Perspective

I've been quite observant the past few days. Blame it on not feeling well and wanting to keep my mind occupied with anything that is not my throat, head, stomach, or, well, anything.

ANYWAY

I noticed that people are very interesting to just observe. I've known this for a while, but haven't done in. Last week I was able to be an observer at a sales meeting, there were people from all over the US there. People really are quite different from across this nation. Tension and high stress can be observed from people from the east coast, even tension between one another (NYC vs. Boston). Southern people seem to be much more relaxed in terms of stress, and less tension as a general rule, but there seems to be a lack of trust among others. People from the west coast were harder to identify as they seemed to fit into the mid-western role, but that could be because many of the west coast people I observed were originally mid-westerners.

I realize that this could come off as stereotyping, but I am not stating that all people from these regions show these traits, I am simply stating that of the population I was able to observe on Thursday and Friday, I noticed these common traits among them.

I also noticed that some people really enjoy the "rah, rah, go team" spirit within a corporation, while others just smile and nod at it, waiting to get back to work. Having both of these types of people in the room together was fascinating! Some people couldn't wait to get out of the room so that they could make phone calls, respond to emails, and just check in. Other individuals couldn't wait to get out so that they could move onto another "rah rah" event, and still others just stayed behind, trying to get more "rah rah" spirit going.

I'm glad that I'm an observer in all of this, and do not need to fit into these categories. I also am glad that I am an East Coast transplant, but am able to look at other East Coasters and see their stress level mirrors that of my own. Just because I'm a transplant, doesn't mean I've lost my sense of stress!

Stress, interesting that I bring that up. I have been feeling off for quite a few days now. It started with my throat, then head, then stomach, and body aches, and what not. Today at work I was asked if I'm sick sick or stress sick. I thought about this statement...I'm both. I'm sick sick due to stress and I was stress sick which has run me down enough to make me sick sick. It's a horrible cycle that I hope to remedy...once I'm able to get better.

Feeling good, optimistic even

I really am wondering if I suffer from depression from time to time. I try to be positive all the time, but I come across as a negative person at times (I believe). Regardless, I'm feeling pretty good right now. I have a new perspective on my current situation and really hope to make it work. I'm also realizing that it is not my job to be an expert in certain areas, but I need to try to help wherever I can. If I can't get all the information, I ask others who are experts about it.

I think I really need to reach out to the people at my internship and not be so afraid. I don't like being afraid, so that needs to stop now. I also need to remember that if it doesn't work out, I find a new internship, but I don't think that's going to happen.

Stay positive!

A much needed break

I was able to recharge my batteries this weekend. I had a lovely Thanksgiving with my boyfriend, his family, and his sister's boyfriend's family. Funny thing, though there was lots of food, I really don't think I ate that much...I felt like I did but thinking back on it, not really. Friday was great...I went shopping for a bit, went to the chiropractor, shopping some more, had lunch and relaxed a bit after some more shopping. Went to dinner at the bf's sister's place and then to a show to support my friend and his new band. That was fun...walked about halfway home in the cold that night (about 2.5 miles or so) really made me feel good.

Saturday was complicated. I was very emotional and felt like I was running behind all day. I finally just cried a bit and felt sorry for myself. After crying that really helped me to feel better and I went and got my nails done and then my hair done. We went out to a lovely dinner and then my birthday party. So much fun at my birthday party...we went to Delilah's, again, fantastic night.

Sunday we woke up and stayed in our PJ's all day long. It was the perfect birthday...we hung out and watched movies, ate junkfood, and just relaxed. I really needed some relaxation time and it helped me get ready to keep going with my internship!

Really?

So I don't check my balances enough, I'm aware of this. But it used to make me so depressed to see how little money I had in there, so I lived within my means, would splurge every now and then, but mostly behave.

Last night there was a discussion of finances which made me think of checking my balances. That and I received a notice of a new bill that I needed to pay. I went to check my checking balance and saw about double what I was expecting to see. "What did I forget to pay" was my first though.

Why is it when you actually are saving money your initial instinct is that you forgot to pay something? Really my only expense has been cigarettes (yes I know I should quit, I want to quit eventually, we will not discuss my nasty habit right now).

Back to what I was saying. I frantically looked at what I've paid this month, everything was accounted for. I then moved some money into Savings, realized that I can do a bit more Christmas shopping than I thought, increased the amount that I'm paying back on my student loans by $35.

I figure after the holiday's, if I still have this extra cash around, I'll make a big payment to one of my CC's.

I guess dropping my rent by two hundred dollars for a few months adds up quickly...well, not really two hundred since I have a storage unit I'm paying for, but still, an extra hundred a month can add up pretty quick. Guess I might be able to get out of debt sooner than I thought...how unAmerican of me.

It's my life

I'm becoming frustrated with too many situations in my life right now. Typically, after 12 weeks of something I would have adapated to it...I'm having a rough go at adapting right now though and I can't figure out why. I think there's a part of me that is unsure of what the next steps in my life are and that could be adding to why, 170 hours into something I'm wondering what is going on.

I think I wonder about this next phase, and if the industry is what I believe it is, or what I am beginning to see it as. Is everyone really burned out or is that just what I am exposed to? Is the system so messed up that people who just need short term help can't get it unless they are thrown into long term care facilities?

I think I'm just getting some hardcore exposure and I hope that once I am in the field I find that there is some happy alternatives that I just don't have exposure to right now.

Add to that my frustration at my $ place and concerns about if I need to think about next steps and what not.

I need to win the lottery so that I can just focus on the next chapter rather than straddling the current with the next. I don't know when the next chapter will actually begin, which I think adds to the frustration.

I am happy that I have most evenings back for myself right now...and hopefully during the winter I'll have one weekend day back, I'll lose some nights, but I'd rather have a Sunday then 3-4 nights free.

I cannot see the light yet, but know that the light is there...170 hours in, 530 hours to go...I can do this...I have support...I just need my friends to understand that I need some time alone every now and then and not to take offense to it (PLEASE!)

The strangest combination

At lunch today, we had no desire to go anywhere, but needed food. All of the sudden my friend said, "Oh, I heard Burrito Buggy now has Indian food". Perfect, Indian food near us at the office! But at a Burrito Buggy?

Indeed, at the Burrito Buggy they have Indian and Mediterranean food, and way reasonable in price and way too much food.

I finally decided on the appetizer platter because I couldn't decide what I wanted. In my $5.99 platter I received 5 falafels, 1 samosa, a tub of hummus, pita, rice and salad. In my friends $4.99 veggie platter she received a samosa, paneer, naan, rice, and a salad.

This is delicious and so reasonable...must go back and get the lentils!

Why Monday? Why?

I hate it when things get me down on a Monday. Monday is a very, very long day, even more so since I have a half day off on weekends now in which I try to get everything done a normal person would do over two days off. I still haven't figured out when to get the laundry in...looks like Tuesday night this week.

I just would much rather get the week off to a good start than a questionable start. Monday's are one of my 13 hour days. Work 8:30-5, transit over to intership, intern from 6-9/9:30, transit home. So I'm usually gone from my house from 8 until 10 on Monday's...14 hours away from home. What happens in those 14 hours can be any number of words, but today it's been disappointing. I really hope that my 6-9 tonight goes by quickly and well.

I need to determine when I can take some time off. I just don't foresee it happening any time soon. Christmas is going to feel like such a long vacation for me (4 full days off!).

Why am I doing this to myself? Why can't I just take on a part time job and intern? Most of the time I realize that's just silly, but today is one of those days that I am so drained, and it's only 4:23.

Give me your tired

So again I'm having a hard time waking up in the morning...but it's not the waking up part, it's the getting out of bed part. This morning for example, I was ready at 630 but stayed in bed until 715. This must change. JW was very clear that I am allowed to leave the bed if he is still sleeping (thanks honey).

Week one of no days off worked quite well I must admit. I feel as though the Sat, Sun, Mon routine is really good. I get to see some of the same people and get in a few sessions with them. My supervisor at the internship wants me to get really good at one aspect (hx) and then start do more in depth work...that's really what I want to do. I hope it all works out.

Upcoming things that I need to prep for...November 22, 5k race. I haven't run in about 1.5 weeks I think...so tomorrow I will run home from work and Friday I hope to get in a run after work. Sunday should be beautiful so perhaps a run post internship then...or even a run home from internship (though I'm not sure I can get 5 miles in right now).

Laura G leaves for Argentina today...bon voyage my dear! You'll still be reading this blog so I'm sure you'll be all excited to have a shout out. She'll be back once Chicago becomes warmer again.

Oh and observations...since that is what this blog is supposed to be about. I've observed that people who take the el, in general, are more "normal" than people on the bus. I've been taking both modes of transportation for a while now and truly the bus people are more interesting than the el people. That is not to say that unique characters are not on the el, but the bus seems to have a higher proportion of them. For example, Monday night I am knitting on the el and this woman (who I could smell the alcohol on her breath) had been calling her children and yelling about her $200 phone that she kept dropping. After a few of those phone calls she looks at me and my knitting and tells me what I'm doing is beautiful. She then asks to touch the scarf I'm knitting and goes on and on about how women don't do this anymore, etc. I tried to mention I've seen some people but that was just pointless. Luckily she was almost at her stop so this discussion about my knitting did not last long. She did get teary-eyed talking about my knitting and how it reminded her of her mother, who she was going to see and gave me way too much history...but still, that happens more on the bus than the el.

Oh, public transportation...how you are an interesting storyline.

Is it really that bad?

I haven't worked two jobs in a long time, like 4 or 5 years. I went into grad school the fall of 2007 which is kind of like working two jobs, but not really. Being in this working a full time job with a part time internship (along with school) is taking it's toll on me, and I'm only 2 months into it. But hey, I've got over 100 of the 700 hours I need so that's good, right?

It was hard interning two nights a week, after work, along with one night of school after work. Those days I'd work 8:30-5 (pretty much straight), commute, intern 6-9 or 6-10 and commute home. Saturday's I gave up because I need to work with someone so instead of interning 8-2 like I had initially hoped, I'm interning 12-6 on Saturday's. That does give me some time in the morning to sleep in, do laundry, or go to the chiropractor, and it gives me Saturday nights free to relax and do whatever...and Sunday's to have fun or do homework, or clean.

Not anymore.

Now, I am interning Saturday & Sunday. My goal is Saturday 12-6 and Sunday 8-12 so that I can still mostly have my Sunday...of course I have a race coming up so I won't be interning until noon on that day...you know, run a 5k, get some food, shower, intern for 4-5 hours. Then there's my birthday on a Sunday which I do not want to work...which I may have to fight for...oh and the Bears game that the bf bought me tickets to back in July...but I'll find a way to make it through...it's only about a month with no days off, then another few weeks without a day off. Hopefully by January we'll be able to change the schedule up again so that I won't have to work 7 days a week.

What is it about working 7 days a week that is so bothersome to me? If I ever become a parent I'm never going to have a day off, I'm always going to be working on something. Why does it bother me now?

Totally f'd - repost from LJ

If you have access to my friends only posts on LJ then you've already read this...well I'm slightly modifying since I don't have a friends only filter setup on here. I'm focusing on my concerns regarding my internship and my life.

I have had 2-3 anxiety attacks in the past 3-4 days. I have had stomach problems for the past 2 days, and what appears to be a never ending headache.

I am 100+ hours into my 700 hour internship yet I am unsure if/how I will get my 600 other hours. Why? My schedule is changing today because someone left and I don't know if anyone can cover the hours I need someone there with me.

I'm worried as all hell about being f'd. I'm worried as all hell that I can't keep this up. I'm feeling really vulnerable right now and am having a really hard time keeping it together at my desk this morning.

Add to that my work stress...I need a position that is 8:30-5 and no need to stay later...my team works 9:30-6, I'm here 8:30-5 most days, 8:30-6 or later on days without school or internship. I had to leave last night at 5, left by 5:15, most of my team was here until 6:45, I'm a bad boss.

I have too much on my plate, but I can't afford to do what I want to do.

I can't take another class next semester because I'm too stressed with what I've got already, but I NEED to take another class in order to graduate...I'd like to take the class this spring so I can get the financial aid, but unfortunately that's not an option because the class is on Monday nights. Here's the kicker, the class is a Stress Management class.

I can get through this...it's only another 8-9 months of my life, right?

F me

Anxiety - crud

I noticed this past weekend that my anxiety has increased dramatically. Both on Saturday & Sunday nights I had random panic attacks that showed up out of no where. I had enough sense in me to slow my breathing, remind myself everything is ok, and just talk myself out of them. It never got "too" bad, but it was bad enough to remind me of how bad they can get.

The only thing I can figure that could trigger such a response would be the haunted house I went to. I really enjoyed the haunted house, and they are meant to increase one's anxiety. I was pretty calm throughout the haunted house, so I'm not sure if that really did trigger it.

My other thoughts are my sleeping habits, and general maintenance habits. I'm working hard at getting these habits back on track, but it's a slow process.

Only other option is that the chiropractor is fixing my back & neck and I've noticed physical changes because of it, perhaps that has something to do with my anxiety as well?

I don't know what the trigger was, but I do plan on taking steps to identify and fix it. But, as a true scientist, I can only check one thing at a time to ensure that I am not identifying the incorrect cause. So I'm starting with sleep schedule. I'm working very hard to be in bed by 10:30 and up by 6:30. I managed to do so last night, however, I made the conscious choice to stay in bed until 7 this morning (ok, 7:08). That was my choice though, unlike last week.

If sleep doesn't work, I'll identify a new area to pick. I need to give each choice at least a week to test it though. And document, document, document (and why am I not going into experimental psychology?)

Newest obsessions

So in school last night we were exposed to "laughter therapy". I really want to investigate this further and try to lead a laughter group, not an official one, but I would think that in a chronically mental ill population, laughter therapy would be a good moment for them. I need to read more before I even try to introduce it...and I wouldn't be a certified laughter therapist for quite a while.

Another obsession, I have been listening to more main stream music, I haven't done that in a while. I really wanted to listen to some Lady Gaga so I asked a friend if he had any, and of course he did. He gave me a website to go to though so I can make a playlist...www.imeem.com. So of course for a good 30 minutes this morning I was creating a playlist to listen to at work.

Lady Gaga
Beyonce
Kayne West
and of course, The Prodigy

Yes, I have a weird taste in music, but this is where my music thoughts are today. I will add some White Lies later I'm sure.

Excuse you!

This morning I noticed lots of rude behavior on the el that I would like to expose here, in my venting blog. We'll call them observations though.

Rude lady - I stand a few steps back from the edge of the platform of the el for safety reasons. I had been standing there for a few minutes waiting for the train to come. Along comes a lady and steps right in front of me. There is plenty of room to either side of me, behind me, etc. She just stood right in front of me. Then, the train comes, and she jumps in front of everyone else who had been waiting before her. Not only that, she doesn't step out of the way for the people getting off of the train, and then STOPS right where she wanted to stand, not allowing others in without pushing.

Rude man - It's a crowded rush hour train. There is not much room on the blueline by the time you hit Division/Chicago/Grand area. Everyone squeezes in and finds as much room as they can. Please do your best to not FART! And if you let one slip, I can understand, but man...5 silent but deadly farts in the amount of time it takes from Division to Clark & Lake? Really? That's about 5 minutes...it seemed as though the moment the smell went away, he let another one go.

I admit, I was more offended by the smell of the farts than I was by the rude woman. I don't blame the man as much as I do the woman though.

I just wish people could be a bit more considerate of others, especially on the morning commute.

A call for help - reposting from LJ

I'm curious as to any thoughts the random people who read my blog have for me to adjust my schedule so that I can have more energy, get more workouts in, and get better sleep. Plus, eat better. Below is my schedule, I'd love any input.

Sunday - my day of rest. I tend to go for a run in the morning, do some cleaning, watch football, go to the grocery store, and cook. Plus I do homework if I need to.
Monday - I work from 8:30-5, jump on the el, intern from 6-9ish, jump on the el to the bus, get home by 10, relax for a few, in bed by 11.
Tuesday - I have to be at work 9:30-6, but typically am there 8:30-6. I try to run on my lunch break or I run home from work on Tuesday's. I either do laundry, run errands, or relax on Tuesday's (last night I went to the chiropractor which I think will be a Saturday thing in the future).
Wednesday - I work from 8:30-5, take the el home to get my car, go to class from 7-10 (sometimes I have to be there at 6 for a meeting before class). I get home by 10:30 and try to be in bed by 11.
Thursday - I work from 8:30-5, jump on the el, intern from 6-9ish, jump on the el to the bus, get home by 10, relax for a few, in bed by 11.
Friday - I have to be at work 9:30-6, but again, typically am there 8:30-6. I have been having plans after work on Friday's so I don't always get home at a normal hour. I also tend to drink more than I should on Friday nights.
Saturday - Errands in the morning or laundry in the morning (though it may turn into going to the chiropractor at 10). Intern from 12-6. Run errands, "free time"

So as you can see, Tuesday's and Friday's are the only weeknights I can be home for dinner. I've been trying to bring balance bars as my dinner for M, W, Th nights, but haven't always been remembering to do it. Plus, I don't really have time to eat at the hospital. I'm trying to run at lunch when I can, but the problem is, no shower...plus I have lots of last minute lunch meetings that get thrown at me. I added the chiropractor this week because I've been having lots of mild back and neck pain that I can't ignore anymore, and come to find out my right leg is functionally shorter than my left leg currently because my hips and back are out of whack. This makes running more than 4 or 5 miles painful, so I haven't even tried.

I could wake up a bit earlier in the morning to go running or do yoga or workout, but I'm having a hard time waking up. I'm trying to go to bed early, but I'm not home until 10 most nights, and I can't just go right to bed.

I don't know what to do...does anyone have any thoughts that could potentially help?

Best boyfriend ever

I have the best boyfriend in the world.

He loves me
He cooks for me
He cuddles with me
He rubs my feet when I've had a rough day
He goes shopping with me
He goes to places that make me happy, even if he's not the biggest fan
And when I say I want to lose weight he tells me I'm sexy no matter what, but if I want to lose weight, he'll support me
And that's just for starters :)

BEST BOYFRIEND EVER!

New shoes!!!

I have very few free nights in any given week. This week, however, I did have a free night that I took advantage of!

I like running home on Tuesday nights, it really helps me calm down from the day. Last night was windy as anything out (up to 50mph gusts!) and I ran the 3-3.5 miles home from work. It really felt good. When I got home, the bf had water for me right away, I jumped in the shower and then it was time to go SHOE SHOPPING!

We headed up to DSW and spent a good hour going up and down the aisles. I was having a hard time finding exactly what I was looking for (brown, that's what I wanted, brown). After the bf found a pair for himself (really nice shoes that were on sale!) we went looking for brown shoes for me. We found a pair (and I'm wearing them today). They are really quite comfortable, a bigger heal than I'm used to but it's a thick heal so stable. They're kind of like oxfords but with a heal. They are shiny brown shoes, but not overly shiny. I like them a lot.

The thing was, there were so many boots that I really, really wanted to find a pair of boots as well. I have a pair of black boots, so I was looking for brown boots or even gray boots. After trying on a good 20 pair (I kid you not) we found the most comfortable, awesome looking boots in the store. They are Nine West, suade, brown, up to my knee, scrunchy...they are amazingly comfortable and amazingly awesome.

The bf thought I was going to wear those today, but I have a bunch of walking to do tonight so I figured the new shoes would be better than the new boots. I will be wearing the new boots on Friday if not tomorrow and Friday...they are so awesome.

After shoe shopping for an hour, we drove around looking for food. I really wanted to do something nice for the bf and going out to dinner seemed like a nice idea...only the problem is neither of us had a craving, well no...he had a craving for Wendy's but decided not to have it. Instead we heated up some chili and that ended up being a really good plan! I do hope that I can take him out to dinner one of these nights though...for tapas, yes, mmm, tapas.

So NEW SHOES!

Can you take my picture?

So today was my come back race and it was a perfect day for it. Upper 40s/lower 50s, sun, slight breeze (well it was a bit breezy) and just a great day to be back racing. My plan was to run at a comfortable pace and not worry about my time, just try to be consistent. I was...9:30 pace which was hard to do (9 minutes the first mile and no clue about 2 and 3).

After the race a bunch of us met up, 8 to be exact. I had my camera in my bag (gear check) and wanted to get a group shot. Well, we were standing right next to the gear check line, so I went up to a woman and asked if she could take our picture. She looked at me, said no, then looked away. The person standing with her saw I was shocked and he responded, "I suppose I can" but was not very pleased about it. I didn't know what to do so gave him my camera and said thank you.

So, um, people say no when you ask them to take a picture? I mean, I would never ask someone who looked like they were in a rush...but really? You're standing in a line that's not moving as you try to get your gear.

Is this something that has happened previously, to anyone? Is this a new trend that I haven't experienced yet? Is this something that, well, is becoming common place in our society? It takes 30 seconds out of your day...if that.

I'm still shocked at this, and really could not believe it happened. I suppose I should stop being shocked by the responses of others.

And the fog cleared

I woke up this morning and I could breathe. I didn't want to over think that since it had been a few weeks since I had that sensation. I jumped in the shower (well not jumped, stepped I suppose, not enough energy to jump), did my neti pot (just to be on the safe side) and still felt pretty good. There is still something lingering but it appears to be closer to my allergies than what I've been feeling. To play it safe I still took my allergy meds and plan to tomorrow & Saturday as well, though I may switch back to the non-decongestant on Sunday.

I feel human...and it really was all of the sudden.

So now I get to plan how to spend the rest of my fall. I know it's silly, but I want to have things planned out now that I'm feeling better. Below is my ideal schedule for the next month or two...yes, I'm a super planner.

10/1 - internship
10/2 - I'd love to go for a run in the morning, we'll see. I'd also LOVE to go out on a romantic date with the bf, but we'll see how we both feel.
10/3 - internship, pasta dinner
10/4 - Bucktown 5k, brunch, cleaning, swapping out summer clothes for fall clothes
skip to the weekend
10/9 - sushi with LG
10/10 - internship, nice dinner at home
10/11 - Chicago marathon (cheering), LG's going away party (with her family)
skip to the weekend
10/16 - potential work function
10/17 - internship, OAT rides again (LG, Sean & I go out for our last evening until she returns)
10/18 - I'd LOVE to go to Long Grove today
skip to the weekend
10/24 - internship
10/25 - make chili & potentially apple pie
skip to the weekend
10/30 - end of month, LG's going away thing
10/31 - internship, celebrate Jeremy's birthday? (OR make clam chowder & hot dogs as always)
11/1 - if we go out for Jeremy's birthday, make clam chowder & hot dogs today

Ok, so that's just October. I must go to Long Grove soon...I was thinking next weekend (or even this weekend) but I don't think it will work. Long Grove is this magical place for me...I just love the fall. Add to all of this I'd like to go running at least once a weekend and potentially a long bike ride. I'd even love to dash down to Starved Rock and see the colors change while hiking...or up to Wisconsin...problem is the Bears bi-week is 10/11 so I'll need to find someone other than my bf to go with me...anyone?

Sometimes being sick has a nice side

The nice side to being sick...snuggling with the other sick person in the house. It totally stinks that the bf and I are both sick, but on the bright side, we snuggle more. On the down side, we're both drugged up when we go to sleep and end up hitting one another. On Monday night I almost elbowed the bf...last night, the bf hit me on top of the head and lightly punched my face. But we were still snuggly when we went to bed, and being silly (again due to the cold meds). He's such a sweetheart though.

Good mixture (in small dosages)
-Neti pot - morning & night
-Allergies meds (with pseduoepenephrine) - morning
-Allergies meds (nose spray) - morning
- Small peppermint schnapps with whiskey/bourbon - evening
- NyQuil - night

I don't know why, but I felt a bit better before feeling worse again. This morning I felt great when I woke up and lying down...then things got moved around and I needed to start the meds over again. Doubt that I'll have the schnapps tonight, but a small one of those does help clean out the sinuses!

Stockings/Pantyhose

Ok, I'm a girl, and I understand that I need to wear stockings/pantyhose. It's a fall day outside, I decided to wear a skirt and put on my stockings. These have been washed once before so I've worn them once before.

For me, I'm lucky to get more than one use out of my pantyhose, and I don't understand why. I mean, I don't know how to wear them I guess since I always get runs in them.

Today, it's 10:30 am, these have been on me for 3 hours, and now they have a hole & a run in them. How? I moved too quickly in my chair and I felt the rip.

How is a person supposed to wear these things? And at $4 a pop, are they really supposed to be this disposable? This is why I buy the $4 ones and not that $20 because I'm only going to get one good use out of them!

How do women do it? I mean, I remember this girl in high school would wear stockings everyday, and she NEVER had a run. Was I not taken into the secret classroom that explained the proper way of getting pantyhose to stay on with ripping?

So pantyhose today with me = fail

First fall feeling day

There were some strong storms last night in Chicago, bringing a cold front with it. I woke up, reluctantly, this morning and felt the cool air. We had left the windows open a crack so that we clean the "sick air" out of the apartment.

I did my yoga this morning and enjoyed the cool breeze that was coming in.

Though it was a bit windy (and will be all day) and a bit cool, it was quite refreshing. I don't like the cold, but I do enjoy the cool fall weather...of course coming into work and hearing people complain about it doesn't help my enjoyment, but I'm trying to realize that people complain about everything...so no reason to have them ruin my enjoyment!

Lazy Sunday?

I thought I was going to have a nice lazy Sunday today...instead I had a fun filled Sunday! I woke up early, well for a day I planned on sleeping in I woke up around 8. I checked on the bf (who was sick last night) and took the dog for a walk. I was all ready to go for a ride (something that doesn't happen very often since I was hit in April) and my back tire has a flat. So I make some breakfast, drive to do my errands (including getting a new tube and new patch kit) come home and fix the tire.

The accomplishment of fixing a flat was huge. I was missing my flat tire tool (which allows me to take the tire off of the wheel easily) so I used a flat head screw driver and a beer opener (my tigger one to be exact). I was frustrated at first, but I did it...changed it all by myself! So very proud of myself for that.

After fixing the tire, I needed to go for a ride...even if it was later than I planned. I am trying to build up the courage to bike commute again so I decided to ride down to work. Sunday's the traffic in the loop is not bad, my thought process is to desensitize myself to riding in the loop with little to no traffic, then build up to riding to work that way. Rode to work and wanted to ride more, so over to the lakefront. It was about 70 degrees, a light breeze, blue sky & sunshine. TONS of sailboats out, lots of people out enjoying the day, I was glad to be one of them. Rode around the museum campus (including this awesome new underpass!) and then back up on the lakefront trail.

Riding in River North & Streeterville on a Sunday afternoon is not a calm experience, so I was able to get some stressful riding in today as well, but nothing too bad.

12 miles all-in-all, not a huge distance, but the furthest I've gone by myself since April. When I returned home, I wanted to keep working out, so I did some weight training...now I plan to do some homework.

Funny, I have very little time for myself, and I thought I'd use it to relax more...but I love to ride and run and things so I can't really be surprised (I did run 3.4 miles last night too!)

OK, Bears are on, (Giants already won!)

Fall memories

Each year I become homesick. I'm homesick for my childhood home...well not exactly. I miss Vermont at this time of year. I was lucky enough to go to Vermont in September last year, but was unable to this year. I hope that in 2010 I'll be able to, but that all depends on if I run away to Europe after graduating grad school.

Vermont is a very special place, especially in the fall. One morning you wake up and the color is green, the next morning you start to notice a change, a few mornings later and the entire color wheel is all around you. I remember watching the mountains, the colors change in different layers. I miss the yummy smells and fresh apples that you just go and pick. I miss pumpkin picking (though I will do that next month in the suburbs of Chicago, Long Grove is a nice town that reminds me of home). I miss the cool mornings & evenings, with a nice temperature during the day. I miss frolicking around in the fall.

Hopefully I can go for a hike soon...but I'll wait until I hear about color's changing in the burbs :)

Just dive right in

So I am on my semi-annual diet spree...I typically start really watching what I eat and up my exercise right before the holiday's and then again right after. Sometimes I add a third before summer if I don't maintain the post holiday spree...but usually that one is just an huge increase in working out due to nice weather.

After getting sick last week and having a bit left over this week, I opted to still try for it. Plus I haven't really smoked much since I got sick. Yes over the weekend, while drinking, I smoked, but that was it...I haven't had a cigarette since Sunday night and it's Thursday night, no desire either...well at my shitty work day I did want one, but not to the point of actually really wanting one.

Anyway...I've done really well with keeping track of everything I've eaten this week (sparkpeople.com makes that easy). I've also done a great job at working out this week (Tuesday ran & abs, Wednesday yoga in the morning, Jillian Michaels 30 day shred in the evening, Thursday Yoga/Bellydance in the morning, ran in the evening, tomorrow yoga or the yoga/bellydance thing again). I was lucky because class ended up cancelled this week and tonight my internship is homebased (no one will be at the hospital) so I have some stuff to do here...that's allowed me to workout more.

I just get proud of myself for the little things...sticking with a routine for a week and not smoking and eating right...it all makes me feel pretty damn good. So tonight, we're indulging and getting Pockets for dinner!

Working out really does help with my stress level...this whole full time job with an internship and school doesn't leave much time for working out, but I must find the time...I'm a much happier person this way. Oh and the eating right thing helps too :)

Rules of morning commuting

Rule number one - in order to not feel totally squished, one must arrive on the train a good 10 minutes before or after the hour or half hour. 7:50, room on the el, 8:00, SQUEEZE in, 8:10, room on the el.

Rule number two - if a seat becomes available and you do not want to use it, be sure to ask those around you so more room is available to stand.

Rule number three - whenever possible, get off the train to let others off and then get back on as quickly as possible as new people will try to steal your place on the train.

Rule number four - at the mass exit stops (Clark & Lake for example) stay off the train at least 15 seconds to let people off, don't try to get back on while hundreds of people are getting off of the train.

Rule number five - if you can't deal with people potentially touching you or your bag while on the morning commute, find a different time to take the train.

This morning I had a woman next to me all pissed off that her personal space was being invaded. Actually, the more that I think about it, a few women were that way. One woman who got on before me was trying to keep a good square foot of space around her. It's the blueline, you're 3 stops from downtown, you need to squeeze in.

Oh and one more rule...

Rule number six - it's allergy, cold & flu season, if you hear someone cough and they are covering their mouth, please do not give them a dirty look! I'm guessing they feel bad enough already.

Blessed Solstice

It's autumn!

Oh yes, my allergies have arrived.

But it's autumn! That means baking, and stew, and coffee, and tea, and color, and crisp breezes, and fond memories, and apple cider donuts, and apple cider, and pumpkins...and me being home sick for Vermont.

We do get some color changes in Illinois...maybe JW and I can run down to Starved Rock on a Sunday and hike :) Or up to Wisconsin to do some trails...I bet we could. I miss hiking in the fall...only problem is I would need to go hiking on a Sunday, and that's football...anyone else care to join me for a fall day hike on a Sunday? I have a race next Sunday but another one in October would be peachy :)

Suckage

Colds, suck, they just suck.
Allergies, they suck too.

Colds & Allergies together, omg it SUCKS.

Very observant of me, I am aware.

In regards to other observations...I went to Oyster Fest this weekend. The problem was the lack of oysters. Yes there were lots of pearls for sale (Oysters make/grow inside of them pearls for those of you younger than 2nd grade reading my blog). We walked almost the entire way through the fest before spotting any oysters...and was there variety? Nope.

The only oysters available to be consumed were Italian baked oysters...6 for $20, 12 for $30. That's right kids, totally stupid right? I had expected to see oysters on the half shell, maybe Oysters Rockefeller, Oyster stew, Oyster chowder, something...but just 6 for $20 and it didn't look like there was a lot of oysters in there.

Oh well...we stayed, had a few beers, and enjoyed Soul Asylum playing (yes, it's 2009 and I loved them in 1993-1995, but still, Soul Asylum!). But no oysters :(

Random meetings & internship observations

On my way to my internship last night, I ran into an old friend (Hi Dave!) and found out he's reading my blog (huzzah) as his way of keeping in touch. It doesn't surprise me that I would randomly run into him on the train platform of a train line I no longer live on...that's just the way Chicago is but especially how Dave & I are.

We met via a runners blog years ago...we both were going to run a race and decided to try and find each other, which happened way too easily. We became virtual & real life friends which was made cool. I helped him find a neighborhood in the city he and his girlfriend would like...and even found him a job at my old company (when we had our rockin' awesome boss!) We always seemed to run into each other in random places, so seeing him at the Belmont stop was nothing out of the ordinary. It was great seeing you Dave!

So headed to the internship we had a short visit to an open house and then returned to the hospital. This open house was much nicer than last weeks since it was not for the psych population. My observation here is that it's really sad how the psych population has to live and is almost forgotten about. The amount of money available to individuals who are in rehab due to stroke, injury (hip replacement or knee replacement) and need a place to stay and have treatment is insane. This place we went to was beautiful, state of the art facility, nice large rooms for patients, and staff that knew their art. There were beautiful paintings on the walls, flat screen TVs in every room, just very nice. The psych open house last week was quite different. Funding comes and goes, there can't be nice things on the wall (individuals in a psychotic aggressive rage could too easily take it down and use it as a weapon). The problem to me is that there is no attempt to make it look nicer. I understand that the psych population is forgotten about, put them in a home and let "them" deal with it. I don't understand why we can't create a nicer environment though. Why have the walls be so bare? Put up art therapy pictures or something. Why are the walls all so white? Add some calming colors.

I don't know, I just feel as though the psych population is either forgotten about or people just do not want to deal with them...but they are people too, they just need some extra time and care.

Ick, sick

I hate getting sick. Once I am sick it's not much better, but it's the getting that I really hate. For example, I am getting sick right now. Yesterday I woke up and did not feel 100% but I felt well enough to put in the 18 hour day I had ahead of me (ok maybe it was 16 hours, but still). By the time I got home last night I was getting the chills. I know that when I get the chills I really should stay home and sleep so that it doesn't get any worse.

This morning, the alarm goes off at 6:17 so I can go for a run...except I don't hear the alarm until 7:17 or so. I suppose I needed the sleep but still, not good. In the shower I have a hard time breathing, another not good sign, but I don't feel very stuffy. As I sit here writing this though, I think I should have stayed home today.

Current symptoms
Eyes hurt
Chest pain
Body Aches
Chills
Slight headache
No appetite

I suppose that is enough to stay home with...oh well...I'll tough it out until my eye doctor appointment and if I still don't feel better, I'll go home. The no appetite thing always worries me. I brought fruit with me to work and have been nibbling on that and drinking tea...but my yogurt and granola that I was going to eat with the fruit, ick. And really it was only the 15 grapes that I ate that I wanted, everything else is making my tummy turn.

Crap, I really am sick. F.

Wedding weekend spectaular

This was a long weekend...and quite fun though busy. Friday I took the day off for a ladies day for my friend Rani. Her wedding was Saturday (13th) so on Friday I met up with her, the other attendant (Dee) and the brides Mom (Mum). We had on these t-shirts that showed we were all in a wedding together, and we had lots of people paying attention to us because of it. It was fun to see Rani getting this attention, though when people kept telling her congratulations she didn't always know what to say. So after a nice light lunch, we went to get our nails done. We had fun, we really did, lots of chatting and planning, and relaxing too. After nails off to get some chocolate and then relax with some tea. We headed up to the bride's apartment for the rehearsal and I was able to meet her family. We went over as much as we could for the next day, and I'm really glad that we did.

Observation - it is best to go over all the big and little things the day beforehand. The actual day of the wedding goes much smoother when your wedding party knows your expectations.

After going over everything we headed to dinner and that was very lovely as well. Then home!

Saturday I went and get my hair done for the wedding. One of my gifts to the bride was to dye my hair. She likes me better as a brunette, and so I went brunette for her.



After my hair was done, I met up with Dee and Rani at Rani's salon. She was really, really relaxed.

Observation - a relaxed bride who gives herself extra time, really freaking cool.

After hair and makeup was done, we went to Wolfy's for a hotdog. That was fun. Rani ended up getting a free T-shirt and bottled water since she came in half ready for her wedding. It really was hillarious and delicious.

Observation - food is good, water is good, free shit is good

Then it was 2pm, and photos were being done at 3...and no one was dressed and the two attendents didn't have their makeup done. That was a big hectic, but we managed to get everything done and the bride dressed by 3:15.

Observation - remember that it takes the attendents/bridesmaids some time to get ready too!

Photos went ok, though I felt that the main photographer (a friend of the bride & groom) had no idea what she was doing. Whatever, things were taken care of and I'm sure they will be happy.

Observation - speak up and tell the photographer to do what you want them to do and not just be oh, ok, I guess. Especially when you love taking photographs!

Next was getting everyone over to the venue. I really think that this was one of the areas we could have better prepared and I understand now why limo's are used so frequently for weddings, it's just easier not to have to worry about it.

At the venue, things were not all 100% like they should have been, but because we had reviewed what the bride and groom wanted the night before, everything was easily fixed...except the one guest that I didn't want to deal with was her normal self. Oh well, only pissed me off two or three times at the wedding.

Lots and lots of dancing, good food (canolli cake), and a good time.

Observation - if you pick the music you like, people will dance. If you pick the food you like, people will eat. If you have an open bar, everyone is happy.

Stupid allergies

I do not understand allergies, nor do I understand why they last so long, not do I understand how each year they get worse, nor do I understand how a fever can come with allergies making me think I don' t have allergies I have something else, but the fever seems to go away in the late morning which makes me think I'm over-reacting to things and look it's the biggest run-on sentence you've ever seen which just makes me laugh, though I'm sure it's hard to read.

It's Wednesday, 090909, I have a friend doing the paperwork to be married today, though the wedding is the 12th which is when they will celebrate their anniversary, though taxation wise they start today. Funny thing.

Also, I am in a terrible spaztic mood and I cannot seem to control it. I'm in 50 directions, cannot enjoy where I am currently at so I am looking forward into the future way too far. The adorkable one told me to wait to think about that until I have double digits left of the internship (still in the 680+ hours to go range). He's so smart :)

Day after holiday's

Sometimes I wonder if three day weekends really help or hurt productivity. I mean for me this morning, I woke up feeling sick. I'm starting to feel better, but I really felt ill this morning. I wanted to go for a run, but was worried I'd get sick...so instead I plan to run home from work tonight.

I wasn't alone, other people called out sick today (which at my previous company you could not do, interesting). Other people just look tired and like they might get ill. Maybe they partied too much and didn't relax...maybe they just got exposed to sick kids, I dunno.

I do find it funny that I had to go clothes shopping yesterday because it's the first day of school for the city kids, and I love back to school shopping. I bought 2 pants, a sweater and a jacket...plus a new pair of shoes. I'm cute, I know.

I am happy that I am only working 3 days this week, but tonight is my only early night. Tomorrow I have school after work and Thursday is internship. Friday I should be able to either sleep in or do laundry, which will be needed for the wedding on Saturday.

Ok, focusing on work now.

Planning a party for someone else

I've planned lots of parties, and I'm usually happy with the results. This party was different, this was a bachelorette party for my friend. A while back I had asked her what she wanted...then asked her for her dream party. I tried doing a combo of the two.

Plan
Adult "tea"
Mixed with a small bridal shower
Bride's place 6-8:45
Meeting up with the bachelor party at 9

Actual
Close to an adult "tea"
Presents that resembled a naughty shower
Bride's place 7-9
Met up with the bachelor party at 9:15

It went well, a few small things here and there that bothered me but went ok. The bride seemed happy, and that's what matters to me most.

Menu
I went on a cheese & sausage tasting spree last weekend (since those were two things the bride wanted).
CHEESE
Vermont extra sharp cheddar (Cabot Hunter's, my fav)
Vermont raw milk cheddar (Grafton)
British aged cheddar (don't recall the name)
California goat cheddar (delicious)
Italian swiss (again can't remember the name)
SAUSAGE
Elk summer sausage (thanks to Sean for bringing this back from Montana!)
Italian soprasata (I can't spell)
Californian salt cured sausage
Italian hot dry sausage
CRACKERS
Rice crackers (for the vegan)
Pumpkin seed cheddar crackers (Doctor Cracker)
Wheat crackers
Water crackers
French bread
VEGGIES
Orange Pepper
Cucumber
Carrots
Celery
DIPS
Hummus
Onion dip
Home made bruschetta
OTHER HOME MADE STUFF
Crostini with bruschetta
Mac and cheese bites (OMG yum)
Cupcakes with vanilla frosting
Cupcakes with chocolate frosting
Brownies
2 Boob Cakes (for the joint party)
"Rum" punch (Mailbu, Absolute, Tequilla, Triple Sec, Pineapple Soda, OJ, maraschino cherry juice)

Yup, I prepped after I did my internship, plus decorated the brides house. Luckily I had made the sweets the night before (and the mac and cheese, just needed to turn them into bites). I did not ice the cupcakes, thankfully Beth & Nancy arrived and iced those for me. For 8 ladies, we ate most of what I had put out on the table. I made sure there were also some nuts for the Vegan guest...she seemed ok about it, but I did warn her about the food I swear!

I had asked the ladies to bring Hard Cider for the bride, she has quite a bit left over and she seemed pleased about that. We chatted it up, the bride opened presents and showed them all, then we jumped in a car and a cab and headed to Delilah's to meet up with the boys.

I love Delilah's and had never gone up to the party room before. Now I love it more. It's AWESOME up there, it's perfect for a small party. I had a shot of whiskey right away then enjoyed some beer the rest of the night. We took some pictures, played some games, and just had a nice couple of hours there. The bride and groom left and headed over to NEO while I stayed at Delilah's for a bit.

There were two things that upset me.
1 - the person who said they were going to drive from the bride's place to Delilah's (when I ordered a cab) changed her mind about driving to Delilah's and decided to go home...but never told me so I never ordered a second cab. It worked out ok because someone else was debating about driving, so it worked out.

2 - I had spent a lot of time perfecting the boob cake. I had made 3 in total and brought 2 of them to the party. They were destroyed by the groom. He did apologize to me in the morning, but I was still quite upset about it. Yes, I made the cake for he and the bride (per the bride's request). But I was a bit hurt when I saw boob cake number one on the floor and boob cake number two all over the groom's hands...especially when the bride was trying to feed some to her groom. He told me he thought it was a novelty cake and he could do what he wanted with it. I'm mostly over it.

Considering the variety of people we had at this party, I think it went really well. Plus, the bride was happy...that's what matters most.

This week I have only one more day of internship, a full day with the bride on Friday, and then Saturday is the wedding (so two full days). Sunday starts football, so I hope to be doing NOTHING.

After that party, we did go the next day to Taste of Polonia, one of my favorite fests...we didn't stay long which was sad, but we had some good beer, food and liquour plus listed to a great Cover Band sing in Polish.

Lots of fun things to observe at the fest, but for now I'm going to go and relax a bit more before heading into work in the morning

What a difference a day makes

I swear this will not turn into a constantly talking about my internship blog. I just had a great night last night and I think things are going to go lots better than I originally was thinking.





Back to the reason for this blog, observation. On the way to the el this morning we passed by some construction and what did we find?

So we of course starting singing a "Danger Hole" theme song. Perhaps we can start a TV show based on Danger Hole going out and saving the world by creating holes to stop criminals by making them fall into a black hole or something. I don' t know. For some reason though, this is one of the highlights of my day. So LOOK OUT! here comes the Danger Hole

Truth behind my stress

I tend to think of myself as an optimist, except at the beginning of a challenge. I enjoy taking on challenges, but sometimes it becomes too much.

Starting graduate school in August/September 2007, August 2010 didn't seem that far away and the courseload seemed doable. In November, 2008 I discovered there isn't much assistance for the practicum & internship that I would need to find and complete. The site I am interning at really is a great opportunity for me, but I worry if it was the best choice.

I had my first night at the site on Tuesday and my first night of class last night. It all sort of hit me hard last night.

700 hours

I need 700 hours in order to graduate, and I need to complete these 700 hours before August 2010. So let's just say I have a full 11 months for this task, that is 48 weeks. That's 14.58 hours per week. In class last night my advisor suggested working 7 hours a week and building up to 10 since the requirement for the first semester is 100 hours.

That's right kids, my school recommends 100 hours for the first 16 weeks and then 600 hours for the next 28 weeks (provided you only intern while school is in session). So lets say I follow the 100 and 600 rule, that means the winter/spring & summer sessions I'd be putting in 21.4 hours a week? HELL to the NO.

After the first two weeks, I'm just going to work 14 hours a week and not take a break until I'm done (with the possible exception of Christmas). Worst case is, next summer if I'm short a few hours, I take a day off of my paid job and intern for 8 additional hours. Any paid holiday I could do this too (not Thanksgiving, but maybe the day after Thanksgiving!)

In addition to these 700 hours, there are requirements and assignments of recording & transcribing, plus reading a book on ethics and teaching the class about the chapter...oh and meeting with the internship supervisor weekly as well as the school advisor 4 times a semester.

Hello...I work FULL TIME and am going to be interning 14 hours a week, plus the 3 hours a week I'm in class, and now you want me there another 4 hours? So 17 hours a week for 16 weeks, plus 4 additional hours at school is 276 hours, plus my homework time and commuting time...oh and a case study and all sorts of other fun.

I told JW last night that I'm going to need a routine and not stress about it...I also told him I'm either going to lose a lot of weight, or gain a little. If I can get my running in before work I should be on the losing side (since I know I'm not going to have time to eat much). I don't know, I'll make it through, but needed to vent a bit. At least I was able to go for a run this morning, but I found out that you are supposed to wait 48-72 hours before exercising after donating blood (which I did at 3pm yesterday)...was faint after a mile and a half, but at least I went out there and ran, then walked :) I'll make it through :)

First day of my internship

I have been known to bite off more than I can chew. My Mother has told me for years that I burn the candle at both ends and in the middle, I just don't know how to do nothing. With that in mind, my internship starts tonight. What internship? I am in my final year of graduate school to become a counselor/therapist and I need to have a practicum & internship that equals 720 hours of so (10 hours a week in the fall, 15 in the spring & summer). I start tonight at a hospital where I have no idea what I will be doing. I know that I will be there from 7-10 or 11 tonight after working my normal job from 9-6...I have a sammich to eat on the el so I can have dinner.

Anyway, this is more emotional than I thought it was going to be. I tried grad school in 2002 and didn't make it a semester (due to many, many factors). I've now been in grad school for 2 years (wow really, two years?) and tonight I start to really use that knowledge to become a therapist. I'm nervous, excited, scared, happy, all sorts of emotions together.

I feel like it's the first day of school more so than the first day at a new job. The population I'm going to be working with is extreme (I'm interning in a hospital) and it's short term (they can only be there 21 days max). I'll be doing this 10 hours a week for the next 16 weeks, get a break, then the following 28 weeks I'll be doing this 15 hours a week. I also have to go to class once a week this fall, and then weird times in the spring and summer, but I'll be done.

In February and in April I have exams to take (Feb is for school, April is to get my certification to actually BE a licensed therapist!)

I can't believe it's finally happening.

Monday's

I find it funny how on some Monday mornings I will wake up almost dreading the day, on other Monday mornings I'm ready to take on the world. This morning was a take on the world type of day, even if I did hit the snooze button 2 or 3 times instead of the one time I was planning.

Working out in the morning is always a good thing to do on a Monday, even if I only did some weights, abs, and rubber band stuff for my shoulder, it still starts the morning off right. Follow that up with making coffee at home (chocolate mint!) and having a few minutes to just enjoy the morning, fantastic. I hope that I can go for a run tomorrow morning (did 4.5 miles yesterday!!!) but we'll see about that...internship starts tomorrow so a long day, plus a long night tonight due to end of month.

I can't wait until I have a job where I'm not busy the last day of the month :)

Temperature

In Chicago there are very few perfect days, this weekend is a perfect weather weekend. Sunny, upper 60s, light wind. Of course it's not August weather, but it's perfect weather.

I started the day off yesterday with a nice short bike ride where I was quite confident (which is good since I haven't been too confident since I was hit in April). After that we (bf and I) went up to Boystown to go shopping for my friends bachelorette party next weekend. We had fun going into the different sex shops, found a boobie mold to make a cake with for the joint part next weekend. We wandered down in lakeview for some more shopping, then up to Lincoln Square for lunch with a friend to discuss the party. All afternoon we were outside and enjoying the day. Today is another day like yesterday, except I have lots to do inside. The windows are WIDE open to allow the fresh air in, it really makes me happy to have the windows open, especially in August.

This week is going to be an intense one, and I'm not sure I'll be able to blog each day, but I will try. End of month is tomorrow, internship starts Tuesday, class on Wednesday, internship Thursday, Friday is cooking for the party, Saturday is internship & the party...so my first time for me is a week from today...so today is going to count. Of course I need to find some time to run since I have a race in about a month!

OK, enough about me, this weather makes me happy, so time to get stuff done in the house so I can go for a run outside!

Misinterpretations & being misinterpreted

I think I have a problem of coming across too strong sometimes and then I am misinterpreted. It's also possible that I am misinterpreting being misinterpreted. I really just try to be a helpful individual, but I guess I can be kind of overly, um, takeoverish? I don't mean to, I'm just passionate. Of course I am the QUEEN of thinking that when people are upset it has something to do with me, so I misinterpret if others are upset with my by being this narcissistic individual who thinks that all the worlds problems are my fault (of course none of the solutions are).

At least it's 11:30 and I've been listening to a Prodigy station on Pandora all day. That makes me happy and it makes me want to go out to NEO tonight. Mmmmm, NEO

VPN

Why is it when I VPN into work I can't get into IE or Firefox? I can access the network and my email but no web. I need the VPN to access one website at work, but it just wouldn't work for me. So when I disable it and still can't connect, restarting works.

Of course I always hate when IT help tells you to restart your computer because I do those steps before calling them (I didn't call in this case, I'm just saying). Anyway, it's just annoying.

Luckily the file I need I had emailed earlier in the day to someone and I could access webmail to get it. Funny how work can be brought home now...maybe that's part of the obesity epidemic...we work so much and bring it home, and don't have time to work out...except I did today.

Anyway, that's my observation...VPN is weird.

I swear, it wasn't my fault

Yesterday's fail I do not view as my fault.

1 - I was swamped at work
2 - I spent my entire evening trying to get my wireless card to work
3 - I was hoping to post from home with the wireless card working

So, not my fault.

I have noticed that when I have a bad day at work, if I don't get to workout I get crabbier. If I sit trouble shooting and being told what code to write from a friend on the phone (though I appreciate his help very much!) I get crabbier. When I don't get to eat until after 9 and don't get any time to chill after a crappy day, you guessed it, I get crabbier! Lesson learned...tonight I plan to leave work by 5, go work out, relax, and enjoy a rainy Thursday night.

I also will be writing a second post later today to make up for failing yesterday.

Guard Cat

Walking back from a fantastic evening of listening to live broadway showtunes (all donations benefited the Chicago House ) Val and I walked back to the hood. On our walk we passed by the Kayak Chicago which if I don't end up buying a kayak soon I'm going to need to go rent one there. Anyway...as we're walking and talking we look over at the place, and there is a tiny lilttle white cat. We found it amusing that the kitty was guarding the kayaks and I turned to Val and said, "This is tomorrow's blog post". So it's tomorrow and this is my blog post.

Funny the things you see as you walk down quiet streets at night in Chicago.

Monday

Interesting Monday so far. On the train this morning I was on the last car, and as usual people were blocking the entrance...but as soon as I moved past that, there was no one standing by the back wall, so I did...about halfway downtown I realized that I was standing in front of a door...but no one was behind me. It was strange.

Here are work, I'm trying to incorporate my counseling schooling into my position a bit more again...I had been doing it for a while but think I just lost it, it's back now.

I'm excited for this week, no real reason, maybe it's because it's my last week of freedom before school starts up again, but I plan to enjoy every night this week since I have them all off. Tonight I'll be going to Angelo's with a friend to listen to some caberet, we'll see what the rest of this week brings :)

Boring post today, hopefully I'll have more observations for you later.

Fail at writing

So I think I should have thought about the fact that I was unpacking when I gave myself the challenge to write a blog post everyday. I also should have realized that my wireless card in my desktop didn't exist yet alone work when I made that challenge. Regardless, I'm keeping my weekday posts at least.

So last night we went to the Bears-Giants game. I am a Giants fan, and I have been since November, 1986. Living in Chicago for over 6 years now, I have decided to split my allegiance between the Giants and the Bears. Of course, last night I was in Giants gear, in the bf's sister's season ticket seats...in the United Club. The seats were incredible...I'll add a few photos. I did notice that Bears fans are unique fans. They LOVE their team, and really do not like fans of other teams. No one was mean, but lots of people just rolled their eyes. Found it funny.

We really had a great time, even if the Giants lost, that meant the Bears won :)

Today we finished unpacking and organizing, it looks great. My office still needs work, but other than that, we're doing good. I also spend some time with LG....a suburban trip with the 70 degree sunshine day...we had a great time today, and now I'm in the apartment and watching some TV, enjoying my night. Had some girl time with LG and now by myself...it's really quite nice :) I will say, TrueBlood makes my Sunday nights amazing.

One other thing

I have gotten many rave reviews on this photo so I figured I would post it and see what the reaction from the interwebs is...not that many people see this blog, but perhaps this model like shot will get some foot traffic on here :)

Somedays are better than others

How is it that at 9:12am I can already have conflicting messages about this day? I started on the right foot by getting snuggle time in with the bf, the dog & the kitty. That was followed up by some freeweights & ab work and a nice, hot shower. Short walk with the pup and the bf and then off to work.

Here, things are strange...with the invention of social media I don't always like things that I can see. It appears some people are expecting a bad day and they aren't even at work yet. It's Friday people, lets just focus on getting through the day and go home.

At least my bagel and coffee were yummy.

As for my plan of attack, focus on getting things done, walk to the lawyers office at lunch, come back and get more things done, go home do laundry then have a freaking beer!

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Perception of distance

I find it amusing that depending on where I am in the city, distance makes a difference. When in the loop, most people do not feel comfortable going beyond a 2-3 block radius for lunch. Mind you there are lots of lunch options within a 2-3 block radius, but that is besides the point.

I work in the southern part of the loop, I have a friend who works in River North, we decided to meet in the middle at the Merchandise Mart, a walk, el ride, or combined walk & el ride for both of us, but easy to meet at. When I asked co-workers what they thought the best way for me to go there, the response was take a cab. I decided not to do that. I walked.

It is approximately 8 blocks from my building to the Merchandise Mart, according to gmaps that is 0.8 miles (though I have always been told that there are 8 Chicago city blocks to a mile, but whatever). 8 blocks, well beyond the 2-3 block radius of most. It took me about 12-15 minutes to get there, passing many slower walkers as I went, and missing a few lights, but still, not a bad walk. I had a lovely lunch, great time chatting, and then decided I'd jump on the el to go back. To grab the el meant waiting for the el and then going 2 stops (based on the direction that the brownline goes, it would not have been 2 stops going TO the Mart as the brownline goes in one direction around the loop...crazy system I know.)

I waited approximately 7 minutes for my train and then it took about 3 minutes to get to my stop...it would have taken almost as long to walk. Lesson learned, when going 8 blocks, just walk it...unless it's pouring of -20 with a 30 mph wind :)

Also, the Mart has some nice options and is not quite as busy as other places downtown, nice option for lunch!

Habitat for Humanity

I participated in Habitat for Humanity today and I was so excited. While in undergrad I had tried to sign up for it, but there were too many volunteers and I never got to participate. So when the opportunity came up at work, I took it.

We went down near Midway airport to these two houses that were already built, but still needed some work. Starting off I installed some door stoppers, at first without a wrench, then we found one :)

After the door stoppers I started staining the deck's with two work friends. We were able to be outside and it was beautiful out! We were rocking the staining, in fact, the House Manager told us multiple times he was impressed. We ended up staining 3 decks today, we rock.

We were lucky with the weather and the people who were helping out. We got a lot done as a group. Installed cabinets, painted, put posts in for a fence, just lots of good stuff.

Got home a bit earlier than I usually do...so went for a run, first one in a few weeks. It felt good, even with the heat & humidity, it was a good run. After the run, my boyfriend and I decided to unpack and organize more. We really got a lot done considering it was after a long day. Now it's time to relax, since I did not get the wireless card working yet, but there is a plan! So should have it running soon.

Sunny days

In terms of observation, people seem to be much happier on a sunny day that follows a rainy day. Sunny days in general seem to lift people's spirits, but the first sunny day after a rainy day really seems to make people happy.

Another observation is a personal one...I need to get running again...I think I will be a much happier person if I get back to running. I want to run the Bucktown 5k which is Sunday, October 4th. I've taken 3 weeks off from running and have 6 1/2 weeks to get back into 5k shape...which should take me 1-2 weeks tops since I was in 5k shape 3 weeks ago. I will not turn this blogging experiment into a runner log, but I might mention runs here and there. I plan on getting a good walk in tonight, and get back into running tomorrow night...eventually in the mornings.

For now though, I have meetings for the rest of the afternoon.

Weekend updates & Monday commute

I failed at a second weekend blog, so I will combine it in with this morning's commute post. In short, moving stinks! I am happy that the move part & cleaning of the old apartment is over with. I am not very happy that in my new home I am still surrounded with boxes filled with things that I have no idea where they will go. Over the next few days those boxes will be fewer and fewer and everything will have a home. I am lucky that I had such great helpers this weekend, so thank you all for helping!

This mornings commute was a true rainy Monday commute. I heard the train as I ran down the steps. I jump in a car just in time and made the train. The blue line has doors that are unique, they fold in on some cars rather than just sliding. At the first stop, I went to step out to allow others off of the train and my umbrella got stuck in the door. Luckily, no one was trying to get out, so I was only embarressed and not an inconvenience to others. I did have a nice gentleman help me get the umbrella unstuck and I laughed and said sarcastically that it was a great Monday, he smiled.

I managed to be at work very early so that I could attend a new meeting that I have been invited to. It was only about 15 minutes long but quite informative. The rest of my day I plan on working on projects and getting all of that off of my plate...tired of having it there. Plus, on a rainy day like today, it makes sense to just stick at my desk and work on projects. Hopefully tonight I'll get some boxes done and tomorrow start up with my running again after a two or three week break.

Happy Monday!

Renting a UHaul in the city

Yesterday I finished moving from Albany Park to Noble Square. I failed to write a blog but that was due to inability to be near a computer. This will have to be a short blog with a longer one later today coming.

Renting a UHaul in the city is an interesting experience. I go online to make my reservations and both this & last year was assigned a UHaul rental place (I had no choice). Last year I parked in a parking lot with my car to pick up the UHaul. When I returned I was told that the UHaul people had called a tow truck to move my car because the parking lot was for customers who were NOT renting trucks to park. No one mentioned that of course.

This year I picked up at a different UHaul rental place. Little tiny shop way up north. Learning from last year, I was dropped off rather than driving myself. In this tiny shop, they were only helping one person at a time. Luckily, I was there first and let in just before 9am. The contract, and discussions and the normal was done...then the kicker. I was given a map and told where to go to pick up the truck. Nope, they don't bring it to you, or help you get there, they give you a map and say "here's where you pick up the truck and bring it back."

So I walked a good half mile to pick up the truck and the truck number on my key was slightly different from the truck that the key worked for (on the key ring it said "I" on the truck it said "J")

This truck did work well, and we managed to fit almost everything into it. Luckily a friend had a SUV and we put half of a hutch in the SUV.

We were packed, unloaded at the storage unit and at the new apartment within 3 hours, if not a bit less. I really thought it would have taken us less time, but I guess I didn't realize how much furniture I have (especially since some of it is now in storage).

So yes, UHaul experiences are fun.

Almost forgot!

Yes, it's only 12:54pm but I almost forgot to post today. I had some great observations this morning, but work has been rather busy and I have been VERY productive today.

My observation is in regards to the CTA in general. I have moved to my new neighborhood, well, still need to move my furniture, but close enough. Whenever I move to a new neighborhood I like to try different routes to get to places. This morning I decided to take the #56 bus rather than the blue line (el) to get to work. I also had a craving for an Einstein Bagel (mmmm) and the #56 would drop me off right in front.

First observation - #56 bus when 3 blocks away on a Friday morning took over 5 minutes to go those three blocks. There are at least 3 stops in those 3 blocks, plus it is a crazy intersection known as the Polish Triangle (Milwaukee, Ashland, Division). Milwaukee is also a cyclists expressway (which I love) so lots of bikes passing busses.

Second observation - #56 bus has lots of hipsters that ride it, I'm guessing since I now live in one of the hipster mating grounds.

Third observation - Cyclists on Milwaukee are bad asses. I mean, they just ride together in mass and go around busses and cars, it's awesome. If I still wasn't a bit skiddish from my bike accident in April (long story, another post perhaps), then I would totally be out there with them!

Fourth observation - busses suck in rush hour traffic. There really needs to be a bus only lane or something on some of these streets. Cars are jerks and don't want to let busses in; cyclists are everywhere and are going around; pedestrian's are walking all over the place - it's got to be hell to be a bus driver sometimes.

Fifth observation - almost half the amount of people who exit at the Ogilvie station get back on. I really had no idea how many people take the Metra and then CTA or vice versa.

Sixth observation - boys sit weird on a bus. I sat down in between two men on the bus and both of them had the wide leg stance going (while sitting). I squeezed in but was touching both of their legs...and I brought mine as close together as possible...they, on the other hand, did not, and stayed in wide leg stance.

Seventh observation - people ignore other people more so on a bus than on the train.

Eighth observation - bus is slower than train (duh)

So I will be taking the train I believe from now on, but it's nice to know the bus is an option! And those are the observations of the day...back to the chaos of work!

Adorkable

This morning my boyfriend termed himself a new word...adorkable. He wanted to combine dork with adorable and deemed himself adorkable. Good one honey.

In other news, I think I want to be a hidden person this week at work. Yesterday I came to work wearing my glasses and a hat...no one recognized me, in fact, people would come to my desk and wonder where I was. Today, I am wearing my hair down and curly (another rare thing). Waiting for my coffee at Lavazza (thank you LG for getting me hooked) a co-worker was standing behind me in line. When I turned and saw her, it took a couple times of me saying her name to realize it was me. She didn't recognize me. So it appears that I am incognito at work this week...that's fine, it allows me to get more done!

Lastly, moving...I have been in the process of moving from my one bedroom apartment way north & west (in Albany Park) to the bf's 3 bedroom apartment in Noble Square (just east of Wicker park) for about a month now. Last night we filled both cars with everything minus the food in the fridge, cleaning supplies, and furniture. I am so completely done with moving. I really, really, really want to just throw away everything that I haven't unpacked yet. On Saturday we'll have a moving truck and be able to move the furniture, which leads me to my question.

Is it easier to move everything all at once or slowly over a month?

I had thought slow and steady was going to be great...but now I'm wondering...I'm also thinking I'm at the cutoff age of moving myself...next time I'm hiring people!

First observation & rant

I work in the loop (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_Loop) and one thing I see everyday on my lunch break...tourists. I appreciate people touring this fine city, adding to the economy, etc. I do not appreciate seeing children who are able to walk in strollers. I am not talking about a one year old who is learning how to walk, I am referring to a child who looks to be closer to 4 years old.

If, as a society, we are concerned about obesity, why do we have children being pushed in strollers when they are able to walk? Is it really that much of an inconvenience to slow your steps slightly so that your child can keep up? Isn't it more of a problem to bring the stroller with you? What's worse, is seeing the big sister who looks to be about 10 having to deal with the stroller and kid brother.

It appears to me that most of the laziness that is happening to Americans is ingrained in us very young...if we're still pushing pre-schoolers around in strollers.

An attempt to begin

I have found that I enjoy blogging but have not been doing a good job of it. Perhaps it's because I was writing about personal things all of the time on LJ, or that I didn't feel I had a lot to say regarding the world. I've recently been observing and paying attention more within the city I live (Chicago) and other things (like politics). I've also been trying to identify patterns (since I'm a bit OCD) and, well, reading other people's blogs more frequently.

I have tried to absorb myself within the social media world, and what I have lacking is a good blog to reference. Hopefully I can create a good blog that people will be interested in reading. If not, at least I will have an avenue to post my observations, questions, and rants.

Today is August 12, I am going to try to post every weekday (at least) for the next month. After I get into a groove, perhaps I will start some shameless self-promotion.