Today I was running near the square, and at the corner of Milwaukee and Logan there was an officer directing traffic. Opposite him was a couple squad cars, a black SUV, a firetruck, and an ambulance. Near the ambulance on the ground was the mangled wreck of a gray bicycle and a yellow backpack. The front wheel, handlebars, and frame were all bent. Nearby, the owner was being loaded onto a stretcher, with bandages and a neck brace already in place. It made me feel pained and sick to my stomach.
The girlfriend, who works at Dunlay's, was trying to get the police to let her take his bike. He had asked her to get it for him, which made me feel better; at least he was conscious.
I thought about how violent the hit must have been for the bike to be that smashed.
There's a lot of people out there on the road. On bikes and in cars. Please pay attention.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
there's a reason.
I got a text message today from a number I didn't recognize. It said, "good seeing you yesterday." I racked my brain, trying to think of who it could be, and who I saw yesterday. It also occurred to me that it could've been sarcastic, and that I forgot I was supposed to hang out with someone, and didn't.
I finally gave in and sent a "who is this?" Later came the reply that it was indeed Daniel. He asked, "how are u?" A couple more messages followed, as I was still trying to remember this person. Maybe it was the guy who got me drinks at the club.
Unfortunately for Daniel, I am not the girl he had a great time with yesterday. But at least the fake number she gave him provided me with some entertainment today.
I finally gave in and sent a "who is this?" Later came the reply that it was indeed Daniel. He asked, "how are u?" A couple more messages followed, as I was still trying to remember this person. Maybe it was the guy who got me drinks at the club.
Unfortunately for Daniel, I am not the girl he had a great time with yesterday. But at least the fake number she gave him provided me with some entertainment today.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Yeah, but for how long...
Things have been happening. I just haven't written about them. It's not usually what I do. Some people can write pretty freely, for others it can take quite an effort. Some of our kids are that way, at least. I've found that in a classroom situation, providing journal prompts can be helpful in getting kids to write faster. Write about this. Write about that. Instead of thinking about what they should write about, they think about the topic itself. Anyway.
Humboldt Park is beautiful. There's wildflowers, and birds, trees, lagoons, marsh areas, and streams, and footbridges with all kinds of things to look at. It's the kinds of place I could have roamed around and explored for days on end as a kid. Now I'm working there, and I'm trying to get high school kids to enjoy being outside. When it's hot. And uncomfortable. And they're lazy.
We usually start out by walking them toward one of the lagoons, and wind up near a spot where there's plenty of room to spread out, and lots of trees for shade. I like giving them ten or fifteen minutes of time to reflect on things, think about the day, relax, or just zone out. I tell them to listen to the birds. Listen to the sound of the trees in the wind. Feel the grass under their hands. Watch how things move.
Mostly the girls try to sneakily send text messages, while the boys throw sticks at each other.
Then we talk about a few different things involving the ecosystems at the park, interaction between different forms of wildlife, why things are the way they are, etc. Last week we did an experiment that showed them that all the fall colors of a leaf are actually in the leaf year-round. We talked about amphibians, and one of the students told us a story about catching tadpoles. We also played softball one day, and football the next. One of the kids who barely said ten words the whole week came alive after our second play. He called plays, organized our team and positions, called blocks during run plays, and encouraged his teammates. It was kind of inspiring.
Today was rough though. No one was motivated. They were bored, angry, and aggravated. We tried to lighten the mood with some games. We even tried Duck, Duck, Goose, after some discussion on the rules of play. Apparently no one could remember how. That helped ease things up a little.
The rest of the day was filled up with lunch and a scavenger hunt, though everyone's attention was on the fact that two of the kids were supposed to fight after the program. And they're good kids. Well behaved, and smart. Just something over a girl. I tried to talk to them at the end of work today, but I don't think it did any good. And I don't really have any reign when the workday is over, as long as they don't do anything at the park where we work. I told them I didn't want to see either of them busted up in the morning. I hope I don't have to.
Yesterday was pretty great. We had some things planned, but ended up scratching them when the Greater Chicago Food Depository showed up at about the same time we usually start. There were 250 people waiting for a semi-truck full of food that needed to be unloaded, separated, sorted, and distributed, and the truck was an hour late. And they were way short on volunteers. So we helped with that for the day, and it seemed to make everyone feel good.
We unloaded assembly-line style, packed bags and boxes, passed out everything, and helped people to their cars. And no one complained. It was big success, and it felt really good to help out. Anyway, I hope that's the stuff that sticks with these kids. We'll see.
Humboldt Park is beautiful. There's wildflowers, and birds, trees, lagoons, marsh areas, and streams, and footbridges with all kinds of things to look at. It's the kinds of place I could have roamed around and explored for days on end as a kid. Now I'm working there, and I'm trying to get high school kids to enjoy being outside. When it's hot. And uncomfortable. And they're lazy.
We usually start out by walking them toward one of the lagoons, and wind up near a spot where there's plenty of room to spread out, and lots of trees for shade. I like giving them ten or fifteen minutes of time to reflect on things, think about the day, relax, or just zone out. I tell them to listen to the birds. Listen to the sound of the trees in the wind. Feel the grass under their hands. Watch how things move.
Mostly the girls try to sneakily send text messages, while the boys throw sticks at each other.
Then we talk about a few different things involving the ecosystems at the park, interaction between different forms of wildlife, why things are the way they are, etc. Last week we did an experiment that showed them that all the fall colors of a leaf are actually in the leaf year-round. We talked about amphibians, and one of the students told us a story about catching tadpoles. We also played softball one day, and football the next. One of the kids who barely said ten words the whole week came alive after our second play. He called plays, organized our team and positions, called blocks during run plays, and encouraged his teammates. It was kind of inspiring.
Today was rough though. No one was motivated. They were bored, angry, and aggravated. We tried to lighten the mood with some games. We even tried Duck, Duck, Goose, after some discussion on the rules of play. Apparently no one could remember how. That helped ease things up a little.
The rest of the day was filled up with lunch and a scavenger hunt, though everyone's attention was on the fact that two of the kids were supposed to fight after the program. And they're good kids. Well behaved, and smart. Just something over a girl. I tried to talk to them at the end of work today, but I don't think it did any good. And I don't really have any reign when the workday is over, as long as they don't do anything at the park where we work. I told them I didn't want to see either of them busted up in the morning. I hope I don't have to.
Yesterday was pretty great. We had some things planned, but ended up scratching them when the Greater Chicago Food Depository showed up at about the same time we usually start. There were 250 people waiting for a semi-truck full of food that needed to be unloaded, separated, sorted, and distributed, and the truck was an hour late. And they were way short on volunteers. So we helped with that for the day, and it seemed to make everyone feel good.
We unloaded assembly-line style, packed bags and boxes, passed out everything, and helped people to their cars. And no one complained. It was big success, and it felt really good to help out. Anyway, I hope that's the stuff that sticks with these kids. We'll see.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
the weather outside is weather
Simone, Colin and I went to Lilly's last week, a bar north of Fullerton on Lincoln. One of my co-workers from the restaurant tends bar there on Wednesday nights, and I hadn't been there yet, so I roped my roommates into going.
It looks like a regular DePaul bar from the outside, but the inside more closely resembles an old dungeon with some furniture in it. The floor is uneven brick, rounded and smoothed over time and completely loose in several places. Concrete archways are scattered throughout, painted a dark blue, and the lighting is pretty low. There are a few mismatched tables with chairs and stools here and there, in no real arrangement, and seemingly purchased individually from thrift stores or taken from back alleys.
The bar itself is an old, "L" shaped wraparound, with the tap in the corner. The beer coolers consist of three different Rubbermaid tubs, half filled with ice sitting on the floor behind the bar. A selection of imports and domestics float inside, next to a lone bottle of Jaegermeister. A small sign above the register on the back wall reads, "cash only."
There was a band playing a mix of rock, bluegrass, and country on the small, raised wooden platform in the front of the bar, and when they were done playing, the bartender's ipod provided the musical entertainment.
Colin's eyes went all dreamy as Wilco, Modest Mouse, Spoon, and Kevin Drew poured out of the house speakers. There were fun conversations, Simone spoke in Spanish with a guy I work with from Guatemala, and we got a hefty discount when I paid the tab.
I'll be heading back, that's for sure.
It looks like a regular DePaul bar from the outside, but the inside more closely resembles an old dungeon with some furniture in it. The floor is uneven brick, rounded and smoothed over time and completely loose in several places. Concrete archways are scattered throughout, painted a dark blue, and the lighting is pretty low. There are a few mismatched tables with chairs and stools here and there, in no real arrangement, and seemingly purchased individually from thrift stores or taken from back alleys.
The bar itself is an old, "L" shaped wraparound, with the tap in the corner. The beer coolers consist of three different Rubbermaid tubs, half filled with ice sitting on the floor behind the bar. A selection of imports and domestics float inside, next to a lone bottle of Jaegermeister. A small sign above the register on the back wall reads, "cash only."
There was a band playing a mix of rock, bluegrass, and country on the small, raised wooden platform in the front of the bar, and when they were done playing, the bartender's ipod provided the musical entertainment.
Colin's eyes went all dreamy as Wilco, Modest Mouse, Spoon, and Kevin Drew poured out of the house speakers. There were fun conversations, Simone spoke in Spanish with a guy I work with from Guatemala, and we got a hefty discount when I paid the tab.
I'll be heading back, that's for sure.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
how will you meet your end?
Yesterday was a day off, and for all intents and purposes, that's exactly how I treated it. I went to Ann Sathers for breakfast and had some of their amazing cinnamon buns, and eggs with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and avocado. Yum.
Afterward, I rode my bike for a while doing some errands. New toothbrush, mouthwash, stopped to look at some shirts. There's so many toothbrushes out there! I fought the urge to get one with a dinosaur on it and went with a slick new sonic one with a tongue scrubber. Weird, yet cool.
I got back, and walked around our park, checking on the progress of the new running track and tot lot. Construction workers were putting in the base layer of gravel for the track, leveling and smoothing as they went along. I think it's supposed to be an even half-mile, and has a nice winding flow through the trees and bushes. The playground itself is actually going to be a slightly recessed area containing several abstract sculptures for kids to play around, parents to sit on, or more likely, hipsters to gather around and drink PBR.
I went with Colin and Simone to El Cid for dinner and margaritas and eventually everyone on the patio was serenaded by the mariachis. Simone's friend Karyn met up with us, and Colin ordered more margaritas.
I was in kind of a mood yesterday. Quiet, observant, introspective. It was still really nice out when we got home, so I put some music on and we sat on the porch with some wine and just listened. It was a nice evening, and I really liked the mix of everything that was going on. Two girls and a guy in the park, playing ball with their dog. Low, strumming music coming from our front room through the windows. Conversation from upstairs that just blended into the background. The occasional rapid click, click, click, click, click, shuffling of cards coming from the same windows upstairs. And followed shortly by the quiet clinking of chips being bet.
It was nice to just sit outside on the porch, have some wine, and soak it all in.
Afterward, I rode my bike for a while doing some errands. New toothbrush, mouthwash, stopped to look at some shirts. There's so many toothbrushes out there! I fought the urge to get one with a dinosaur on it and went with a slick new sonic one with a tongue scrubber. Weird, yet cool.
I got back, and walked around our park, checking on the progress of the new running track and tot lot. Construction workers were putting in the base layer of gravel for the track, leveling and smoothing as they went along. I think it's supposed to be an even half-mile, and has a nice winding flow through the trees and bushes. The playground itself is actually going to be a slightly recessed area containing several abstract sculptures for kids to play around, parents to sit on, or more likely, hipsters to gather around and drink PBR.
I went with Colin and Simone to El Cid for dinner and margaritas and eventually everyone on the patio was serenaded by the mariachis. Simone's friend Karyn met up with us, and Colin ordered more margaritas.
I was in kind of a mood yesterday. Quiet, observant, introspective. It was still really nice out when we got home, so I put some music on and we sat on the porch with some wine and just listened. It was a nice evening, and I really liked the mix of everything that was going on. Two girls and a guy in the park, playing ball with their dog. Low, strumming music coming from our front room through the windows. Conversation from upstairs that just blended into the background. The occasional rapid click, click, click, click, click, shuffling of cards coming from the same windows upstairs. And followed shortly by the quiet clinking of chips being bet.
It was nice to just sit outside on the porch, have some wine, and soak it all in.
Friday, April 25, 2008
just put it in the bag.
-
So, we're driving, and in the street this guy's yelling with this girl and when he sees us, he gets in his car and takes off. So we chase him, but it's like fuckin' OJ, I mean he's obeying the speed limit, and stopping and looking both ways before turning into the alleys and shit. So finally, before the last few blocks, he freaks out and steps on it. Then he takes off the wrong way down a one-way street and we follow. He hits the brakes and bails. So we go after him, following him down about six houses before we catch up to him.
And I've got two accidents on record, so another one gets me two days without pay. So we catch up to the guy, take him down, and I'm hitting him in the head when I hear this *crunch* sound come from behind us. The sonofabitch didn't put his car in park before he bailed, he put it in reverse!
So his car's backed against ours, so I tell my partner to grab the keys before the cars get stolen. And I'm cuffing this guy, and I'm like, "why the fuck would you put your car in reverse?!?"
-
Hey, you finally got some new headgear for kickboxing?
Yeah. I don't think it protects my nose very well, though, because I keep getting punched in it.
So, we're driving, and in the street this guy's yelling with this girl and when he sees us, he gets in his car and takes off. So we chase him, but it's like fuckin' OJ, I mean he's obeying the speed limit, and stopping and looking both ways before turning into the alleys and shit. So finally, before the last few blocks, he freaks out and steps on it. Then he takes off the wrong way down a one-way street and we follow. He hits the brakes and bails. So we go after him, following him down about six houses before we catch up to him.
And I've got two accidents on record, so another one gets me two days without pay. So we catch up to the guy, take him down, and I'm hitting him in the head when I hear this *crunch* sound come from behind us. The sonofabitch didn't put his car in park before he bailed, he put it in reverse!
So his car's backed against ours, so I tell my partner to grab the keys before the cars get stolen. And I'm cuffing this guy, and I'm like, "why the fuck would you put your car in reverse?!?"
-
Hey, you finally got some new headgear for kickboxing?
Yeah. I don't think it protects my nose very well, though, because I keep getting punched in it.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
If I had a boat, I'd go out on the ocean.
Man, the last few weeks have been busy. I feel like I've been saying that once a week for the past six months. I'm still enjoying working at the restaurant, though a little less than I have been. At least it gives me a little different perspective on things, and there's lots Wrigleyvillains to make fun of.
I had the day off today, my first since Easter, so I got productive. I went to the bank, went downtown to the DMV to get a new license that I've been putting off for a while, stopped by the Apple store, went to the Gap for some shirts, and had dinner at Dunlay's with Colin. Half of those things went well.
I stopped at the Apple store to possibly get a new ipod, as mine has been toast for several months now. I looked around and played with all the new toys and fantasized about getting a macbook Air. I used some applications, held it in my arms, and imagined running away together; social norms be damned. It was enticing.
In the end, I impulsively bought an ipod touch. I don't treat myself to big purchases very often, so I figured why not.
I found out the "why not" tonight when I got home and plugged it in. Apparently my operating system is too old to support it, and needs to be upgraded. Boo for impulse buys. Although, now I get two new cool things.
The DMV was hilarious. I think they hire the same contractor to do every DMV, and that guy does subdivision pre-fab basements in his spare time. They all have the same crummy drywall, buzzing fluorescent lights, and driving posters tacked with pushpins.
This time, however, there was a man from Saturn there to keep me company. He didn't work for the subsidiary of GM, though, he was actually from the planet Saturn. He told me himself. He also indulged me in the fact that he had not one, but two spaceships. He carried himself quite well, an older, well dressed gentleman, and made small talk with the woman at the counter. He made it known that he was a pimp, that he hadn't had to really work for twenty years, and that Mariah Carey was one of his prostitutes.
He was at the DMV getting his Earth license.
I had the day off today, my first since Easter, so I got productive. I went to the bank, went downtown to the DMV to get a new license that I've been putting off for a while, stopped by the Apple store, went to the Gap for some shirts, and had dinner at Dunlay's with Colin. Half of those things went well.
I stopped at the Apple store to possibly get a new ipod, as mine has been toast for several months now. I looked around and played with all the new toys and fantasized about getting a macbook Air. I used some applications, held it in my arms, and imagined running away together; social norms be damned. It was enticing.
In the end, I impulsively bought an ipod touch. I don't treat myself to big purchases very often, so I figured why not.
I found out the "why not" tonight when I got home and plugged it in. Apparently my operating system is too old to support it, and needs to be upgraded. Boo for impulse buys. Although, now I get two new cool things.
The DMV was hilarious. I think they hire the same contractor to do every DMV, and that guy does subdivision pre-fab basements in his spare time. They all have the same crummy drywall, buzzing fluorescent lights, and driving posters tacked with pushpins.
This time, however, there was a man from Saturn there to keep me company. He didn't work for the subsidiary of GM, though, he was actually from the planet Saturn. He told me himself. He also indulged me in the fact that he had not one, but two spaceships. He carried himself quite well, an older, well dressed gentleman, and made small talk with the woman at the counter. He made it known that he was a pimp, that he hadn't had to really work for twenty years, and that Mariah Carey was one of his prostitutes.
He was at the DMV getting his Earth license.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
so jealous.
So we're all moved into the downstairs (read superior) apartment, and there's just some cleaning left to be done. Colin and I moved almost everything on Tuesday, and I really think everything turned out all right.
Our t.v. room is in the middle room of the apartment now, and the dining/reading room is in the front. So right now I'm sitting on a recliner next to the fireplace with built in bookshelves, and sunlight is pouring in through the front windows where I can see our front porch overlooking the park. What's not to like about that, right?
I also bought a new growns-up dresser yesterday. It's a boulevard dresser from Crate & Barrel, but I got it on Craigslist for a fifth of the price. I now have one piece of nice furniture.
-----
Today is officially the first day of spring. I think I'm going to make some vernal equinox resolutions involving being healthier, more tolerant, and more proactive about things. I've been in a bit of a bad mood for a while, but I'm sure it's directly related to the weather and lack of sunlight. And the sun's out today!
-----
Going to Colin's this weekend for the Easter weekend. I'm looking forward to it; I think it will be fun and relaxing, which I'm in need of right now. It will be a little strange not being around my family on the holiday, though. We usually do an Easter brunch, and hang around talking and keeping it fairly low key. Then Kathy brings out approximately one metric ton of chocolate and baked goods from Weber's bakery in Palos Heights.
-----
I'm looking forward to the final weeks of the after-school program this time around. We've got a great group of kids, and we may have bit off more than we can chew with our final project this year, but I think things will turn out alright. I'm looking forward to having a little more time to visit home and spend more time with family and friends.
And now that spring is here, summer is right around the corner!
Our t.v. room is in the middle room of the apartment now, and the dining/reading room is in the front. So right now I'm sitting on a recliner next to the fireplace with built in bookshelves, and sunlight is pouring in through the front windows where I can see our front porch overlooking the park. What's not to like about that, right?
I also bought a new growns-up dresser yesterday. It's a boulevard dresser from Crate & Barrel, but I got it on Craigslist for a fifth of the price. I now have one piece of nice furniture.
-----
Today is officially the first day of spring. I think I'm going to make some vernal equinox resolutions involving being healthier, more tolerant, and more proactive about things. I've been in a bit of a bad mood for a while, but I'm sure it's directly related to the weather and lack of sunlight. And the sun's out today!
-----
Going to Colin's this weekend for the Easter weekend. I'm looking forward to it; I think it will be fun and relaxing, which I'm in need of right now. It will be a little strange not being around my family on the holiday, though. We usually do an Easter brunch, and hang around talking and keeping it fairly low key. Then Kathy brings out approximately one metric ton of chocolate and baked goods from Weber's bakery in Palos Heights.
-----
I'm looking forward to the final weeks of the after-school program this time around. We've got a great group of kids, and we may have bit off more than we can chew with our final project this year, but I think things will turn out alright. I'm looking forward to having a little more time to visit home and spend more time with family and friends.
And now that spring is here, summer is right around the corner!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
consolation.
Saturday was a really long day at work. People were bitter, I was tired, and the day was terribly inefficient. Blah, blah, blah.
Trudging home, I was pissed off and wet from the snow/rain mix. Then I saw a guy riding a tandem bike. By himself.
I laughed and felt sorry for him at the same time.
Trudging home, I was pissed off and wet from the snow/rain mix. Then I saw a guy riding a tandem bike. By himself.
I laughed and felt sorry for him at the same time.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
routine.
I has one.
Mostly it involves lesson planning and teaching program during the week (supposedly), and working at the Southport on the weekends. And wine at night. We had a few days of sun, which I'm grateful for, but I'm ready for a full on spring to hit us soon. This cold stuff is for the birds.
I feel like I've been really busy and working a lot lately, and I think that's because I'm missing out on sleeping late and having brunch on the weekends. I wish there was someplace I could get real brunch and a bloody mary at noon on a Tuesday. Yeah, you know the feeling.
I rearranged my bedroom the other day, and I like the new setup. It's not a big deal, but after being cooped up for so long, it's nice to do something physical and see results and an improvement. I recommend giving it a try if you're feeling bored and antsy. It's invigorating.
A couple weeks ago we went to see Harriet Jacobs at the Steppenwolf. I'm not usually big on theater but the performance was absolutely amazing. I'd actually probably go see it again. Anyway, I stopped in a nearby Borders beforehand to warm up and look around and realized that it's time I started reading more. This struck me when I realized I had never read Slaughterhouse Five. How did this happen? What else am I missing out on? What are some of the other books that I should have read by now? Chances are there's a lot. At least I can check that one off the list now.
It appears I've thrown in the towel in this unintentional competition of blog non-posting against Martha K. Davis. She gave me quite a run, but in the end I've just got more roommates going, "Hey, jackass! What have you been up to? I can't tell because you haven't posted in forever!" Ah, well.
Also, went out for a drink after work the other day and played Boggle for the first time ever. And Boggle rules.
Mostly it involves lesson planning and teaching program during the week (supposedly), and working at the Southport on the weekends. And wine at night. We had a few days of sun, which I'm grateful for, but I'm ready for a full on spring to hit us soon. This cold stuff is for the birds.
I feel like I've been really busy and working a lot lately, and I think that's because I'm missing out on sleeping late and having brunch on the weekends. I wish there was someplace I could get real brunch and a bloody mary at noon on a Tuesday. Yeah, you know the feeling.
I rearranged my bedroom the other day, and I like the new setup. It's not a big deal, but after being cooped up for so long, it's nice to do something physical and see results and an improvement. I recommend giving it a try if you're feeling bored and antsy. It's invigorating.
A couple weeks ago we went to see Harriet Jacobs at the Steppenwolf. I'm not usually big on theater but the performance was absolutely amazing. I'd actually probably go see it again. Anyway, I stopped in a nearby Borders beforehand to warm up and look around and realized that it's time I started reading more. This struck me when I realized I had never read Slaughterhouse Five. How did this happen? What else am I missing out on? What are some of the other books that I should have read by now? Chances are there's a lot. At least I can check that one off the list now.
It appears I've thrown in the towel in this unintentional competition of blog non-posting against Martha K. Davis. She gave me quite a run, but in the end I've just got more roommates going, "Hey, jackass! What have you been up to? I can't tell because you haven't posted in forever!" Ah, well.
Also, went out for a drink after work the other day and played Boggle for the first time ever. And Boggle rules.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
What's Happening Now?
January to February lull is taking its toll on everyone at this point, I believe. It's one of those lovely times in Chicago, where it's either raining, sleeting, snowing, or a combination of the three. The sky is perpetually the color of dirty roadside snow. So many people are sick, and the weather reflects that pretty well. We're in the ring, I'm on the mat, and February is slamming me in the face with its People's Elbow.
I've been eating fairly healthy lately, though, doing a decent amount of cooking for the Hall. It's tough to get motivated to run in four inches of slush, so I think it's a decent trade-off. We started program at Norwood Park this week, but due to a computer glitch, I was not able teach the first day. Apparently, they thought I may have had a violent criminal past, but it all worked out fine.
Day two was typical, but on my trek to the El after class I did something I'm not very proud of. It's one of those things that you know is bad when you're doing it, you feel guilty about it, yet you continue anyway.
I've been eating fairly healthy lately, though, doing a decent amount of cooking for the Hall. It's tough to get motivated to run in four inches of slush, so I think it's a decent trade-off. We started program at Norwood Park this week, but due to a computer glitch, I was not able teach the first day. Apparently, they thought I may have had a violent criminal past, but it all worked out fine.
Day two was typical, but on my trek to the El after class I did something I'm not very proud of. It's one of those things that you know is bad when you're doing it, you feel guilty about it, yet you continue anyway.
The Baconator.
Six strips of bacon. Two quarter pound burgers. Two slices of cheese.
Six strips of bacon. Two quarter pound burgers. Two slices of cheese.One gluttonous smile of satisfaction. I stopped at Wendy's on the way home and figured, "Hey, I'm already here. I might as well get the most horribly unhealthy best and tastiest thing on the menu." Glorious and frightening all at once. I recommend trying one, but only if your heart is up to the challenge.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
in dreamy-dreamland I was cruisin.
I remember when I was growing up I had a recurring dream that always woke me up. It wasn't really a nightmare, but more of a dream I wished I could've controlled.
It always started out the same way: me struggling to reach for the surface in a clear-blue roaring river. I'd pop to the top, breathe in some fresh air, and realize I'm quickly being taken downstream somewhere. As I looked to where the river was heading, I'd see things from an aerial view somewhere behind me and take in the whole scene. There was a ridiculously high and straight waterfall which I was about to head over, and the landscape beyond stretched out in all different shades of green with a river winding through it, mountains in the background, and the sun setting behind it all. Sort of breathtaking.
Then I'd be back in the viewpoint of a half-drowned kid about to go over a waterfall and I'd sort of launch over the edge, just out past the rest of the falling water. I would try to flail about, grab onto something stable, or even look for something to save myself, but all of my muscles had completely stiffened up. I was stuck there, tumbling through the air in front of a waterfall in a half-fetal position, screaming obscenities through a mouth that wouldn't move.
It was really strange, and I would always wake myself violently, bolting upright in bed and gasping for air before I would hit the water.
I haven't had that one since I was a little kid. The ones I've been having lately have been involving guns, and bad guys, and moral dilemmas. I'm either chasing or being chased. Or we're all in war on a hillside, or in the jungle. Sometimes it's just running through the city. Nondescript, just the blur of storefronts and buildings, trees and fences and crossroads, and the periodic checking over the shoulder.
Though, the other day I had one where I was at a large house in the suburbs with a stone horseshoe driveway. John Cusack came over, (we had plans to go for lunch) but instead of driving he arrived in his new personal helicopter. I was excited. He was excited. He really liked flying his new helicopter.
We took off for lunch, staying above the main roads and obeying all traffic laws. We stopped at stop signs, and waited for a red light to turn green before continuing. Apparently, it was only a private residential helicopter, not a commercial one. According to the FAA, I guess he had to adhere to the rules of the road while flying within city limits. I didn't get to fly it, but it was still fun. We got some sandwiches and had good conversation. John Cusack is a pretty cool guy.
It always started out the same way: me struggling to reach for the surface in a clear-blue roaring river. I'd pop to the top, breathe in some fresh air, and realize I'm quickly being taken downstream somewhere. As I looked to where the river was heading, I'd see things from an aerial view somewhere behind me and take in the whole scene. There was a ridiculously high and straight waterfall which I was about to head over, and the landscape beyond stretched out in all different shades of green with a river winding through it, mountains in the background, and the sun setting behind it all. Sort of breathtaking.
Then I'd be back in the viewpoint of a half-drowned kid about to go over a waterfall and I'd sort of launch over the edge, just out past the rest of the falling water. I would try to flail about, grab onto something stable, or even look for something to save myself, but all of my muscles had completely stiffened up. I was stuck there, tumbling through the air in front of a waterfall in a half-fetal position, screaming obscenities through a mouth that wouldn't move.
It was really strange, and I would always wake myself violently, bolting upright in bed and gasping for air before I would hit the water.
I haven't had that one since I was a little kid. The ones I've been having lately have been involving guns, and bad guys, and moral dilemmas. I'm either chasing or being chased. Or we're all in war on a hillside, or in the jungle. Sometimes it's just running through the city. Nondescript, just the blur of storefronts and buildings, trees and fences and crossroads, and the periodic checking over the shoulder.
Though, the other day I had one where I was at a large house in the suburbs with a stone horseshoe driveway. John Cusack came over, (we had plans to go for lunch) but instead of driving he arrived in his new personal helicopter. I was excited. He was excited. He really liked flying his new helicopter.
We took off for lunch, staying above the main roads and obeying all traffic laws. We stopped at stop signs, and waited for a red light to turn green before continuing. Apparently, it was only a private residential helicopter, not a commercial one. According to the FAA, I guess he had to adhere to the rules of the road while flying within city limits. I didn't get to fly it, but it was still fun. We got some sandwiches and had good conversation. John Cusack is a pretty cool guy.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
there's been an accident.
I look down to see a swath across my middle, fluid pouring out like heavy cream onto the stainless steel table below. It spills over the table's edge, down the legs, and gathers in a pool on the tile floor. I watch for a moment, then collect myself, get cleaned up, and go back to the floor.
I started working at a restaurant about a month ago, and I've gotten fairly comfortable there, although I'm definitely still "the New Guy." The people I work with are pretty friendly and it's nice to have some extra cash. The clientèle can be a bit pretentious, but then again, I guess the menu is also.
There is nothing done just straight up. Everything is preceded by several adjectives, and is either infused with or accompanied by something. Fresh mozzarella and pesto, topped with a red onion, tomato, balsamic mix. Toasted crostini layered with smoked chicken sausage, queso fresco, arugula, roasted red pepper, and a lemon pepper cream cheese. Or the challah bread french toast, stuffed with apple cream-cheese streusel, and topped with pralines and organic maple-pecan syrup.
The espresso machine just got a tune up, so now I can make that half-caff, low-foam, skim chai latte that I so dearly love. I bring one (or something similar) to a woman's table as she parks her double-wide, climate controlled, stroller SUV and unleashes two demons. I find some crayons for the kids, take the order, and fetch some kid-safe cups.
It's a slower day than usual, and things are running pretty smoothly. This woman turns out to be less trouble than I expect and the rest of the afternoon is fairly uneventful. I take a break after lunch and go back to the kitchen to make a half sandwich. Fresh baked wheat bread with turkey, provolone, tomatoes, romaine, and pesto mayo, plus a cup of chicken minestrone.
Afterward, I restock some glass bottles of Sprite and Coke, and put together some garnishes for bloody marys. I've still got an hour left, but to my surprise, I get sent home early. I took a different route to work this morning, and I now backtrack—walking down the road to catch the bus.
It's gotten chilly all of a sudden, and waiting for the bus I notice a man shiver and draw his coat tighter. Another guy adjusts his scarf and buries his hands in his pockets. Across the street, a young man pumping gas zips his jacket, throws up his oversized hood, and crosses his arms, sort of hugging himself.
I half smile, realizing that I'm doing the same thing. The wind has picked up, and as I look down the street through the glass of the bus stop, I see that it has just started sprinkling again.
I started working at a restaurant about a month ago, and I've gotten fairly comfortable there, although I'm definitely still "the New Guy." The people I work with are pretty friendly and it's nice to have some extra cash. The clientèle can be a bit pretentious, but then again, I guess the menu is also.
There is nothing done just straight up. Everything is preceded by several adjectives, and is either infused with or accompanied by something. Fresh mozzarella and pesto, topped with a red onion, tomato, balsamic mix. Toasted crostini layered with smoked chicken sausage, queso fresco, arugula, roasted red pepper, and a lemon pepper cream cheese. Or the challah bread french toast, stuffed with apple cream-cheese streusel, and topped with pralines and organic maple-pecan syrup.
The espresso machine just got a tune up, so now I can make that half-caff, low-foam, skim chai latte that I so dearly love. I bring one (or something similar) to a woman's table as she parks her double-wide, climate controlled, stroller SUV and unleashes two demons. I find some crayons for the kids, take the order, and fetch some kid-safe cups.
It's a slower day than usual, and things are running pretty smoothly. This woman turns out to be less trouble than I expect and the rest of the afternoon is fairly uneventful. I take a break after lunch and go back to the kitchen to make a half sandwich. Fresh baked wheat bread with turkey, provolone, tomatoes, romaine, and pesto mayo, plus a cup of chicken minestrone.
Afterward, I restock some glass bottles of Sprite and Coke, and put together some garnishes for bloody marys. I've still got an hour left, but to my surprise, I get sent home early. I took a different route to work this morning, and I now backtrack—walking down the road to catch the bus.
It's gotten chilly all of a sudden, and waiting for the bus I notice a man shiver and draw his coat tighter. Another guy adjusts his scarf and buries his hands in his pockets. Across the street, a young man pumping gas zips his jacket, throws up his oversized hood, and crosses his arms, sort of hugging himself.
I half smile, realizing that I'm doing the same thing. The wind has picked up, and as I look down the street through the glass of the bus stop, I see that it has just started sprinkling again.
Monday, January 07, 2008
january thunderstorm.
It's midnight. The rain is patting on the windows and windowsills and everything else outside. There's rolling thunder accompanied by occasional lightning. It's early January, and it was 64 degrees today.
I was told that it's best to sit down and write when I'm in the mood to write something specific. Unfortunately that's never the case for me. Most of the writing that I do gets jotted down in the steno of my brain while walking to the el, riding the bus, listening to music, or some other passive activity that allows me to just think for a while. Unfortunately, I don't seem to hang onto many of these thoughts for very long, or at least they don't pop back to the forefront when I sit down in front of the computer.
It's been a busy, somewhat chaotic past month for just about everyone, I'm guessing. The holidays are always difficult because there's so much going on that we seem to lose track of the other things in our life that still need attention. Whether it's chores, personal time, work, or just relaxing a bit, it has probably been put on hold for a while.
The holidays were amazing. It was great to see everyone, and it reminded me how much I miss you all, and how I really like spending time with everyone.
As the excitement from the holidays has settled down, I've found myself falling into a bit of a strange mood lately. Sort of introspective, a little bit angry, maybe a little reclusive. I'm ok with it though. I feel like I'm still getting things done. It's tough, though, to stay motivated when the weather is so gloomy. The sun came out this afternoon for a bit and caught me completely by surprise. It feels like it has been quite a long time since we had the last full sunny day.
I was told that it's best to sit down and write when I'm in the mood to write something specific. Unfortunately that's never the case for me. Most of the writing that I do gets jotted down in the steno of my brain while walking to the el, riding the bus, listening to music, or some other passive activity that allows me to just think for a while. Unfortunately, I don't seem to hang onto many of these thoughts for very long, or at least they don't pop back to the forefront when I sit down in front of the computer.
It's been a busy, somewhat chaotic past month for just about everyone, I'm guessing. The holidays are always difficult because there's so much going on that we seem to lose track of the other things in our life that still need attention. Whether it's chores, personal time, work, or just relaxing a bit, it has probably been put on hold for a while.
The holidays were amazing. It was great to see everyone, and it reminded me how much I miss you all, and how I really like spending time with everyone.
As the excitement from the holidays has settled down, I've found myself falling into a bit of a strange mood lately. Sort of introspective, a little bit angry, maybe a little reclusive. I'm ok with it though. I feel like I'm still getting things done. It's tough, though, to stay motivated when the weather is so gloomy. The sun came out this afternoon for a bit and caught me completely by surprise. It feels like it has been quite a long time since we had the last full sunny day.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Slowly going the way of the buffalo.
Today is the last day of the fall program at Norwood Park. I remember hating high school more than I could have ever thought. The majority of it was spent wandering the halls, daydreaming, and being angry. It just wasn't for me.
The kids I teach seem to have some of the same feelings, but not exactly. They seem to be fairly happy overall, although there's been a lot of deaths in families lately. It's been an experience I'll definitely carry with me, working with the different kids. I think teaching in the future might be something I would like to do.
Yesterday we got outside for awhile, and when the workday was done, Simone, Colin and I continued the outdoor adventures running errands on foot, and playing in the snow. We had a snowball fight, and Simone made snow angels.
It was one of those snowfalls that only happens maybe two or three times a year. It wasn't really cold, and the thick layer of heavy snow blanketed everything, quieting the night to just a hush of a few slowly passing cars. It was crunchy underfoot, heavy packing snow that clung to the tree branches and fences and windows of parked cars. I was content to just be outside walking and looking, although I couldn't resist making snowballs and throwing them every few minutes.
Right now, Colin is doing his morning/afternoon run. I'm waiting for cupcakes to finish baking for our pizza party at work today. I've just watered the Christmas tree, and it's snowing outside again.
I'm not opposed to this winter at all.
The kids I teach seem to have some of the same feelings, but not exactly. They seem to be fairly happy overall, although there's been a lot of deaths in families lately. It's been an experience I'll definitely carry with me, working with the different kids. I think teaching in the future might be something I would like to do.
Yesterday we got outside for awhile, and when the workday was done, Simone, Colin and I continued the outdoor adventures running errands on foot, and playing in the snow. We had a snowball fight, and Simone made snow angels.
It was one of those snowfalls that only happens maybe two or three times a year. It wasn't really cold, and the thick layer of heavy snow blanketed everything, quieting the night to just a hush of a few slowly passing cars. It was crunchy underfoot, heavy packing snow that clung to the tree branches and fences and windows of parked cars. I was content to just be outside walking and looking, although I couldn't resist making snowballs and throwing them every few minutes.
Right now, Colin is doing his morning/afternoon run. I'm waiting for cupcakes to finish baking for our pizza party at work today. I've just watered the Christmas tree, and it's snowing outside again.
I'm not opposed to this winter at all.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
What's going on?
Rather than making up for lost time by trying to write about everything that's been going on, I'm just going to ignore most things and hit on the important ones.
Thanksgiving was fun. It was really good to be home and see family that I haven't seen in what feels like a long, long time. Wednesday night I went out in Joliet with my brother for the first time in years. The two of us met up with K. O., Tia, and Al, among others at a classy joint called Senor Tequila's. I had a margarita the size of my head, and had some laughs with my brother. We decided it would have been a $40 drink in Chicago.
Afterward, we went to a huge overly-lit bar where they have drink specials for a buck and serve things in plastic. Not my choice, and I'd like to clarify that, technically, this place was not in Joliet. Here, I ran into a few people from high school, and it got bizarre. That awkwardness of both parties realizing that you used to be friends, and you used to have things in common, but now the only thing you share is the location you chose to drink that night.
The rest of Thanksgiving went well. Half of my cousins are Italian, so in addition to the traditional turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, etc., my uncle cooked Italian sausages, meatballs, marinara, mosteccioli, and antipasto. Everyone ate, and talked, and laughed, and ate some more. Then we loosened our belts and sleepily watched football.
The Palmer Hall potluck was great. Everyone contributed food and expertise, drinks and stories. Hopefully it will be a yearly event.
Orange-cranberry muffins.
Simone working her magic on the pumpkin pie.
Sweet-potato home fries, and Kate making some amazing gravy.
Ladies, try to contain your excitement.
The buffet really makes the place shine. It even has sconces.
I don't remember what was being said here, but it seems like the perfect opportunity for people to invent their own captions.
After everyone was full of food and alcohol, we decided to cut Nate's hair. This should also become part of an annual tradition.
Thanksgiving was fun. It was really good to be home and see family that I haven't seen in what feels like a long, long time. Wednesday night I went out in Joliet with my brother for the first time in years. The two of us met up with K. O., Tia, and Al, among others at a classy joint called Senor Tequila's. I had a margarita the size of my head, and had some laughs with my brother. We decided it would have been a $40 drink in Chicago.
Afterward, we went to a huge overly-lit bar where they have drink specials for a buck and serve things in plastic. Not my choice, and I'd like to clarify that, technically, this place was not in Joliet. Here, I ran into a few people from high school, and it got bizarre. That awkwardness of both parties realizing that you used to be friends, and you used to have things in common, but now the only thing you share is the location you chose to drink that night.
The rest of Thanksgiving went well. Half of my cousins are Italian, so in addition to the traditional turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, etc., my uncle cooked Italian sausages, meatballs, marinara, mosteccioli, and antipasto. Everyone ate, and talked, and laughed, and ate some more. Then we loosened our belts and sleepily watched football.
The Palmer Hall potluck was great. Everyone contributed food and expertise, drinks and stories. Hopefully it will be a yearly event.
Orange-cranberry muffins.
Simone working her magic on the pumpkin pie.
Sweet-potato home fries, and Kate making some amazing gravy.
Ladies, try to contain your excitement.
The buffet really makes the place shine. It even has sconces.
I don't remember what was being said here, but it seems like the perfect opportunity for people to invent their own captions.
After everyone was full of food and alcohol, we decided to cut Nate's hair. This should also become part of an annual tradition.Saturday, November 10, 2007
slices.
Simone's car, the Dodge Colt Vista, lovingly referred to as the DCV, has two glove compartments. I found this fascinating. And I think there are gloves in there.
Fall and the el.
Marty stayed with us for a couple days. We fell back into the hangout routine almost without skipping a beat.
I like to make breakfast. Broiled tomatoes, cottage cheese, toast and coffee.
Last Saturday, I went on a date to Cafe Iberico. It was pretty cool. What?
Oh, thanks. The blazer is pretty sweet.
Here at Casa del Awesome, when we're bored we tend to bake things late at night. And drink cheap wine. Usually something good happens.
Sometimes, something great happens. Superbad roomies.
Colin, manning his usual evening post.
Me, fulfilling my roommate duties as well.
An obviously very serious conversation between Colin and Colyn, which Cassie finds amusing.
Caleb, after shouting "You want a piece of me?" and just before smashing a folding chair across someone's forehead.
All in all, the past few weeks have been going pretty well. I let Colin keep me updated on all the current events, i.e. politics and celebrity gossip, and we go back and forth about how our programs are going. We've been throwing around the old pigskin in preparation for Ice Bowl 2007, and our slant routes and option plays are looking pretty wicked. Peyton Manning, eat your heart out.
And my latest Netflix dvd, which I've yet to watch, is entitled, "The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension." Here's the synopsis:
And my latest Netflix dvd, which I've yet to watch, is entitled, "The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension." Here's the synopsis:
Peter Weller stars as the titular hero, who makes his living as a physicist, neurosurgeon, secret agent and rock star traveling through a comic-book universe with his band of assistants and background musicians. Buckaroo's interdimensional experiments with his new invention, the Operation Overthruster, throw Earth into an alien war, and he finds himself with scant hours to save the world in director W.D. Richter's offbeat film.
It also stars Jeff Goldblum, John Lithgow, and Christopher Lloyd. I'm speechless.
It also stars Jeff Goldblum, John Lithgow, and Christopher Lloyd. I'm speechless.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Dopplegänger.
When I was in Australia I met a guy named Jonathan, from Canada. We worked together on one of the strawberry farms, joking back and forth, trudging through the mud, trying to get the others to sing ridiculous songs.
Whenever we all went out, people thought Jon and I were brothers. I didn't think we really looked all that similar, but I guess I was wrong. Course, I think he's got a few pounds on me here, but still.
Whenever we all went out, people thought Jon and I were brothers. I didn't think we really looked all that similar, but I guess I was wrong. Course, I think he's got a few pounds on me here, but still.
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