More Second City Firsts

I decided to revisit my list of things to do in Chicago that I created when I first started the blog. I was able to cross off a handful of items. This September I went to my first Chicago Bears game. BEAR DOWN! It was a preseason game, but it was still exciting and nice to see Soldier Field. I was also able to cross off visits to many of the museums in the city. During my job with Disney I chaperoned a few field trips with a student who needed assistance with walking. I also chaperoned the 8th grade overnight that took the students all over the city. This was a great way to get a taste of what Chicago has to offer for free! I would like to revisit some of the spots so I can spend a bit more time experiencing them.

I wish my 30 before 30 list was getting more attention. I just re-read it and I can't cross off a single thing! Even with a list, I have to be intentional and make a plan to achieve goals, whatever they might be.

Bears game. It was pretty hot that night!

Working for Free, aka, Interning

I started working at my school counseling internship this week. I have been helping with school registration and shadowing counselors helping students adjust their schedules. Many students are taking 3-4 AP classes as juniors or seniors. One dilemma students are having with scheduling is dropping an AP class. Suddenly summer is coming to an end and they realize they may have taking on more than they feel ready for. Others have neglected the summer reading and feel unprepared for classes to begin. Whatever the case, students are not allowed to drop AP classes during registration. They had a fair amount of time in the spring to drop the AP courses. Of course, some will be able to drop the class with an appeal to the department head. The other dilemma students are having is wanting to take a "fun" class that may not be considered as academically rigorous on college applications. These are the same kids who are taking 4 AP classes and will probably graduate high school with enough credits to be a sophomore. My heart went out to the students as I watched them struggling to make these tough decisions. When you're 17 school is pretty much your life and your schedule is a BIG DEAL.

These observations got me thinking about a few things that may lead to future postings.

1. What a lucky problem for these students to have. They have been raised to value education and have been given amazing resources in one of the nation's largest urban and often failing school districts. 
2. I know a strong course load is essential and important for schools to encourage. How do we as school counselors guide students to decisions about dropping APs or taking what some would feel is too many APs?
3. With such a strong emphasis on rigorous schedule, is there time for young people to take fun classes like families and relationships or life skills like I did? How can they explore these types of things? 
4. ...And. these classes led me to my career, in a way, it seems as if the heavy emphasis on some of the APs sends the message that certain careers are not valued as much.
5. It's as if the rat race begins at 14 when you enter 9th grade, or is it 7th, when students are taking the ISATS that will produce scores for high school applications? (It's not really a rat race, because education is not a meaningless pursuit, although it can be endless!)
6. This is the opposite problem we discuss often in class. Typically we talk about how to encourage students to take harder courses and work on closing the achievement gap. 
7. I  need to find a wardrobe that doesn't make me look 50, but more importantly, doesn't make me look 19. I may also need to cut my hair.

Whoa, that was a lot of thinking from 2 days of  handing out schedules! Thoughts?

I'd Rather be Golfing

Golf bar crawl 2010

This Thursday I am thankful for my new golf clubs. The Mr. got me golf clubs for my birthday and we have been getting some use out of them the last few weeks. The other day's rant about our finances was just a short moment in time on that one day. Most of the time I don't feel so overwhelmed, so don't worry! Today I am thankful for the time the Mr. and I get to spend together on the golf course. When we're golfing together we are encouraging each other, cheering for each other, teaching and learning. This time is also nice because we are doing something together that doesn't involve the TV or the computer; something active. I also cherish this time because we are outside enjoying the sun, lake, trees, and nature in general. So today I am thankful for golf clubs, because they are so much more than they were ever intended to be.

Today was also my first time visiting the South Shore Cultural Center in Chicago. This Chicago landmark is also listed in the National Register and is absolutely beautiful. It needs a bit more care, but it is still such a cool place in the city that many people probably have never even seen. There is a municipal golf course on its grounds and is very affordable to play. You should check it out if you ever have the chance!

Blog Spotlight

I have been so busy at the store and at school (work school, not graduate school) that I haven't had much time to think of things to write about, let alone, sit down and blog. It has been a crazy few weeks. A friend from California is in town on business for a few days so we took our first trip down to Little Italy for dinner. Unfortunately, it was not great. His work friends picked it and now I know I'll have to be more assertive!

So in attempts to blog more I thought I would start to highlight some of the blogs I really love to read. Tonight I present to you, "The Bag Snob: Reviews of  Designer Handbags, Authentic Designer Purses, and Leather Bags". I love this blog because I enjoy seeing the trends in fashion and also who is carrying what. It is also fun to see some of the vintage bags still current.

www.bagsnob.com

Turkey Dance

Last night we went bowling with friends and were hoping to do the turkey dance. When we bowl, if you get a turkey you have to do a celebratory turkey dance, you can imagine for yourself what this looks like.

After my first time cooking Thanksgiving dinner, I think a celebratory turkey dance was in order because it went surprisingly well! We had turkey, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, gravy, stove top stuffing, cressent rolls, cranberry jello stuff, apple pie, pumpkin pie, and homemade whipped cream. Pam brought the pies and made the sweet potato casserole. She also helped with the turkey and gravy. Everything was delicious and came out at the same time. It was perfect! Of course, there were a few things I would change, but oh well! The turkey finished in 3 hours and was beautifully brown and moist. I am not sure if its success can be attributed to the recipe or the brined TJ's turkey, so I'll just take all the credit myself!

We used my grandmother's china for the first time in the year and a half we've had it. There never seems to be a special enough time to get it down from the top shelf in the pantry. I am going to print and send a picture to her so she can see it's being used and appreciated.

Picture recap:

The bird

Table set and ready for the food!

Ready to dig in

Ready to eat! Yum!

Lord Have Mercy on My Turkey

I have only cooked a whole bird once in my life. It was a chicken and it was wildly unsuccessful. We were living at Villa Sienna in Irvine and had Kelly, James' mom, on the speaker phone giving instructions as I was screaming. It was gross with the neck and other bits. Today is my second attempt at roasting a bird. I am using Ina Garten's recipe. Jame's step-mom, Pam, is here and she helped get the yucky parts out of the bird. Thank goodness.

I may be a bit OCD, but I wanted to make sure everything got done so below are the rest of the day's tasks. We're already ahead by 1 hour. If the recipe is correct with the bird only cooking 3 hours we'll be eating at noon! I am not sure why I didn't trust my gut and wait to put the darn thing in. My biggest fear is that it will be done too soon. So please Lord, have mercy on my turkey!

 
More recaps to follow after dinner!

James just walked out of the bedroom. I've been up for 2 hours with his parents. Thanks a lot, bf. (Just kidding, I don't really mind a bit)

UPDATE: The turkey came out perfect and that is what I am thankful for today! Happy Thanksgiving! 

For Your Entertainment!

Today wrapped up my first two days at the new job and I have to say I love it! I will share more about that later. Right now, I have broccoli roasting in the oven and already made Giada's potato salad for dinner. No meat again, sorry James! The salad was so-so. I didn't have the lemon zest so instead I added red wine vinegar and threw in some artichokes we had in the fridge. Not sure I'd make it again, but I wanted to use up the tomatoes.

Anyhoo, I sat down to quick blog and share this with you!!

 

Muuuahhaha!! What in the world is this you may ask? Well, let me tell you. A stranger on the EL (Red Line, what else?) took the liberty of sketching the bf on his way home from law school! How creeped out would you be if someone handed you a sketch of yourself? As soon as James showed me I asked if he tipped the guy. If you know James, you know he did not tip him. My feelings are that he shouldn't have accepted the drawing if he didn't give a tip, but how do you politely say no thank you to a drawing of yourself?

What do you think? Did the guy deserve a tip?

Fry Turkey Fry!

This Saturday we went to our friend's parents' house in Joliet to lose our fried turkey virginity. This was our first time to the "suburbs" for an actual visit. The going to the suburbs was the uneventful part of the trip. It felt just like Michigan. I  must admit that I miss the big box stores that are all along one street with ample amounts of parking. Shoe Carnival, Bed Bath and Beyond, Hobby Lobby, Target, Old Navy! So easy to get to.

Anyways, the highlight of the trip was Brian's parents. They were amazing and so welcoming! We basically took over their house and garage watching the MSU v Iowa game (disappointing, to say the least). His dad was busy in the garage frying the turkey and his mom was in the kitchen the entire time making the traditional Thanksgiving sides. She made mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing and cranberry sauce. Kim and I brought salad and apple pie, but she did the most of the work. We tried to offer to help but she wouldn't hear of it.

While the oil was hot the guys experimented making other fried treats. There were fried pickles, snickers and twinkies. I have to say the pickles were the best.  The others were just so sweet!

As bummed as we were that MSU got killed, we couldn't have been happier after such a great meal with wonderful friends.

Now we're wrapping up our weekend doing 4 loads of laundry at the laundry mat. Sheets, towels, rugs and clothes. I usually try to space them out, but every now and then it all backs up.

CSI Chicago: The Case of the Mystery Wheelchair

I have seen a lot in this city in the one short year I've lived here. Human feces on the steps to the EL twice in two weeks? Yep. Someone defecate in a train car at 9 am? Sure. A boy in a foam cylinder crouched on the ground with a hole for his head to pop in and out scaring people? Why not! All are disturbing, but what would city life be without weird stuff?

Yesterday when I left work I saw this tucked in the little alcove between our building and the one we're attached to. This is not just any wheelchair, it is one for a very large person. I looked around for someone who might be getting out of a car or trying to get up off the ground and saw nothing. I felt a bit creeped out and still do. The chair is still sitting there 30+ hours later. The following questions are running through my mind:

1. Has the chair occupier been murdered? 
2. Are there limbs in the pile of leaves next to the chair? 
3. If the person is in fact alive, how are they getting around?
4. Is this a case of elder abuse?
5. Is someone coming for their chair?
6. How do you misplace something like this?
7. If no one comes back for the chair who will dispose of it?
8. How long am I going to have to be creeped out by this chair below my window and each time I pass it?
9. WTF?!?

Chicago Marathon

This weekend we went to Kim & Joey's in Old Town to watch our friend Nick run in the Chicago Marathon. He did a great job and we had fun waiting and looking for him. I cannot believe how many people ran in the marathon. I am pretty sure I do not have the dedication to ever do it and I know that I wouldn't want to. Kudos to those who do though! What a commitment to train for something like that. Instead, I baked muffins to go with our virgin mimosas (can't buy alcohol before 11 a.m.) to enjoy while waiting. While watching the marathon was not on my 30 before 30 or to do in Chicago list, it still was a "First" for us.

Do you think you could run a marathon?

Wisco Here We Come!

First time going to Wisconsin! We are finishing packing up for some Labor Day camping in Wisconsin. We are supposed to go tubing down some river tomorrow, but it may be only 60ish degrees. I may have to pass on that. I  love the fall weather though, perfect for camping at Wolf River.

And, on a side note, GO STATE!

Also, I just finished week 2 of the 100 push up challenge and I already feel it. I re-did week 1 because it was pretty difficult, but since then I have been feeling confident! We'll see how week 3 goes :)

Healthcare Woes

After going a year without health insurance I decided to quit being foolish and just pay up for the school plan. Ugh!! I sure took my health insurance for granted when I was working for the University of California. Man, do I not want to pay for it. I guess $2,000 isn't so bad considering the cost if I were to get really sick or hurt, but this is sure hurting my checking account! Can I get some health care handouts please?

I was one month away from my yearly physical when I left my old job, so I have gone 2 years without seeing a doctor. I hope everything is fine! What I'm more nervous about is the fact that I haven't seen a dentist for a year. Last time I didn't go for a year and a half and ended up with 11 cavities (I don't remember the real number but it was something crazy like that). I think that dentist was very aggressive though, I hope this time around it doesn't cost me $600!

Do any of you in the Chicago area love your doctor and/or dentist? When I lived in California I changed doctors every year because I just wasn't thrilled with them and didn't know anyone to ask for recommendations. I really liked my old doctor in Grand Rapids and am dreading finding one here. The most important thing I need to know is if your doctor/dentist has a really nice office. I judge health care providers by their offices. If the office is dingy I ain't going there!

How was your experience finding a new doctor or dentist in a new city?

To Do in Chicago

Right before the drive from  San Clemente, CA to Chicago!

We have been in Chicago just shy of one year and are committed to the city until 2013. I feel a bit claustrophobic thinking about being forced to stay in one place so I am already thinking of what city we should move to when he is done with law school. Boston? Boulder? The Pacific Northwest? SF? Ultimately, it will all depend on the job situation so it is useless to even try and make "plans". By then it will be time to grow up anyways, right? Ick.

Chicago has been great to us though. I have had the best year ever! We are close to home and family and have great friends in the city who are always doing something fun. There is so much to do and see in Chicago; we tried to not say "no" to anything this year, but only managed to do a little. In anticipation of one day leaving this wonderful city I have complied a list of firsts I want to experience in the Second City (most have been bookmarked in a folder since we moved here!).

1. Go to a Bears game
2. Shop at the Green City Market
3. See the sun rise over Lake Michigan and the city
4. Weird Chicago's Devil in the White City tour (Kim, Joey, and BF need to read the book so we can all go!)
5. Go to Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo
6. Shop at the Chirstkinlmarket at Christmas time
7. Go to the Magnificent Mile's Lights Festival and see the parade
8. Take a Sailboat ride on Lake Michigan
9. Dance at the Chicago Summer Dance downtown
10. See one of the Chicago Park District's movies in the park
11. Visit the Shedd Aquarium
12. Visit the Museum of Science and Industry
13. Visit Alder Planetarium
14. Visit the Field Museum of Natural History
15. Visit the Art Institute of Chicago (I will have to check out the free Kraft Great Kids Museum Passes from the library for all the museums,or I'll be broke.)
16. Carriage ride down Michigan Ave during winter
17. See the light show at Buckingham Fountain
18. Pack a picnic and see a free concert at Jay Pritzker Pavilion
19. Take my parents to a Broadway show
20. Skydeck???  I may be too scared for this one.
21. Pride parade!

Some of these will fulfill items on the 30 before 30 list.

Anything else super cool to do in Chicago that's a must?

First: Chicago Air & Water Show

This weekend was the Chicago Air & Water Show and we didn't go to it. According the the press 2 million people would be in attendance throughout the course of the weekend. Instead, we went to Belmont Harbor to watch the practice on Friday. The boyfriend (will be referred to as bf instead of using pronouns from this point forward) had seen the practice the day before and was really excited for me to see the Blue Angels for the first time. It was super hot outside, but we had a nice spot in the shade and there was a cool breeze coming off Lake Michigan so it was perfect! The bf said Thursday there were only two other people there, but when we went there were watching the practice. We stayed for about 2 hours and waited until the last possible minute until I had to go home to shower for work. I missed them. That is, until I was waiting for the El and they flew by! Pretty neat, but I am not sure they were worth all the hype. The bf was so excited for me to see them so I was happy to catch a glimpse, even if it was only for a second.

 

Is the Air & Water Show overrated or totally worth it?

First Day of Life as Full Time Graduate Students

Woooo Whooo! Yesterday was his last day at work and today is the first day of his "new" life. He started working for the company in 2007 when we moved to Orange County, CA and transferred with the company when I decided on grad school in Chicago. I am probably feeling more sentimental than he is about his transition from full time employment to full time law student.

Why am I feeling emotional about this? Well, I am anxious (which probably really means I am scared). How will this transition impact our relationship? Our finances? Our life? Scared because people keep telling me about the break-up rate of law students. I am sure we'll be fine though! At the same time, I am proud that he is ambitious, put himself out there, took the risk to go back to school, invest in his/our future. I am excited and hopeful that this is it; he won't hate his job and will feel more fulfilled by this decision. I was so nervous before I started my program, but found myself feeling absolutely content and at home in my decision. I hope he can experience the same peace.

Are we just putting off adulthood by going back to school or is this the next step towards adulthood? Are we delaying the inevitable sucky job, mortgage and kids?  We are 26 and 28. Aren't we adults already? I always told myself I was a real adult when I had my own health insurance and was actively saving for retirement. I was there a year ago, have I reverted? Are we both taking a step back? I keep trying not to compare myself/us to others, but it's hard.

How do you know when you are officially and adult?

Funky Towels and Firsts from the Past

I still feel very new to the city after living here for eleven months. There is so much to explore and experience. With him starting law school at De Paul next week we know we will have a minimum of three more years to try and do it all, or at least what we can afford! I am so excited for the many firsts to come, but wanted to take a moment to reflect on firsts from the past.

Since moving to Chicago September 2009 I have experienced these firsts:

1.  A rat in my kitchen, that's right an authentic Chicago city RAT. No, my eyes and the dark were not playing tricks on me. I did not mistake a little mouse for a rat. Ratzilla was in our kitchen on multiple occasions and he finally saw it to confirm my reports. Ratzilla shook off mouse traps, evaded sticky traps and jumped in and out of our trash while we were watching t.v. Thankfully, after stomping my feet a few times, the super of our building pulled out the counter and patched the hole where Ratzilla was entering/exiting through. Every time I do laundry in the basement I am scared I will have another encounter with Ratzilla.  Beware! (more on Ratzilla may be found here)
2. Cockroaches in the kitchen. There have been 4 cockroach sightings thus far this summer. That also means there have been four blood curdling screams this summer in apartment 1. The roach spray seems to be holding them off for now, but if they have to bomb our apartment you will find me taking shelter at my sisters. This video is for Mikey!
3. Depending on public transportation. This year has been the first time in my life since I was 16 years old that I did not have my own car. I have relied on the El an the bus to get everywhere. This has posed challenges in running errands and cramped my style a bit, but it has also made me feel a sense of independence that I was not expecting. As a category of this "first" I will touch on CTA horrors. For months my city friends had been telling me horror stories of being harassed or seeing crazy stuff on the El. I would always tell them they must be unlucky because I had nothing but great experiences riding the red line. That is, until Saturday, March 13. The day I saw a grown man defecate in a full train car. It was the early morning of the St. Patty's day celebrations, I began to smell what I thought was someone with a major gas problem. Everyone was grimacing at the wafting stench. That's when I saw, near the front of the car in the little alcove, a man buckle his pants. It suddenly all made sense. Everyone began moving to the other side of the car trying not to make a scene. I was hung over and gritting my teeth trying not to vom and make the stench even worse. Thankfully, my stop was next. 

I will let this first end today's post. I think that rats, cockroaches and human feces in public places is enough to stomach for one day! 

What is the nastiest first you have in a new place?

Someone CallED 911!!

Today after riding the MegaBus home from that city where that other school is I sat down to relax on the couch when someone started buzzing my door. I looked out the window

and there was one of Chicago's finest dressed in blue. I said, "Hello do you want me to buzz you in?" to which he replied yes (obviously since he was buzzing!).  I didn't have any pants on because it is hot as Hades in Chicago and I didn't have anything going on today. So, in an effort to get decent, I yelled for him to hold on and scrambled to get some shorts on. This is the third time someone has come and buzzed us and I have had to run to put on a robe or shorts, think this is a sign? YES!

Turns out guys in our building saw someone crawl out another apartment's window upstairs and onto the patio. They did the right thing and reported the breaking and entering because the girl wasn't home. Hopefully she has renter's insurance. Luckily for us, we have bars on our back windows that are accessible via the porch.

Our other windows are high enough off the ground I don't think we have anything to worry about, do we?

I don't think I'll worry about it. What I will worry about is The Secret Life of the American Teenager. If I am going to work as a high school counselor I think I should watch what kids are watching and boy, is this show full of adult themes. Stay tuned for a future post on "stuff" (this will be a profanity free blog for the sake of my professional integrity, haha) kids are watching these days! One positive thing about the show is they mentioned Gestalt's empty chair experiment!

What do you think? Have you watched it?