My Metra Struggles are real....

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I love the metra. It's a million times better than the CTA and I have never felt safer... and seriously, I've had more than a few sketchtastic moments on the Blue Line (including a few weirdos on the #3 and #4). With that said, my metra struggles are real!

Having a social life, no matter how far away I live, is a priority of mine. Not referencing club events, but after work happy hours, hair events, just opportunities to be social in the city with friends - - I'm all about that! I think I got spoiled originally living in the South Loop... then moving to Oak Park I was still able hop on the e-way with ease. Now, I'm out in the burbs and everything is a challenge.

So, the downside? After about 7pm the metra train only runs once an hour. Couple that with nearly an hour long ride? Yeah... shit gets real! The positive? I can safely pass out on the train, though I do keep my iphone out of sight and my purse in a death grip.

As my husband and I continue our apartment search I'm debating on what area to call home. River North is high on my list, the South Loop will always be number one, but I've also started thinking about Hyde Park, Lincoln Park, and Oak Park. Damn, that's a lot of "parks" lol.. Nevertheless, I'm on a mission to reduce my metra struggles and revive my social life. I'd love to live within cab distance downtown and have the option of easy access on the e-way. I can't wait to see where we end up. My metra commute is for the birds.

My Weekend / Adventures on the Metra

Friday night I was in bed by 815p which was hilarious because I officially felt like an old woman, but the sleep was SO good. Like, it totally hit the spot and was just what I needed. Saturday was another low key day that saw me lounging around the house with my in-laws and taking 3 of the 5 family pets to the vet. About that - - can I just say that I noticed a HUGE difference between lugging 2 cats to the vet versus taking 3. Lucky for me my brother-in-law was able to come with me because I needed the extra hands. While we were in the waiting room (nearly a 2 hr wait... crazy!), I was my usual motor mouth self and talked to everyone that was there. I always enjoy the random conversations you can have with strangers. I actually liked one of the girls a lot and thought "hmmm... we could be friends" lol.

Sigapura Kitten

Sidebar: She had a $1700 cat! Wanna know what that looks like? It's a Singapura --->

Insanely cute, big eyes, and super small... but $1700!! She said it as the only breed her husband wanted. I laughed. My husband would take a $1700 TV over a pet, but whatever keeps your spouse happy.

Although I've been determined to get out of the house on weekends and maintain some sort of social life (despite feeling like I have no free time during the week and would love to sleep in)... I realize life is short, and if you wait for your schedule to magically clear up it probably won't. I've been trying to make time for friends, even if it's just 1 day out of 7... so Sunday I got together with my favorite ladies @sexyandthechi @ladylalacpa @kcalana1 & @jayamed) and did some retail therapy downtown. I hadn't stepped foot inside an Urban Outfitters in over a year, so it was awesome to check the State St. location out. I was insanely jealous of the super cute tribal dress @ladylalacpa scored, but managed to find a few things I loved. Urban Outfitters is truly one of my favorite stores. Oh yeah, I also tried on a pair of Jeffrey Campbell shoes at Akira on Sate and let me just say, I totally get what all of the hype is about!! I loved them. They were a saucy pair of red platform wedges.

We topped off our afternoon of shopping with another appearance at Cafe Ba Ba Reeba!! It's official - - I can't get enough of this spot. The service this time 'round was just okay... but the food hit the spot once again. I have narrowed down the vast list of tapas to my favorites: Mushroom & Rice Croqueta, Fried Green Peppers & Coarse Salt (warn you that this doesn't come out "fried" but grilled... they're awesome), Roast Dates with Bacon & Apple Vinaigrette (these are bacon wrapped), and the Seared Scallops with Spinach, Raisins, & Pine Nuts Vieiras Salteadas. Yes... that's my list of must-haves. All yummy... All delicious. Once again we took advantage of their free Pintxos Platter for checking in via Four Square for the first time, but they also have another great deal. Monday - Sunday (4p - 6p) and Friday/Saturday (10p - Midnight) - - Take advantage of their special on Pintxos ($1) and Tapas ($3) at the bar!!  They also offer a Tapas style brunch Saturday and Sundays from 11a - 3p.

My metra life has been rather ho-hum as of late. The train is extremely reliable, the ride is always smooth and there's not a whole lot of ratchetness to report. The most interesting thing I saw this past weekend was a guy that partied a little too hard and passed out on the train. Of course this would be a common occurrence on the CTA (and it would probably be a bum), but for the Metra? This was a BIG deal lol --->

Otherwise, I'm a happy camper (or commuter) on the metra. I still find it crazy that I had so much anxiety about riding this lol... very funny.

How was your weekend?

Adventures on the Metra #2

Another wonderful week on the metra is wrapping up, and because I was slacking with my post last week, here are 2 weeks worth of pictures!

So far life on the metra is pretty nice. Well, there is this one issue I've encountered...

For the most part, metra riders are generally in their late 30s to early 50s. It makes for a parking lot of nice cars, but slow ass walkers on the platforms and stairs! I've wanted to yank my hair out numerous times whenever I find myself stuck behind someone with a snail's pace waddle. Seriously... you'd think someone could walk a bit faster equipped with their fanciest "easy tones" or "shape ups," but that's never the case.

Sidebar: When I was looking for my "commuter shoes" I was shocked to see a pair of shape ups that didn't make me throw up in my mouth. I even tried them on... but it was the strangest thing having my foot feel like it was on a rocking chair. Instead I opted for a cute pair of Puma athletic ballerina flats... and I've already broken them in running to catch my express train lol. For the record, it felt like I was running on air! The other pair of commuter shoes I chose were Sam Edelman ballerina flats. I found them on sale at Nordstrom Rack and the gold shine of the shoes instantly won me over. I'll wear gold anything so these shoes have quickly risen to the top of my favs list.

Adventures on the Metra...

I've been back in Chicago for a little over a week now and as you can imagine, super busy with my new job and the move. The only time I really have to myself to decompress has been during my daily metra rides... oh yeah, I'm living in the 'burbs at the present moment and taking the metra for the FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE!

I'll admit that I was super nervous to take the metra for the first time. I was clueless about the actual ticketing process, conductors, schedules, and lines - - it was all very overwhelming. Having grown up in the South Suburbs my husband used the metra quite often, so he was able to offer me some guidance. Lucky for me, the system is rather upfront and easy to understand and within a week I'm feeling like a commuting pro.

Some of the things I've learned during my brieft time on the metra:

1. Whatever time the schedule states is when the train LEAVES the station, not arrives. I'm not the most prompt person, but you only need to get played once missing your train to learn that early is always better.

2. "Ride Metra" is a great iPhone app. I use this every morning to check the times for my train. It also posts any updates/service announcements.

3. It's very safe - - Having come from the world of CTA busses and trains it's a wonderful feeling to sit on the train and not worry about getting my phone/purse jacked by some bad ass kid, or having bums beg for change.

4. There are still ghetto people on the metra, but they're ghetto professionals. They have ratchet conversations, but manage to use their 12 inch voice.

5. It's completely acceptable to do your makeup on the train. One morning all the women in my car were applying lip gloss, touching up foundation, or doing their hair lol. The train is on a tight schedule so instead of running late just opt to do a few things on there if you must.
On a personal note, I really do need to invest in a pair of commuter shoes. The idea of wearing gymshoes makes my soul cry out a bit, but my feet can't handle rocking stilettos on the train. Once the Fall hits it'll be better b/c I'll be living in boots, but for the meantime any suggestions on comfy shoes are appreciated. I'm 5 secs from throwing back on my crocs lol.

 A visual of my first week on the metra...

I'm usually tweeting about the randomness I experience on the train, so be sure to follow my twitter!