From Chicago with Love

A Family Weekend

2006-03-07T20:16:00.000-08:00

My sister was right, I need to post about our fun-filled family weekend in Chicago! Lucky me, my mom and sister surprised me this week and flew out here!!!! My mom flew out last Monday and my sister came last Friday. They left on Sunday, which was entirely too soon for me. I didn't shed a tear at the airport... but I may have let one slide by on the car ride home. Consider it a happy tear :)

During their weekend out here, I took them into the city on Saturday. My mom is more concerned with the Goodwill stores and when the Target load is arriving, so peeling her away from a store whose sole purpose is to provide products at reduced prices for poor people was a tough feat. Let's just say she spent so much time there in October that the workers remembered her when she showed up this past week. I don't know if that's a good thing or bad thing. Any how, our trip to the city was eventful. We started at Millenium Park so they could see The Bean. I don't know if my mom's equillibrium was off, but she backed up into The Bean so I could take a picture of her and knocked her head! The thump bellowed through the hollow Bean and everyone stopped to see if she was ok. I think everyone was reassured she was okay when they saw my sister and myself keeled over from laughing so hard. Onto the John Hancock center. While we were waiting for the elevator to take us up to the lounge, a little boy kept us entertained. He was this little man with glasses and the most perfect bowl cut you've ever seen. During our ride in the elevator, my sister waved to him. He said "Hi, my name is William and I am four years old" My sister laughed and replied, "Hi my name is Lauren and I am 21 years old." This is where the story takes a turn for the worst. William then said "My family has secrets that I can't tell you" My eyes lit up in horror. I thought this kid was about to spew flames from his mouth. I was in the presence of the anti-christ. I pinched my sisters' arm to keep her from asking anymore questions. His parents had looked at him and said "William, you mean surprise!!! We don't have secrets, its a surprise honey" Yea right, I thought to myself. Then, as if this would help the matter, the father says (to everyone in the elevator) "We got rid of the bodies a while ago" WHAT in the sam hell!!!!! The doors opened to the 96th floor and I flew out of there faster than you can say Dakota Fanning.

You Thought I was Kidding

2006-02-28T07:18:00.000-08:00

Dakota & Tom

2006-02-27T18:59:00.000-08:00

The only thing normal in this picture is that microphone.

Conversations at Work

2006-02-23T08:51:00.000-08:00

Ever make an embarassing comment that goes unnoticed because its THAT embarassing. This happened yesterday with a co-worker and my BOSS!!!!

Boss: "So, have you two seen any good movies lately"
Me: "Last one for me was RENT"
Co-Worker: "Last one for me was Narnia"
Me: (to boss) "How about you"
Boss: "Capote... it was great"
Co-Worker: "I heard about that movie, who is Capote?"
Me: "I think he was an eccentric author who always hung out at Studio 69"
(Silence)
Inner-voice: "shit, shit, shit, shit! It wasn't Studio 69!!!!!!!"
Me: "I mean Studio 54.... yes.... Studio 54."

GREAT.

On the Bus

2006-02-22T13:21:00.000-08:00

Its a normal day. I approach the bus, step on, show the driver my pass and away we go. The 121 Express from Union Station to Michigan & Wacker is about a ten minute ride. I like to sit towards the front, so's that I can be entertained by pedestrians on their way to work. From time to time, I'll see crazy hats, weird boots, short skirts and even wedgies. Speaking of... wedgies are so uncomfortable to walk behind because you know the person knows that he has one, but can't pick it because he knows that you're behind him. Its a vicious cycle.

Any hoo, back to my bus ride. Not only are the happenings outside the bus entertaining, the people on the bus can really provide some good chuckles too!!! Today, it was the bus driver! My bus driver had THE wackiest haircut I have ever seen. I looked.... and imagined... and wondered how this woman could have requested this style of cut... or weave.

Bus Driver: "Hi, I need a new style"
Stylist: "Well, what are you looking for?"
Bus Driver: "Hmmm.... I want something funky"
Bus Driver: "I want my hair to look like a jellyfish"
Stylist: "Excuse me?"
Bus Driver: "Yea, you know... like the jellyfish in Finding Nemo"
Stylist: "uhhh"
Bus Driver: "I want a mushroom top and long, tentacle-like braids coming out of the bottom"
Stylist: "but"
Bus Driver: "I drive a bus... I can pull it off"
Stylist: "um.....oh....okay"
Bus Driver: "YES! I'm finally getting my dream jellyfish cut! The sistas are gonna be so jealous of me!

The look on Marlin and Dory's fish face when they entered the jellyfish farm was very similar to my reaction when I saw that weave!

The Coldest Weekend Ever!

2006-02-21T07:41:00.000-08:00

This past weekend was ridiculously cold. With the wind, it felt like minus 30 degrees. Do you know what minus 30 degrees feels like??? It feels like someone has shoved your head into a meat locker and while you're in there, someone starts to prick you with tiny needles all over your face. Then if that isn't enough, try imagining that the person pricking you with needles has an industrial fan blowing on high so that your limbs, and facial functions actually begin to freeze.

However, a lemon drop and a three glasses of wine make you invincible to this weather :)

Celebrity Spotting

2006-02-21T07:26:00.000-08:00

This past Thursday night we were lucky enough to land tickets to the Bulls game. While entering through the VIP entrance (yea, thats how we do) I noticed a handsome black man. He looked very familiar. I thought I personally knew him... but then realized he was on television. It was none other than Mathew St. Patrick!!!

Who the fuck is that, you're asking.

Well, its the guys from Six Feet Under... and All My Children apparently. He's hot and on tv.... it was a good night.

On the Television

2006-02-08T17:46:00.000-08:00

I just saw the most amazing performance of my life on the Grammy's. Mary J. Blige singing "One" with U2. She was absolutely amazing.

This Morning on the Way to Work

2006-02-08T10:33:00.000-08:00

As I was walking down Michigan Avenue to work, a little person was walking towards me. I've grown up over the years, so seeing a little person isn't as exciting as it was when I was ten. But to my surprise, this little person was rocking a pair of ugg boots. I almost fell out of my coat. A midget in ugg boots I thought to myself, that's fantastic! Needless to say, Ugg boots on this little fella provided full coverage of the legs... a neccesity during these cold Chicago winters.

Walking to Work

2006-02-07T18:27:00.000-08:00

One of these fuckers shit on my head this morning. I'm guessing its the one cleaning its pigeon hoo-ha.

Last Night on the Way Home

2006-02-07T10:42:00.000-08:00

I tripped over a homeless womans' guitar in Union Station, my bus almost tipped over because it was so crowded and I was THIS close to donkey punching a girl who cut me off on the train.

Superbowl Commercials

2006-02-06T06:16:00.000-08:00

Most Creative: The budweiser one with the fans in the stadium holding all the cards.

Worst: The United one. BORING!

Funniest Beer Commercial: This is a tie... the magic refrigerator and the one where the guy drills the shit out of the girl playing football.

Funniest overall: I think all the Airtran commercials were great.

Basically, if someone got hit in the head, it was a funny commercial.

At the Superbowl

2006-02-06T06:09:00.000-08:00

Someone should tell Mick Jagger that old lady arm jiggle is NOT hot! Oh, belly shirts and size two pants aren't either.

That being said, the man can still rock out for being 85.

On the Television

2006-02-02T17:34:00.000-08:00

Sad to say, I'm stuck watching "Dancing With the Stars". Can I just say that Lisa Rinna has a SICK body! She's 41 years old and has the most slammin body i've ever seen in a woman.

On the Bus

2006-02-02T07:06:00.000-08:00

I sat in front of a NyQuil-addicted, pothead graduate student.

Good to hear our generation is representing proudly.

On the Bus

2006-01-31T18:03:00.000-08:00

To the asian woman on the 121 Express this morning... brush your teeth! When you exhaled my way, my clothes nearly pealed off my body. I think I may have thrown up in my mouth. It was the worst, ungodliest smell that has ever passed my nostrils. My nose hairs were incinerated!

"Asian woman bus" I LOVE GOOGLE!

On the Train

2006-01-30T06:28:00.000-08:00

To the man on the 7:17am train from 59 to Union Station... The next time I see you, I'm going to shove your mafioso elastic waisted leather jacket up your ass. You must understand, the sound of constant sniffles makes my blood pressure rise and the ability to mame becomes more and more likely. And while we're at it, tapping your fingers on the railing along to your iPod music is not necessary, its actually quite offensive.

If I see you again, don't be offended if I remove myself from your obnoxious surroundings.

In Union Station

2006-01-20T07:56:00.000-08:00

During my sprint from Adams and Riverside, to Track 2 at Union Station, I stumbled upon the funniest thing I had ever seen.

I was on the escalator down. The woman in front of me was wearing a long winter coat. As she approached the bottom, her long winter coat was inhaled by the escalator!! Yep, her coat was literally sucked down by the escalator. Along with her coat going down, as did she. She couldn't have stopped it if she tried. Although this woman was clearly in a precarious situation, I couldn't help but laugh. A few good men helped her to her feet and along she went to catch her train.

I think its the funniest thing in the world when people get hurt.

On the Train

2006-01-18T07:12:00.000-08:00

To the woman who spilled her coffee all over my scarf on the 7:17am train from Route 59 to Union Station, Thank You. I permanently smell like Juan Valdez.

To the Owner of Grandma Sally's Pancake House

2006-01-14T20:14:00.000-08:00

Dear Mr. Sally,

First, just because you name something a Philly Cheesesteak doesn't really mean it is. Philly cheesesteaks are not made with mozzarella. They are made "wit wiz" dammit!!!! (I didn't dare order this, but i'm just letting you know its false advertising and you should burn in hell for trying to imitate a Philadelphia institution.)

Second, you have a robot working for you. Our waitress showed no facial expression and talked in a high pitched computer generated sounding voice. She was wearing two earrings on one ear. We believe if you press her ear lobe, her skull would open up uncovering the little alien man controlling her every action.

Oh yea, and no human being could really eat your entire Italian skillet. Unless of course, you serve bears. And I gotta be honest, I didn't see any bears.

Thank You,

FromChicagoWithLove

Metra Train Conductor

2006-01-13T07:03:00.000-08:00

For the past two weeks, Joe has been telling me about this train conductor who spices up the train ride by making fun sounds and giving people a thumb's up when they show their passes. Last night, on the 5:22pm express from Union Station to Naperville, I finally the witnessed the excitement that is this man. After he took our passes and left our train car, he had to travel through that connecting area to get to the next car. He stood in the middle of that connecting area, reached up and pressed a fake button, then acted as if he was taking an elevator down. My laugh was so loud, Joey turned to me and said, "Okay, you were at like a 10, bring it down to a five". I was in tears laughing at this guy. About one minute later, he rose back up. Other people were laughing too, but they were little chuckles. I mean, come on, that's some funny shit!

I'm sure this guy will turn up on the six o'clock news as some kind of pedophile, but I don't care, he made my day yesterday!

Message to Bus Driver

2006-01-12T10:53:00.000-08:00

Hi,

If you are the bus driver for the 121 Express bus on Mondays and Fridays at 8:10am, please be conscious that you can't REALLY fit the entire city on your bus. I understand that you're trying to be as efficient as possible, but I don't appreciate sitting waste level to the man standing in front of me. Nor would I like to share the earbud of the persons' iPod next to me.

Thank You!

FromChicagoWithLove

Chicago is Warm

2006-01-12T10:50:00.000-08:00

It is approximately 48 degrees in Chicago today. Chicagoans are beside themselves that its this warm. They just shake their heads in disbelief.

Today on the News

2006-01-11T06:24:00.000-08:00

It doesn't matter what's going on in Chicago today. Angelina is knocked up with Brad Pitt's baby.

On the Way Home

2006-01-10T04:00:00.000-08:00

Note to self...

Running through Union Station in heels is not fun.

Seen on TV Last Night

2006-01-10T03:58:00.000-08:00

Anyone happen to catch a show on the Discovery Channel last night called, Being Terri?

Scared the living daylights out of me.

On the Bus

2006-01-05T09:39:00.000-08:00

Today, on the 121 Express to Michigan and Wacker (by the way, the fact that Chicago has a street called Wacker is fucking awesome), I had to stand. Being the small stature that I am, I was armpit level with the man in front of me. He was holding on to a high bar and the smell of hoagies was wofting from his armpit.

In other news, it should be a law for all passengers of CTA buses to wear a helmet. I may or may not have hit my head the other day because the driver slammed on the brakes to avoid a pedestrian.

I'm lucky if I make it out of this city alive.

Overheard on the Train..

2006-01-04T06:59:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the woman on the 7:17am train from Route 59 in Aurora, IL to Chicago Union Station I now know everything about the Sandals and Beaches resorts.

If you're wondering, the Beaches resort in Turks is way more accomodating to teens than the Beaches resort in Negril.

Today on the Train...

2005-12-16T08:32:00.000-08:00

I overheard two 300 lb. people speaking about how they prefer creamy soup to watery soup.

Status on Accomplishments

2005-11-30T16:21:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I posted on my accomplisments thus far. Well, here's an update:

1) Get a job... POSITIVE!!! I finally landed a job. I'm excited for it and can't wait to start. Its in the city, so I'll really get to take in the true Chicago experience! In the interest of keeping this job, i will refrain from blogging about it. I don't wanna get dooced.

2) Meet Oprah... that's still a negative. I don't see it happening anytime soon, so stop asking me to get tickets to Oprah.

3) Get a glimpse of Jennifer or Vince... this is up for debate. I clearly didn't meet or see either of them; HOWEVER, a very dear friend from college did meet Vince. My friend entered the Airforce after college and was lucky enough to escort Mr. Vince Vaughn around Iraq. My friend, who will remain nameless, asked about Jen. Vince said, "I like to keep the boats in the harbor on that one". I consider this a partial accomplishment.

I'm now batting 2.5-3... and I'm okay with that.

Philly City Hall

2005-11-29T21:48:00.000-08:00

Can someone from home please tell me if this is for real? The JJB Board claims this is going on for the Christmas holiday in the city. I don't believe it. There's no way Philadelphia would do something this cool.

***Update*** I received word from Matthew Johnson, Project Coordinator for the Center City District, that this is in fact for real. (photo courtesy of Matthew Johnson)

Kudos to Center City for a bad ass holiday treat.

RENT

2005-11-11T18:56:00.000-08:00

Can I tell you how excited I am for the RENT movie??!?!?! No? Well I am! Hearing the previews on television has brought me back to my sophomore year in college. Carrcakes blasted "Seasons of Love" every day at 11:00am for weeks on end. Five years later, listening to the song sounds like yesterday.

Click Here To Play

I HATE Playstation 2

2005-11-11T18:46:00.000-08:00

Playstation 2 will be the demise of our relationship. Joe has just finished yelling explicit four letter words at the television because he's convinced the Tiger Woods game is cheating him. I have resorted to taking fragile objects away from the general playstation playing area. The last time this happened, two burning candles, along with their wax, ended up all over my rug because Joe missed a putt for birdie. Oh no I'm sorry... the game plotted against Joe and MADE the putt miss.

The only redeeming quality about this Tiger Woods game is that Justin Timberlake is a character in the game. We LOVE JT.

Let's Give It Another Shot

2005-11-06T23:24:00.000-08:00

Okay, so the last set of highlights didn't go over too well. THIS TIME, I'm bringing this....

I'll let you know how it goes. She's friggin gorgeous! However, I hate those pants.

Also, I'm watching the Saturday Night Live episode where Christina Aguilera hosts. She makes a better Samantha than the Samantha on Sex and the City.

Status on Accomplishments

2005-11-02T19:51:00.000-08:00

Things I've wanted to accomplish since being in Chicago.... and their respective status:

1) Get a job...... Negative. Seriously, any employer reading this doesn't have any fucking clue about what they're missing.

2) Meet Oprah.....Negative. However, I have sent a request for last-minute reservations asking if people will take me seriously if I hyphenate my last name to Rice-Pizza. If anybody would be know, It'd be Oprah.

3) Get a glimpse of either Jennifer Aniston or Vince Vaughn.... Negative. However, I had a dream about Jennifer and that's the closest I've gotten. In the dream, I was her best friend. How fucking great is that?!?!?! She talked to me about Brad and Angelina! P.S. she hates the ginormous handed bitch.

I'm batting 0-3 and I'm not happy about it.

I'm Disappointed

2005-10-28T11:56:00.000-07:00

Right now, Steve Perry is singing "Don't Stop Believing" acapella. I think i've been scarred for life. Chicago is a big city, don't they have a sound system??!?!?!

"Journey" in Chicago

2005-10-28T09:32:00.000-07:00

The White Sox parade is live on tv right now! No lie, a church organist just played " Don't Stop Believing"! I fucking love this city!!!! Or do I love Steve Perry?

Robbie Williams

2005-10-25T08:58:00.000-07:00

This is funny, and he's attractive.... in a weird "swing his willy around" sort of way.

The White Sox, Cold Weather and Firewood

2005-10-24T10:12:00.000-07:00

I guess we decided to move here at a good time. The Chicago White Sox are in the World Series and the cold weather has seemed to hold off a bit.

Yesterday, Sunday, Joe and I went to watch the Eagles game a local sports bar. We were the only Eagles fans there, the rest were all Stillers fans. Booo!!!!! Don't know where the hell they all came from, but they were rocking their mullets and Budweiser bottles. Our dear Eagles pulled out a close one. When Ware intercepted that field goal attempt, it was sweet sweet victory. Fly Eagles Fly!!!

After the game, and a solid buzz, Joey thought it would be a good idea to go hunting for firewood. My dear sweet Joe wants to save money this winter, so he'd rather get a nice fire going than turning on the heat. I'll admit, I like having a fire going. What i don't like is moving five feet away from the fire and having to dress up like Randy from A Christmas Story because the rest of the apartment is 30 degrees below.

So, we come upon a load of abandoned firewood on the side of road. Considering how cold it gets here, I couldn't imagine all this wood being left for the taking. I was convinced it was infested with a crazy Illinois bug or it was a trap and we'd be stormed by Illinois state troopers the minute we moved a log. It turns out, neither happened. We just lucked out. We loaded Joe's truck with the wood, but we had one problem, the pieces were too big to throw in our fireplace. My very own Paul Bunyan said he'd chop the wood with an axe. We buy an axe. It took my lumberjack fifteen minutes to chop one piece.

This is going to be a great winter.

Oh, and by the way! To all residents of Chicago. The next time we tell you we're new to the area, we get it, it gets cold here! We got the point.

Sick At Home With Two Mexicans

2005-10-20T08:26:00.000-07:00

A very real description of the two men installing carpet in my apartment right now. The one, who i'll call Pablo, is severely overweight. I am on the second floor and i can hear him breathing as he tacks down the carpet. He looks very much like our Mexican friend in standing position. He won't shutup and keeps talking. Its becoming very annoying and I'd like to request he "estarso quieto". The worse part about him talking is that his tongue is way too big for his mouth. If anybody knows what that sounds like, you can sympathize with me. The second, a smaller friendlier man, who I'd like to name Miguel is crawling on the floor next to me as we speak. He is, oh so delicately, trying to match up the seams at the entrance to the bedroom door.

I hope they get done soon and I realize I am going to hell. Thank you, I don't need anyone to comment about how insensitive this post is.

How Many Insurance People Does It Take to Figure Out a Bar Bill?

2005-10-17T06:34:00.000-07:00

After a few tears and missing my family and friends, we decided a night out in the city would be the remedy. Joe called a few friends from work and we met up with them at a place called Joe's Sports Bar. Go figure. Apparently, the University of Georgia has some serious alumni in this city. They gather for every Georgia football game and have no qualms about letting non-Georgia alum know how much they love their team. My left eardrum was violated by an overly aggressive Georgia alumni screaming about an upcoming event this Thursday. He was so dissapointed when i said i didn't go to Georgia. Later in the night though, i was officially ordained an honorary Georgia alum when a Britney Spears sound-a-like drew a G on my forehead. "Hey Y'all you're a Georgia alum now!" We commented on her southern draw and she begged us to say Y'all. "We'll do it, only if you say "wooder"". "WOODER Y'all!", she screamed.

We arrived to a table full of insurance people. Joe, his two co-workers and three young ladies from another insurance company. I prepared myself for the most boring conversation ever. However, by the time we got there they were drunk enough that their inner geeks had actually turned into funny individuals. The highlight of the night came when the bill for the table came. Any normal human being would split the check five ways. (Five of them were there before us, so we weren't included). About ten minutes went by, and the check still wasn't figured out. I thought to myself, "These bastards make some serious scratch and they can't figure out a bar bill?!?!?!" "What's going on here?" I said to Joe, "Aren't you people supposed to be good with numbers?"

To my surprise, three beers and 30 minutes later, these girls were STILL figuring out the check. It turns out they itemized a $200 bill. Okay, so they have the bill figured out. "But i don't have any cash!", one drunk girls says. "Can you take my debit card?" I couldn't stand it anymore. At this point, i was thinking about what my blog would be titled on Monday. The Answer: apparently five.

There was a little hold up in our travels to the next bar, so we stopped at Joe's friends' apartment. After waiting for an hour there and losing my buzz, we met up with the insurance girls again at a sweet ASS apartment that belonged to a spoiled daddy's girl. At least that's what her boyfriend, wearing a camel colored smoking jacket, informed us of after escorting us up to the apartment. Let's just say the elevator opened up and we were in her apartment. It was beautiful!!! Everything i want in an apartment, crown molding, marble countertops, stainless steel appliances... EVERYTHING! Joe and I just sat back and observed. The owner of said apartment was passed out in the corner playing with the radio. After deciding to get up and walk over to the kitchen to get another drink, she accidetally knocked over a wine opener. Being the kind, non-invited, guest that i was, i bent over to pick it up for her. When i reached for the wine opener, she was in a tackle position getting ready to beat me to it. I was like, what the fuck? I said, "oh, don't mind me, that's all you" Then she growled at me!!! I turned to Joe and he was bright red trying to hold in his laugh. "Did you just see that?", I muttered under my breath. "Um, yea, you ready to go?" "Why yes, yes I am dear".

This was my first night in the city. Exciting right?!?!?!

Two New Pictures

2005-10-14T11:25:00.000-07:00

I've taken a liken to these types of posters. Don't know why because they're usually not my type... but i really like them!

T.G.I.F.A.T.G.F.W

2005-10-14T07:09:00.000-07:00

Thank God Its Friday At The Great Fucking Will

The Goodwill should be called the Great Fucking Will

2005-10-13T06:51:00.000-07:00

Okay, so my mom has been out here since last Friday and will not be departing until Saturday. Yesterday, she was gone ALL day! I called her cell around 4:00pm. "Mom, where the hell are you?" "Danielle, you won't believe it! The Goodwill around the corner gets donations from Target!" "Shutup mom!" "No, i'm serious, they're bringing shit out left and right."

So... this, my friends, is what my mom returned home with last night.

Retail at Target - $299.99

Price at the Great Fucking Will - $19.99

Retail at Target - $74.99

Price at the Great Fucking Will - $9.99

We only got the frame on this one, but...

Retail at Target - $189.99

Price at the Great Fucking Will - $4.99

Well, you can't get this at Target but its worth mentioning.

Retail at Oreck.com - $299.95

Price at the Great Fucking Will - $6.99

Total money that would've been spent at Target - $862.98

Total monies spent at the Great Fucking Will - $41.96

I think my mom should start a class. Anyone want to sign up?

Job Hunting

2005-10-12T06:59:00.000-07:00

Today, i'm looking for a J. O. B. I have video of the apartment, but i can't figure out how to upload onto Joe's computer. I'll figure it out and send it asap. If i can't do that, i'll send pics. Everything is going wonderfully well! Chicago is fucking cold!

Kinda funny story:

I was on the train yesterday heading into the city. A guy walked by and dropped a $10 bill. My first instinct was, "I could use that $10, maybe i'll set my foot on it and keep it for myself". But just before i could move my pedal into position some girl jumped out of her seat, as if it was her job to return lost money, and ran after the guy on the train to give it back. I was thinking, "You dumb bitch, that was my lunch you whore!" Then she returned, out of breath, and sat back down. I thought to myself, if that happened back home in Philadelphia, i'd be eating a cheesesteak for lunch right about now.

11 Hours and Couting

2005-10-05T16:33:00.000-07:00

The car is packed and I'm ready to go. My pops and I are leaving in about eleven hours. The ride should take approximately eleven to twelve hours. I'm bracing myself for the most boring car ride ever known to man. Applejax has suggested i go buy a Dane Cook CD. I may do just that.

Its Got an Orangish Tint

2005-10-04T06:15:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago...
Joe: "Babe, can you go back to blonde?"
Me: "But Joe, my hair is too dark to be blonde"
Joe: " BLONDE!!!"

One week ago...
Joe: "Are you blonde yet?"
Me: "Its not really a color that i like Joe"
Joe: "BUT I WANT BLONDE!"

Last night...
Me (on the phone): "Joe, Its me, call me back you fucking bastard!"

Last night, a few hours later than from before...
Joe: "hello?"
Me: "What do you want?"
Joe: "what's wrong?"
Me: "Oh, i don't know, maybe i'm pissed because my hair is an orange hue of golden retriever!"
Joe: "Babe stop, I'm sure it looks great"
Me: "Really? Great? Really? I beg to fucking differ!"
Joe: "Can you send me a pic?"
Me: "Screw you! You're paying for it!"

Car Troubles

2005-10-03T05:18:00.000-07:00

My car sounds like a helicopter. I'm taking it to the Honda dealership today. Only three more days!!! Holy Shit!

One Week Until Departure

2005-09-30T13:37:00.000-07:00

So I decided the best way to keep in touch with friends and family while i'm away in Chicago is (drumroll please), BLOGGING! That's right, a blog completely dedicated to my life as I now know it, in the Windy City. Over the past two days I've realized how many people I care so much about and I refuse to let distance come between my friendships. For my friends at work (woo-hoo TV Guide!) to my friends from school, to my very bestest friend Carrcakes and my little sis Laur Laur, this Blog's For You!

Today the movers came, Rod and Chester. Rod was a big white burly man wearing a John Popper hat and smoking a cig. Chester was a Bobby Brown lookalike. I wanted so badly to ask Chester if moving was his perogative, but i refrained. Rod was a talker, while Chester just wanted to get the damn job done and get the hell home. I felt bad for Chester because Rod would have easily talked through the entire move if i let him. There comes a time when i just don't need to know why you have blood clots in your leg. Maybe it was because he's a mover. But even if it was, i didn't really care. Just finish my move first, then think about retirement Blues Traveler! The move only took about three hours and then they were off. We'll meet back up with them again on October 7th, when Joey and I move into our new apartment.

See, this blog is going to be amazing. Not only are you taking the journey to Chicago with me, you'll also be witnessing living together with Joe for the first time. Some of you may not know about Joey and I, that's ok. I'll give you a quick rundown and you'll be completely caught up. Joey and I met four and a half years ago in Florida, I was 22 and Joe was 20. It was July of 2001. I was meeting up with my cousin (pictured right), who's boyfriend is Joey's best friend. It was really supposed to be a guy's week in Florida, but Shannon and I crashed the party. I walked off the plane and met them at the car. I saw Joey and was immediately attracted. He was so handsome and such a gentleman. He insisted on taking my bags for me and did it with the cutest smile. We spent the week flirting, but nothing happened until the car ride home. He put the moves on me in the backseat of his mom's minivan driving on 95 somewhere around the Georgia/South Carolina state border. The whole thing was completely juvenile and not mature at all, but i didn't give a hoot, he was HOT.

When we got back home to Philadelphia I didn't really expect anything to happen. He was just coming out of a relationship and at that point in my life, i wasn't really looking for anything serious. Although, i wasn't going to deny anything if the opportunity was there. A few days later my cousin calls me and says, "Joe said he can't stop thinking about you". (screams inside!!!!) "Really?", i said. "Well, i've been thinking about him too but i wasn't going to say anything". If you asked Joe about how this played out he'll tell you my cousin told him that I couldn't stop thinking about HIM! This is a lie because eventhough i was thinking it, i never said anything.

Cut to five months and one Thanksgiving dinner later, Joe was known by all my relatives as Focker and he even had a stocking on the mantle for the Christmas holiday. I had never EVER been in a serious relationship, so when this relationship hit the three month mark, i knew something was special.

Unfortunately, I can't talk about EVERYTHING we've done in the past four years but here's a rundown of our life together so far. I graduated from college in December of 2001, lost my virginity to Joe on Easter Sunday of 2002 (we waited eight months people!! I was no hoochie), we've been skiing in Vermont, gambled in Canada, been to several Eagles games together, spent a month apart when he studied abroad in Italy, met up in Italy during his last week and took in Rome, Florence, Naples & Venice. We went to San Diego for a week in 2003 and ventured down to Mexico. We've been to weddings together, most recently his sister's, but before that it was Carrcakes' wedding. Family reunions in North Jersey, Sunday dinners with his family, trips to Atlantic City at 2am, a cruise to the Bahamas (pictured left). We've been through his graduation, the birth of our best friends' baby, an internship in Washington D.C., a relocation to Kansas City and now... Chicago. I must say, being with this man has been nothing short of an adventure. I have to thank him for the past four years and i absolutely can't wait for the next fifty!

So now, as this post is descriptively titled, there's one week until departure to Chicago. I'm going tons of stories and take many pictures. Come along for the ride, it'll be a blast!