that I would not biff it on the slick fall leaves that covered the ground in my 3 inch heels that were making their comeback after the three weeks they were locked away. I barely made it.
Now on the bus, there are no empty seats. Chivalry is dead my friends, or perhaps my face does not show enough life experiences to merit a voluntary vacancy. I stood, grasping the chrome bar above and balancing in my heels as the bus lurched forward and then would suddenly stop every 15 seconds. I was bus surfing. Before long, I noticed that my tense arm had fallen asleep and that my thigh muscles were terribly sore from the balancing act. At least if my job doesn't work out, I'll be toned enough to join the circus.
Finally, after being told to "MOVE BACK!" by everyone getting on the bus, I was shoved to the very back where there was a secret seat.
I reached into my purse for my buzzing phone and read the text that Jen had just sent: Wow. Just waited for the L and it was too packed to get on. Awesome. This whole public transportation sucks. I hate waiting.
Fortunately, my ride is only 10 minutes on one bus which picks me up in front of my building and drops me off in front of my office. Jen has to walk 6 blocks to the red line, get on (if it's not full, it seems), transfer to the brown line, get off and walk 4 blocks to her office. Keep in mind, 8 blocks in Chicago is 1 mile. It takes her 45 minutes to go 3 miles - one of which, she walks.
On my way home at 4 pm, my brain was mush. I had sat for 7 hours and listened to 5 different people talk as fast as they could about sales, techniques, hr matters, etc... all the while trying to be on my best behavior and look very interested in everything our new supervisors were saying. I walked the half a block to my bus stop and got on. Empty row! Score! My joy was short lived as a girl with headphones plunked down next to me. She was listening to Jay Z. How do I know? Because it was so loud I could hear every word this rapper rapped. Not exactly the kind of music you want to hear after a long day and your head is throbbing and all you can do is imagine the bottle of cab waiting for you at home. Next stop - coughing kid takes a seat. I tried to hold my breath as long as possible so that his germs would not creep into my non-insured system, but no luck... I had to breathe. He coughed and coughed and snotted and sneezed. I am going to start wearing one of those masks.
Finally, my stop. I disembarked the public germ infested vessel and walked the 50 feet to my building.
Can't wait for tomorrow.
I got ready for my big day with plenty of time, even stopping to down the last of my yerba mate tea before almost slamming Puss in the door. I got into the elevator and watched as it stopped on every single floor from 18 down to 1 picking up professionals ready to make the same trek that I was. Nobody spoke, and it smelled like mouthwash (better than the alternative, I suppose). I haven't worn heels in weeks as I have been in "comfort-unemployment-mode" and as I took my first step out of the front door of my building I saw the 151 bus pulling up to the stop located about 100 feet away.
First of all, these buses wait for no one. You are either on it, trapped in the door, or waiting 15 minutes until the next one stops. I had allocated enough time to wait, but, it was cold. I darted through puddles and prayed that I would not biff it on the slick fall leaves that covered the ground in my 3 inch heels that were making their comeback after the three weeks they were locked away. I barely made it.
Now on the bus, there are no empty seats. Chivalry is dead my friends, or perhaps my face does not show enough life experiences to merit a voluntary vacancy. I stood, grasping the chrome bar above and balancing in my heels as the bus lurched forward and then would suddenly stop every 15 seconds. I was bus surfing. Before long, I noticed that my tense arm had fallen asleep and that my thigh muscles were terribly sore from the balancing act. At least if my job doesn't work out, I'll be toned enough to join the circus.
Finally, after being told to "MOVE BACK!" by everyone getting on the bus, I was shoved to the very back where there was a secret seat.
I reached into my purse for my buzzing phone and read the text that Jen had just sent: Wow. Just waited for the L and it was too packed to get on. Awesome. This whole public transportation sucks. I hate waiting.
Fortunately, my ride is only 10 minutes on one bus which picks me up in front of my building and drops me off in front of my office. Jen has to walk 6 blocks to the red line, get on (if it's not full, it seems), transfer to the brown line, get off and walk 4 blocks to her office. Keep in mind, 8 blocks in Chicago is 1 mile. It takes her 45 minutes to go 3 miles - one of which, she walks.
On my way home at 4 pm, my brain was mush. I had sat for 7 hours and listened to 5 different people talk as fast as they could about sales, techniques, hr matters, etc... all the while trying to be on my best behavior and look very interested in everything our new supervisors were saying. I walked the half a block to my bus stop and got on. Empty row! Score! My joy was short lived as a girl with headphones plunked down next to me. She was listening to Jay Z. How do I know? Because it was so loud I could hear every word this rapper rapped. Not exactly the kind of music you want to hear after a long day and your head is throbbing and all you can do is imagine the bottle of cab waiting for you at home. Next stop - coughing kid takes a seat. I tried to hold my breath as long as possible so that his germs would not creep into my non-insured system, but no luck... I had to breathe. He coughed and coughed and snotted and sneezed. I am going to start wearing one of those masks.
Finally, my stop. I disembarked the public germ infested vessel and walked the 50 feet to my building.
Can't wait for tomorrow.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Fall is here... and my freedom is gone.
I am adding to the blog on my final day of unemployment. Jen is busy at work and then she's heading (in the rain) to the grocery store... what a good little wife. I haven't left the apartment all day and have tried to catch up on all of my programs on DVR, all of the photos on facebook, and all of my emails in my sweatpants and headband. Depressing to know that this is my last day of freedom. I am in mourning resorting to the most couch potato activites I can think of.
I have been telling myself that it will be healthy and a time of growth - not knowing everything (not easy for me) and being "the new kid". I hope the pecking order is brief.
This weekend was refreshing... Lisa from Escala and her daughter Janna came to Chicago for a girls weekend! It was wonderful to see them and get caught up on the office and Seattle. It felt like forever since last seeing them. My boyfriend Darren was also in town last week and this weekend. It was fabulous trying new cuisine in the city and doing a few touristy things - we had so much fun. I think my favorite was having family dinners... we couldn't leave Jen all alone! Darren was a great sport and treated both of us to some fabulous food, and excellent company. He even put up with my tiny room, squealing shower, crying cat alarm, and miniature kitchen.
We went to a pumpkin patch with our girlfriends about an hour outside of the city yesterday. It was amazing. This place was not just pumpkins on the vine with tractor rides and families selecting the perfect orange gourd to carve - it was a full on carnival. Rides, cotton candy, packaged caramel apples and moving skeletons kept us company as we checked out the farm animals and scurried through the not-so-haunted-barn. It put us in the spirit, for sure. The leaves were gorgeous and it was a cute, chilly day - making the trip worth every second (especially because everywhere was the perfect opportunity for a photoshoot!). Jen and I were ready to run over every child with a wheelbarrow.
The weather is changing and it's getting cold... the hunt is on for the perfect "reallllly high rubber boots" and wind proof jackets... Darren got me the warmest jacket that the North Face store sells. I look like an Eskimo. Bring on the cold...
Send the vibes my way for my first day... and I'll let you all know how trying to run the company on my first day goes.
I have been telling myself that it will be healthy and a time of growth - not knowing everything (not easy for me) and being "the new kid". I hope the pecking order is brief.
This weekend was refreshing... Lisa from Escala and her daughter Janna came to Chicago for a girls weekend! It was wonderful to see them and get caught up on the office and Seattle. It felt like forever since last seeing them. My boyfriend Darren was also in town last week and this weekend. It was fabulous trying new cuisine in the city and doing a few touristy things - we had so much fun. I think my favorite was having family dinners... we couldn't leave Jen all alone! Darren was a great sport and treated both of us to some fabulous food, and excellent company. He even put up with my tiny room, squealing shower, crying cat alarm, and miniature kitchen.
We went to a pumpkin patch with our girlfriends about an hour outside of the city yesterday. It was amazing. This place was not just pumpkins on the vine with tractor rides and families selecting the perfect orange gourd to carve - it was a full on carnival. Rides, cotton candy, packaged caramel apples and moving skeletons kept us company as we checked out the farm animals and scurried through the not-so-haunted-barn. It put us in the spirit, for sure. The leaves were gorgeous and it was a cute, chilly day - making the trip worth every second (especially because everywhere was the perfect opportunity for a photoshoot!). Jen and I were ready to run over every child with a wheelbarrow.The weather is changing and it's getting cold... the hunt is on for the perfect "reallllly high rubber boots" and wind proof jackets... Darren got me the warmest jacket that the North Face store sells. I look like an Eskimo. Bring on the cold...
Send the vibes my way for my first day... and I'll let you all know how trying to run the company on my first day goes.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Just like that!
Jen and I have worked...always. Quitting our jobs at Escala, packing up and moving - we thought "AWESOME!" we will have some time off! About three days into unemployment, we started freaking out. It was like when you stay home from work for a sick day, and then after about 3 soap operas, an episode of Maury and cruising facebook for the second solid hour, you realize that you actually miss work. Subtract the soaps and Maury and you have us surfing every job website for a week. It felt like a year. Everyone we talked to said "oh yeah, it takes about a month, maybe two to find a good job in the city". We were in a serious panic, wondering if we'd still be friends after a "month or two" trapped in our apartment looking for employment.
We made looking for a job our full time job - only leaving our computers to eat, sleep and make a run to the grocery store where we would carefully select what we could afford and carry back with us on the bus. We found that no matter how many companies we submitted our resumes to, nobody would respond. This is even worse than rejection (which we don't exactly handle well) because it was like we weren't even good enough to get an email back. Granted we only looked for 3 days without hearing a response from someone... it was torturous.
FINALLY, Jen got a call from her recruiter that one of the largest hedge fund companies in the world wanted to hire her on as a temp in the HR department. It is called Man Investments and have a history or hiring temps to test them out before they actually hire them on. Jen says that everyone is extremely nice, welcoming but that it is pretty quiet in the office. We are still trying to figure out how this whole recruiter thing works...
I applied (for the millionth time) to an ad on craigslist for an account executive at a company that produces summits, conferences and networking events all over the country. I had no idea what i wanted to do jumping into the job market... but I decided I'd try sales. Next question: what on earth do I want to sell? Toner to admin assistants for their copy machines? Pharmaceutical sales? Vacuum cleaners? None of this seemed glamorous enough. And then... selling events to C level execs of the top 1000 companies in our country? Sounds good. After three interviews, I start at marcus evans on Tuesday in the summits division. Check it out online if you like...
It seems as though it only took us one week to find jobs. Not bad, not bad at all.
All though we hear unemployment is the new black (thanks, mona), and we'd really be ok if we were stay-at-home-non-moms, getting back to the office will be a great change.
We made looking for a job our full time job - only leaving our computers to eat, sleep and make a run to the grocery store where we would carefully select what we could afford and carry back with us on the bus. We found that no matter how many companies we submitted our resumes to, nobody would respond. This is even worse than rejection (which we don't exactly handle well) because it was like we weren't even good enough to get an email back. Granted we only looked for 3 days without hearing a response from someone... it was torturous.
FINALLY, Jen got a call from her recruiter that one of the largest hedge fund companies in the world wanted to hire her on as a temp in the HR department. It is called Man Investments and have a history or hiring temps to test them out before they actually hire them on. Jen says that everyone is extremely nice, welcoming but that it is pretty quiet in the office. We are still trying to figure out how this whole recruiter thing works...
I applied (for the millionth time) to an ad on craigslist for an account executive at a company that produces summits, conferences and networking events all over the country. I had no idea what i wanted to do jumping into the job market... but I decided I'd try sales. Next question: what on earth do I want to sell? Toner to admin assistants for their copy machines? Pharmaceutical sales? Vacuum cleaners? None of this seemed glamorous enough. And then... selling events to C level execs of the top 1000 companies in our country? Sounds good. After three interviews, I start at marcus evans on Tuesday in the summits division. Check it out online if you like...
It seems as though it only took us one week to find jobs. Not bad, not bad at all.
All though we hear unemployment is the new black (thanks, mona), and we'd really be ok if we were stay-at-home-non-moms, getting back to the office will be a great change.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Differences in Chicago
It seems like all we can do is talk about Seattle and what we find different in Chicago. This seems pretty normal... so we thought we'd add it to the blog!
1. People do not wait for the green man to light up to cross the street... they JUMP into the street at any time, leaving Jen and I on the curb looking like worried puppies.
2. This city has little garbage and no homeless people. Ok, so we haven't ventured too far out of our comfort zone, but for the most part, this city sparkles.
3. Everyone loves Barack.
4. Nobody walks all the way around "the lake". ha.
5. Some bars are open until 5:00am!
6. People are always willing to give you a hand... or a hand out. We have received more free stuff in this city!
7. It is 80 degrees today (and yes, we know, it is going to be VERY cold this winter).
8. Everyone is a med student (it seems like)... lis kanyer, come visit.
9. I guess this isn't a difference, but perhaps a surprise - there is GREAT sushi here!
10. Every establishment will deliver what they have to your door. Oh, how I love this.
11. The trader joe's here is huge and has very wide aisles.
12. There is never an option for brown rice.
13. There are always a zillion empty cabs ready to take you home.
14. People live in the city and commute to work in the suburbs.
15. Allison has been working out in the gym in our place (very different from Seattle).
16. People always call you back and/or follow through on plans. "Flake" is a foreign term. Actually, we might be the biggest flakes here! ha.
17. The bus is fun and frequent.
18. There is world class shopping (Gucci, prada, chanel, louis, saks, neimans, etc) FIVE blocks from our house. Danger.
19. Chicago has the highest sales tax of any major US city.
20. Chicago doesn't have all of the fabulous people that we love in Seattle close to us!
1. People do not wait for the green man to light up to cross the street... they JUMP into the street at any time, leaving Jen and I on the curb looking like worried puppies.
2. This city has little garbage and no homeless people. Ok, so we haven't ventured too far out of our comfort zone, but for the most part, this city sparkles.
3. Everyone loves Barack.
4. Nobody walks all the way around "the lake". ha.
5. Some bars are open until 5:00am!
6. People are always willing to give you a hand... or a hand out. We have received more free stuff in this city!
7. It is 80 degrees today (and yes, we know, it is going to be VERY cold this winter).
8. Everyone is a med student (it seems like)... lis kanyer, come visit.
9. I guess this isn't a difference, but perhaps a surprise - there is GREAT sushi here!
10. Every establishment will deliver what they have to your door. Oh, how I love this.
11. The trader joe's here is huge and has very wide aisles.
12. There is never an option for brown rice.
13. There are always a zillion empty cabs ready to take you home.
14. People live in the city and commute to work in the suburbs.
15. Allison has been working out in the gym in our place (very different from Seattle).
16. People always call you back and/or follow through on plans. "Flake" is a foreign term. Actually, we might be the biggest flakes here! ha.
17. The bus is fun and frequent.
18. There is world class shopping (Gucci, prada, chanel, louis, saks, neimans, etc) FIVE blocks from our house. Danger.
19. Chicago has the highest sales tax of any major US city.
20. Chicago doesn't have all of the fabulous people that we love in Seattle close to us!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Purple Popcorn and Laundry Cards
An entire week has passed... and it feels like a month.
Just after our last blog post, Jen and I made the trek to target on the bus - wearing the same clothes from the night before. Quite the adventure... we had to pick up an air mattress - since we had nothing to sleep on - and some other important supplies for the house. Again, we do not have a car. While shopping, it is easy to forget this minor detail, and we go into our normal habits putting everything into our cart. Brooms, mops, cleaning supplies, bath rugs, food... and the 40 lb air mattress. We schlepped our stuff to the bus, made a transfer, and had three people help us along the way. We were quite a sight...
Our white apartment walls were not nearly crazy enough for the two of us, so we decided to take on a task that always sounds easy enough, but leaves you cussing at walls. Painting.
Jen and I located the nearest (or so we thought) hardware store and picked out purple and green paint for our "popcorn walls". For those of you who are not familiar with this form of wall texturing, the popcorn finish was quite popular in the 60's and 70's. We decided that whoever thought this was a good idea... should be punished. After purchasing the 4 gallons of paint and all of the necessary supplies, we again had to figure out how we were going to get all of this home... 10 blocks away. Luckily, this nice couple stopped us and said "you two look pathetic, can we help you?" and then proceeded to carry our paint home for us. I'm not sure if it was because they were too nice, or we were too "pathetic"! Either way it saved us a little energy!
We had popcorn flying off the wall into our mouths, hair, clothes - everywhere. We were without furniture, so we did not have any form of elevation to reach the high corners of the room... no chairs, benches, nada. We found two drawers to stack on top of each other and carefully climb atop, then move them two feet, climb, move, climb and so on. Basically, painting a popcorn wall without a ladder was the worst idea we have ever had. After two days and inhaling an unhealthy amount of paint fumes, we finished the stupid walls and have a purple and green living room.
Our furniture arrived on Sunday morning and we were beyond excited. FINALLY, a bed, towels, pillows, our SHOES! We spent two days unpacking and getting settled in. It's amazing how much stuff we got rid of before our move... and yet, we still managed to pack our new apartment full.
We figured out how to do laundry. Neither of us has used a card operated machine... and let me tell you, it is not ideal. We feel like we're in college again... no jobs, staying out late, and spending all of our money on laundry cards. Trust me, this has completely motivated us even more to find jobs. In fact, I may start cold calling and begging for one.
We've made fantastic friends from all different circles. Our 1111 friends JD, Nathaniel and Zach have taken us to several fine establishments in the city (including purchasing shampoo from the local Jewel at 1am)- as have our new girlfriends Kelsey and Brianne. In fact, last night we were invited to dinner and a concert in Lincoln Park. We saw from our 18th floor window that it was raining, but thought "hey, we're from Seattle. This rain's got nothing on us!" We opened the main door to our building and sheets of rain were coming at us sideways and diagonal. No walking for us. We had a great time at the concert (check out Daphne Willis) and as we were ready to at least walk to the train stop, a big green van pulled up with a couple of members of the band in the front seats. They insisted on giving us a ride home.... so we hopped in the back and the band dropped us off at our place right after giving us a free CD. It was perfect.
Wow. This was a novel. We're having a great time and have truly enjoyed every second, and every new adventure so far. We can't wait until we have an entire MONTH behind us...
Please keep in touch and we'll keep posting!
xo
A&J
Just after our last blog post, Jen and I made the trek to target on the bus - wearing the same clothes from the night before. Quite the adventure... we had to pick up an air mattress - since we had nothing to sleep on - and some other important supplies for the house. Again, we do not have a car. While shopping, it is easy to forget this minor detail, and we go into our normal habits putting everything into our cart. Brooms, mops, cleaning supplies, bath rugs, food... and the 40 lb air mattress. We schlepped our stuff to the bus, made a transfer, and had three people help us along the way. We were quite a sight...
Our white apartment walls were not nearly crazy enough for the two of us, so we decided to take on a task that always sounds easy enough, but leaves you cussing at walls. Painting.
Jen and I located the nearest (or so we thought) hardware store and picked out purple and green paint for our "popcorn walls". For those of you who are not familiar with this form of wall texturing, the popcorn finish was quite popular in the 60's and 70's. We decided that whoever thought this was a good idea... should be punished. After purchasing the 4 gallons of paint and all of the necessary supplies, we again had to figure out how we were going to get all of this home... 10 blocks away. Luckily, this nice couple stopped us and said "you two look pathetic, can we help you?" and then proceeded to carry our paint home for us. I'm not sure if it was because they were too nice, or we were too "pathetic"! Either way it saved us a little energy!
We had popcorn flying off the wall into our mouths, hair, clothes - everywhere. We were without furniture, so we did not have any form of elevation to reach the high corners of the room... no chairs, benches, nada. We found two drawers to stack on top of each other and carefully climb atop, then move them two feet, climb, move, climb and so on. Basically, painting a popcorn wall without a ladder was the worst idea we have ever had. After two days and inhaling an unhealthy amount of paint fumes, we finished the stupid walls and have a purple and green living room.
Our furniture arrived on Sunday morning and we were beyond excited. FINALLY, a bed, towels, pillows, our SHOES! We spent two days unpacking and getting settled in. It's amazing how much stuff we got rid of before our move... and yet, we still managed to pack our new apartment full.
We figured out how to do laundry. Neither of us has used a card operated machine... and let me tell you, it is not ideal. We feel like we're in college again... no jobs, staying out late, and spending all of our money on laundry cards. Trust me, this has completely motivated us even more to find jobs. In fact, I may start cold calling and begging for one.
We've made fantastic friends from all different circles. Our 1111 friends JD, Nathaniel and Zach have taken us to several fine establishments in the city (including purchasing shampoo from the local Jewel at 1am)- as have our new girlfriends Kelsey and Brianne. In fact, last night we were invited to dinner and a concert in Lincoln Park. We saw from our 18th floor window that it was raining, but thought "hey, we're from Seattle. This rain's got nothing on us!" We opened the main door to our building and sheets of rain were coming at us sideways and diagonal. No walking for us. We had a great time at the concert (check out Daphne Willis) and as we were ready to at least walk to the train stop, a big green van pulled up with a couple of members of the band in the front seats. They insisted on giving us a ride home.... so we hopped in the back and the band dropped us off at our place right after giving us a free CD. It was perfect.
Wow. This was a novel. We're having a great time and have truly enjoyed every second, and every new adventure so far. We can't wait until we have an entire MONTH behind us...
Please keep in touch and we'll keep posting!
xo
A&J
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Our address
Our new address is
1400 N Lake Shore Dr 18A
Chicago, IL 60610
Feel free to send us treats, money, heated jackets.... whatever.
1400 N Lake Shore Dr 18A
Chicago, IL 60610
Feel free to send us treats, money, heated jackets.... whatever.
We made it!
Greetings from the most amazing city in the world!
First, we want to thank everyone who came to our fabulous goodbye party last Friday! It was so special to see all of our friends and family and to feel so supported and loved.
We made it... finally. Jen and I hauled the couple of suitcases we have been living out of for the last week to the airport along with Puss in the kitty carrier. We were pretty nervous about putting Puss under the plane because of all of the horror stories we had heard - but he was just fine. We grabbed him on the other end and couldn't wait to get to our new place!
A beautiful, big haired Italian woman met us in the lobby wearing a tight black Juicy jump suit waving papers in the air. It was Natalie, our new landlord. She is fantastic, in her early 40's, single and an attorney. She also lives in the building and is having us over for drinks next week!
We found out that our stuff is arriving on Sunday (thank goodness), so we stayed our first night with our amazing friends down the street. Jen had an interview (Go Jen!) at 10:30 yesterday which lasted for two hours... she better get the job. I cruised around the city and took in Michigan Avenue. Holy shopping. I was in love. It was one perfect shop after the next... I ended up at Macys looking for shower curtains and a serious down comforter. We were loaded down with stuff and expereinced our first walk across town with our arms full! I totally missed having a car.
Last night we went to Wrigleyville for the first post season Cubs game! We had heard that Cubs fans were intense... but we had no idea. People are packed around every crack in the stadium trying to get a glimpse of the game. There are crowds of people peering into apartment windows on the sidewalk trying to watch the game... police officers are everywhere and everyone roars when the baseball team scores a run! We found a bar and met 5 new best friends in ten minutes. Everyone is so friendly... We actually met two girls who we loved! Kelsey and Brianne took us to a few more places last night to show us around and introduce us to some of their friends. It was such a fun night!
We're off to Target (four buses later) to buy a blow up mattress and some paint.
As soon as we can find the cords for our cameras, we'll put some pictures on here!
Stay tuned...
LOVE,
Allison and Jen
First, we want to thank everyone who came to our fabulous goodbye party last Friday! It was so special to see all of our friends and family and to feel so supported and loved.
We made it... finally. Jen and I hauled the couple of suitcases we have been living out of for the last week to the airport along with Puss in the kitty carrier. We were pretty nervous about putting Puss under the plane because of all of the horror stories we had heard - but he was just fine. We grabbed him on the other end and couldn't wait to get to our new place!
A beautiful, big haired Italian woman met us in the lobby wearing a tight black Juicy jump suit waving papers in the air. It was Natalie, our new landlord. She is fantastic, in her early 40's, single and an attorney. She also lives in the building and is having us over for drinks next week!
We found out that our stuff is arriving on Sunday (thank goodness), so we stayed our first night with our amazing friends down the street. Jen had an interview (Go Jen!) at 10:30 yesterday which lasted for two hours... she better get the job. I cruised around the city and took in Michigan Avenue. Holy shopping. I was in love. It was one perfect shop after the next... I ended up at Macys looking for shower curtains and a serious down comforter. We were loaded down with stuff and expereinced our first walk across town with our arms full! I totally missed having a car.
Last night we went to Wrigleyville for the first post season Cubs game! We had heard that Cubs fans were intense... but we had no idea. People are packed around every crack in the stadium trying to get a glimpse of the game. There are crowds of people peering into apartment windows on the sidewalk trying to watch the game... police officers are everywhere and everyone roars when the baseball team scores a run! We found a bar and met 5 new best friends in ten minutes. Everyone is so friendly... We actually met two girls who we loved! Kelsey and Brianne took us to a few more places last night to show us around and introduce us to some of their friends. It was such a fun night!
We're off to Target (four buses later) to buy a blow up mattress and some paint.
As soon as we can find the cords for our cameras, we'll put some pictures on here!
Stay tuned...
LOVE,
Allison and Jen
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Stuffless...
That's right. We have packed, garage saled, packed, sorted, packed, organized, trashed and packed a little more all weekend long, only taking breaks to eat and sleep. I don't think we will ever move again (or buy anything again - who knows how we acquired so much JUNK!?!). Our movers picked up boxes and beds this morning at our house and loaded up the truck. We decided NOT to pack Puss in a box as we heard we could get arrested for animal cruelty, so we bought him his own kitty plane ticket. It feels so good to be done.
We are so exhausted, and so excited. Our plane leaves on Tuesday, September 30th at 12:30pm. We are crossing our fingers that the movers get our belongings to Chitown close to when we arrive (like, hopefully that afternoon), but there are no guarantees and we could be couch hopping for a week. We'll be sure to blog about that too!!!
We hope to see everyone at Suite 410 (on Stewart) on Friday evening for our goodbye party!
xo
A & J
We are so exhausted, and so excited. Our plane leaves on Tuesday, September 30th at 12:30pm. We are crossing our fingers that the movers get our belongings to Chitown close to when we arrive (like, hopefully that afternoon), but there are no guarantees and we could be couch hopping for a week. We'll be sure to blog about that too!!!
We hope to see everyone at Suite 410 (on Stewart) on Friday evening for our goodbye party!
xo
A & J
Friday, September 12, 2008
It's Official... We're moving to Chicago - and yes, we know the winters are cold.
Hello Friends and Family!
Jen and I have a new zip code - that's right, 60610 - the Gold Coast! We visited Chicago 9/6-9/9 and packed more into four days than we ever have on any trip before. We made new friends, dabbled in the Chi-town night life (they get pretty wild!), networked, interviewed, house hunted, and shopped!
We found an incredible 2b/2b apartment, thanks to Paul, our apartment finder agent who told us he is also a comedian. After about 6 hours with the guy, we're glad he has a day job. Our living room windows at 1400 Lake Shore Drive face the lake and we have a perfect view... we are 18 floors above the amazing Lake Michigan. The bus stops at our front door; we have a spankin' new, huge fitness center; rooftop deck (with a hot tub); a convenient store (so we don't have to venture out into the cold winters for a carton of milk); and a perfect view of the lake. We are two miles away from Soldier Field - which we hear is good because some football team called The Bears or something plays there ;)
We are moving in on October 1st and are getting everything squared away. Jen is super organzied and has contacted the cable guys, electric, the postal service - and on and on. We have moving companies visiting our home at least once a week - and we are plotting strategies for getting a good deal... I'm still trying to convince Jen to show them a little skin or something (just kidding, moms).
We gave our two week notice at work, which was really sad. They have been our family for the last two years and were nothing but supportive when we told them about the move. We are very lucky. We don't have new jobs... YET, but are going to find positions that we are interested in and that can open as many doors for us as possible in our new city.
Thank you so very much to everyone who has been so supportive and excited for us. We can't wait for everyone to visit!!!
We'll keep you posted!
Jen and I have a new zip code - that's right, 60610 - the Gold Coast! We visited Chicago 9/6-9/9 and packed more into four days than we ever have on any trip before. We made new friends, dabbled in the Chi-town night life (they get pretty wild!), networked, interviewed, house hunted, and shopped!
We found an incredible 2b/2b apartment, thanks to Paul, our apartment finder agent who told us he is also a comedian. After about 6 hours with the guy, we're glad he has a day job. Our living room windows at 1400 Lake Shore Drive face the lake and we have a perfect view... we are 18 floors above the amazing Lake Michigan. The bus stops at our front door; we have a spankin' new, huge fitness center; rooftop deck (with a hot tub); a convenient store (so we don't have to venture out into the cold winters for a carton of milk); and a perfect view of the lake. We are two miles away from Soldier Field - which we hear is good because some football team called The Bears or something plays there ;)
We are moving in on October 1st and are getting everything squared away. Jen is super organzied and has contacted the cable guys, electric, the postal service - and on and on. We have moving companies visiting our home at least once a week - and we are plotting strategies for getting a good deal... I'm still trying to convince Jen to show them a little skin or something (just kidding, moms).
We gave our two week notice at work, which was really sad. They have been our family for the last two years and were nothing but supportive when we told them about the move. We are very lucky. We don't have new jobs... YET, but are going to find positions that we are interested in and that can open as many doors for us as possible in our new city.
Thank you so very much to everyone who has been so supportive and excited for us. We can't wait for everyone to visit!!!
We'll keep you posted!
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