I'm hungry for a life lesson.
A big one.
My boss has been out of town for the past two weeks on vacation, leaving me her hectic workload on top of my already generally confusion. At first, I saw this as a great challenge, an opportunity for me to prove myself to her and the rest of my company.
But then I arrived on that first Monday, with my only reference point being a small list she had left me and my own brain. I panicked. I think I literally sat at my desk, silent, for a good ten minutes that morning before i even tackled my overflowing inbox. But shortly after, I realized I didn't have a choice. This was my responsibility, and hey, I'm sure my manager and co-workers will help push me, guide me and they'll definitely praise me.
The first week went by. No acknowledgement. No thank yous. Not even a check-in. My first thought? How could they possibly trust me with all this important work. Second? What am I doing all this work for if I won't even be recognized.
I was disappointed. Not only did I take on the challenge of doing my boss's job with minimal training and guidance, but I was doing what I thought was a fantastic job. I was building client relationships, getting the work done fast and getting it done well. And what did I have to show for it? Besides a checked-off to-do list, nothing.
But I didn't have a choice. I went into the second week with a more positive attitude. I was going to do the work for me and for me only, to have the satisfaction of knowing that I am just as capable as my boss to do this amount of work. And so I did.
That Monday, my boss's first day back after two weeks away, I went into work expecting very little. I was proud of what I had done and that was all that had mattered. But to my surprise, my boss not only praised what I had done as being a fantastic job at stepping up to the plate, but she brought me a scarf, specially picked out for me from Thailand. It was incredibly nice and thoughtful of her.
But all of a sudden, as much as I had wanted to hear those words of acknowledgement come from her mouth, I no longer needed them. I had proved to myself that I could do it, that I could do whatever was put in front of me. And I did.
So as much as praise from others is important and in many circumstances, necessary, that's not what got me through those two weeks. My own drive was my biggest motivation.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
I'm hungry for...
WHAT: A big dinner salad after a full weekend of holiday (over)eating.
HOW: I simply bought all of my favorite salad ingredients at the grocery store, including a delicious dressing that will last me weeks when kept in the refrigerator.
INGREDIENTS: Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, black olives, goat cheese, your favorite salad dressing and (oddly enough) a Morningstar Chick Patty, chopped and tossed into the salad to add protein and texture
WHY: I needed something healthy, but I didn't want to skimp on the flavor. The best way I've found to do this is to loud up on the fresh and healthy veggies and not hold back on whatever dressing you love. Not necessarily the fattiest, creamiest dressing in the grocery store, but something that will leave you satisfied with your meal.
TIP: Buy frozen corn and heat in a saute pan with just a spray of Pam. The corn will get a nice char flavor and color this way, and you can eat it year round, even out of season.
HOW: I simply bought all of my favorite salad ingredients at the grocery store, including a delicious dressing that will last me weeks when kept in the refrigerator.
INGREDIENTS: Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, black olives, goat cheese, your favorite salad dressing and (oddly enough) a Morningstar Chick Patty, chopped and tossed into the salad to add protein and texture
WHY: I needed something healthy, but I didn't want to skimp on the flavor. The best way I've found to do this is to loud up on the fresh and healthy veggies and not hold back on whatever dressing you love. Not necessarily the fattiest, creamiest dressing in the grocery store, but something that will leave you satisfied with your meal.
TIP: Buy frozen corn and heat in a saute pan with just a spray of Pam. The corn will get a nice char flavor and color this way, and you can eat it year round, even out of season.
Some are silver and the others gold.
I'm hungry for nostalgia.
A good friend of mine from abroad had a scary thing happen to her and her family this past week. Her cousin, and her dear best friend, was left unconscious in a hospital in Israel after a scare with pneumonia. Back in America, my friend was left helpless and scared for her cousin, not knowing what her future would hold. Luckily, the cousin woke up and is currently recovering in the ICU of the Israeli hospital.
When I found out, I didn't hesitate for a second before contacting my friend. We've talked on and off for the past (almost) two years since we've been home from our abroad experience in London, but nothing too intense or serious that would warrant her confiding in me during a family emergency. But she did. Something about the connection that we made during our four months abroad stuck with both of us, even after not seeing each other for a year and a half.
When I got home from my studies, I knew somewhere inside of me that the magical friendships I had created throughout my abroad experience wouldn't last forever. And in some ways, this was true. We became instantly close, my friend and I, because we were in close quarters and, frankly, we were all each other had. That closeness couldn't last forever in a long distance friendship.
But it wasn't until recently and during this traumatic event that I realized just how good of a friend she is to me, how important she is. There are different types of friends: those who you've known your whole life, those who you've known for a shorter period but are your absolute best confidantes, and then those who are long distance, who you only talk to every so often.
But they're all friends, no matter when they came into your life or how long they stayed. My friend from London may not be my every day contact, but she is my friend, a very important friend, one that I cherish deeply. She's the friend that I go to so that I can reminisce about my time abroad, to escape my every day life, to get lost in memories that are simply things of the past. In some ways, she's the most special type of friend I have.
The saying goes 'make new friends but keep the old' and normally I would say, 'Who needs to make new friends?' But now, I'm happy to have them all.
A good friend of mine from abroad had a scary thing happen to her and her family this past week. Her cousin, and her dear best friend, was left unconscious in a hospital in Israel after a scare with pneumonia. Back in America, my friend was left helpless and scared for her cousin, not knowing what her future would hold. Luckily, the cousin woke up and is currently recovering in the ICU of the Israeli hospital.
When I found out, I didn't hesitate for a second before contacting my friend. We've talked on and off for the past (almost) two years since we've been home from our abroad experience in London, but nothing too intense or serious that would warrant her confiding in me during a family emergency. But she did. Something about the connection that we made during our four months abroad stuck with both of us, even after not seeing each other for a year and a half.
When I got home from my studies, I knew somewhere inside of me that the magical friendships I had created throughout my abroad experience wouldn't last forever. And in some ways, this was true. We became instantly close, my friend and I, because we were in close quarters and, frankly, we were all each other had. That closeness couldn't last forever in a long distance friendship.
But it wasn't until recently and during this traumatic event that I realized just how good of a friend she is to me, how important she is. There are different types of friends: those who you've known your whole life, those who you've known for a shorter period but are your absolute best confidantes, and then those who are long distance, who you only talk to every so often.
But they're all friends, no matter when they came into your life or how long they stayed. My friend from London may not be my every day contact, but she is my friend, a very important friend, one that I cherish deeply. She's the friend that I go to so that I can reminisce about my time abroad, to escape my every day life, to get lost in memories that are simply things of the past. In some ways, she's the most special type of friend I have.
The saying goes 'make new friends but keep the old' and normally I would say, 'Who needs to make new friends?' But now, I'm happy to have them all.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving
I am hungry for turkey.
And cranberries and stuffing and sweet potatoes and veggie casserole. And anything else that might be thrown onto the Thanksgiving buffet last minute. Literally, anything.
Thanksgiving is a huge holiday in my family. My mom and dad's side of the family, and then all of their relatives, all get together for holiday dinner, football, catching up and relaxing. We have a massive amount of food because, after all, there are more than 30 of us that end up gathering around the table. We eat, chat, and then fall into our yearly food comas around the TV.
This is the first year that I've really been thankful for my family. Yes, obviously every year I am thankful for them, for having them, being able to be a part of such an amazing group. But sitting, looking around at everyone, catching up with cousins that have moved away but came back for this dinner, it made me really appreciate everyone.
I was reminded of all good childhood memories. There are 13 cousins in all, and growing up, we were extremely close. We all eventually got older, got our own individual (and very different) personalities and naturally grew apart. But growing apart doesn't have to mean taking each other for granted. I am so lucky to have so much family that lives near me here in Chicago, family that I can rely on and call on when I need or want. Those same cousins that I used to play Barbies with or share birthday parties with can be the same cousins that become my confidantes as adults. Not for everything, but for family, I can always find something.
Thanksgiving truly is about family, and if at no other time, I am happy that I remembered that this holiday season.
And cranberries and stuffing and sweet potatoes and veggie casserole. And anything else that might be thrown onto the Thanksgiving buffet last minute. Literally, anything.
Thanksgiving is a huge holiday in my family. My mom and dad's side of the family, and then all of their relatives, all get together for holiday dinner, football, catching up and relaxing. We have a massive amount of food because, after all, there are more than 30 of us that end up gathering around the table. We eat, chat, and then fall into our yearly food comas around the TV.
This is the first year that I've really been thankful for my family. Yes, obviously every year I am thankful for them, for having them, being able to be a part of such an amazing group. But sitting, looking around at everyone, catching up with cousins that have moved away but came back for this dinner, it made me really appreciate everyone.
I was reminded of all good childhood memories. There are 13 cousins in all, and growing up, we were extremely close. We all eventually got older, got our own individual (and very different) personalities and naturally grew apart. But growing apart doesn't have to mean taking each other for granted. I am so lucky to have so much family that lives near me here in Chicago, family that I can rely on and call on when I need or want. Those same cousins that I used to play Barbies with or share birthday parties with can be the same cousins that become my confidantes as adults. Not for everything, but for family, I can always find something.
Thanksgiving truly is about family, and if at no other time, I am happy that I remembered that this holiday season.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
But seasons change and so will I.
I'm hungry for winter.
It's an interesting concept, wanting the cold weather to come when warm weather is always more comfortable. But there's a different type of comfort in the cool, crisp air that winter brings. Many people say that winter brings gloominess, sorrow, general cold things and ideas. But when I think of winter, I think of Christmas, the beautiful city completely illuminated with holiday lights, spices filling the air on the streets, warm sweaters and tea, fresh fallen snow.
It's my first winter living in the city, and although all of the things listed above have been experiences of mine before, I have experienced none of them as an independent adult. They are all things that when living downtown, alone, part of the real world, I think I'll be able to appreciate that much more. The little things during the cold months are what make them not as cold as they might normally be.
My dad said that I needed a heavy winter coat, so when I refused, he went out and bought me an Alaskan-appropriate down parka, perfect for those walks to the bus in the morning. But when I'm walking toward the bus on these first few crisp mornings, it's not the brisk weather I notice; it's the beautiful lake in front of me as I walk towards Lake Shore Drive. The beauty of the lake, of my own walk on my way to work, completely masks the unpleasantness of the temperature.
So some might say that winter is the worst season, unbearable during the really dark months. But I say, bring it on, Chicago. For my first, beautiful, Chicago winter, it can't come soon enough.
Hungry for...
CRAVING: Clam Dip
INGREDIENTS: Canned, chopped clams, Knorr's Vegetable Soup Mix and plan, 2% Greek yogurt
FROM: In college, you're always looking for a snack food, something to eat non-stop while positioned permanently in front of the TV. My friend, Rachel Dickstein, has a family recipe that would always satisfy any craving. The dip is super easy and although she usually uses sour cream, it's just as delicious with the lighter Greek yogurt.
WHY: It's easy and delicious, and you can make it in advance for all of those cravings throughout the week.
Needless to say, I made a whole tub of it on Sunday and my roommate and I have practically devoured it already...
INGREDIENTS: Canned, chopped clams, Knorr's Vegetable Soup Mix and plan, 2% Greek yogurt
FROM: In college, you're always looking for a snack food, something to eat non-stop while positioned permanently in front of the TV. My friend, Rachel Dickstein, has a family recipe that would always satisfy any craving. The dip is super easy and although she usually uses sour cream, it's just as delicious with the lighter Greek yogurt.
WHY: It's easy and delicious, and you can make it in advance for all of those cravings throughout the week.
Needless to say, I made a whole tub of it on Sunday and my roommate and I have practically devoured it already...
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Let's get cooking.
I'm hungry to cook.
Kind of ironic, right? I started this blog to vent about my life and motivate myself to exercise my culinary skills.
But I haven't been cooking. I love to cook. In college, when I had a bad day, I would come home and force my roommates to let me do all the cooking for that night, to let me make something really delicious. (A really hard life they lived, huh?)
For whatever reason, being in the kitchen relaxes me. It's my outlet from the rest of the world, to create something so delicious and amazing that whatever else happened that day suddenly becomes irrelevant.
And I have to start this up again. My new goal is to cook three dinners every week, to make sure that I not only use my beautiful new kitchen with stainless steel appliances, but that I cook to make myself happy. Because when I'm in the kitchen, I know that I'll be happy.
Kind of ironic, right? I started this blog to vent about my life and motivate myself to exercise my culinary skills.
But I haven't been cooking. I love to cook. In college, when I had a bad day, I would come home and force my roommates to let me do all the cooking for that night, to let me make something really delicious. (A really hard life they lived, huh?)
For whatever reason, being in the kitchen relaxes me. It's my outlet from the rest of the world, to create something so delicious and amazing that whatever else happened that day suddenly becomes irrelevant.
And I have to start this up again. My new goal is to cook three dinners every week, to make sure that I not only use my beautiful new kitchen with stainless steel appliances, but that I cook to make myself happy. Because when I'm in the kitchen, I know that I'll be happy.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Hungry for...
WHAT: Cafe Sushi
WHERE: Corner of Wells and Schiller, Old Town
WHY: It's a great, authentic sushi restaurant with an extensive menu and a BYOB policy. What could be better?
FAVORITE: For this, I have to include two. Obviously the shrimp tempura maki roll was fantastic, perfectly crisp and a hefty portion with eight pieces rather than the traditional six. But to add something out of the ordinary into the mix, the mushroom maki roll was fantastic, with rice and marinated shitake mushrooms.
TIP: Bring your own booze. Seriously. Everyone in the restaurant had their own bottle of wine and it goes so well with sushi.
WHERE: Corner of Wells and Schiller, Old Town
WHY: It's a great, authentic sushi restaurant with an extensive menu and a BYOB policy. What could be better?
FAVORITE: For this, I have to include two. Obviously the shrimp tempura maki roll was fantastic, perfectly crisp and a hefty portion with eight pieces rather than the traditional six. But to add something out of the ordinary into the mix, the mushroom maki roll was fantastic, with rice and marinated shitake mushrooms.
TIP: Bring your own booze. Seriously. Everyone in the restaurant had their own bottle of wine and it goes so well with sushi.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Hungry for...
WHAT: Feast
WHERE: Gold Coast location, Rush and Delaware
WHY: When Sara was in town, I wanted a fun, casual place for dinner where we could sit outside and catch up. In comes Feast, a trendy-casual restaurant in the Gold Coast with outdoor seating perfect for people watching. The menu is big enough to please everyone, with our table ordering salads, crab cakes, turkey burgers and pizzas. The prices and budget friendly, especially if you go for the appetizers that are really big enough to be entrees. Their wine list is delicious, too.
FAVORITE: The dip trio appetizer. It comes with three homemade dips: spinach and artichoke, roasted red pepper and walnut and hummus, with fresh-baked pita toasts on the side.
TIP: If you're in a rush but still want a delicious meal, head to their grocer right next door for a great selection of salads, sandwiches and snacks.
WHERE: Gold Coast location, Rush and Delaware
WHY: When Sara was in town, I wanted a fun, casual place for dinner where we could sit outside and catch up. In comes Feast, a trendy-casual restaurant in the Gold Coast with outdoor seating perfect for people watching. The menu is big enough to please everyone, with our table ordering salads, crab cakes, turkey burgers and pizzas. The prices and budget friendly, especially if you go for the appetizers that are really big enough to be entrees. Their wine list is delicious, too.
FAVORITE: The dip trio appetizer. It comes with three homemade dips: spinach and artichoke, roasted red pepper and walnut and hummus, with fresh-baked pita toasts on the side.
TIP: If you're in a rush but still want a delicious meal, head to their grocer right next door for a great selection of salads, sandwiches and snacks.
Oh, to be young.
I'm hungry for my youth.
I'm well aware that I haven't even reached my mid-twenties yet, but I have never felt so young and so old at the same time.
At work, I'm constantly fighting to defend myself because of my age and inexperience, trying to look older and appear more knowledgeable. My coworkers say that they're jealous of my youth, but they're not jealous of my inability to make decisions within the company or create my own hours. Those are luxuries for the 'old', keeping in mind no one I associate with in the office is over the age of 30. Feeling young is ridiculous, and some days, I wish I could fast forward to my middle aged years, the years of being in complete control of everything around me.
But then my friend Sara came to visit. She's one of my best friends and still a senior at the university I attended. After an interview, she stayed at my apartment, beyond excited to escape Champaign and have a night out in Chicago. All she said the entire night was how lucky I was, how amazing it is to be in Chicago, to be a real person, to have graduated. And as I was listening to her, all I was thinking was that I would give anything to have just a few days of no responsibility. Yes, her midterms and job hunt are both challenging, but they're nothing compared to a full-time job and real life. All I could tell her was that she should enjoy her time left in college, and that before she knew it, she would be contemplating doing laundry because $1.50 per washer doesn't factor into her weekly budget.
It's a constant back and forth. I want to be an adult, a "real person", if you will, but I also long to have my easy, care-free college days back. Not forever, just for a little while. I want to fast-forward, but what's the rush? No matter how much I wish I could change, I am where I am, right here, as a young but old twentysomething.
I'm well aware that I haven't even reached my mid-twenties yet, but I have never felt so young and so old at the same time.
At work, I'm constantly fighting to defend myself because of my age and inexperience, trying to look older and appear more knowledgeable. My coworkers say that they're jealous of my youth, but they're not jealous of my inability to make decisions within the company or create my own hours. Those are luxuries for the 'old', keeping in mind no one I associate with in the office is over the age of 30. Feeling young is ridiculous, and some days, I wish I could fast forward to my middle aged years, the years of being in complete control of everything around me.
But then my friend Sara came to visit. She's one of my best friends and still a senior at the university I attended. After an interview, she stayed at my apartment, beyond excited to escape Champaign and have a night out in Chicago. All she said the entire night was how lucky I was, how amazing it is to be in Chicago, to be a real person, to have graduated. And as I was listening to her, all I was thinking was that I would give anything to have just a few days of no responsibility. Yes, her midterms and job hunt are both challenging, but they're nothing compared to a full-time job and real life. All I could tell her was that she should enjoy her time left in college, and that before she knew it, she would be contemplating doing laundry because $1.50 per washer doesn't factor into her weekly budget.
It's a constant back and forth. I want to be an adult, a "real person", if you will, but I also long to have my easy, care-free college days back. Not forever, just for a little while. I want to fast-forward, but what's the rush? No matter how much I wish I could change, I am where I am, right here, as a young but old twentysomething.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Hungry for...
WHAT: Table 52
WHERE: Elm and Dearborn, Gold Coast
WHY: Weeks ago, I saw a profile of this restaurant on the Food Network, naming it the best fried chicken in the country. The chef and owner is Art Smith, Oprah's former personal chef turned celebrity. So, naturally, after I told my dad he insisted that we go immediately, if not sooner. And to make things even more convenient? The restaurant is nicely located just three short blocks from my new apartment downtown. The only thing that made the situation even better... was the unbelievable southern food.
FOOD: Naturally, everyone but my friend, Eve, ordered the fried chicken, and her choice was decided simply because she is a vegetarian. She got the smoked salmon pizza which was also very good. My dad took it upon himself to order some appetizers and sides for the table, so when all was said and done, we had ordered pretty much the entire menu. The shrimp and grits appetizer and the sweet potato side topped my favorites that night.
TIP: The fried chicken is only on the menu on Sundays and Mondays, so if that's why you're going like the rest of the world, make a reservation and make it early. They start serving dinner at 4:45 p.m. those nights, especially to accommodate the mass crowds that always show up.
WHERE: Elm and Dearborn, Gold Coast
WHY: Weeks ago, I saw a profile of this restaurant on the Food Network, naming it the best fried chicken in the country. The chef and owner is Art Smith, Oprah's former personal chef turned celebrity. So, naturally, after I told my dad he insisted that we go immediately, if not sooner. And to make things even more convenient? The restaurant is nicely located just three short blocks from my new apartment downtown. The only thing that made the situation even better... was the unbelievable southern food.
FOOD: Naturally, everyone but my friend, Eve, ordered the fried chicken, and her choice was decided simply because she is a vegetarian. She got the smoked salmon pizza which was also very good. My dad took it upon himself to order some appetizers and sides for the table, so when all was said and done, we had ordered pretty much the entire menu. The shrimp and grits appetizer and the sweet potato side topped my favorites that night.
TIP: The fried chicken is only on the menu on Sundays and Mondays, so if that's why you're going like the rest of the world, make a reservation and make it early. They start serving dinner at 4:45 p.m. those nights, especially to accommodate the mass crowds that always show up.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
The long and winding road... to Europe.
I'm hungry for the world.
I was looking through my old abroad photos and suddenly felt an urge. An urge to run to the airport and board any airplane, going anywhere across the Atlantic. I spent four fantastic months in London during my junior year at college, sightseeing there and then traveling to almost a dozen other European cities. But those four months were the shortest of my life, leaving me feeling as though I didn't see nearly enough.
So this is where the urge to travel comes in. Obviously I'm not at the point in my life where I can pick up and leave my job to travel with my non-existent money. But eventually, that's exactly what I want to do. I want to travel everywhere, to as many places as I can. Even the places I have already been to I want to revisit. And as is the theme with anything as exciting as this, I feel like I don't have enough time. I'm 22. Of course I have enough time. But I want to do it now.
My expectations are realistic. I know that there are too many places that I want to see all in one trip, but I can try my best. Below are the places I want to see or revisit next:
Italy, anywhere and everywhere
St. Petersburg, Russia
Athens, Greece
Thailand
Monaco and the South of France
London
Munich
South Africa
I'm well aware that the list is long. But hey, a girl can dream.
I was looking through my old abroad photos and suddenly felt an urge. An urge to run to the airport and board any airplane, going anywhere across the Atlantic. I spent four fantastic months in London during my junior year at college, sightseeing there and then traveling to almost a dozen other European cities. But those four months were the shortest of my life, leaving me feeling as though I didn't see nearly enough.
So this is where the urge to travel comes in. Obviously I'm not at the point in my life where I can pick up and leave my job to travel with my non-existent money. But eventually, that's exactly what I want to do. I want to travel everywhere, to as many places as I can. Even the places I have already been to I want to revisit. And as is the theme with anything as exciting as this, I feel like I don't have enough time. I'm 22. Of course I have enough time. But I want to do it now.
My expectations are realistic. I know that there are too many places that I want to see all in one trip, but I can try my best. Below are the places I want to see or revisit next:
Italy, anywhere and everywhere
St. Petersburg, Russia
Athens, Greece
Thailand
Monaco and the South of France
London
Munich
South Africa
I'm well aware that the list is long. But hey, a girl can dream.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Hungry for...
WHAT: Quartino
WHERE: Corner of State and Ontario
WHY: As one of our first real nights in the city, my friends wanted a fun place to eat that wasn't too expensive with great food and even better wine. I had been here before with my family and knew from experience that the food was delicious and very reasonably priced. The restaurant is always packed, so when we went at 8:30 for our reservation, we weren't surprised to enter a bustling, noisy dining room. The food was excellent, focusing on small, classic Italian dishes that come out as they're ready and are meant for sharing. I got an heirloom tomato salad and poached shrimp, all for just $9. And you get all the delicious, crusty bread you can eat with their imported olive oil for dipping.
FAVORITE: The sangria. We knew we wanted wine, but the fruity drink was hard to resist, especially at just $10 for an entire liter.
MUST: The pizzas. They're all delicious, especially the fresh zucchini pizza.
WHERE: Corner of State and Ontario
WHY: As one of our first real nights in the city, my friends wanted a fun place to eat that wasn't too expensive with great food and even better wine. I had been here before with my family and knew from experience that the food was delicious and very reasonably priced. The restaurant is always packed, so when we went at 8:30 for our reservation, we weren't surprised to enter a bustling, noisy dining room. The food was excellent, focusing on small, classic Italian dishes that come out as they're ready and are meant for sharing. I got an heirloom tomato salad and poached shrimp, all for just $9. And you get all the delicious, crusty bread you can eat with their imported olive oil for dipping.
FAVORITE: The sangria. We knew we wanted wine, but the fruity drink was hard to resist, especially at just $10 for an entire liter.
MUST: The pizzas. They're all delicious, especially the fresh zucchini pizza.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Does Law and Order not count as culture?
I'm hungry for activity.
When you move to a great city like Chicago, in the heart of the bustling, fun-filled mecca that is downtown, you can't help but want to explore anything and everything.
But I work full-time. And it's been raining. And I really like my couch. And Law and Order marathons. So what's a girl to do on a lazy Saturday that shouldn't be so lazy?
To start with, I went to the farmer's market on Division last weekend. In the rain, I might add. The trip was totally worth it, though, with an abundance of fruits and vegetables that can keep an apartment stocked for weeks. I came away with tomatoes, mushrooms, cucumbers and nectarines, all of which lasted me and my roommate, Eve over a week.
But this farmer's market was a mere two blocks from our apartment. It was a start, right? Sure. But I needed more.
So, last night I took my friend, Sam to the opening night of the Broadway play, Rock of Ages with my two complimentary press tickets, courtesy of Cheeky Chicago. The show was fantastic. Not only did it put me in a great mood for the rest of the night, but the outing reminded me why I wanted to move to the city in the first place. To live, to do exciting activities, to be a part of the active Chicago community.
Final step of the week? Join a gym. Although it may not be cultural, it is a great addition to my mental and physical health. And if nothing else, motivates me to leave my apartment due to the fees taken out of my bank account each month.
So, I've come to the conclusion that I need to take the city one step at a time. Next step: Quartino for dinner tomorrow night.
When you move to a great city like Chicago, in the heart of the bustling, fun-filled mecca that is downtown, you can't help but want to explore anything and everything.
But I work full-time. And it's been raining. And I really like my couch. And Law and Order marathons. So what's a girl to do on a lazy Saturday that shouldn't be so lazy?
To start with, I went to the farmer's market on Division last weekend. In the rain, I might add. The trip was totally worth it, though, with an abundance of fruits and vegetables that can keep an apartment stocked for weeks. I came away with tomatoes, mushrooms, cucumbers and nectarines, all of which lasted me and my roommate, Eve over a week.
But this farmer's market was a mere two blocks from our apartment. It was a start, right? Sure. But I needed more.
So, last night I took my friend, Sam to the opening night of the Broadway play, Rock of Ages with my two complimentary press tickets, courtesy of Cheeky Chicago. The show was fantastic. Not only did it put me in a great mood for the rest of the night, but the outing reminded me why I wanted to move to the city in the first place. To live, to do exciting activities, to be a part of the active Chicago community.
Final step of the week? Join a gym. Although it may not be cultural, it is a great addition to my mental and physical health. And if nothing else, motivates me to leave my apartment due to the fees taken out of my bank account each month.
So, I've come to the conclusion that I need to take the city one step at a time. Next step: Quartino for dinner tomorrow night.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Money doesn't always matter (that much).
I'm hungry to freelance.
After starting work, I realized that sometime in the nearest future possible, I want to be a writer. I've always known this on some level, that where my true passion lies is in writing, but stable careers and freelancing don't really fit into the same category.
But then again, it doesn't have to be my complete career. I've somehow managed to make time to have my full-time job and still freelance for a Chicago woman's magazine, Cheeky Chicago. I love both, but I also know that the writing for Cheeky is what makes me emotionally happy. Do they pay me to write sometimes two articles per week? No. But it's the personal fulfillment I get from writing for them that is what I value. The stability that I get from working at People is just as important, but in a different way. It makes me monetarily happy, which in some ways can be even more important.
So, by putting both jobs together, somehow I have managed to fulfill both my monetary and personal needs. And the fact that the writing I do is free rarely comes to mind because I love doing it just that much.
Would money be nice in exchange for freelancing sometime in the future? Absolutely. But for now, the happiness from writing is enough.
After starting work, I realized that sometime in the nearest future possible, I want to be a writer. I've always known this on some level, that where my true passion lies is in writing, but stable careers and freelancing don't really fit into the same category.
But then again, it doesn't have to be my complete career. I've somehow managed to make time to have my full-time job and still freelance for a Chicago woman's magazine, Cheeky Chicago. I love both, but I also know that the writing for Cheeky is what makes me emotionally happy. Do they pay me to write sometimes two articles per week? No. But it's the personal fulfillment I get from writing for them that is what I value. The stability that I get from working at People is just as important, but in a different way. It makes me monetarily happy, which in some ways can be even more important.
So, by putting both jobs together, somehow I have managed to fulfill both my monetary and personal needs. And the fact that the writing I do is free rarely comes to mind because I love doing it just that much.
Would money be nice in exchange for freelancing sometime in the future? Absolutely. But for now, the happiness from writing is enough.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Hungry for...
CRAVING: Salmon
WHERE: Fresh from our neighborhood Treasure Island grocery store
WHAT: To break in our gorgeous, new kitchen, my roommate Eve, our friend Alyssa and I decided to make a filling and healthy meal. The salmon is pan roasted with simple seasoning, then glazed with a balsamic reduction. We needed a side dish, so we made spinach with shallots and golden raisins, and for a carb, herb couscous. Basically, healthy, easy perfection on a plate.
TIP: To save time after a long day at work, buy instant couscous. Far East is a great brand and makes dozens of varieties that take just minutes to make.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Is this real life?
I'm hungry for structure.
Here I sit, in my brand new, gorgeous living room in my new apartment. I'm watching TV. I have dinner reservations with friends. Then later, we'll proceed to do the young city thing and go out. Everything seems to be perfect, all in order.
Then why can't I shake this totally weird feeling?
Don't get me wrong, this is exactly what I wanted and I couldn't be more excited that I'm finally here and settled in. But as is the case with every new situation, I find myself not knowing what to do during the days, how to fill my time. In college, if you weren't being social, you were writing papers or studying. But here, if you're not at work, you're free as a bird. This will eventually become something I'll cherish, but for right now, I keep asking myself, now what? Should I constantly be busy?
The answer to these questions is obviously fairly simple: enjoy the time. And I will. But for now, on this quiet Saturday afternoon, I'm saying something I never thought I would say: I can't wait for work on Monday.
Here I sit, in my brand new, gorgeous living room in my new apartment. I'm watching TV. I have dinner reservations with friends. Then later, we'll proceed to do the young city thing and go out. Everything seems to be perfect, all in order.
Then why can't I shake this totally weird feeling?
Don't get me wrong, this is exactly what I wanted and I couldn't be more excited that I'm finally here and settled in. But as is the case with every new situation, I find myself not knowing what to do during the days, how to fill my time. In college, if you weren't being social, you were writing papers or studying. But here, if you're not at work, you're free as a bird. This will eventually become something I'll cherish, but for right now, I keep asking myself, now what? Should I constantly be busy?
The answer to these questions is obviously fairly simple: enjoy the time. And I will. But for now, on this quiet Saturday afternoon, I'm saying something I never thought I would say: I can't wait for work on Monday.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
A sweet, family-filled new year.
I'm hungry for apples and honey.
Actually, I'm not such a huge fan of the traditional Rosh Hashanah combination, but figuratively, I'm hungry for the holiday food. I love all holidays, not just for the religious factor, but mostly because of the family gathering that inevitably takes place with all of my relatives. I'm fortunate enough to have an embarrassignly large extended family, and we all live within a few miles of each other. So tonight, like all other holidays, we are gathering at one house to celebrate the Jewish near year of Rosh Hashanah.
There's something about a religious, family gathering that is so special. I'm not particularly religious. In fact, I sit here writing this from my desk at work while other good Jews are observing in services for hours today. But I'm a firm believer in observing holidays how you see fit. It's the cultural value that is very important to me. Knowing that today is an important day in my religion's history makes me want to celebrate. To me personally, it's the culture that's important. Not necessarily the services, but the great opportunity to spend time with friends and family is what Rosh Hashanah, and really all other Jewish holidays, have always meant to me.
So, to the Jewish community and the rest of the world, happy new year, shana tovah.
Actually, I'm not such a huge fan of the traditional Rosh Hashanah combination, but figuratively, I'm hungry for the holiday food. I love all holidays, not just for the religious factor, but mostly because of the family gathering that inevitably takes place with all of my relatives. I'm fortunate enough to have an embarrassignly large extended family, and we all live within a few miles of each other. So tonight, like all other holidays, we are gathering at one house to celebrate the Jewish near year of Rosh Hashanah.
There's something about a religious, family gathering that is so special. I'm not particularly religious. In fact, I sit here writing this from my desk at work while other good Jews are observing in services for hours today. But I'm a firm believer in observing holidays how you see fit. It's the cultural value that is very important to me. Knowing that today is an important day in my religion's history makes me want to celebrate. To me personally, it's the culture that's important. Not necessarily the services, but the great opportunity to spend time with friends and family is what Rosh Hashanah, and really all other Jewish holidays, have always meant to me.
So, to the Jewish community and the rest of the world, happy new year, shana tovah.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Hungry for...
CRAVING: Prairie Grass
WHERE: Northbrook, Illinois, just north of Chicago
WHY: My family has been going here for dinner for years. The food is beyond excellent. It's been reviewed as some of the best food in the North Shore of Chicago year after year. The service is wonderful, the menu is the perfect size and I've never ordered something I didn't like. So, when we found out that they serve brunch, we made a reservation for the first Sunday they had available.
WHAT: Smoked salmon open face omelet with chive cream cheese, breakfast potatoes and toast with homemade jam. I don't know what about that could sound bad to anyone. It was unbelievable and a perfect amount of food. And though I didn't order it for myself, my brother got banana bread french toast stuffed with sweet cream cheese that was heavenly.
TIP: The restaurant grows a lot of it's own herbs and gets it's produce and protein locally. So, anything on the menu with those ingredients is sure to be fresh and delicious.
WHERE: Northbrook, Illinois, just north of Chicago
WHY: My family has been going here for dinner for years. The food is beyond excellent. It's been reviewed as some of the best food in the North Shore of Chicago year after year. The service is wonderful, the menu is the perfect size and I've never ordered something I didn't like. So, when we found out that they serve brunch, we made a reservation for the first Sunday they had available.
WHAT: Smoked salmon open face omelet with chive cream cheese, breakfast potatoes and toast with homemade jam. I don't know what about that could sound bad to anyone. It was unbelievable and a perfect amount of food. And though I didn't order it for myself, my brother got banana bread french toast stuffed with sweet cream cheese that was heavenly.
TIP: The restaurant grows a lot of it's own herbs and gets it's produce and protein locally. So, anything on the menu with those ingredients is sure to be fresh and delicious.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Movin' out.
I'm hungry to move.
Finally, it's September! And with this wonderful fall month comes my move-in date for my brand new condo in the Gold Coast. Of course, I have been working the past few days while my roommate and friend of 15 years, Eve has been readying our new place for my arrival on Saturday.
To be honest, I'm not really, truly ready to move out of my parents' house. It's comfortable here. I know that there will always be food waiting for me, a comfy bed to sleep in and a roof to relax under, even when the rest of my life is beyond stressful. With my own apartment might come freedom, but with it a plethora of brand new responsibilities and inevitably, stress.
But that's not even the main reason I'm sad to move out. Stress I can cope with and will eventually phase itself out, then replaced by new stress from life in general. I'm mostly sad to leave my family. I think it's really interesting that college kids talk such big game about moving out as quickly as they can find an apartment after graduation, but I don't think they really know what they're getting into. Why would you want to move out of a perfectly good, furnished house with a well-stocked refrigerator? I did. Now I'm not so sure why I was in such a rush.
Wasn't I saying I was excited about this?
Yes, I am. The fact of the matter is, I am beyond excited. For freedom, for a new life, and yes, even for the extra responsibility. There's something so magical about being completely in charge of every aspect of your own life, and this will be my first time I will be in complete control. I cannot wait to get moved in, even if sadness might eclipse my excitement for a while.
Does this mean that I'll never come home? Absolutely not. Especially for dinners and vacations. Anything that's with my family and free, count me in.
Finally, it's September! And with this wonderful fall month comes my move-in date for my brand new condo in the Gold Coast. Of course, I have been working the past few days while my roommate and friend of 15 years, Eve has been readying our new place for my arrival on Saturday.
To be honest, I'm not really, truly ready to move out of my parents' house. It's comfortable here. I know that there will always be food waiting for me, a comfy bed to sleep in and a roof to relax under, even when the rest of my life is beyond stressful. With my own apartment might come freedom, but with it a plethora of brand new responsibilities and inevitably, stress.
But that's not even the main reason I'm sad to move out. Stress I can cope with and will eventually phase itself out, then replaced by new stress from life in general. I'm mostly sad to leave my family. I think it's really interesting that college kids talk such big game about moving out as quickly as they can find an apartment after graduation, but I don't think they really know what they're getting into. Why would you want to move out of a perfectly good, furnished house with a well-stocked refrigerator? I did. Now I'm not so sure why I was in such a rush.
Wasn't I saying I was excited about this?
Yes, I am. The fact of the matter is, I am beyond excited. For freedom, for a new life, and yes, even for the extra responsibility. There's something so magical about being completely in charge of every aspect of your own life, and this will be my first time I will be in complete control. I cannot wait to get moved in, even if sadness might eclipse my excitement for a while.
Does this mean that I'll never come home? Absolutely not. Especially for dinners and vacations. Anything that's with my family and free, count me in.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Hungry for...
CRAVING: Heaven on Seven
LOCATION: Two in Chicago, but I was at the one at Rush and Ohio, Chicago
WHY: We live in the Midwest, so when good, old-fashioned southern food shows up in Chicago, it's hard to resist. Everything is good here, from the classic gumbo to their jalapeno corn hush puppies, you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. And their coconut cream cake, a classic in the south, is to die for. To make it even better, the experience of sitting in the restaurant is one of the best in the area: the walls are lined with thousands of different types of hot sauces, and the ceilings are dripping with Mardi Gras beads. Head here and you're guaranteed a good time.
FAVORITE: Every time I go I get the same thing: Cajun fried chicken salad with a cup of gumbo. The gumbo comes with the salad, and the honey jalapeno dressing makes the entire dish explode in your mouth.
LOCATION: Two in Chicago, but I was at the one at Rush and Ohio, Chicago
WHY: We live in the Midwest, so when good, old-fashioned southern food shows up in Chicago, it's hard to resist. Everything is good here, from the classic gumbo to their jalapeno corn hush puppies, you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. And their coconut cream cake, a classic in the south, is to die for. To make it even better, the experience of sitting in the restaurant is one of the best in the area: the walls are lined with thousands of different types of hot sauces, and the ceilings are dripping with Mardi Gras beads. Head here and you're guaranteed a good time.
FAVORITE: Every time I go I get the same thing: Cajun fried chicken salad with a cup of gumbo. The gumbo comes with the salad, and the honey jalapeno dressing makes the entire dish explode in your mouth.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Getting cheeky.
I'm hungry for recognition.
I've been writing for an amazing online women's magazine for almost two months. It's unpaid, it's all on my own time... and it's absolutely incredible. For the first time since graduation... well, really for the first time ever, someone is giving me the opportunity to write in my own voice, in my own style. As a journalism major and as someone with a general passion for writing, I couldn't ask for anything better.
But I needed something more. Not money. Money isn't something that motivates me to do this. I love writing and I love Cheeky, the magazine that has given me this fantastic opportunity. What I needed was recognition. After being exposed to journalism and creative writing in college, I have waited four years to be able to make writing my profession. And somehow, I have achieved this just months after leaving my university. There's something absolutely priceless about seeing my name on the byline of an article, an article that everyone, anywhere can see and read.
The only thing that could make this experience better is being included on the "Meet" the staff page. And as of this evening, that goal has also been achieved. I not only get to do exactly what I've always wanted, but I get to be recognized for it, as me. Not with a syllabus as my guideline, not with a grade attached, but just as a piece of writing with my name at the top, hoping that the public will like something that I am proud to publish.
And, eventually, money wouldn't hurt either.
I've been writing for an amazing online women's magazine for almost two months. It's unpaid, it's all on my own time... and it's absolutely incredible. For the first time since graduation... well, really for the first time ever, someone is giving me the opportunity to write in my own voice, in my own style. As a journalism major and as someone with a general passion for writing, I couldn't ask for anything better.
But I needed something more. Not money. Money isn't something that motivates me to do this. I love writing and I love Cheeky, the magazine that has given me this fantastic opportunity. What I needed was recognition. After being exposed to journalism and creative writing in college, I have waited four years to be able to make writing my profession. And somehow, I have achieved this just months after leaving my university. There's something absolutely priceless about seeing my name on the byline of an article, an article that everyone, anywhere can see and read.
The only thing that could make this experience better is being included on the "Meet" the staff page. And as of this evening, that goal has also been achieved. I not only get to do exactly what I've always wanted, but I get to be recognized for it, as me. Not with a syllabus as my guideline, not with a grade attached, but just as a piece of writing with my name at the top, hoping that the public will like something that I am proud to publish.
And, eventually, money wouldn't hurt either.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
An apple a day... er, a pancake a day?
I'm hungry for breakfast.
I never used to be a breakfast person. Not only was it my least favorite meal of the day, but I was one of those people who would feel sick if I ate anything too early in the day. This was who I was, that is, until I had the whole grain banana pancakes from Country Kitchen in Highland Park.
I'm well aware that pancakes are naturally a great breakfast food. Chocolate, banana, blueberry, oat, plain, buckwheat. The options are endless. But until you've had these whole grain banana pancakes, you have never tasted a great pancake. They are cooked perfectly with just the right amount of bananas included, and when you top them with syrup, you'll inevitably be part of the clean plate club.
When I got these for the first time, my friend Alexi and I ordered a plate to share in addition to an omelette. Needless to say, the omelette was barely touched and we both not-so-secretly wanted to order a second plate of these delectable breakfast cakes.
Now, I understand that not everyone (including myself) has time to have such a time-intensive breakfast every morning. But since these pancakes, I have now started to eat breakfast on a regular basis. Doctors and nutritionists say that you have to eat breakfast, that you won't be able to function without it. And for the first time in my whole life, I agree with them.
Here are some easy fixes that I love for anyone on-the-go:
Fresh fruit (grapes and apples are the easiest to take with you)
Greek yogurt with cereal (pack the cereal separately so when you get to work you can add it to the yogurt)
Breakfast bars (the best are Fiber One Plus almond and dark chocolate)
If you're not a breakfast person, you clearly just have not really experienced the meal yet with these amazing pancakes.
I never used to be a breakfast person. Not only was it my least favorite meal of the day, but I was one of those people who would feel sick if I ate anything too early in the day. This was who I was, that is, until I had the whole grain banana pancakes from Country Kitchen in Highland Park.
I'm well aware that pancakes are naturally a great breakfast food. Chocolate, banana, blueberry, oat, plain, buckwheat. The options are endless. But until you've had these whole grain banana pancakes, you have never tasted a great pancake. They are cooked perfectly with just the right amount of bananas included, and when you top them with syrup, you'll inevitably be part of the clean plate club.
When I got these for the first time, my friend Alexi and I ordered a plate to share in addition to an omelette. Needless to say, the omelette was barely touched and we both not-so-secretly wanted to order a second plate of these delectable breakfast cakes.
Now, I understand that not everyone (including myself) has time to have such a time-intensive breakfast every morning. But since these pancakes, I have now started to eat breakfast on a regular basis. Doctors and nutritionists say that you have to eat breakfast, that you won't be able to function without it. And for the first time in my whole life, I agree with them.
Here are some easy fixes that I love for anyone on-the-go:
Fresh fruit (grapes and apples are the easiest to take with you)
Greek yogurt with cereal (pack the cereal separately so when you get to work you can add it to the yogurt)
Breakfast bars (the best are Fiber One Plus almond and dark chocolate)
If you're not a breakfast person, you clearly just have not really experienced the meal yet with these amazing pancakes.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Hungry for...
CRAVING: Sprinkles Cupcakes
LOCATION: 50 East Walton, Rush and Walton, Gold Coast, Chicago
WHY: Although the cupcake trend has become highly overrated recently, Sprinkles has the best reputation for a reason. Since moving in to the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago, there have been lines out the door at all hours of the day. Everyone is hungry for a cupcake, and being the original cupcake shop that is loved by celebrities created a following for the Chicago location before they even opened their doors.
FAVORITE: Black and white. Traditional, but unbelievably good. Dark chocolate cake with vanilla bean frosting and chocolate shavings.
TIP: Order ahead, skip to the front of the line. The order form on their Web site is super easy and convenient.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Moving forward.
I'm hungry for fall.
I'm well aware that it's still summer, and when I'm knee deep in snow waiting for the bus on Lake Shore Drive, I'll wish summer would return. But for now, I'm ready for sweater weather. I'm ready for the changing leaves, the crisp air and... to move on with my life.
Fall generally symbolizes going back to school. And for the first time in my life, I will not be joining students all over the country as they return to their respective college towns. I will be at my job, not at college, not enjoying a life of little responsibility and great reward. My friends and I always said that the first time we would realize that we actually weren't going back to school, that we were completely finished, is when everyone else left us behind in Chicago the fall after graduation. Well, that time has finally come and the predictions have proven to be true.
My younger friends from the University of Illinois are all back down at school. I got a call from one of them at 11 a.m. last Tuesday and I answered quietly because I was at work. She asked me if she woke me up. No, I no longer have the luxury of sleeping well into the morning. But enjoy your time left in college.
It's not that I wish I had more time in college. I guess I'm finally realizing how much fun I actually had while I was there. It's one of those experiences that really gets its full meaning once it's no longer an option. It is true what they say, that four years passes you by before you know it.
But for my life now, I hope that I can move forward as slowly as possible, no rush, no fast forwarding. The fall will come, and although I want the weather, I'm not sure I'm ready for the next season in my life. But it is inevitable, and so is change. So college, I love you, but it is finally time to move on.
So, I am hungry for fall. But I can deal with the heat a little bit longer if that means I can postpone growing up for just a few more weeks.
I'm well aware that it's still summer, and when I'm knee deep in snow waiting for the bus on Lake Shore Drive, I'll wish summer would return. But for now, I'm ready for sweater weather. I'm ready for the changing leaves, the crisp air and... to move on with my life.
Fall generally symbolizes going back to school. And for the first time in my life, I will not be joining students all over the country as they return to their respective college towns. I will be at my job, not at college, not enjoying a life of little responsibility and great reward. My friends and I always said that the first time we would realize that we actually weren't going back to school, that we were completely finished, is when everyone else left us behind in Chicago the fall after graduation. Well, that time has finally come and the predictions have proven to be true.
My younger friends from the University of Illinois are all back down at school. I got a call from one of them at 11 a.m. last Tuesday and I answered quietly because I was at work. She asked me if she woke me up. No, I no longer have the luxury of sleeping well into the morning. But enjoy your time left in college.
It's not that I wish I had more time in college. I guess I'm finally realizing how much fun I actually had while I was there. It's one of those experiences that really gets its full meaning once it's no longer an option. It is true what they say, that four years passes you by before you know it.
But for my life now, I hope that I can move forward as slowly as possible, no rush, no fast forwarding. The fall will come, and although I want the weather, I'm not sure I'm ready for the next season in my life. But it is inevitable, and so is change. So college, I love you, but it is finally time to move on.
So, I am hungry for fall. But I can deal with the heat a little bit longer if that means I can postpone growing up for just a few more weeks.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
If he can do it, we can do it.
I'm hungry for fame.
Actually, both my friend Alyssa and I are hungry for it. Not really fame, I guess, but we want to have great success. We want the sort of success that Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook has, or the type of success that the girls who created the shopping site Gilt have achieved. And we want to get that success by making a Web site.
We're going to make a Web site about living in Chicago in your 20s. We're in our 20s. We live in Chicago. Perfection, you might say? We agree. We're young, hungry and short on cash, and we know that there are plenty of youngsters in our same position. We want our site to be the go-to reference for twenty somethings. We want them to know that they're not alone. And we want to have fun. All great things.
And fame? That would certainly be nice. Money? That would be even better, considering we both have very little. But the main goal of this project isn't to make money or become the next Web site guru. It really is meant for us to have fun and see the city. We want to make sure that we make our experience being young and living in Chicago the best that it can be, and that our own lack of motivation doesn't interfere. What could be a more perfect way to ensure that we see as much of the city as we can than knowing we have the responsibility to report on it to the public?
So, to all the Mark Zuckerbergs of the world, thank you for setting the standard for creativity on the Internet... but we're coming for ya.
Actually, both my friend Alyssa and I are hungry for it. Not really fame, I guess, but we want to have great success. We want the sort of success that Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook has, or the type of success that the girls who created the shopping site Gilt have achieved. And we want to get that success by making a Web site.
We're going to make a Web site about living in Chicago in your 20s. We're in our 20s. We live in Chicago. Perfection, you might say? We agree. We're young, hungry and short on cash, and we know that there are plenty of youngsters in our same position. We want our site to be the go-to reference for twenty somethings. We want them to know that they're not alone. And we want to have fun. All great things.
And fame? That would certainly be nice. Money? That would be even better, considering we both have very little. But the main goal of this project isn't to make money or become the next Web site guru. It really is meant for us to have fun and see the city. We want to make sure that we make our experience being young and living in Chicago the best that it can be, and that our own lack of motivation doesn't interfere. What could be a more perfect way to ensure that we see as much of the city as we can than knowing we have the responsibility to report on it to the public?
So, to all the Mark Zuckerbergs of the world, thank you for setting the standard for creativity on the Internet... but we're coming for ya.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Hungry for...
CRAVING: Fox and Obel
LOCATION: Illinois and McClurg in Streeterville, Chicago
WHY: The closest thing that Chicago has to Harrod's from London. This single location store and restaurant is any foodie's paradise. The gourmet grocery store includes fresh fish and seafood, a wall of imported olive oils and spices, a bakery and fresh, foreign cheeses. There is also a cafe in the back with delicious, fresh made sandwiches, salads and gourmet entrees that are all perfect for lunch.
FAVORITE: Homemade cinnamon rolls and the entire line of Frontera Grill restaurant products. The store is far too big and amazing to choose just one.
SPLURGE: A bar with buckets of imported chocolates, candies and coffee is right in the center of the store, luring in customers mid-way through their shopping experience. The dark chocolate is the best.
www.fox-obel.com
Chicago, I love you.
I'm hungry for more of the city.
This is an obviously biased opinion, but I truly believe that this is the most beautiful city in the country. Riding the bus to work every morning gives me a surprisingly fantastic view of the majority of the Loop and Streeterville, a few of the best areas and neighborhoods that exist here. The streets are clean, the population is diverse and the sites to see are endless. And the food. Chicago is at no shortage for unbelievable cuisine. My personal favorite? The Cajun, New Orleans dishes at Heaven on Seven that I miss oh so much when I'm stuck up North in the suburbs. And shopping? Michigan Avenue is the obvious choice, but for locals, there is no better area than the Gold Coast at Rush and Walton. Having the plan to go just window shopping is immediately abandoned once you get a taste of this area.
I could keep going forever. Chicago offers me an endless amount to dream about and experience, and in just a few short weeks I will get to be in the city permanently when I move into my very first condo in the Gold Coast. Exciting? Yes. Scary? Even more so. Who would have thought that moving half an hour South could be so intimidating and... well, permanent. But I'm willing to overcome the fear and anticipation, hopefully just in time to enjoy being young and in the city.
Because that really is the point of living in the city, right? To be carefree and young. Yes, unfortunately work and responsibility will sneak in every so often, but the endless opportunities to just have fun and experience new things will be so unbelievably overwhelming. It's the first stress factor since graduation that I'm excited to embrace: not knowing what to do first.
Every time I come downtown to visit, or whenever I commute for work, I always ride over the river and acknowledge how gorgeous the view is, but I never truly get to soak it in and appreciate it. Come September 4, I plan to do just that. To wander, to eat, to (window) shop, to just actually be here for the first time in my 22 years as a Chicagoan.
http://www.heavenonseven.com/
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
The dreaded commute.
I'm hungry for a different commute.
No, not a shorter commute. That would imply that my hunger is only to escape the hour and a half it takes me to reach home from my office in the city. I need a completely different commute. One that avoids gum popping, loud, cell phone conversations and end-of-the-day sweating. I believe that most Americans endure some sort of commute on a daily basis, despite the length of time it takes. And during these commutes, etiquette should be involved.
For example, no, Mr. Loud Music from iPad, I'm not interested to hear the sweet, endearing blasts of Queen during my morning commute, especially when I'm stuck sitting directly behind you on the train. The train. A place with no escape and sometimes, with irritating delays that are only made worse by selfish commuters. It is quite clear that in the afternoon, the last thing anyone riding the train wants or needs is a reason to be even more crabby than they already are. Enter Mr. Sweaty Forehead Man. Wiping your sweaty face, after sprinting who knows how many blocks to catch the express train, is not appropriate in a confined space while sitting next to strangers. There will be another train. That train will allow your shirt to remain dry and prevent it from grazing against my shoulder.
You'd think that the train would be the worst of the day's commute. Until you get to the bus. The bus. The place where Mrs. I Talk to Everyone and No One Cares commutes every morning. And in the afternoon, it would be beneficial to all of us commuters if you would have your bus pass or money ready and waiting so as not to further delay the bus route. Miss Pays in All Quarters might have a lighter change purse, but you make me want to use whatever energy I have left from the day to push you off the bus.
After these few short weeks of commuting from the suburbs to the city, I can officially say that I'm hungry for a change. And if you ever catch me loudly yapping on my phone heading North on the Metra? I give you full permission to remind me just how irritating I probably am.
No, not a shorter commute. That would imply that my hunger is only to escape the hour and a half it takes me to reach home from my office in the city. I need a completely different commute. One that avoids gum popping, loud, cell phone conversations and end-of-the-day sweating. I believe that most Americans endure some sort of commute on a daily basis, despite the length of time it takes. And during these commutes, etiquette should be involved.
For example, no, Mr. Loud Music from iPad, I'm not interested to hear the sweet, endearing blasts of Queen during my morning commute, especially when I'm stuck sitting directly behind you on the train. The train. A place with no escape and sometimes, with irritating delays that are only made worse by selfish commuters. It is quite clear that in the afternoon, the last thing anyone riding the train wants or needs is a reason to be even more crabby than they already are. Enter Mr. Sweaty Forehead Man. Wiping your sweaty face, after sprinting who knows how many blocks to catch the express train, is not appropriate in a confined space while sitting next to strangers. There will be another train. That train will allow your shirt to remain dry and prevent it from grazing against my shoulder.
You'd think that the train would be the worst of the day's commute. Until you get to the bus. The bus. The place where Mrs. I Talk to Everyone and No One Cares commutes every morning. And in the afternoon, it would be beneficial to all of us commuters if you would have your bus pass or money ready and waiting so as not to further delay the bus route. Miss Pays in All Quarters might have a lighter change purse, but you make me want to use whatever energy I have left from the day to push you off the bus.
After these few short weeks of commuting from the suburbs to the city, I can officially say that I'm hungry for a change. And if you ever catch me loudly yapping on my phone heading North on the Metra? I give you full permission to remind me just how irritating I probably am.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Hungry for... what?
I find myself in my cubicle. It's finally nicely decorated and organized, just six weeks into this adventure that everyone likes to refer to as freedom. My freedom came faster than I expected. I graduated, got a job and found an apartment all within three months of leaving school. Yes, I am definitely one of the lucky ones. But am I hungry for this freedom? I thought that I was. I was definitely hungry for it while clicking through job listings. The hunger for freedom was there when my evenings at home consisted of the Food Network and late night cereal binges. And I'm pretty sure it was there when I volunteered to clean the backyard due to sheer and utter boredom. I could not be full of freedom fast enough.
But now, sitting at my desk with not quite four, but three walls hiding my frizzy hair and exhausted appearance, I'm just hungry for the Caesar salad from Bandera. The creamy, delicious dish topped with the best cornbread croutons Chicago has to offer, was sitting in a kitchen just two blocks from my office. Sitting there, waiting for me... for $13. And where did my hunger eventually lead me? To a $5 sandwich and tap water from Subway.
No matter what freedom we have, the freedom to decide between a practical sandwich or an excessively expensive salad, we can't help but want the latter. What do you do once you achieve your first taste of freedom? My life is settled. It's not perfect, but it's definitely better than I ever expected. And yet, I'm still hungry. Yes, obviously for better lunch options, but also for something more. Not just for money, but for meaning. No matter what we as young people achieve, we have always been taught that there is something more out there for us to get our hands on. We can always do better. We can always be better. So when is that freedom really achieved?
When I get the salad from Bandera. Maybe my stomach will stop growling. And then maybe the rest of the world, too.
But now, sitting at my desk with not quite four, but three walls hiding my frizzy hair and exhausted appearance, I'm just hungry for the Caesar salad from Bandera. The creamy, delicious dish topped with the best cornbread croutons Chicago has to offer, was sitting in a kitchen just two blocks from my office. Sitting there, waiting for me... for $13. And where did my hunger eventually lead me? To a $5 sandwich and tap water from Subway.
No matter what freedom we have, the freedom to decide between a practical sandwich or an excessively expensive salad, we can't help but want the latter. What do you do once you achieve your first taste of freedom? My life is settled. It's not perfect, but it's definitely better than I ever expected. And yet, I'm still hungry. Yes, obviously for better lunch options, but also for something more. Not just for money, but for meaning. No matter what we as young people achieve, we have always been taught that there is something more out there for us to get our hands on. We can always do better. We can always be better. So when is that freedom really achieved?
When I get the salad from Bandera. Maybe my stomach will stop growling. And then maybe the rest of the world, too.
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