Random Things

Sorry kids, I can’t believe it has been a week since I last updated this thing. The past week has been long and trying and I’m starting to fret. The month is coming to a close and that makes it even more difficult to find a job in this market, especially in an industry that relies on extremely limited budgets to begin with.

Here are a few things I have learned about the big city lately, silly as they may be, they are news to the Florida girl!

• Shoes must say “waterproof” and if they don’t, it isn’t smart to test them… or you might find yourself with cold squishy feet on the way back from a very yummy brunch at Ann Sather's.
  

• Seasons are kind of awesome. But kind of not at the same time. I have never actually seen this phenomenon of leaves changing color and transitioning to “winter.” My winter consists of no more than a week at a time of 40/50 degree weather during January/February. I’ve worn shorts on Christmas more often than needed a winter coat.

• The leaves are AMAZING. Pictured here:
  

• The pretty leaves, they last like a week, max. Then you get a night of cold rain and the trees seemingly give up and drop all of their golden lovelies on the ground overnight. I thought this was a gradual process, but apparently I was wrong.

• Wet leaves are slippery. Like ice I have been told when they are in the road. Thankfully, I haven’t had any issues with this yet, but I did almost bite it while taking the pup for a walk yesterday.

• Parallel Parking. Needless to say, I wish Cher was right with her “what’s the point, everywhere has valet!” I parked down in Lakeview last weekend and some jerk in a Geo Metro (seriously, a Metro? Do they even make those anymore???) parked one inch from my back bumper. Guess how long it took me to get out? Sadly I didn’t actually record the time, but there was an older gentleman who seemed amused by me predicament. In his defense he did seem sorry for me, and when I finally got out he had the task of positioning his SUV into the spot.

• Trader Joes = WIN. $ 3 wine that tastes fantastic? Don’t mind if I do! I had my first experience with this grocery Mecca on Friday and I was not disappointed! The description of Whole Foods but less expensive and all around better totally works.

Seeing as how this weekend includes Halloween AND I actually have plans for Friday and Saturday night (and a cute costume!) I hope to updated a bit more. Here’s to more interesting adventures this week!

Second Floor Solitude

The Skokie Library is surprisingly packed today – which is funny because it’s a beautiful 61 degrees outside (meaning no jacket necessary and I’m totally wearing my flippy floppies!) My “usual” spot here is on the second floor in the reference section overlooking the courtyard, pictured here:

I am a slightly obsessive creature of habit and this particular table has been deemed mine. I love it because I have my back to the book-stacks while I look outside and I have easy access to a plug for my laptop. No one can see my computer unless they are on the other side of the bookcase and that’s the only sort of thing a creepy stalker-type would do. I have a feeling if someone were that interested in what I was doing that I would in fact feel their creepy gaze. Thankfully, that hasn’t happened.

With the entire top floor being packed and no tables with easy access to outlets, I was shunned to the main floor… aka amateur hour. You’re allowed to have conversations on this floor, you can use your cell phone and the children and teens departments are both located on opposite sides. I would even go as far as to say there is a containment spell on the first floor to keep all of the bag lady, disheveled and crazy types from climbing the stairs. (Just to note, basic attention to personal hygiene makes one appear less crazy, a little effort goes a LONG way people!) To make matters worse, I had the option of facing the crazy or turning my back on it and allowing everyone to see my monitor, and with the constant stream of strange it is increasingly difficult for me to concentrate on my applications.

My father warned me about the crazies at the library and I scoffed at him for thinking such things. Apparently, they have had problems with bums in Tampa frequenting the library and literally stinking up the place. The day he mentioned this, I was at my favorite table surrounded by a nursing student, two engineering students working on a project and a presumably Orthodox Jew reading an Israeli newspaper… written in Hebrew. Yeah, the second floor doesn’t tolerate riff raff.

This day feels like such a waste, and I really, really, really hate that. Someone has just brought out squeaky toys… I think its time to call it a day.

Finally Chinese Food!

Today was a bit more exciting… starting with a trip to the “good” Target up in Glenview. There is a chance I spent a bit of money… but everything I bought was either a necessity or on clearance so I do not feel bad!

After working up an appetite from shopping, my cousin and I headed to her favorite Pan-Asian restaurant, Joy Yee's, in downtown Evanston. It was not only Chinese food, but Japanese as well – but let’s be honest, I’m only interested in the American style Chinese – and this place was AMAZING.

Best sweet and sour chicken I have ever had, and the veggie fried rice was pretty damn good as well (still no Dragon Court – miss that place!!) Next time I will have to try the lo-mein.

The other thing about this place… the portions are beyond ridiculous. We ate TONS there and took more than half of each of our dishes home. Lunch and possibly even dinner tomorrow! I’m getting hungry again just thinking about it!

After dinner we headed to the grocery store for a few items we were asked to bring home – but that trip quickly went from ordinary to annoying thanks to some jerk making an illegal left hand turn directly in front on us while we were going around 35 mph. Even the best efforts to brake and swerve were met with car on car carnage.

Needless to say, our store trip was pushed back and had to delay showing of Couple’s Retreat back an hour and a half.

Thankfully, no one seemed immediately hurt and the only fear I have is the fact that cousin and I had enough time to see it coming, react and tense up before we hit him potentially causing whiplash and I do not want to wake up tomorrow hurting :(

Mr. Dumb Driver got a ticket for his illegal turn, he has a court date to ensure that his record is noted for this accident and the Skokie police were quick and efficient, getting us on our way only 40 minutes after the accident. Points for them!

Kitchen Throwdown

There may have been a gauntlet… and it may or may not have been thrown at dinner on Friday evening.

The challenge: My cousin and I to make dinner Saturday night.

Ok, simple, right? Wrong. Not when the critic is a classically trained chef.

Back story on my cooking: If I’m emotionally in a bad place, I can’t cook to save my life.
Case and point, the box mix of brownies I destroyed a week earlier. (Though, all relatives swear that they were amazing, they totally weren’t.)

We shopped and planned the following menu:

Ginger lime chicken pitas
Homemade guacamole and chips
Salad
And the last minute add of red beans and rice

All in all, it was a decent meal – nothing outstanding, but fun to do actually.

I topped off the evening with from scratch chocolate chip cookies and French vanilla ice cream. If nothing else, I think that redeemed the meal. (I was in a much better mental state for baking after the concert on Friday so we didn’t have another baking debacle.)

Sungglie pjs and tv movies completed my Saturday night and that was all right with me!

Standing in the Way of Control

Friday was an all around lucky day for me. My cousin and I ran a few errands and picked up lunch together, which was super nice. We’re both only children so finally getting a chance to get to know each other is great, especially since we’ll be teaming up when our parents get old to take care of them!

XM, a friend of a friend, heard this awesome band as the soundtrack of a recent Gucci fashion show and totally loved them. (Score yet another point for the fashion world influencing our lives – just like Anna Wintour, oh wait, I mean Miranda Priestly’s little speech in The Devil Wears Prada.) When she found out they would be in Chicago she really wanted to go - and a prim, proper and petite Asian alone at a punk show just wasn't going to work out - she our mutual friend and I agreed to come along - not knowing the band at all.

The band is Gossip.

The music is girl punk rock.

And it is the best thing I have heard in a LONG time.

Not only is the music outstanding, but the front women is Beth Ditto – who is essentially the hottest thing in the fashion world right now – and not for any of the reasons you would think. (Look her up – she’s even more fierce in person.)

Prior to the show I had heard one snippet of one song online… and before Beth even took the stage, she belted out the first line of Dimestore Diamond and I knew I was hooked.

Other random reasons this show kicked complete @$$?

While waiting for the last person in our group outside of the Metro Chicago, we were given a free ticket and another for half price – so we all got in for only $10 a piece.

Totally saw Beth walking into the theater when we first walked up – and she’s insanely short.

The drummer, Hannah Blilie, is officially on my “people I would love to meet” list. I almost never notice drummers unless they do something spectacular like throwing the drumsticks or something – but she just rocked out so hard and looked like she was having the best time through the entire show – Love her!!!

Best show yet this year!

Witty Women Writers

I met my literary idol tonight and you know what, I was a bumbling idiot when I had her sign my book. WTF? -3 points for me. But you know what, Jen Lancaster was just as scattered and hilarious reading from her new book (My Fair Lazy - out Spring 2010) as I always imagined her to be.

I did, however, find some new witty women writers that are equally amusing and they both have blogs!

Check out Stacey Ballis here: http://www.thepolymathchronicles.blogspot.com/

And Amy Guth here: http://www.bigmouthindeedstrikesagain.blogspot.com/

Of course, the one and only fabulous Jen Lancaster here: http://www.jennsylvania.com/

Maybe when I write a New York Times best seller we'll meet at another book event and I can tell her about our first meeting... it would be amusing!

La ti da.

Tuesday’s seem to bring fun and games, and in traditional fashion, last night was no different!

The evening included visiting the Northwestern Chapter house of my sorority for an event. It was… interesting.

Northwestern is absolutely beautiful and I would love to work over there. It just seems so steeped in tradition, something Florida is just lacking.

The second engagement of the evening was a birthday dinner at Timmy O'Toole’s downtown.

Now I haven’t really driven down near Michigan Avenue yet… and I don’t plan on doing it often. It was no fun. Lots of crazy cab drivers (none of which were Ben Bailey*) Lots of one way streets and the parking garages make you feel really safe while raping you with fees when you leave. To illustrate my point, the 2.5 hours I spent in the Earie/Ontario garage would have been $29! Lucky for me, the pub validated parking for only $10. Score one for me checking on it ahead of time!

It was a fun time, met some new people and will be seeing some of them again.

As for today…

Some of you might remember my single biggest challenge in moving up north was going to be closed toe shoes. Well kids, it finally killed me today by claiming its first victim… my middle right toenail. Strangest experience, the damn thing just gave up and fell off. I feel this is my body’s way of telling me I need to buy more “north” shoes and I don’t think this will be too difficult!

I made brownies tonight – after reading “brownie mix” at the top of the shopping list for the past week I caved and picked some up. I’m a great at making simple desserts… and somehow I totally screwed up this boxed mix. I may have accidentally gotten upset with the second egg that wouldn’t crack and missed the bowl a bit… so I made up for it by adding a third egg at my Aunt’s urging. Things I won’t be doing again… that. They were odd tasting and totally didn’t satisfy my craving.

Tomorrow I’m going to a book event called Witty Women Writers, featuring my absolute favorite author ever, Jen Lancaster. Perhaps that will bring some fabulous stories!



* 5 points if you got this reference!

Nothing good happens after 2am.

What a Saturday! I headed into the city for my sorority’s Cupcake Crawl and ended up spending the night again. Thanks to CS’s hospitality!

The Cupcake Crawl was such a cute idea. We hit three different cupcakeries (is that a word?) in Lakeview and Lincoln Park. The first stop was Phoebe’s, then Molly’s (my favorite) and finally Swirls. I tried a Hot Chocolate, Pumpkin Spice and Peanut Butter and Jelly at the respective stops.

After I headed to CS’s place and we watched dvds and stayed inside from the cold until we finally came down from the sugar high and needed dinner. The 44th Ward Dinner Club won out over the Home Bistro and the grilled cheese menu was pretty fantastic. I’m going to have to make this place a frequent stop – especially with $1 traditional grilled cheese after midnight – yeah, totally fantastic.

With the food portion of the day over, the drinking portion began. I got to see a high school friend when we were hanging out at SB’s before heading to Nick’s Beer Garden for one of her friend’s birthday parties.

The most amusing part of the evening started just as we were leaving the bar. A guy that had said no more than 3 words to me the entire evening came over and hugged me and asked for my number in a very indirect, roundabout way. Cute, right?

Then he called me the wrong name.

That’s when I decided he would have to man up and work harder if he wanted my number. I’m not playing games – its not worth the time and effort anymore. SB has been given the go ahead to give him my number if he (a) remembers he wanted it and (b) mans up and asks for it outright.

Needless to say, we laughed about the awkwardness the entire way home.

On the plus side, the people here in bars are actually really nice (and cute.) Unlike the jerks that frequent Orlando bars and clubs.

So they past few days haven't produced entry worthy experiences or adventures. I hope to change that today with a Cup Cake Crawl with sorority alumna in the city!

More to come on that later - and possibly even photos!

Catch Up Wed!

It seems that Wednesdays are my catch up with everyone days. Last week, I was on AIM most of the day while searching on the computer and today it was mostly phone and text.

To all my lovelies that I don’t get to see all the time anymore, I MISS YOU!

And you’re ALL going to have to come visit me when I have my own place! I’m so excited for that I just can’t even tell you. I have to keep telling myself, job first, then and only then am I allowed to apartment search!

The more time I spend job searching/applying/emailing the less exciting things happen in my life.

I RSVP’d to go to the Witty Women Writers event next week at the Book Cellar – where one of my FAV authors, Jen Lancaster, will be reading from her new book.

Seriously, this women is the reason I even toyed with the idea on starting this blog (because if people (read:me) want to read what she has to say then surely someone out there might want to read my ramblings!) (Also, let it be know again that it was CJ that in fact insisted that I start this particular blog and even came up with the name.)

Anyways, I follow her on twitter and spend endless amounts of time reading and re-reading her books about the silliness of her life. We would totally be bff’s, if she weren’t a NY Times Best Selling author and all.

And on that note, I will leave you with one of her latest tweets:

Altgeldshrugged: Two senior citizens at Trader Joe's buying a case of wine on a Monday? Adorable! When they almost backed into me in the garage? Less so.

Foodie!

Dear Chicago-land Restaurants,

I would like a thank you for being so far above the quality of food I was accustomed to in Florida. Not only have you perfected the simple pleasures of pizza and hot dogs, but all baked goods seem to be that much more satisfying.

I am not only talking about my Uncle’s cooking (which is basically the best), I’m talking about the quality of the produce, the tastiness of the bagels and the perfection of pita bread. Not since my time in Israel have I enjoyed pita bread like I have here in two separate instances.

The Market Place (aka the most amazing grocery store of all time – seriously – it makes you want to cook) has every imaginable item – ethnic spices and things that I never knew existed! Its almost enough to make me want to learn about them and how to prepare them. (Almost…)

Even the simple sandwich is elevated. Let me tell you something Firehouse, the only reason you exist in the South is because they don’t have Potbelly’s; same simple concept, superior food.

The same goes for one of my favorites, Panera. Sorry guys, but Corner Bakery has got you beat in the special orders department, and I thoroughly enjoyed my panini without bacon the other day thanks to it. (I have to say I won’t be totally giving up on Panera though, too much history!)

I also appreciate the friendly and helpful service without an already included 18% service fee (yes, I'm talking about you Miami and your awful service and automatic tip - muy malo!)

I don’t know why everything food related seems to be better up here, but I’m so very lucky to have finally found out where “they” have been hiding all of the good food my entire life!

Sincerely,
ABS

PS I can’t wait to find a Chinese place here!

Household Chores

You get two clues as to what I did today…

Clue One:

Clue Two:

If you can’t figure it out from that, you’re not smart enough to be my friend. (j/k… or am I?)

Well, I brought it on myself by volunteering to help with anything, but I didn’t bring any crappy clothes so I had to barrow some from my Uncle.

I edged the trim while Uncle used a sprayer to take care of the rest. It went incredibly quick and I was scrubbing the paint off my fingers in no time!

Just in case anyone was wondering, I do, in fact, SUCK at painting. I’m either a perfectionist, a la my bedroom, or I’m awful – and it usually depends on the tools I have to work with.

Since it was late afternoon and I was tired already (still suffering from the winter cold – but its going away!) I watched the season finale of Entourage.

I want to be Mrs. Ari. I’m so glad that the show is back to its finest hour. This season wasn’t its finest, but the finale brought it back to the boys that I love.


During the show we got the call about picking up Willie the dog after his surgery. The little dog will never be a man now. It was a 45 minute drive each way to this designated vet and not having a dog before, Uncle wanted to make sure he wasn’t crazy on the long drive home.

An entertaining day all in all.

The Magic Coffee Machine

After 12 hours of sleep – I finally dragged myself out of bed at 11:30am. It was a lazy day around the house as my Aunt has been barricaded in her office, my Uncle busy making not one but two different kinds of chili from scratch and my cousin painting the garage.

Sidenote: My Uncle is a trained chef from the Culinary Institute of America. I don’t think I need to elaborate on that any further.

Lunch consisted of Jewish Penicillin left over from Thursday evening for me. Now, I’ve never been a fan of matzos ball soup, but now I see that’s because my mother always used the packets for the soup and it was WAY too salty. Sorry mom, but this soup made me see the error in your ways.

Soup, paired with Dayquill made a feel soooo much better. I helped tape up the windows with cousin and Uncle as well as unloaded the dishwasher and watch a little football.

This is about when I decide I want a cup of magic coffee. I have never been a coffee person, besides Starbucks Pumpkin Spice lattes but this machine has transformed me!

To be fair, it’s a very expensive espresso contraption, but it has opened my eyes to yummy coffee at home. Lactose free steamed milk with 5oz of espresso is my new addiction – especially since its cold outside! YUM! I pay homage to said coffee machine generally once a day – but that is only because I have lots of self-control.

My super draining day (hahaha) included a nap, dinner (chili!) and a bit of tv before making it an early night.

I never promised this would be interesting! My days aren’t all exciting!

Saturday in the City

Since we knew there would be alcohol involved, and CS is motherly protective of me, and my newness to the city, she had invited me to stay the night after Howl at the Moon.

Seeing this as an opportunity to have a few drinks and enjoy myself, I took her up on this offer and come Saturday morning I was super glad I did.

We headed out around 10:30am in search of farmers markets and brunch. The market on Broadway was small and cute – and all of the fruits and veggies looked SO yummy. It rivaled the store my Uncle shops at in Skokie, which is probably the supermarket mecca – having EVERYTHING you could want and the prices are very low.

In search of brunch, we walked around different areas of the city and I got to see some super cute areas I didn’t know existed. Slowly but surly, I’m learning the areas and where I want to live – as well as where I can afford to live!

Brunch at Mystic Celt Irish Pub in South Port was very yummy. My buttermilk pancakes were good, but the fact that this establishment offers grilled cheese paired with mashed potatoes and gravy just tells you how awesome it is. I will have to head back there at some point for lunch/dinner/after drinking food!

The area of South Port is a newly renovated and home to young professionals and families. Many of the groups walking around the shops and restaurants were cute young couples with little ones. A very cute sight indeed.

We popped into a few stores on the way back to CS’s apartment for a How I Met Your Mother marathon. I had never seen this totally entertaining show before and I will be catching up and watching it from now on. If you haven’t seen it, you should. The terms “suit up” and “have you met Ted?” will be integrated into my series of phrases starting now.

One disc down, I headed back to Skokie for a cold and rainy evening under the covers. My cold, still plaguing me – it seemed like the best idea.

So yes, I spent my first Saturday night in the city in my pj’s downing Nyquill at 11pm. I am a party animal I tell you!

First Friday!

I hate being sick. Granted, this week has been super crazy and hectic on my body, and I’m relatively sure I brought it on by running myself ragged, but it still sucks.

The question of the morning was… will I make it through the day and be able to go out with CS and SB tonight?

It was touch and go most of the day but I rallied and headed out for CS’s around 5:30pm.

The plan was to meet SB and her friends at Howl at the Moon for a Happy Hour party (which included free admission and drink specials) and see where they evening went from there.

Again, I was freaking out over what one wears out here. I settled on jeans, a long red tank top with a black Michael Kore’s sweater over it and healed boots. I looked cute, but it still wasn’t right when I got there. Apparently its ok to wear a short sleeved/sexy top with a jacket over – or even a little dress with tights. All things being entered into my memory bank for next time! I will eventually get this dress-code down!

Another thing I need to set into my head for future reference… is that between certain hours you need to multiply your travel time by three in order to give a proposed eta. Got it.

I took the train to Belmont and headed to CS’s apartment - such a cute layout! My imagined place is so much like it so needless to say, I was excited. I dropped my stuff off and we took a bus to the bar. Totally missing the free cover time (my fault with the travel time mishap – oops!) we joined the group and I met another slew of lovely people.

One small group stood out of which were M, D and their friend who I can’t recall her name.

Entertaining events included:

SB recognizing one of the piano players as a guy her friend made out with – and she called his ass out about it on a song request too!

M’s “boyfriend” of the evening, a Hugh Heffner wanna-be wearing a navy jacket and sailor cap. Seriously, this dude was getting down! He was all over the place, dancing with all of the ladies and on stage – he was TOTALLY entertaining!

When M had the chance to talk to him, he told her he was a “Dance Machine!” Does it get any better than that? I think not!

Also, D is very cute, but also seemed super shy.

Don’t Stop Believing brought up a conversation about Glee – which we ALL love (who doesn’t?!?)

Again with the Ed Hardy, if your over 55 please don’t wear a tight Ed Hardy shirt, its just wrong.

A super cute guy in front of us was hit on by this hot blond girl – to which he totally ignored… and then proceeded to flirt with the male waiter… yea, he had to be gay – Cut your losses sweetie and move on to another guy!

The played the University of Florida fight song during the “Fight Song” battle – and I hung my head in shame – yes, I still hate UF kids! But what’s the deal with Iowa here? I just don’t get the craziness about Iowa and no one can seem to explain it to me!

The evening dwindled down to just CS, M and I through a series of random events and the three of us enjoyed the songs and people-watching. It was only when we all started yawning at 1:15am (early for an evening out) that we decided it was time for us to go. M had been drinking there since 6pm, and CS and I since 8 so we caught the bus back up to our areas and called it a night.

All in all, a fantastic time and I hope, another friend to hang out with!

Olympic Fever

This city has Olympics fever. The vote is tomorrow and no one can talk about anything else. It will be super sad when they don’t get it.

I watched more of the news than usual this morning because I woke up with a cold.

That’s right, I’ve been here a grand total of four days and I already have a cold.

Also fun, is the fact that I was invited to a Young Professionals Happy Hour this evening and now I feel like crap and don’t want to try and find something cute to wear.

As previously mentioned, my wardrobe isn’t really appropriate for this city. I don’t have anything warm and the professional aspect is seriously lacking. So I spend a bit of time today shopping and found a few things super on sale. Yay for Macy’s rewards!!

The Happy Hour was hosted by CS, my sorority friend from Monday, at this cute little bar called Maeve, which means “she who intoxicates.”

This place is exactly how I see northern bars. It was cute and snazzy but not pretentious.

There was a mix of people, all around my age (no cute unattached men sadly) but I talked to a lot of the ladies and found out a few of them were in the same sorority as CS and I – ones that she didn’t even know before this evening.

CS’s friend SB was also incredibly nice. She is unbelievably smart and dedicated – working on two graduate degrees at the same time. I wish I had that kind of drive. SB found out I was new to town and invited me to hang out with them tomorrow evening as well and proceeded to write me a page long detailed list of directions on how to there.

I am just amazed at how helpful people are in this city. I’m sure there are exceptions, but so far I am impressed.

After the HH had ended, S had to head home but CS and I went in search of food. We wound up in Wrigleyville in the rain and walked into the first place that looked open. Again, with the niceness, the “bouncer” checking id’s informed us that they did in fact serve food, but if we really wanted to sit down and have something good, it wasn’t going to be in that packed bar. He gave us directions to Bar Louie, which is close by, and we headed on our way. Oh, and he was in fact totally cute too.

Walking back to my car, it rained even harder and the wind picked up as we were relatively close to the lake. CS kept telling me I was brave for wanting to move up there. And I just keep thinking how happy I am to have made friends with such great people up here so quickly and that being brave has nothing to do with it. That it’s people like her and SB taking a chance on me that’s really brave!