Bright Lights, Bigger City

Night view from the Shedd Aquarium

This blog may very well turn into the adventures of a suburbanite trying to make it in a big city.

I recently landed a job in Chicago and I find myself everyday trying to maneuver my way through the urban jungle. I literally learn something new everyday. Often, I learn it as I've made the wrong decision - got on the wrong L, missed my train, forgot my umbrella. etc. I try and fit in, but I am almost positive I often stick out like a sore thumb - but I am getting beter. I try and make mental notes often, so I can blog about my experiences - I think others would get a nice laugh about the level of unfortunate I am.

Living in the suburbs, I am usually doing the city to subs commute at least once a day via public transportation. Office to home usually takes about 2 hours, depending. It goes: walk 3 blocks, brown line, walk 3 blocks to Union Station, BNSF train to Lisle, bus #825, walk home - all of which is pretty obnoxious. I used to be working for the weekend, now I am simply working to move to the city.

Think I can officially call myself a commuter now that I buy 10-ride passes.

Although I've pretty much got my commute situation down these days, it took me FOREVER to conquer the L.

Day 1: I learned what line to take to get to the loop & that I need to go north on Wells because you can't access Union Station from the South without walking an extra few blocks :(

Day 2: Learned the purple & brown line are basically the same thing.

Day 3: Learned the purple & brown line are basically the same thing, except opposite, when you get to the loop. Purple gets me to Lincoln Park from the city faster, but takes me an extra 15 mins. to get downtown from work.

Day 4: After waiting for the purple line to Lincoln Park, I realize it only runs during rush hour-must take the brown mid-day.

Day 5: Brown line doesn't run after 1:30am, get your drunk ass in a cab.

The most ridiculous part is me trying to actually balance on the L, when all the seats are taken and I am forced to stand. I am forced to hold on for dear life, while everyone else seems to not be bothered. This is the way it feels everyday...

Regardless of all the bumps in the road, I absolutely 100% enjoy the city-especially when I find myself 45 mins. early to an event & can shop on the magnificent mile :) I've also enjoyed how much city-goers work Happy Hours into their lifestyle. Got to meet up with some friends at Zed451, which has fast turned into my favorite restaurant in the city. Got to eat there for free for work too - DELICIOUS!!

Some of my favorite Chi Town ladies, old & new - Trisha, Me, Stephanie, Natalie & Katie

Fondue & Sangria - AMAZING

For all things Chi, I've also found Fuck Yeah CHICAGO - it captures everything I love about the city & so much more. (They introduced me to Saturday AM yoga in Millennium Park!)

Hope I didn't loose everyone - had to catch up!

Until next time... XOXO

Weather Runway

Rainy Chi

I am convinced that if I moved to Seattle, I would become a runway model. Anytime it gets a little gloomy out and the umbrellas open up, I cannot help but to stomp my way down Michigan Ave. - it must be the rainboots or something.

I thought I was all alone yesterday on the platform as I waited for my L to come. I had my headphones in and was jammin to "My Humps". Add that to the fact that it was raining, and I clearly couldn't help myself. You would probably think I was practicing my audition for 'Umbrella' with the amount of hip pops and hair flips I was doing.

Awkward? Probably. But what makes it AMAZING is that mid spin, I come to my senses and remember there is a platform directly across from mine, and not only can they see me, but they are basically cheering me on- I don't hear them because my headphones are in.

I thought those moments only happened in movies.

XOXO