'Tis the Season

Remember how I said my neighbors were really annoying? Like super duper next level annoying! The type of annoying people that sing and play instruments at all hours of the night. Well, just in case you thought I was being overly dramatic, exaggerating or just a smug bitch that hates noise... I have proof! lol...

Tis the season to be jolly and that includes belting out negro spirituals at the top of your lungs. I came home on Sunday and low and behold they were holding a choir practice. Of course they were - - because they sing. and play instruments. ALL.THE.FUCKING.TIME. Yes, they don't sound that bad and it was a Sunday, so the gospel music was, timely... but umm... notice how quiet the hallway is and the ONLY thing you hear is them? Yes... that's a problem.




I live downtown. In a condo. On a major street. I'm not anal about noise by any stretch... but I hate obnoxious ass people that are just ape shit about making noise all the time with no regard for others. Like, bitch... you DO have neighbors. You know that, right?

Before your panties are bunched up, know that I didn't file any complaints, stomp around, or knock on her door. I just filmed this video to prove how much sound actually comes out of her apartment and the way it carries through the hallway.

It's the holiday season and I'll count my blessing because I could live next to d-boys or worse - - RAPPERS! Oh, the horror. I'd probably kill myself if rappers lived next door.

Do you have proof of your neighbors making annoying noise?

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!

Tonight...

Thursday is the new Friday and most people are ready to get their weekend started. 312DD always posts the latest happenings around the city so here are her picks for this weekend:

THURSDAY

Long-time party-thrower Lincoln Park Young Professionals hosts its infamous Billionaire bash, this time at the Blackstone Hotel (636 S. Michigan Ave.). Event includes tours of the hotel's $139 mil renovation, appetizers from the highly regarded Mercat a la Planxa, $1 million diamond fashion show, high-end cocktails and more. You get all these golden goodies for $25 if you buy your ticket here. 6-8pm.

Speaking of luxe livin', Barneys New York officially debuts today in its new home, and to celebrate the grand occasion they're doing an open house. Enjoy comp bubbly and donuts 10am-7pm as you check out the multi-level venue. Also, try to get over to Fred's at Barneys New York for a luscious lunch of artisan pizzas, pastas or sandwiches.

We can never get enough of good ole 1980s music, so we're all about Landmark's free wine-tasting party pairing the best of the best. Hope they pull out some Tears for Fears, Thompson Twins and Thomas Dolby! 6:30-8pm.

Don't sleep on the deals going down at Crimson Lounge. Every Thursday you get $3 sparkling wine, draft beers and house wine. And if you're hungry, you'll also get 50 percent off a small plate gourmet menu by Bin 36. Deejays Funky Couture, Mwelwa and Lego spin. 9pm-2am. No cover.

If you're craving some late-night fixins, head over to 44th Ward Dinner Party for Photo Club. Here, you'll get complimentary gourmet grilled cheese (after midnight) and A:M vodka (10-11pm). New Wave party starts at 10pm. Free.

Steam up the dance floor at Coco Restaurant & Lounge, as Planeta Azul performs live. Luciano Antonio leads a dynamic group of musicians accompanied by samba dancers. 10pm-2am. No cover and free parking.


For more information feel free to check out here site by clicking here.

Day 3 - Back to Basics

Today marks day #3 of my existence sans electricity. Day 1 was rough but enjoyable. Day 2 was slightly annoying (thankfully my bff K-Dot let me bum around on her couch using her electronic gadgets) and well, Day 3 - - I'm kind of over this whole 17th century burning candles and going to sleep when the sun sets lifestyle. It's been real, but I'm going to need Com Ed to get with the program and turn the lights on. I miss the delicate glow of the tv screen or seeing the time on the stove. I miss hearing the low hum of the refrigerator... knowing that my DVR was recording my favorite shows! I miss having the option of turning on a light, using my computer, saying that I got dressed in the dark and not having it be a literal thing. *sigh* Life without electricity is rough. I'm trying to remain optimistic because Com Ed is going to turn it on either today or tomorrow but it does kinda suck. On top of that I'm feeling slightly overwhelmed searching for a new place to live. It dawned on me today that I've been looking at places way out of my price range. So, after I did a few calculations I was knocked off of my high horse and came back to reality. I cringe at the thought of living in a studio. Really, it breaks my heart... so I'm going to try and meet with apartment finders and see if they can find me my dream apartment. (Did I mention how much harder this apartment search is when you're a homeowner. A few times I've thought to myself that going from a 1600 sq ft townhouse in wonderful Scottsdale to a 750 sq ft condo in the South Loop was hard... but I'm now faced with the possibility of having to cut that damn near in half as most studios/1 bdrms in my price range are under 600 sq ft.) *sigh*

Morning Reflection

This morning I woke up and took a look outside and was met with a beautiful sunrise. Though this view is something I wake up to every morning, It's funny how something that is so routine we take for granted. When is the last time you took in a sunrise? Sunset? To watch something so simple, yet amazing happen really makes you think about the world around you and realize we are so small in comparison. The economy is cracked out, but we can all take time to appreciate the smaller things in life. It may not be a sunrise - - maybe it's a baby laughing, something cute your dog does, the way your boyfriend/girlfriend does some little habit... Whatever it may be, take the time to start appreciating life in its entirety because it really is short!


On that note, I'm off for a Valentine's weekend ski trip. I hope everyone has a great weekend and I hope to be back to posting like normal next week!

Choosing and Getting Chose 101: Tip #1

After a festive night of wine, cheese and convo with my Chi-Town partner in all things fabulous (Kamilah) - - we were approached by a UIC professor that was definitely trying to get chose. My friend, like the sweetheart she is, didn't give a fake number because like her, I've come to realize all men (white and black) will call your # right in front on you...which definitely reduces the chances of you being able to play them...lol...The conversation proceeded like this:


UIC Professor: Can I have your number?
Friend: Sure (gives number)

UIC Professor: (starts dialing) Something is wrong with your phone...it's not going through.

Friend: Are you sure? I'm so embarrassed! I really pay my bills. Here, give me your number and let me give you a call.

UIC Professor: (gives number)

Friend: (dials number) Wait, something is wrong with your phone. I'm getting a message: The caller is not accepting calls at this time.

UIC Professor: (scratches head) Ummm...maybe I didn't pay my bill.

I was falling out laughing at this point! It was straight hilarity!



Choosing and Getting Chose 101: Tip #1

PAY YOUR BILLS...ESPECIALLY YOUR CELL PHONE BILL BECAUSE GETTING AT SOMEONE IS A LOT EASIER WHEN YOUR PHONE IS ACTUALLY TURNED ON :)

City Life...

*Originally posted on 7/6/08 on my myspace blog*

I've been adjusting back to the city life in Chicago! I absolutely love being here...and despite the good days, bad days, and cloudy days...things are great! I start my new job tomorrow with a publishing company downtown and am excited! So, like always, I keep my sidekick handy to jot down any blog topic ideas that cross my mind!

1. Thongs - - are sometimes necessary! Walking arond the city I am beyond disappointed to see the vast amount of panty lines. PANTY LINES! People..this is 2008, damn near 2009, and there is NO reason to jet around town with visible panty lines...an ever present reminder that yes, we can ALL see your underwear riding their way up your cheeks...moments away from permanently wedging in your ass!

2. This must stop: Hanging onto "non-quality" hair just to be the girl with the long hair...but you're really the girl with the scraggly, damaged hair! The girl that everyone notices NOT for your luscious locks...but instead your fried, split ends...that girl that makes you cock your head in a 45 degree angle, squint your eyes and ponder WHY in the world doesn't she just cut her hair and look fabulous!

3. While I was at the DMV getting a state ID...my eyes were bombarded with so many fashion choices...gone TERRIBLY wrong! I have to say that the fashion free for all that was displayed at the DMV was none other than a hot ass mess!...sometimes a dress code...or uniforms...are not a bad thing! I'm all about being unique and rocking your own personal style, but your loud shirt, hair style, 10 inch long overly designed nails, etc...are just making everyone's eyes throb...and it doesn't make the waiting time go any better!

4. Neck tattoos...never a good decision! I don't feel it's necessary to expound on this, but unless you're Diddy...you should NOT get a neck tattoo. They aren't professional, cute, or..well, they aren't anything good at all! Just leave the neck tattoo thing alone!