Remember Those Days

It’s 9:30pm on Friday night.  Four years ago I would have been getting up from a nap, hanging out with the girls, getting ready for the night. 

Things change when you work 50 hours a week.  I can’t imagine doing anything else right now but being in my pajamas and watching the Olympics after a long week.  The last thing I want is to be out at a loud bar, drinking myself into oblivion.

Don’t get me wrong, I still like to have fun.  That fun has shifted to happy hour fun.  Same point, but cheaper and less crowded.  And I am home before 8pm, and still get my 8 hours of sleep.

Olympic Small-Talk

Have you seen Michael Phelps?  Really, he is the only reason I am OBSESSED with watching the Olympics.  I have thrown my bed time routine out the window.  I have woken up at 3am the past three nights passed out on the couch.  Dragging myself into my bed.  I just can’t pull away from it even when I know how horrible I will be feeling the next day at work as I struggle to keep my eyes wide open.

It’s well addictive and I raced back to Lake Geneva today so that I was sure that I would not miss any swimming.

We often spend a good hour each day at work discussing the Olympics and looking up photos and videos online.  They said worker productivity goes down dramatically when the Olympics are on, and I guess we are proof.

Next Sunday will be a sad day when it’s all over

The Adult Walk of Shame

Alright, we have all done it, don’t lie. 

But, within the span of a week, I witnessed two couples on the train who clearly didn’t spend the night in their respective beds.

The first couple got on the train, and the women proceeded to ask the man when she could bring over some things to keep at his place so that when she spends the night she can have a clean shirt and panties.  Seriously, did you just ask that on the train?  Honestly, you looked like a dumbass because your man didn’t answer.  Have that conversation in private, not on the rush hour train.

The second couple was sitting behind me discussing their ‘oh so sexy night’ in bed.  After those details came the discussion of where they would sleep tonight.  And their plans for the following morning.  She would drive him to the train at 6:30 and then go back and get ready (just in case you wanted to know).  Again, I don’t want to hear this shit when I am on my way to work, especially because I spent the night alone.

Don’t Know How Carrie Does It

What do you move to the city for?  Labels and Love.

I don’t have the money for the labels and I already had the love. But I do have a nice collection of heels.

In an effort to be more “urban” and “cosmo” I wear my heels on the walk to and from work.  I don’t need to ruin a nice outfit with a pair of flip-flops.  But this might have to stop, because my feet are taking a major beating.

Although I only have to walk a total of 8 blocks in all on my commute, it’s rough.  I have mastered the walk, so I don’t look like an idiot who can’t walk in heels, but I certainly cannot keep walking every day.  I may break my ankle, but most likely, eventually my feet will just hurt at the end of the day.

 

Obamaville

Tonight, on my stroll around the neighborhood, I have a strange sense that Barack is in the ‘hood.  There were strange men wearing suits in weird locations, several news vans, and random special police men hanging in random locations.  Count on me to watch the news tonight at 10 to see what all the buzz is.

That’s why I love me some Hyde Park.

Life of A City Girl

I moved to the city because of times like last week.  Enjoying good beer after work with new friends, exploring a new neighborhood, a challenging job.

It seems like things are falling into place even after so many tears and headaches when I was making the decision to move.

The one discouraging part of this whole situation is housing.  When I went to look at apartments my stomach dropped.  The places were disgusting and who wants to open their window to a brick wall.  I am going to have to reevaluate how much I actually can afford/willing to pay for housing.

I’ve Made The Move

It’s official, I am a resident of Chicago.

No, I dont quite have my own place, but am sharing a nice two bedroom with a guy I met on Craigslist. Ha, sounds shady, but really, it’s a good situation. May I also mention that his dog almost makes me want to get a dog. Or not.

I am enjoying my new job and it is certainly a relieft to be doing something that I know that I have a future in. I am less stressed out and things seem to run much smoothly when I am enjoying the job.

I love watching people too. Sound creepy? But no, I spend a couple of hours a day in a commute or walking around, and people are amazing.

Speaking of people….how does one make new friends in a new city? It’s something many people struggle with from what I gather. A group of us are hosting a little happy hour next week so that we can attempt to meet new people. Looking forward….

New Job. New Life. Old City.

I have finally made the move.  Not yet full-time though, but I am here, in the city.  It’s real weird, and I feel like it’s only temporary. 

I am enjoying my new job, responsibilities and such.  I do really miss my co-workers at my old job.  I am ready for the change. 

The living situtation will take a lot of getting used to as well, but more on that later.

Once Again, I’m Back

It’s been awhile, a long while actually.

But with the past month that has past, a major event has happened.  No, I didn’t get married, but our five (five years is a hella long time BTW) year anniversary is next weekend.

I got a new job!  I am really excited though really scared.  Excited to be starting something new, but scared because I am clueless as to what I will be doing.  Excited to be moving to Chicago, but scared of leaving Dean for the majority of the week.  Excited to be doing something that I have been wanting to do for ever, but scared of starting over.  Excited to start with a new organization, doing something that I hope and pray that i have a future in, but scared about leaving camp, especially during the busiest time of the year.

Starting next Monday, I will be starting this job.  I have found a nice room in an apartment with one roommate and a dog.  A nice, clean, quiet apartment too in Hyde Park.  I am staying there until September 14 and then it’s on to find more permanent housing.  Hopefully, fingers-crossed, Dean will be joining me in the fall (at least part-time). 

So that’s what’s new.  And I am ready!

Cooking Extraveganza

Tonight I had an urge to cook.   And what became of that urge was a pan of lasagne and Asain chicken salad. 

Dean is going to be one happy camper when he comes home and has more food to eat than he could possibly want. 

It’s a busy weekend coming up, so it will be easy to put both on a plate and have it ready in a few minutes.  Good healthy, cheap food. 

Oh yea, and the price of groceries, WTF?  It’s forcing me to go to Walmart and buy Sam’s Choice Brand.