Reppin' Some Hoods

Since I've been in Chicago 3 weekends now I've been out in a few different neighborhoods. Wrigleyville, South Loop, Lincoln Park/Lakeview, Wicker Park. Some were fun, some were not. Most of it was more about the occasion and the amount of alcohol that had been consumed rather than about the neighborhood itself. But I'm gonna judge them anyway.

Wicker Park- yuck.

Besides the fact that it's far as hell from where I live, I just flat out did not have a good time in Wicker Park. I had been up since 7 and was really not in the mood to go out, which highly contributed to my sucky time. The other main contributing factor was the shitty time we (my roommate and I) had getting home. Our plan was to take Blue to Red and be home in 30. 30 minutes later we were still on the Blue line platform on Damen waiting for the train while being annoyed to death by what we came to call glitter people- wannabe street musicians covered in glitter, dressed like gypsies and playing accordions, tambourines and bicycles. Yes, instead of using her drumsticks on the wooden platform, one of the female glitter people was using her bike as a drum kit. When we did finally get on the train the glitter people followed us and continued to "play music". To make matters worse, one stop later a herd of art school freshmen who hadn't showered in what smelled like months got on. After suffering jeers and dirty looks for being clean and put-together, my roommate and I got off the train 3 stops before we planned and cabbing home. To put it mildly, I don't plan on trekking to or from Wicker Park any time soon, except to go to Angels and Mariachis. That place is bomb.

South Loop- home sweet home.

Except for the Halloween incident (went to a bar and literally no one else was dressed up- embarrassing to say the least), the South Loop has been amazing. I haven't had a bad meal, drink, or time in my neighborhood. I also happen to live an elevator ride and 4 steps from a bar, which does not make me mad at all. Nothing bad to say, but I am a homer for my hood.

Lincoln Park/Lakeview- deeelicious

We stumbled- literally and figuratively- into a good time here. Jumping lines and cover and lucking into free bottle service adds up to an awesome night. If we hadn't fallen into such an awesome situation the bar we went to would have blown. But DMK is here, so I have to go back multiple times a week.

Wrigleyville- aka Bro-ville

Last but not least, this neighborhood is simultaneously the bane of my existence and everywhere I want to be. It reads like a college town, so it's awesome in that sense. I miss college more than anything and I'll jump at any chance to pretend I'm still at Rick's dancing to Party in the USA. On the other hand, it reads like a college town. Bros and douchebags are rampant, prowling for chicks to take back to their bro-cave and do whatever bros do. It absolutely depends on what kind of a night I'm looking for, but I really haven't had a bad time yet in Wrigleyville.


Bottom Line: Chicago rocks.

Sweet Home Chicago

If you tried to tell me I've only been in Chicago for 10 days I'd laugh in your face and tell you to learn how to count. Turns out that's exactly how long I've been here. I absolutely cannot believe it. It seems like I've lived here for at least a month. I don't know if that means that I've acclimated well to life in the Second City or that I have a terrible sense of time, but it's still mind-boggling. I have eaten deep-dish pizza (sorry, Chicago, but Buddy's beats Lou Malnati's hands down) and a few other Chicago-y things, but there are still a few quintessential Chicago things I haven't done yet that need to happen stat:

1. The Bean.

I've been to Chicago at least a dozen times and I've still never seen the thing. I'm not that mad about it, but I'd at least like to nonchalantly walk by just to say I have.

2. Blackhawks game

I went to a Red Wings-Blackhawks preseason game in Detroit and, through all the chirping and shit-talking, I had an amazing time. I'd love to not be yelled at through a game, so seeing the Blackhawks at home is definitely a priority.

3. Molly's Cupcakes

Maybe not quintessential, but I've heard so much about these goddamn cupcakes I think I need to have one like yesterday. 

There's a few other stupid things on my list, like running through O'Hare like the McAllisters and going to a celeb-chef restaurant (top of my list: Frontera). But for now those are the big 3.

Am I missing anything?

A Thanksgiving Story

I don't know when or how it happened, but Thanksgiving got lost in the shuffle between Halloween and Christmas. This makes me so sad because Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Okay, it's my favorite food holiday. Fine, it's the only food holiday but I still love it. While I'm definitely looking forward to seeing Michigan Ave decorated for the season, I'd be much happier if people would wait 3 weeks to focus on buying presents and decorating their houses in the tackiest way possible. Thanksgiving needs to ball up and tell Christmas to wait until December to take over the airwaves. I understand I'm in the minority on this one. Most of the people I know, including my own mother (I might have to write a post entitled "1000 Reasons I Must Be Adopted"), can't wait to hear Christmas Shoes on the radio and cry for the rest of the day. Maybe I have this mindset because Hannukah's a way more kickass holiday than Christmas could ever dream to be: 8 days of presents, gambling is encouraged (for chocolate money, even better), and fried food is a staple. Anyway, my family's Thanksgiving has changed drastically over the last 5 years with people moving, getting married, having kids, etc. And while I might complain about how it's not the same as it used to be, it's still my favorite (food) holiday and I wouldn't miss it for the world. I can't wait to drive 5 hours, potentially through snow, put on yoga pants, watch the Lions dominate the Packers, and eat shit-tons of delicious food. I might even wake up early and brave Somerset for some Black Friday deals...and maybe do something to burn off the 80 pounds of mashed potatoes I plan on taking down.

No Shave November? No Problem.

It's a great time of year. Leaves are falling, it's getting cooler outside, it's hockey season, and it's No Shave November aka Movember. Boys and men across the globe stop shaving for a month to look more manly and support various men's health causes. I've heard of women getting involved too, but let's be honest- that's really gross. Anyway I love No Shave November because I love stubble and that's really all most guys my age can manage in a month. In a more girly yet man-faced edition of this blog, here's my top 5 favorite 5 o'clock shadows.

5. Casey Affleck
Ben Affleck's younger brother. Just. I die.

4. Shia LaBeouf
Yes, this is his mugshot. Yes, he'll always be Louis Stevens in my heart. And yes, he has the perfect amount of facial hair.

3. Rick Porcello
I'm a huge Tigers fan and an even bigger Rick Porcello fan. The kid came into the big leagues at age 20 and shocked everyone with his killer sinker and his willingness to throw down with Youk. And he's adorable.

2. Ben Affleck
Big bro's got you beat, Casey. I've always had a thing for Ben, but when he's too clean cut it reminds me of the weird period of time that he was J.Lo's bitch.

1. Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane

Best series of ads ever. But seriously, Tazer's Wolverine-esque mutton chops were so incredible they made me rethink my hatred of all things Wolverine related. Damn, son. 

You may have noticed that there are no blonde guys on here. That's because blonde beards are weird and creepy and shouldn't exist. 

See? Gross. Anyway, besides all the handsomer men out, Movember brings awareness to some great causes, so be sure to visit Movember.com (linked at the top) and donate or participate! 

Halloweenie, part 3

Last night my roommate devised a theory about guys' Halloween costumes. There are two types: guys who are trying to get laid and guys who are not. After doing some in-depth research on our walk to and from dinner and while walking around Wrigleyville, we came to the conclusion that her theory is completely accurate.  Here are some examples:

Trying to get laid:

1. Athletes
2. Astronauts (believe it or not I saw a few last night)
3. 90s nostalgia. Double Dare, Legends of the Hidden Temple, Quailman, anything that's reminiscent of the best decade of television ever.
4. Athletes. Seriously. I saw so many Blackhawks last night I thought I was at the United Center instead of outside Wrigley Field.
5. Really anything masculine or funny but not in a gross or creepy way

Not trying to get laid:

1. Michael Myers
2. Freddy Krueger
3. Jason
4. Grim reaper
5. Anything scary, involving a mask, or gross.

Then there are the guys who are probably trying to get laid but missed the mark a little. Dress up as a doctor, you might get some. Dress up as a gynecologist and you're kind of a creep.

Happy Halloweekend!

Finally.

I finally made it. The move is complete. After hours of procrastinating, 2 seasons of The League, an amazing dinner at Slow's and more procrastinating, I left Detroit and made the 4 1/2 hour trek to Chicago. I may not have a bed or any food (yet), but I moved and I'm here for the long term. For right now it still feels like I'm visiting. I mean, I've only been here for like 5 hours. I'm sure that when I mail my first rent check it'll feel more real. woof.

Procrastination is Fun

I cannot pack. It is physically impossible for me to pack at this moment. It's 6 pm and all I've done today is watch an entire season of The League (hilarious, by the way, I highly recommend it) and walk my dog. I'm moving to Chicago in 48 hours, people. I don't know why I have this anti-packing mentality, but it's really starting to get down to the wire. I think I just need to eat dinner, sit on Twitter and watch 3 more hours of The League and I'll be good to go...