If I were only slightly taller
2008-03-08 20:55:00
Being 5'3", I firmly believe in the phrase, "good things come in small packages," because I did!Unfortunately, while this may be the case, the reality is, that being petite has its challenges. You get used to standing on objects to reach things, all of your pants need to be shortened and although some stores are introducing a "petite" line, inevitably it's more expensive and less vast in options.My recent petite challenge is my closet, where the string that I use to turn the light on/off has snapped, just about an inch from the actual light fixture. Today I spent about an hour mentally concocting ways to try and re-attach the string, which has proven to be more difficult than I thought it would be. I tried using my dining room chair, folding chair and bedroom chair, all in vain to try and
Misty water-color memories
2008-03-07 22:43:00
So Google Maps peaked my curiosity again tonight and the "street view" option took me for a long trip down memory lane. After sharing the street view of my parent's house with my buddy Ryan, I opted to dive a bit deeper into my memory, finding, after some extra work, the house I grew up in. What started with laughing as I scrolled down the street, caused me to pause when the house finally appeared.Again, the house I saw before me wasn't the one in my memory. The one in my memory had a dark brown exterior instead of beige, the porch that was added on in my early teens was wood stained instead of painted brown. And the cement stairs that lead down to the driveway, where my dad helped me ride a bike that I received on Christmas Day as a kid, when it was an unusual 70 degrees outside, replaces
Read more: Misty
, water
, memories
Is there something in the water?
2008-03-06 20:04:00
So the verbal feedback that I received on the "overheard at the gym" blog post was pretty funny. Those who mentioned it to me said it was hilar-ious and some even asked if I've heard anything else from the gym gossip ladies. Sadly, the answer is no, but I will keep you posted since many of you asked!Now that I'm back at the gym regularly, I've noticed that a lot of the post-work crowd appear to be in heat. I guess being prompted for a PC Load Letter and arguing with vendors gets them hot and bothered. First it was the conversation I overheard earlier this week and tonight a young couple was cuddling on the weight-training floor (interesting choice to nuzzle) and the girl actually helped her male friend "adjust" himself. In front of everyone. I could not believe it and looked away in horror
Read more: water
, something
My other single-girl shame...my kitchen
2008-03-05 21:38:00
I am not a cook. My mom is a cook, my stepmom and grandma are cooks too, but not me. I justify this because, well, I'm single
. By the time I get home from work I don't want to scour the fridge and come up with something to eat. I want to eat, eat now and then relax. My stepmom and several friends find comfort and relaxation in cooking but personally I do not. I get wound up because I want to impress people and prefer to play the ultimate hostess and ensure a flawless presentation.Tonight I hosted my 20-something women knitting group (yes we do actually knit) and while playing host, a fellow knitter, who is a wonderful cook and huge foodie, saw my single-girl fridge, which consists of many of the same items: apples, carrots, chicken, eggs, soda (for weekends), cheese sticks and yogurt. Play
Read more: shame
Brett Favre retires...a cheese state mourns
2008-03-04 10:30:00
So if you somehow haven't heard the news, Green Bay quarterback Brett
Favre
will not be returning to the Packers this fall. It was the "news heard round the Midwest" today, seeing as the man is treated, rightfully so, as a god in Wisconsin.The Journal-Sentinel site carried the first "official word" from Favre's agent and it crashed the site. Apparently it needs to invest in better bandwidth. It treated his retirement like a national day of mourning, encouraging fans to write about their Favre memories and featured a banner that said "Brett Favre 1992-2007." I thought at first that he had actually died and not retired. My brother and I traded frantic IM's this morning, trying to find out what's the actual story and then, when we heard, my Buccaneers-fan-brother was able to share his joy ful
Overheard at the gym
2008-03-03 19:42:00
So in my first trip back to the gym in a week, I overheard j-u-i-c-y girl talk in the row of locker's next to me.Before we get going, I'll give you a list of tonight's cast of characters:-- Judgemental girl: main speaker-- Passive aggressive girl: offers shallow support and chimes in on occasion-- "Uh huh" girl: doesn't say anything but "uh huh" to comments to Judgemental girl. She might venture out to say " no way," or "really?" as wellMy editorial comments are in bold below.Scene:Women's gym locker roomSummary:Judgemental girl's friend (who is not present) is dating a guy that "she really likes" but has some communication issues with. Don't we all! Apparently while "hooking up" this weekend, the guy informed her that he didn't like to or want to wear a condom. This comment chilled the ro
Birthday celebrations - then and now
2008-03-02 10:44:00
So last night friends, former colleagues and people I don't know all that well gathered in Lakeview for Ryan's belated birthday celebration.And this year, rather than dinner out at a restaurant with the inevitable awkwardness about dividing up the bill, my heterosexual life partner decided to serve chili, wine, appetizers and cake at his place and then go out to a neighborhood bar, the Gingerman. Financially, I liked this decision and once we got to his apartment and relaxed with a drink, it was really a nice change of pace.Sadly, gone are the days of kid parties, goodie bags and oodles of presents, and now, as an adult, you find yourself making a different kind of birthday fun. While sitting at the Gingerman last night, exhausted by midnight, I started comparing birthday celebrations as a
Read more: Birthday
Movies once so profound...now seem so...unprofound
2008-02-29 21:20:00
Okay so now that I'm feeling better, my blog posts should get better soon as well, but until then, I'm drawing on not-so-exciting things to share with you all. Please hold judgement as I would be more entertaining if I could.Now, since I've been watching much more television than normal lately, I've started a notice a trend: Daytime television sucks (unless you watch soap operas)So to bide my time, I've started reading more and taking comfort while ill in old movies that I enjoyed so much as a teenager. An example of this is Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, starring Kevin Costner and Christian Slater. The movie, released in 1991, was at the height of Christian Slater mania, which me and my friends were all caught up in.Anyhow, when the movie was released, it was like a teenage girl's dream. H
Acting my age and lessons from Tyra
2008-02-27 19:44:00
Since I've been sick, my daily adventures have been non-existent so blog topics have been a bit dry or donated from friends for me to showcase here once I have rested enough to sit up for a bit.Before we get to tonight's “lesson from Tyra,” I have noticed as I get older that I become more of a baby when I get sick. I like to think it's because my parents doted me on me a lot while I was younger to make sure that I was comfortable, etc. This is not a bad thing, in fact given how sickly I was as a kid and teenager, it made it a lot easier to handle, but now that I live on my own, I find myself acting like a bigger child, especially in the throws of congestion and madness.For example, I'm ashamed to say that I've done a few of the following things as an adult while being sick:-- Cried lik
Read more: Acting
Romper Room? Not on my watch
2008-02-26 16:55:00
So this is the first time today that I've moved from the couch or my room, where I've laid out like a beached whale waiting for the tide to come in. The ongoing weather in Chicago, sucks, being sick for weeks on end, sucks more. Fortunately I'm on stronger antibiotics, which will kill whatever I have so long as it's bacterial (fingers crossed) but that means my plans for Friday and Saturday night will be much less fun (darn.)Anyhow, what brightened my day today, outside of brownies to settle my stomach, is a link from Cassie, who directed me to a blog called Dress A Day. I stand in awe of this woman and Cassie because both are very creative and have a knack for patternmaking and sewing. I won't tell you how my last sewing "adventure" turned out. In fact, I think the last time I used a sewi
Read more: watch
Secret Shames of Single Women
2008-02-25 15:40:00
I find no shame in being single so please don't be misled by tonight's post. What I mean by "secret shame" is, activities or quirks that women have and do in private, that is often only socially acceptable if you are single and live on your own. Get your head out of the gutter too! It can be as small as eating cereal for dinner - on a nightly basis - or enjoying a bit of "naked" time while reading.These items are not things to be embarrassed by. They are the signs of a bring a liberated, single, city woman who is comfortable in her own skin and with who she is. These "shames" only help you to be a stronger woman, person and friend. Embrace your "shames" as I do!So what are some of my secret shames as a single city woman?-- Shoe fashion shows. Sometimes I love to try on my high heels and ju
Read more: Women
Oscar mania!
2008-02-24 14:38:00
Last night was the pop culture Super Bowl and I overindulged in wine, food and biting criticism. Fortunately I had comfortable clothes on so I could "let loose." This post is a little late, mostly because I was tipsy and tired when I got home at 11:30 p.m. last night. Yes, this is not another late night for me, but I had to work today!You all know who won so let's cut to my "list:"Best dressed:-- Female: Tie between Heidi Klum and Laura Linney. Both had a great color dress and jewelry. Understated but still they both stood out. And Laura Linney looked so excited when the duo from “Once” won for Best Song. That made her stock rise too. There are several "honorable mentions" as well so comment if you would like that list too.-- Male: George Clooney. What can I say, the man is a classic..
Read more: Oscar
All-day adventure
2008-02-23 23:49:00
There are so many things to post about that happened today, but I'm going to take the lazy way out because it's 11:51 p.m. on Saturday night and I can barely keep my eyes open (sad I know.) I blame this "older adult" behavior on the fact that my cough from my nasty cold last week has returned and I am wiped out again. Fingers crossed that the meds can still help since the doctor can't/won't.Today I left my apartment at 11:07 a.m. and returned about 11:30 p.m. And during this period of time, I productively packed in the following adventures: hair cut/color (yay!), trip to the Art Institute during "February Free Days," dinner, movie, drink and then home. Fortunately, I was not alone in these ventures as Liz and Anne were with me and had a good girl "freight," aka "friend date."The oddest sig
Resume/cover letter nightmare and a "mate"
2008-02-22 20:52:00
To me, having confidence in yourself is a great thing, as long as it doesn't turn into arrogance. I try to be outwardly confident in my professional and personal life, but I never morph into becoming arrogant about my abilities, except in sports, because I will crush you and make you cry all the way home from my wicked trash talking.Anyhow, what brings up this topic today is an e-mail from a friend who posted an internship ad on Craigslist and from which he received this unique response from a candidate who has a name similar to Dwight on the Office. I absolutely love The Office, which is why I also feel compelled to share this story. This intern candidate either intentionally wrote his resume and cover letter to mock the Dwight character or thought that this kind of resume/cover letter wo
Read more: Resume
The songs that you hear in your head
2008-02-21 10:33:00
First off, those are not bad things to hear. I have my iPod in my ears most of the time that I'm outside and I feel like I'm living my life to a great soundtrack. With the occassion of breaking out into song and bad dancing.Because many of my high school and college friends have emerged from the woodwork on Facebook, I am reminded of a topic that was often a popular one amongst my friends in college - theme songs
. And not television theme songs, but your own personal theme song that you feel best describes you and your personality. Ideally, it would play whenever you walked into a room to announce your presence (much like on WWE wrestling but smoke and fireworks with that music is optional.)So what is your personal theme song? Please share the artist's name and song title, but if you're em
Oscars, Google Maps and Reasons not to get married, oh my!
2008-02-20 14:06:00
As referenced in a previous post, I was sorely disappointed in the Golden Globes this year. My first award-season with HD and I was denied being able to criticize celebrities. Very disappointing.But today is not only "hump day," it's when I really started to get excited for the Oscars
, because it's only a few days away! People criticize how "self congratulatory" awards are, but for some of us living in the tundra of the Midwest right now, it's an escape to glamorous Hollywood with couture dresses and insane jewelry that we could only hope to wear one day. I like daydreaming that it's me walking down the red carpet, getting mind-numbing questions from Ryan Seacrest and looking altogether fabulous. Jon Stewart is crashing to get ready for the big event, and I am beyond excited that he's back
Read more: Google
, Reasons
, married
, Google Maps
Put your clothes back on
2008-02-19 12:02:00
Tasteful photography is very subjective. For years, I thought Helmut Newton's images of women were derogatory and degrading, until I read his obit in the New York Times and someone finally explained his rationale, which made my opinion on his work change (somewhat.) Annie Lebowitz and Mario Testino do amazing work in Vantiy Fair, which is why I have kept a subscription to that magazine for so long, and covet the book "Vanity Fair's Hollywood." This might not be the best example of "iconic images" but recently that word has come up again in relation to Bert Sterns final photoshoot of Marilyn Monroe, which Lindsay Lohan apparently felt the need to "recreate" for the latest issue of New York Magazine. I am not a huge Marilyn Monroe fan, although I do see the iconic beauty and sex appeal that
Plucking - the final frontier?
2008-02-18 15:09:00
I'm a late bloomer in the simple, torturous things that many women my age have been doing for years – including eyebrow plucking. While I prefer the Brooke Shields, circa 1970s eyebrows (easier maintenance), a few weeks ago I opted to take Liz's referral for an eyebrow wax at Nordstroms and “womanscaped” my brows. In the city, I guess $20 for a 5 minute wax is reasonable, but to me, that seems a bit extreme...until now.Today while enjoying President's Day off of work, I dug out my compact tweezers and tried to pluck my eyebrows, so that I could hold off going back in to Nordstroms Spa for another few weeks. Unfortunately, the tweezers and the eyebrow stubs won. Referring back to old, previously ignored Instyle issues on this topic, I began to try plucking my eyebrows, however, the li
Tidbits: YouTube link, weather
2008-02-17 20:00:00
So it's Sunday in Chicago and today's weather
rotated between rain, sun and no rain and it will be probably snowing later tonight.Luckily, I have about four magazines to plow through, including Vanity Fair's Hollywood issue (my favorite,) so I have things to keep me busy, but recently the movie Music & Lyrics has been on Showtime so that has been distracting me.While I have nothing interesting to share today, I refer you to the music video "Pop Goes My Heart," from the movie, which features Hugh Grant and Scott Porter (aka Jason Street from Friday Night Lights) in one of the best Wham, 80s music video satires. It cracks me up every time I see it. Now it's time to try and get through my Netflix picks for the weekend and eventually dust my horribly dirty apartment. So much to do!
Read more: Tidbits
, YouTube
To Andersonville and back!
2008-02-16 22:26:00
It's 10:30 p.m. on a Saturday and sadly, I'm ready for bed. But I fully blame that on all the fresh air that I got today and the fact that I'm still getting over a nasty cold.I give my brother full credit for getting up at 8 a.m. this morning to feed the meter, only to be pleasently rewarded with a meter-free spot on my street. Yay! After a hearty meal at Ann Sather's on Broadway with Liz, we pilgrimaged to Avenue Tavern to pick up their Save-the-Date cards from Anne, which look amazing! Mine will be prominently displayed on my fridge, even though the date is penned in my calendar and circled several times.While it was sad that they had to go, I was glad to have some quiet again :) Liz and I spent a nice time reading in silence while trying to stay awake until Ryan called and offered us bo
Welcome to the Chicago...now go home
2008-02-15 13:50:00
Tourists in Chicago
are like death and taxes...all are inevitable. Normally, tourists clog up the streets and stores in summer (when the American Girl cult is heavily recruiting new members) and the holidays (when tourists buy items they can get at home but with the cache of saying they bought in...Chicago.)I bring this up because tonight by brother, Andy, and future sister-in-law, Jessi, came to the city to see Rent at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. It's always fun to see a visitor's response to how we city-dwellers live day-to-day. Walking for longer than two blocks? Really? Why are we rushing to get on and off the bus? Why are people weaving around us on the sidewalk?Tonight, they both arrived early into the city while I was stuck downtown leaving work. And because I was feeling better, t
Read more: Welcome
Happy Valentine's Day, aka Thursday to single people
2008-02-13 22:05:00
So I can't be all that bitter and jaded today, even though my head feels like it will actually explode from congestion and I had to sleep on the couch last night because I could barely breathe. Honestly, I really would like to nap at my desk, but I don't think some people
would be okay with that. But I'm glad I did come in todaybecause despite feeling crappy, my dad, aka my Valentine
, sent flowers to me at work, which match nicely with my Tory Burch pink patent flats. It was sweet, I did appreciate it and I yes, I did gush just a little bit. So now let's move on to things that are much more entertaining.Oh no you didn't:I can't acurately say what the best way is to ask someone to be in your wedding, especially because I didn't even make the first cut in my brother's. Fortunately, that has
Read more: single
, Happy
, Thursday
Dream man: Must love dead animal
2008-02-13 16:38:00
So another article from the New York Times caught my attention today - about dietary differences in relationships.I find this funny because a few of my friends, including my best guy friend, claim that I have "to high of standards." Excuse me? If asking that a guy has : a good job (that's legal), goals, an education and that he is financially stable constitutes as having "too high of standards," give me a cat and a spinster label right now.I would not classify myself as a "foodie," primarly because I use a microwave regularly and still consider boxed mac and cheese an okay meal (on occassion.) So to no surprise, I do not have dietary restrictions, such as being a vegetarian or worse, a vegan. A collageue became a vegan for Lent and I was fascinated by her meals and how she survived on a da
Read more: Dream
Matchmaker, product review and gym follow up
2008-02-12 11:44:00
Today I was nearly set up by my renter’s insurance agent. I don’t know if it’s a sign that this guy could be my soulmate or if I have become more pathetic and desperate than I thought. My stepmom has been trying to marry me off for years and now my insurance agent not only renewed my policy, but tried to offer me a date as a signing bonus. The question is, will that lower my premium?While discussing my policy and a claim that I might have to file, she inquired about my age and location. I told her my age (which I won’t repeat here) and that I live in Chicago, and she immediately commented that her nephew, who works for Levy Restaurants, also is my age and works in Chicago. After an awkward pause she said, “he’s single too!” I laughed it off but then, my single-woman mind snap
Read more: review
Gym observations and Reader question
2008-02-11 19:38:00
I've been a loyal gym member in Chicago for about 2.5 years and it seems like every time I go, I see something new that intrigues me.On a daily basis, I see one or more of the following "gym types," which usually cause me some form of amusement:-- "Cutie" - dresses in matchy, matchy outfits that barely have seen a sweat. Spends more time primping in front of the mirror to make sure her workout waist band lays perfectly over her toned stomach.-- "Sniffer" - works out 2 times a day, listens to very loud techno music that everyone can hear out of his headphones and who makes a loud "sniffing" noise when he's done with a set or rep-- "Man Child" - older guy who dresses like he's 20 and says "dude" a lot in his sentences. Usually enjoys bragging about his job and "connections."-- "Hogger" - hog
Read more: observations
, Reader
I'm going to be a mama!
2008-03-12 20:00:00
Not literally, figuratively. My feelings toward motherhood and my applicable skills for that role are topic for another time.Yes, next week the stork is coming to see me, the Apple stork :) Oh my heart swells at the thought of my little bundle of joy being delivered to my door, with excellent decoration and my name on it. Sent via UPS with T-L-C. I'm all a flutter trying to Apple-proof my house, getting her resting place all ready, making sure my place is clean and dusted so that I can devote enough time to her when she arrives.Names have not been decided yet but I am taking suggestions. And while I won't have a proper shower, I am "registered" at Apple.com, and my new little girl would look beyond precious with the Universal Dock for her first toy, an iPod. Bose speakers or an adorable li
Bonding with my credit report
2008-03-10 19:48:00
Right now I'm in the middle of reading Suze Orman's new book, "Women & Money," which won Oprah's endorsement and crashed her Web site server because the book was offered free online for download. That's good enough of a recommendation for me.I did not go the download route, primarly because my computer would start smoking from the size of the file or it would take two days to download. Anyhow, the book, much like Cathie Black's book, was another good reading choice by my dad and a nice little present in the mail. I have no idea how he heard about it, but it's definitely been thought provoking.The book stressed that women should have a copy of their credit
report
and know their credit score. Sadly, I have been very lazy in taking care of this, even though I know a woman at work who had
Great day
2008-03-13 20:58:00
So today was a pretty good day. It was sunny outside, warm in Chicago (a balmy 50!) and this morning, the elevator in my office building ran express right to my floor. I walked out of the elevator at 8:15 a.m. with a smile. For those in the Aon Center, especially on the high floors, going directly to your floor in the elevator is a big deal because is not an everyday thing.Then, I got really good news from work :) That plus a good workout at the gym and news that my Apple-baby has shipped via Apple-stork. I can't complain. There was a brief moment of worry when my iPod froze and I could not restart it, but fortunately it was fixed (in case you were worried.)So now I'm off to enjoy some Cheerios and watch the Colbert Report. Love that show.
Read more: Great
Chicago, St. Paddy's style, and Top Chef!
2008-03-16 14:25:00
St. Patrick's Day celebrations. My first year in Chicago
, dad and I stumbled upon the river dyeing by accident, and now it's another yearly tradition for me, much like the Michigan Avenue tree lighting. Nothing says St. Patrick's Day like Starbucks, being up very early on Saturday morning and seeing a lot of green downtown.It's also funny to see the "commercialization" of the event as well. When I first went to the river dyeing, Jameson was not a sponsor of it and the Jameson "brand ambassadors" were not walking around giving still flags for attendees with the company's logo. Who knows what will happen next year? Maybe Guinness will get in on the action and do sampling!This is a 40-year plus tradition in the city and every year, I go and love it, just like a tourist. There's something abou
Read more: Paddy
It's hard celebrating...me
2008-03-15 17:23:00
So word of my promotion has spread within my group of friends and last night, a few members of Team Hamster and I went out to celebrate....me! And I was ready for it.Pre-partying with wine (2 bottles between three people) and trail mix lead to a four-hour rally at a tapas restaurant in East Lakeview. Arco de Cuchilleros on Halsted received good reviews on Yelp so we headed over, pretty buzzed and lookin' for food.Ryan tried to convince me and Liz that somehow I should pay for dinner because I got a raise, but that was quickly shot down. No thanks. All I wanted was sangria, which we managed to finish two pitchers of (with me rallying for the group), and I was impressed with this little tapas place in my 'hood. The prices are reasonable, and generally are around the $8-$10.95 range.We sample
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