Key Learnings, Restaurant Week part two and NYC bound!

Happy March 1st!! And, I'm officially hibernating until spring. We had lake effect snow in Chicago today and instead of half an inch, we're now supposed to get 1-5 inches. So while I'm hiding in my apartment (again,) let's enjoy some key learnings.

Key Learnings:

• It's okay to eat cupcakes for breakfast...and lunch

• Hearing someone say, "I love weighing myself!" makes me want to hurt them

• A proper response to, "you look bad with glasses," is "you look ugly without them, but at least I have contacts"

• Parents love me. I'm very non-threatening

• It's healthy to have a few people be scared of you, as long as you don't use that for evil

• I do not remember the layout of NYC as much as I used to

• Restaurants that say your entire party be present before seating you, suck

• Sushi + champagne = a fun Friday night

• Shopping for spring clothes when it's winter-like temps outside is not very much fun

• Always have a stockpile of witty comebacks when people ask you why you and your platonic manfriend don't date

• The gym is not a babysitter. That's what malls are for

• Butter makes cookies and any baked good better

Restaurant Week - Part Two:

Last week I posted my recap of my first Restaurant Week adventures, and now, even though it's been extended, below is my recap of the last two restaurants that I visited. Four restaurants in a week, that's more than enough for me!

Le Colonial - Grade: A -

Starter: Steamed Vietnamese ravioli with chicken, crimini mushrooms and rice noodles

Meal: Sauteed jumbo shrimp with asparagus with chili, garlic and spice

Dessert: Mango and raspberry sorbet

The restaurant had a lovely ambiance and decor. I'm not a huge fan of Vietnamese food but I would definitely go back...on a date :)

Coco Pazzo - Grade: B+

Starter: Calamari Fritti 

Meal: Spring chicken, grilled rapini, roasted potatoes

Dessert: Flourless chocolate cake with cappuccino ice cream

Overall, it was a great meal. I can see why Jennifer Aniston loves to go there when she's in Chicago. My only complaint was that our waitress did not know what she was doing, so asking for menu recommendations was like talking to a wall.

NYC here I come!

I am super excited because I'm going to NYC next weekend! I have a work event on Monday, but I'm flying out on Saturday to spend time in the Big Apple. I have no idea what I want to do, outside of taking pictures, hitting some cupcake haunts and, well, try not to look too much like a tourist. Oh, I do want to pick up some $5 faux pashmina's from street vendors though. Love them and it's a great, inexpensive way to add pop to an outfit.

Ashley, Maris and I are also working on putting together a little meet up so I can meet some awesome NYC bloggers. If you're free and you fall under this category, let me know!

How was everyone else's weekend? Seriously spring cannot get here fast enough.

Tidbit Thursday

I'm going with bullets today because my ADD has been a little worse than usual this week and I cannot wait for the weekend (as always.) So let's see what is swimming around in my brain right now.

• Inauguration talk: It's official. We have a new president and I am loving Michelle Obama's style. Lemongrass with green gloves isn't my kind of look, but she is fabulous and I can't wait to see what she wears next

• I'm also finding the Obama girls beyond adorable too. And wearing J.Crew? Even better. I love J.Crew too and the fact that they are sensible about where they shop makes me like them more

• What is up with men wearing sunglasses indoors at night. Let's pause to enjoy the Corey Hart 80s song reference. Why do guys think this is cool? Even with the half tinted shades, it can border on d-bagness if done wrong. Tip: it doesn't make you cooler!

• I'm having trouble losing the weight I put on over the holidays. I know it won't fall off overnight but the fact that it's not going away is taking a toll on my self-esteem

• Lately my gym has been a scene of unique characters, including women with dark, unshaved armpits, lots of boob action and guys flexing in front of women working out. I shouldn't be surprised given that I am a freak magnet

• My buddy Megan sent me a link to a site with "fashion slips" (as in slips for clothing.) I think these are adorable and I totally want the one with ostrich feathers and rhinestones. Allows me to channel my inner Carrie Bradshaw

• I love the Office. I will always love it, but lately, I've been a little disappointed. I still love Jim, Pam, Dwight and Kelly, but the writing hasn't been that great this season and I feel a little let down. But then I see a picture like this and it gets me through :) (I love you!)

• Ashley and Rebekah shared an article from Spike.com about "The 7 Best Butterbodies." I could go on for hours about why this is offensive and how wrong this a**hole guy is about these women, but I don't want to give him any more recognition than I have by mentioning the article. So I'll just give him the middle finger and remind him to call his mom to tell her what he wants for dinner tonight

• I don't care what anyone says. Aretha's bow is bad a** and being the diva she is, she should rock a hat like this. You go girl

Alrighty, well those are my bullets for Thursday. Little on the random side but that's what's bouncing around in my noggin right now. Feel free to also share other random tidbits of what's on your mind too.

Big weekend plans for anyone out there? My brother and sister-in-law are coming in town for a visit, which means I have to plan a weekend full of Chicago activities. This should be interesting!

Update on my 15 things before 30 list

Shortly after my August birthday, I made a list of 15 things that I wanted to do in the next year, before I turned 30. I called it my "twentysomething bucket list."

It's been about two months since I posted the list, so let's check in with how I'm doing. I could use some help prioritizing things too so please weigh in with what I should focus on next.

(All items that I've completed or have updates on are in bold)

My list:

• Make some amends with my mom

• Wear a bikini in public

• Go out on at least two dates

• Make out with at least three guys

• Volunteer - Obama campaign

• Take at least 2 yoga and Pilates classes each

• Do something totally selfless

• Take a disco dancing class

• Give $100 to charity - see picture below

• Take cooking lessons

• Make a gourmet meal for my closest friends

• Run a 5k - training starts in December, planning to run in the "Race to Wrigley" in April 2009

• Go to at least 12 new restaurants (no duplicates) - 4 so far (Counter, Mity Nice, Vinci, Wakomono)

• Read 10 books - 3 completed so far (Nineteen Minutes, Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse -in progress)

• Go skinny dipping

Hmm so the updates for two months in aren't too bad. I do need to pick up my reading and of course the dating/making out items. Those are a continual work in progress, yet more difficult than I anticipated.

For my charitable donation, I picked a cause that is very close to my heart, breast cancer. My mom's mother passed away from breast cancer in the 60s so I always do what I can to support the Susan G. Komen Foundation and celebrate National Breast Cancer Awareness month.

This year, my colleague Leah was one of three staff members participating in the Breast Cancer 3-Day walk in Atlanta, where she walked an amazing 60 miles in three days. Her hard work and dedication prompted me to donate $100 to this worthy cause. Below is a picture of our "check

 presentation." Great job Leah!

Quick notes: volunteering for the Obama campaign was an amazing experience. I learned so much from it and met some amazing people. I went once, thinking I wouldn't go back and I did every week for over five weeks, plus two weekends. I highly recommend volunteering.

Plus, does anyone know where I can take disco lessons in Chicago? I've been looking online but I can't find any! I had no idea it would be this difficult.

Any tips or preferred things that I should focus on during the upcoming winter months?

And seriously, TGIF. I cannot wait for this week to be over and have a nice, relaxing weekend. Any big weekend plans for everyone? 

Next weekend, I'm in Madison for the Badger game, but given our season, we're there more to "have fun," if you know what I mean. 

Any movies you recommend that I should check out?

Key learnings and I'm in the paper!

Good lord I cannot believe it's already November. And the weather for this big election week is supposed to be mild in Chicago too. I'm not complaining but the weather is messing with my head because I don't know how to dress on a daily basis. I'm either too warm or cold, as if I'm having a pre-menopausal hot flash or I'm shivering. Help a girl out!

Anyhow, here are my key learnings from this Halloween weekend, boo!

Key Learnings:

• It's perfectly normal to grab a random golf club in your defense when your apartment is randomly buzzed at 3 a.m., rousing you from a strong sleep

• Watching middle-aged adults, dressed as mice, do cheerleading pyramids is very entertaining

• Just because you can wear a slutty cop outfit on Halloween, doesn't mean you should, or at least stuff your bra ahead of time

• No matter how full you are, there is always room for candy

• Having nearly zero water pressure in your shower can make you exceedingly pissy

• It's mildly embarrassing to have your credit card declined because it is expired, seriously, check that before you leave the house

• After you've been friends with someone for several years, it's inevitable that you will start dressing a like (twinsies!)

• There is nothing better than the feeling of accomplishing something new all on your own, or with you dad on speaker phone to guide you with the pliers

• Everyone looks more attractive in mood lighting, even your girlfriends

• Heterosexual girl crushes are totally acceptable and are not creepy. But they're kind of fun 

• Working out is a great way to relax, but not when it's 80 degrees in the gym and you feel like you might pass out

• When a guy is making flirtatious conversation with you on the bus, while looking down at you and eating Corn Nuts, that is not attractive

My print appearance

As some of you may have seen or read about on Twitter last week, two of my tweets were featured in Thursday's local RedEye edition. For those of you outside of Chicago, the RedEye is like a "lite" version of the Chicago Tribune. It's the Miller Lite to the the Tribune's MGD status. The paper recently joined Twitter and it asks local followers to submit tweets to them on various topics. 

And after several unsuccessful tries, two of mine were featured in the paper on the same day! Below are some pictures of my super awesome achievement! And because I didn't pick up this specific edition last week, my co-workers were sweet and ran to my desk to tell me the news and then call me "famous" all day. I love these ladies.

So now that you've seen how witty I can be, join the club and follow me on Twitter (in case you don't already). I promise to be as charming in tweet as I am on here. Isn't that reason enough to follow me?

Check me out: @bayjb

How was everyone else's holiday weekend? Several people copied my costume - dressing as a young professional woman on casual Friday. 

The parties in my neighborhood were insane on Friday night, people were out all over the streets. The best costume I saw was a box on animal crackers. Very well done, but not easy to watch her walk in.

Little white lies

Sometimes I say things that I don't really mean. I wouldn't say that I'm a liar, but maybe just a little white liar/fibber.

I never intentionally say cruel things (contrary to popular belief), but sometimes I do lie to myself a little bit. I will verbally say things that I have honorable intentions of doing but then never actually do them.

I do this a lot because I believe in my scattered head that if I say these things out loud enough, I'll actually do it, but that never seems to happen.

For example, here are a list of lies I've said to myself recently and my inner monologue toward each:

• Start going to the gym more (shut up no you're not. You're there four days a week, do you think you'll actually get off your a** and go? No I didn't think so, but we'll go walk outside)


• Cut back on the amount of beer I drink (FAIL, whatever, we'll switch to wine then)


• Call my grandparents more (Yes please let's call them more so grandma can tell us you're too fat or skinny and that you'll die alone. Super)


• Be nicer to rude customer service people (I don't think Rage Girl will like this - wait she might be getting angry already)


• Get up earlier (why not? I already can't sleep in so I may as well catch up on morning TV. At least on Saturday there is a 90210 marathon on SoapNet)


• Lose 10 more pounds (Ah sure we can do this as soon as you lay off the candy. I know it calls to us)


• Re-organize my closet and keep it organized (We'll try, but no guarantees)

So while I have good intentions to actually do them, according to my brain, some are going to be easier to achieve than others. I think my brain will win on this too.

Backtracking a little bit, on occasion, I will lie to my friends, but I do it because I love them and want to help them. For example, when friends are upset and they are looking for advice or comfort, I will say things that are genuine, but not always 100 percent true. I'm being supportive of them and telling them what they want to hear to feel better, rather than being honest and possibly causing a fight. 

Sadly, I've been in this situation a lot in the past and when I tried to be honest...it didn't end well and it damaged a lot of friendships. When you're really upset about something, you don't want someone judging you or making you feel worse, you just want someone to hold you and tell you it will all be okay. And that's...okay.

Before I move on, I do want to say that there are certain situations in which you should be a brutally honest friend, but sometimes, it's just not worth the fight. And if the tables were turned, I'd rather have my friends lie to me. I really don't think there is anything wrong with that either.

So maybe I am a liar, but sometimes the truth is a little tougher to take. And as long as I don't lose my grip on reality, sometimes lying to others and to yourself is the best option.

I fear asking, but am I the only one who says things like this that they don't 100 percent mean?

Reader note: Thank you so much everyone for your great comments on yesterday's lunchtime habits! I'm so glad to hear that there are other PB&J fans and that I'm not the only one who "brown bags" it every day. I cannot wait for treat day Friday too.

Recent irritating scenes from the gym

There are many things that irritate me at the gym, such as people cuddling and being overly supportive while I'm trying to pump some iron so I can go home. But recently there have been two incidents at the gym that I felt compelled to share with everyone. One provided me with another reminder of why I choose to work out alone.

Scene One: At the free weights, me doing a "casual flex" while a guy is giving his girlfriend "pointers" on working out, all while looking like he can't wait to be on his own.

Boyfriend: God what is wrong with you?

Girlfriend: These [the weights] are heavy

Boyfriend: Are you serious? They're like 10 pounds, quit your whining

Girlfriend: Am I doing this right?

Boyfriend: Probably not, try harder, use your arms to lift the weight

Later.....

Boyfriend: Move your leg back to do the lunge

Girlfriend: Here? (Moves her leg back about an inch)

Boyfriend: No, here

Girlfriend: Here? (Moves her leg back a little more)

Boyfriend: NO, WHY AREN'T YOU LISTENING?

Girlfriend: I don't know if I can go any further back

Boyfriend: You are such a wuss, gosh, just try for once. You can't do anything right

I couldn't stand to listen to the rest of it but I can imagine it went on like that for a while. I like a strong guy, but not one who is going to put me down. That's why you pay for a trainer to help you get in shape and hopefully not verbally abuse you.

Scene Two: The cardio floor, me in the midst of a serious elliptical routine, reading the Redeye and watching the news when my thoughts are interrupted by...

Moron: Dude, hey how are you? (I look over and see he's talking very loudly to no one)

Me: Who are you talking to?

Moron: Hey yeah I know, yeah I'm working out right now (Still can't see anyone he could be conversing with)

Me: Hey there's no one there, everything okay?

Moron: Dude I went to New York this weekend and totally hit it with this girl *laughs* Yeah it was fun

(At this point I notice the iPhone strapped his arm and groan)

Moron: What was that? Yeah I'm at the gym working out. Doing cardio, yeah feelin' the burn. Yeah I slept with some girl in New York, ha ha yeah we won't tell Ashley, totally, hot hot hot.

The conversation about him and his weekend conquest went on for a while and I had to cut my routine a little short before it became too graphic. Ironically, later I saw him and a girl, who I'm going to assume is Ashley, snuggling while walking out of the gym. I've seen this guy near the cardio machines a couple of times now and I'm always treated to hear his iPhone conversation.

The iPhone is cool but is a total pain in the a** at the gym. Just listen to your music and don't carry on a conversation in "outdoor voices" while some of us are trying to work out. This also extends to the morning bus commute with a Bluetooth headset too. Indoor voices people, or at least make your conversation public-friendly. I don't need to know that much about you.

Well the Emmy's are Sunday and Anne has a bottle of wine with my name on it. Big post coming Monday so be sure to check back. What is everyone else up to this weekend?

What to do when you see a co-worker naked at the gym

First - don't panic

Second - only make eye contact...no matter what

I go to a gym near my office, where I'm fortunate enough to have a corporate discount. So from time-to-time, I go into the gym after work and without paying attention, walk into a row of lockers and I'm greeted with the sight of a woman I work with who is buck naked getting ready to work out.

Now it would be rude to gasp and walk away so if I've committed to the row of lockers with my naked co-worker, I tend to offer a smile (so it's not awkward) and do not engage in conversation. Sometimes, if I know the person well, we'll engage in small talk while keeping our backs to one another (like in gym class), otherwise we do not acknowledge each other at all and play dumb.

Of course it's a little odd the next day, when I run into them in the lobby while getting water or in the kitchen because I can't help but think, "huh, I saw her naked yesterday, " and then go on with my day. As I said, this doesn't happen often, but when it does, it's always an interesting experience.

Is there something in the water?

So the verbal feedback that I received on the "overheard at the gym" blog post was pretty funny. Those who mentioned it to me said it was hilar-ious and some even asked if I've heard anything else from the gym gossip ladies. Sadly, the answer is no, but I will keep you posted since many of you asked!

Now that I'm back at the gym regularly, I've noticed that a lot of the post-work crowd appear to be in heat. I guess being prompted for a PC Load Letter and arguing with vendors gets them hot and bothered. First it was the conversation I overheard earlier this week and tonight a young couple was cuddling on the weight-training floor (interesting choice to nuzzle) and the girl actually helped her male friend "adjust" himself. In front of everyone. I could not believe it and looked away in horror. Both seemed sheepish about it afterward, which they should, and the girl left but that is an image burned into my head, that I wish, pray will go away. *shudder*

That is my side of the seat
Traveling on the CTA is always challenging in winter with the combination of bags, heavy coat, etc. Recently, I've had a few "encounters" on the bus where people I sit next to exceed their allotted seat space. This irritates me beyond belief because when the bus is packed, especially in the morning, the last thing you want to feel like is a caged, trapped animal between a woman who is "festively plump" and a guy with a ton of bags on his lap, which are now partially in yours.

I even had a man once force me to sit in a small seat with two pillows from Pottery Barn and two bags on my lap so he and his loser friend could talk about the latest Dungeons & Dragons level they reached. Personally, I was amazed these guys knew how to talk to a live woman without offering their credit card to her, but the fact that they have ventured outside of their mother's basement is exciting enough for them. I wouldn't want to them to achieve all of their life goals in one day. That's no fun.

So my note to all CTA riders reading this is: be mindful of the people you're sitting next to. Acknowledging that you might be exceeding your space with a "sorry" or attempt to move your stuff really is appreciated it. We'll get through this...together.

Overheard at the gym

So in my first trip back to the gym in a week, I overheard j-u-i-c-y girl talk in the row of locker's next to me.

Before we get going, I'll give you a list of tonight's cast of characters:
-- Judgemental girl: main speaker

-- Passive aggressive girl: offers shallow support and chimes in on occasion

-- "Uh huh" girl: doesn't say anything but "uh huh" to comments to Judgemental girl. She might venture out to say " no way," or "really?" as well

My editorial comments are in bold below.

Scene:
Women's gym locker room

Summary:
Judgemental girl's friend (who is not present) is dating a guy that "she really likes" but has some communication issues with. Don't we all! Apparently while "hooking up" this weekend, the guy informed her that he didn't like to or want to wear a condom. This comment chilled the romantic mood between them and they proceeded to argue about why using a condom is important, which he turned into an argument about her "not trusting him." You're right, it is a trust issue, actually it's more of I don't want herpes issue. So Passive aggressive girl and "Uh huh" girl are providing background comments of, "really? no way," and "wow I cannot believe that," as Judgemental girl continues on with her story and I meanwhile slow down in dressing for the gym to listen more.

Now, as Judgemental girl continues her conversation, several more women in the locker room have stopped to listen, under the guise of tying their shoes in a prolonged manner. Judgemental girl continues to say that her friend basically was given the choice of: sex without a condom or no sex at all. I'll give you a guess as to what her choice is....and sadly it was the former. Come on honey, don't give in, it's can't be that good. And now Judgemental girl says her friend did not take a morning-after pill and was not on the pill herself and fears now that she might be pregnant. Awesome and well done at being prepared and strong. With a laugh, I finally finished tying my shoes (after three "unsuccessful" attempts) and headed up to the elliptical trainer.

Some of these girls just crack me up and they reminds me why I would rather go without than with the fear of an unwanted pregnancy.

Matchmaker, product review and gym follow up

Today I was nearly set up by my renter’s insurance agent. I don’t know if it’s a sign that this guy could be my soulmate or if I have become more pathetic and desperate than I thought. My stepmom has been trying to marry me off for years and now my insurance agent not only renewed my policy, but tried to offer me a date as a signing bonus. The question is, will that lower my premium?

While discussing my policy and a claim that I might have to file, she inquired about my age and location. I told her my age (which I won’t repeat here) and that I live in Chicago, and she immediately commented that her nephew, who works for Levy Restaurants, also is my age and works in Chicago. After an awkward pause she said, “he’s single too!” I laughed it off but then, my single-woman mind snapped and said to itself, hey maybe he wants to get a coffee?! The fact that my mind went there, shows that I’ve moved to Mach 2 on the desperation level. It has to be the holiday that does this to me and the inevitable parade of flowers that will come through my office in 48 hours. The thought of that parade makes me want to get a bottle of Chardonnay, cigarette and sing drunkingly along to “Love Stinks,” while giving happy, in love couples the finger.

I enjoy being single and find no shame in it, but I won’t lie, this time of year is tough. Fortunately my default Valentine, a.k.a. dad, will acknowledge me somehow. And that’s better than nothing. I might even have to treat myself to this adorable scarf to match the black outfit I will wear on Thursday to show that I don’t “care” that I won’t get flowers and a loving note from a boyfriend and that I might really be dead inside.

Check this out:
Today I stumbled upon a hilarious funny blog from striking WGA writer, Ken Levine. I recommend checking out the list of thing he'll miss from the strike, including "incessent honking," which he felt was like "driving in Mexico City." There are also funny bits from his recent trip to visit his daughter at Northwestern and the snow that blanketed Chicago.

Burt's Bees Lip Balm review:
I have been a Chapstick-loyal consumer for years. The sweet smell of strawberry Chapstick was always, always with me, in pocket, purse or clutch. But an old article in the RedEye commented that Chapstick loyalists, like me, should try the Burt's Bees lip balm, calling it a more "mature" and "adult" choice.

I never associated Chapstick itself with "youth," but I figured, what the heck. So today was Burt's Bees balms' inaugural run on my lips and so far I feel mixed. The packaging calls it "Soothing. Cooling. Refreshing" and it definitely lives up to that, but my lips just don’t feel so…moisturized. My lips have a tingly, cool feeling, but I would not go so far to call it "refreshing" just yet. Perhaps in summer, when it's hot outside (compared to now), I'll feel more "refreshed" when using it, but for now, they haven’t been voted off Lip Balm Island.

Gym follow up:
I forgot to mention in yesterday's post about gym personalities the "high self-esteem" girl or guy at the gym. This is the person who wears inappropriately small amounts of gym clothes and should not do so. This could be because the clothes don't fit or support his/her body type, etc. A colleague of mine frequently comments about this personality at our gym because she is subjected to seeing a "high self esteem" girl at the gym at 7 a.m. "rocking" the elliptical with her butt cheeks hanging out. No one wants to see that at 7 a.m., or even at 5:30 p.m. when I get there.


My motto: high self esteem is a great thing, but sometimes you need to just be realistic. There is a difference between those things.

Gym observations and Reader question

I've been a loyal gym member in Chicago for about 2.5 years and it seems like every time I go, I see something new that intrigues me.

On a daily basis, I see one or more of the following "gym types," which usually cause me some form of amusement:

-- "Cutie" - dresses in matchy, matchy outfits that barely have seen a sweat. Spends more time primping in front of the mirror to make sure her workout waist band lays perfectly over her toned stomach.

-- "Sniffer" - works out 2 times a day, listens to very loud techno music that everyone can hear out of his headphones and who makes a loud "sniffing" noise when he's done with a set or rep

-- "Man Child" - older guy who dresses like he's 20 and says "dude" a lot in his sentences. Usually enjoys bragging about his job and "connections."

-- "Hogger" - hogs multiple machines at the gym at one time and will not let you work in, even though that is simple gym common courtesy

Recently, I've started noticing while changing clothes before and after the gym how many women work out without underwear on. Call me a prude, but ew. I cannot even imagine how uncomfortable that would be, especially running the risk of chaffing while on the elliptical or the track or just how unsanitary it is! And what about your posture while working out on some of the machines? I use a machine that puts my knees at a 90 degree angle, so surely without underwear on, you have more to potentially expose. I do not understand this, but come on ladies, even granny underwear has be a little more comfortable than nothing. And there's no judgment in the ladies locker room, trust me!

Reader question:
While in Miami, some dinner guests and I joked about "signing bonuses," particularly of the extravagant kind. After some thought, we all went around and talked about the kind of extravagant of signing bonus we would like...and honestly, I was not surprised by some of the answers I heard.

My answer: Chanel, quilted bag *sighs dreamily*

What you about you, my blog readers? If you could pick one thing, anything, that would be given to you as a signing bonus at a job, what would it be? I'm curious :)

Don't be a 135 hater, be a gym quitter instead

So yesterday while riding on the 135 to work, we encountered an unusually disgruntled woman around the Belmont stop. I'll set the scene for you: it's about 8:20 a.m., the bus is jammed as always and people are starting to get finicky because it's the realization that we will all not be in to work on time today...again. So we stop at Belmont and per usual the driver asks us to move back, but we can't because there is no room (where would you like us to go honey?). So we move through the Belmont stop and onto the LSD on ramp, where we slow down because of all the traffic merging at that light.

So while we're waiting, a woman runs up the bus out of no where (for those who don't know, there is not a stop near the on-ramp) and begins knocking on the bus to see if she can get on. I shake my head at her through the window because it's not going to happen and I know that, and she continues to bang on the bus harder, thinking this will just cause the driver to get annoyed and stop to let her on. But fortunately my bus driver did not, she shook her head and continued on to LSD, which caused the woman to begin screaming obscenities and give the woman her stubby middle finger, which was covered by a black glove. I couldn't help but laugh at this because I have also chased a bus at a non-stop, hoping they would let me on and I have been denied (although I never reacted that way).

But somehow, hearing this woman scream "f*ck you, f*ck you," while giving her the finger was just too amusing and I laughed, before having a flashback to the woman who nearly kicked my ass this summer near the CVS on Broadway, who shouted the same thing to me and gave me the finger as well.

Also - These post-New Years exercise fanatics need to stop going to the gym. I know they'll start dropping more at the end of the month, but I'm ready for that to happen now! Last night they totally ruined my workout because I could not get on a machine! And the gym doesn't have "courtesy times" established for peak hours. Not cool. Just face it post-New Years workout people, you're going to fail at this resolution and quit going to the gym so stop being selfish and ruining this for the rest of us. You're a quitter and that's okay, no one judges you, but just own up to it and give me my f*cking elliptical machine when I arrive to the gym!

Thank you.

Happy New Year!

So it's 2008 - and from my very hazy, wine-induced memory of New Year's Eve, it seemed to sneak up on me, slap me across the face and then fade away again. Mental note yet again about over consuming wine at parties. No good comes from it.

On the freak front, I have been fortunate lately on vacation to be leered at by old men, especially at the gym. I won't lie, it's flattering since it reinforces that someone is looking ;) But it's still creepy, no doubt. I was also fortunate to have a homeless man in front of Water Tower's bus stop laugh uncontrollably at me and cars going by, getting dangerously close to traffic and then coming back to the curb. I was almost curious to find out what was so funny , but then I realized that I really didn't want to know or engage in conversation.

In another surprising development, I was asked to be a bridesmaid in my brother's May wedding. Trust me, I was just ask shocked as those who know the entire story. Looks like I will be trading in a black Ann Taylor dress for a Badger-red one. Time to get to the gym and start tanning!!

It's almost here!

Ho, ho, ho! So tomorrow is Christmas Eve and in true family tradition, this year's potent cocktail is one shot of simmering resentment, one shot of anal-retentive holiday planning with a splash of "when can I go back to Chicago?" Seriously though, I'm kidding...partially. I give it until Tuesday evening when the drink will explode.

So the weather here sucks...much like the Packers/Bears game did today too. Nice 40 mph winds mixed with light snow, which makes it snow horizontally, which is always a treat too. So far so good on the homestead. Today, dad and I went to the local gym, where apparently they only hire unhelpful, unmotivated tools? Who knew!? My doctor will not be happy that I engaged in aerobic activity, but between being inactive for two weeks, along with holiday eating, trust me, I'll take my chances. Fortunately, I felt great after - no chest pain, unfortunately, the elliptical machine smacked me around like a red-headed stepchild (actually I'm a brown-haired stepchild).

Back to the gym tomorrow before it's time to get ready for family togetherness and church. I was a good elf and wrapped all my gifts last night - and I have to say - yay to me for the lovely wrapping job. Liz would be so proud of me and my corners!

Happy Holidays everyone, more to come in a day or two, when I'm sure there will be more juiciness to share!