I have to apologize to myself and to the blogging community because I am a horrible blogger. I read that blogs should be updated every other day, if not everyday, and yet I find myself not posting for weeks at a time. This might be because I feel I have nothing exciting or new to talk about since my life, right now, is pretty mundane. Wake up. Shower. Walk dogs. Come home. Make dinner. Watch TV. Go back to bed. Repeat. Then I waitress some nights, but besides that dog walking is my life. But, I'm trying not to trap myself in since I still haven't reached my ultimate goal of working in publishing. I did have a breakthrough today where I talked to a woman who heads Chicago's Printer's Row Lit Fest which is an amazing event that promotes literacy, booksellers, and authors from Chicago and around the country. And this woman gave me hope on two aspects. The first being that Chicago is an amazing literary hub, but it just isn't recognized because it has to compete with New York City. Second, that people in the literacy and publishing community are so willing, helpful, and welcoming to those trying to enter into the community. Everyone has the base of the love of books and reading to get together and then grow upon that. It's one of the biggest things I miss about working at my old bookstore because I made so many connections with people just being able to talk about a similar love over a book. But, I digress...
So, all in all I don't feel as disheartened and more hopeful about moving to Chicago and finding a job that I can really enjoy and feel proud about. Speaking of reading I have read some interesting books recently. (Side note: From working in a bookstore for the past year I have an immense amount of books that are just sitting in a corner of my room so my goal is to read them all over the next year. What's even more messed up though is that I currently have a list of books I want to read that aren't included in my massive pile of books, it's seriously a disease) Also this books aren't essentially new they're just books that have caught my interest (and were also free).
Stardust by Neil Gaiman - An interesting fantasy read that resembles a twisted fairy tale but on the raunchy side. The characters are strong enough where you'll be cheering for them (or their demise). Neil Gaiman always has an intriguing way of looking at situations that don't follow the typical assumptions (Coraline, for example). Overall, a really nice read for traveling, vacationing, or a story before bed that gives you enough intrigue but doesn't rattle your brain.
This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper - The first thing I'm going to say about this book is that it is definitely written by a guy. The first couple chapters go into gritty sexual details that are taken from a male perspective, all the way. But, if you can get past the boob/ass/sex talk Tropper has actually done a decent job of looking at the modern family when tragedy hits. People who have unresolved feelings, resentment, and bitterness forced to live with each other for 7 days in a cramped house, one can assume that the sh*t is going to hit the fan and probably more than once. Yet Tropper doesn't leave the reader with only pain and anger, he gives way to the underlying love and connections people have after growing up with each other and trying to figure out where they stand with each other after the acne, braces, and training bras have disappeared.
At Home by Bill Bryson - Bill Bryson does it again with his newest release taking his reader through a room by room history of his Victorian parsonage in England. What the reader discovers is the history of how the "home" came to be. From the kitchen to the stairs readers get interesting facts and eye opening revelations of the things they bypass everyday without a second thought. Such as, for most of history a person's bed was one of the most valuable things they owned where some people displayed their beds in the living room so it could be shown off to visitors. Readers will come away with a wealth of knowledge and perhaps will give that broom closet a little more affection that it has previously experienced.
Paris Under Water by Jeffrey H. Jackson - The subtitle of this book is "How the City of Light Survived the Great Flood of 1910" and that's exactly what this book is. Jackson is writing from a more fact basis, historical perspective where he has all his names and dates down, but speculates a little bit when it comes to the actual feelings and emotions of his characters. It can be argued though that it is tricky to put a more emotional aspect on the topic since Jackson only has diary entries and newspaper articles to work off of. For someone who is interested in history and/or Paris I would suggest it, but for the typical reader I would say it's a little dry.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - I really don't know what to say besides...Read. This. Book. Now. It is amazing. OK, I will expand upon this. Collins has created a world that is eerily similar to ours, except she takes everything wrong with the system and expands on it. Her characters are so rich, deep, and emotional that you will feel for them within the first few pages. Then, if possible, Collins takes you even deeper into this world and it's rituals that you will feel like you are in the Hunger Games. I take it as a sign that a book affects you when you have a dream about it, I've had about twenty over the Hunger Games. Then, as if it couldn't get better, Collins made this book into a trilogy so pick up Catching Fire and Mockingjay as soon as you can.
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert - Yes, let your groan out now. This book, made into a movie starring Julia Roberts getting "fat" over pounds of pasta and falling in love with beautiful men, is already a cliche in the reading world. But, as much as I hate to admit it, I really, really liked this book. Gilbert has a way of writing that draws you into her characters (who are actually herself and real life people) making you wonder how you would react in the same situation. Reading this book will make you not only envious, but also to want to book a trip like this yourself in hopes that you can find yourself while traveling across the world. So go ahead, give into the masses and read it (you don't have to tell anyone though).
So there ya go. Also remember...Read global, buy local!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read.
That's one of my favorite quotes about books/reading. It's by Groucho Marx and I think part of why I love it so much is that it makes books and reading into something humorous, instead of it being a burden or something futile.
I probably should explain where I'm going with this. The first is that I'm obsessed with books. I have been since I can remember. Some of my favorite memories from my childhood are sitting with my mom or dad and having story time before bed. This love and passion for books has actually influenced my entire life. I majored in English for my undergrad and then last year I got my MBA because I want to work in the publishing business. Actually books are what made me move to Chicago! Well partly...the other part is that my sister is here and every time I visited her I fell more and more in love with the city so I decided after grad school to pack all my earthly belongings and move here. And I know what you're probably thinking...if I want to work in publishing so badly why didn't I move to New York?? First of all, I can barely afford Chicago right now so obviously the "rent being too damn high" in New York made it that I would be eating canned tuna by candlelight in a hovel, not really what I imagined. Second, I adore NYC absolutely love but it's just not a city where I see myself. Also with Chicago there are some more independent publishing houses that are more my style, a little less rigid and a little more quirky. Just to name a few...Independent Publishers Group is amazing. Imaginative and puts their customers but also distributors first. My dreammmm job would to be work in children's publishing henceforth...Albert Whitman! They publish the Boxcar Children books, enough said. Also Sourcebooks is another great publisher to check out, their range goes from classics to history to business. Pretty much I would kill to work for any of them. Alas, with the current economy (and my lack of "real world" experience) doesn't have them hiring right now.
So my newest job is...a dog walker! I honestly am super excited about it. It combines the ability to work with animals, which I love, and also the ability to walk and explore around Chicago while getting paid! Not too shabby! This isn't exactly what I (or my mom) planned for a job in Chicago but as they say "it pays the rent" so I'm not gonna be too picky right now. But, I will apologize cause I am super chatty right now and have digressed quite far from my original purpose of this post. Books!
While job searching I also have had the wonderful chance to check out some local bookstores! If you're more a bargain shopper I would suggest three used bookstores. The first is Book Works in Wrigleyville, literally a five minute walk away from Wrigley Field. It's a great independently owned store that offers an awesome variety of fiction, poetry, history, and also some sells some music too! They are also crazy reasonable too, I found a copy of Julia Child's "My Life in France" for $6, pretty much half the price sold at other bookstores and in almost perfect condition.
Bookleggers is another used bookstore on North Broadway in Lakeview. Not really as welcoming as Book Works but fun and quirky in it's own way. Tight aisles gives you the feeling that the books are literally hugging you telling you to buy them and love them. Also being used books they are also really reasonably priced. Most books range from $5-$10. Also they buy books too so if you have some books that you're not so hot about anymore and need a new home bring them in there and make a few bucks!
Finally, the powerhouse of used books is Powell's! This bookstore in Lakeview is just one part of the Powell's family. Literally they are godfather of independents. Their bookstore in Oregon is literally a bookstore mecca offering, no joke, millions, of books! This Chicago location is pretty formidable, being large in size and in stock. They specialize more in non-fiction so if you're looking for history, religion, women's studies, etc this is the place to go.
But, if you're not willing to wait for new releases to become used bargains then head to these two bookstores. First, is Unabridged Books boarding between Lakeview and Boystown. I'm saying this because they are specifically known for their gay and lesbian literature. Though I'm not personally gay I have a lot of friends who are homosexual and I love to support them, and their literature, in any way possible. (I personally recommend "The Bucolic Plague" by Josh Kilmer-Purcell, hysterical and heartfelt about two gay Manhattanites moving up to upstate New York owning and working on their own farm. Hilarity ensues. Also check out their show Beekman Farm, if not just for their llama named "Polka Spot.")
Also saving my personal favorite for last is Book Cellar. Located in Lincoln Square they are half bookstore, half cafe (my personal favorite combo) offering a large children's and fiction selection. If you're looking for some classic McSweeney's publications or just a delicious lunch I highly suggest heading to this place. Also where they are located in Lincoln Square is a great place to go with the girls if you want a fun shopping day, with some specialty food and clothing stores everyone will have a good time!
Hopefully, this helped if you're looking for some good reads and some fun new spots to check out (besides *ahem* Borders). I'll hopefully be combining Groucho's quote combining my new furry friends and reading!
I probably should explain where I'm going with this. The first is that I'm obsessed with books. I have been since I can remember. Some of my favorite memories from my childhood are sitting with my mom or dad and having story time before bed. This love and passion for books has actually influenced my entire life. I majored in English for my undergrad and then last year I got my MBA because I want to work in the publishing business. Actually books are what made me move to Chicago! Well partly...the other part is that my sister is here and every time I visited her I fell more and more in love with the city so I decided after grad school to pack all my earthly belongings and move here. And I know what you're probably thinking...if I want to work in publishing so badly why didn't I move to New York?? First of all, I can barely afford Chicago right now so obviously the "rent being too damn high" in New York made it that I would be eating canned tuna by candlelight in a hovel, not really what I imagined. Second, I adore NYC absolutely love but it's just not a city where I see myself. Also with Chicago there are some more independent publishing houses that are more my style, a little less rigid and a little more quirky. Just to name a few...Independent Publishers Group is amazing. Imaginative and puts their customers but also distributors first. My dreammmm job would to be work in children's publishing henceforth...Albert Whitman! They publish the Boxcar Children books, enough said. Also Sourcebooks is another great publisher to check out, their range goes from classics to history to business. Pretty much I would kill to work for any of them. Alas, with the current economy (and my lack of "real world" experience) doesn't have them hiring right now.
So my newest job is...a dog walker! I honestly am super excited about it. It combines the ability to work with animals, which I love, and also the ability to walk and explore around Chicago while getting paid! Not too shabby! This isn't exactly what I (or my mom) planned for a job in Chicago but as they say "it pays the rent" so I'm not gonna be too picky right now. But, I will apologize cause I am super chatty right now and have digressed quite far from my original purpose of this post. Books!
While job searching I also have had the wonderful chance to check out some local bookstores! If you're more a bargain shopper I would suggest three used bookstores. The first is Book Works in Wrigleyville, literally a five minute walk away from Wrigley Field. It's a great independently owned store that offers an awesome variety of fiction, poetry, history, and also some sells some music too! They are also crazy reasonable too, I found a copy of Julia Child's "My Life in France" for $6, pretty much half the price sold at other bookstores and in almost perfect condition.
Bookleggers is another used bookstore on North Broadway in Lakeview. Not really as welcoming as Book Works but fun and quirky in it's own way. Tight aisles gives you the feeling that the books are literally hugging you telling you to buy them and love them. Also being used books they are also really reasonably priced. Most books range from $5-$10. Also they buy books too so if you have some books that you're not so hot about anymore and need a new home bring them in there and make a few bucks!
Finally, the powerhouse of used books is Powell's! This bookstore in Lakeview is just one part of the Powell's family. Literally they are godfather of independents. Their bookstore in Oregon is literally a bookstore mecca offering, no joke, millions, of books! This Chicago location is pretty formidable, being large in size and in stock. They specialize more in non-fiction so if you're looking for history, religion, women's studies, etc this is the place to go.
But, if you're not willing to wait for new releases to become used bargains then head to these two bookstores. First, is Unabridged Books boarding between Lakeview and Boystown. I'm saying this because they are specifically known for their gay and lesbian literature. Though I'm not personally gay I have a lot of friends who are homosexual and I love to support them, and their literature, in any way possible. (I personally recommend "The Bucolic Plague" by Josh Kilmer-Purcell, hysterical and heartfelt about two gay Manhattanites moving up to upstate New York owning and working on their own farm. Hilarity ensues. Also check out their show Beekman Farm, if not just for their llama named "Polka Spot.")
Also saving my personal favorite for last is Book Cellar. Located in Lincoln Square they are half bookstore, half cafe (my personal favorite combo) offering a large children's and fiction selection. If you're looking for some classic McSweeney's publications or just a delicious lunch I highly suggest heading to this place. Also where they are located in Lincoln Square is a great place to go with the girls if you want a fun shopping day, with some specialty food and clothing stores everyone will have a good time!
Hopefully, this helped if you're looking for some good reads and some fun new spots to check out (besides *ahem* Borders). I'll hopefully be combining Groucho's quote combining my new furry friends and reading!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Too much time
So it's been awhile since my last (and first) post. I never realized how much time actually goes into writing a blog! But, luckily during the amount of time I haven't posted I have done a lot of things. My sister's FOUR best friends were in from Boston this weekend so we had a really crowded apartment, but also a really fun long weekend. On Saturday we went into the city. Of course, shopping on Michigan Ave is a must, so we just strolled down the magnificent mile and actually came across not one, not two, but three weddings as well! This is super exciting to us because my sister is actually getting married in Chicago next October so it was really fun to see all the different styles, from the bride's gown to bridesmaids dresses. Actually, on Sunday we went to David's Bridal so my sister could show her friends the dress she chose. Though I know there is a certain stigma to David's Bridal it actually was a great experience and my sister found an amazing dress for an even more amazing price! But, enough on that.
After DB we all went down to the Lincoln Park Zoo which is really fun, but even better it's FREE! One would assume that a free zoo would be a little on the skimpy side, but actually the zoo is amazing. It's pretty big with a wide variety of animals from sea lions, to a monkey house, to tigers (oh my!) After the zoo we took a quick walk down to Robinson's Ribs on West Armitage which was delicious and decently priced as well. We just BYOB'd which helped keep down the cost, but I had the rib tips with a side of beans, cole slaw, and a muffin all for just $9.75! And while I'm still searching for a job a small bill like that with a big meal is a definite bonus!
That night we went to one of my favorite places in Chicago. The Kit Kat Club! It's right at the top of North Halsted and in Boystown leading to the fact that it's a drag club. So, for those of you who are exactly comfortable with homosexuality I wouldn't suggest going. But, for those of you who are definitely go! It's tons of fun! They play old movies on the walls, have probably over 50 different martini's (including the Lady Gaga that comes with a light up disco stick!). I had the Ruby Slipper (a delicious grapefruit martini) and the Queen of Hearts (that had vodka and amaretto). My sister's friends got the cucumber martini which actually is quite refreshing but pretty strong and then the lava lamp that is a martini that has a jell-o shot in it! We also got to see Sunny Dee-lite perform who was amazing! Also since it was Sunday we got half price martini's so for 2 martini's my total bar tap was $11!
Over the weekend we also hit up Kingston Mine's which is an blues club on North Halsted. If you want a really fun, laid back bar that specializes in blues, beer, and bbq definitely hit up this place. There's two stages which is really nice because when one act ends on one stage you can just cross over to the other side and not have to wait around for another band to warm up. Also all the acts are great! Real down home stuff that you can tap your foot to or hit up the dance floor in front of the stage. Also it's a great place for all ages since all people can enjoy some good music.
Finally, another favorite place of mine is Deleece on North Clark. They offer great food specials, as well as FOUR different kinds of mac and cheese and a wide variety beer list. It's a favorite place of my sister's fiance (who is notoriously known for being a bit of a picky eater) so this means that it must be good. I had the BBQ chicken (there seems to be a theme going on this week with bbq) with the Gouda mac and cheese which comes with little onion rings over it. Not exactly the healthiest food option, but delicious none the less and what's a little calorie splurge every once in awhile? Yet again, continuing the theme of well priced dinners we went on Wednesday night where beers are half priced so my whole meal turned out to be like $16. Which for a nice dinner out on the town is pretty nice.
So, overall a pretty long post but all the places and restaurants I went to were all worth it!
After DB we all went down to the Lincoln Park Zoo which is really fun, but even better it's FREE! One would assume that a free zoo would be a little on the skimpy side, but actually the zoo is amazing. It's pretty big with a wide variety of animals from sea lions, to a monkey house, to tigers (oh my!) After the zoo we took a quick walk down to Robinson's Ribs on West Armitage which was delicious and decently priced as well. We just BYOB'd which helped keep down the cost, but I had the rib tips with a side of beans, cole slaw, and a muffin all for just $9.75! And while I'm still searching for a job a small bill like that with a big meal is a definite bonus!
That night we went to one of my favorite places in Chicago. The Kit Kat Club! It's right at the top of North Halsted and in Boystown leading to the fact that it's a drag club. So, for those of you who are exactly comfortable with homosexuality I wouldn't suggest going. But, for those of you who are definitely go! It's tons of fun! They play old movies on the walls, have probably over 50 different martini's (including the Lady Gaga that comes with a light up disco stick!). I had the Ruby Slipper (a delicious grapefruit martini) and the Queen of Hearts (that had vodka and amaretto). My sister's friends got the cucumber martini which actually is quite refreshing but pretty strong and then the lava lamp that is a martini that has a jell-o shot in it! We also got to see Sunny Dee-lite perform who was amazing! Also since it was Sunday we got half price martini's so for 2 martini's my total bar tap was $11!
Over the weekend we also hit up Kingston Mine's which is an blues club on North Halsted. If you want a really fun, laid back bar that specializes in blues, beer, and bbq definitely hit up this place. There's two stages which is really nice because when one act ends on one stage you can just cross over to the other side and not have to wait around for another band to warm up. Also all the acts are great! Real down home stuff that you can tap your foot to or hit up the dance floor in front of the stage. Also it's a great place for all ages since all people can enjoy some good music.
Finally, another favorite place of mine is Deleece on North Clark. They offer great food specials, as well as FOUR different kinds of mac and cheese and a wide variety beer list. It's a favorite place of my sister's fiance (who is notoriously known for being a bit of a picky eater) so this means that it must be good. I had the BBQ chicken (there seems to be a theme going on this week with bbq) with the Gouda mac and cheese which comes with little onion rings over it. Not exactly the healthiest food option, but delicious none the less and what's a little calorie splurge every once in awhile? Yet again, continuing the theme of well priced dinners we went on Wednesday night where beers are half priced so my whole meal turned out to be like $16. Which for a nice dinner out on the town is pretty nice.
So, overall a pretty long post but all the places and restaurants I went to were all worth it!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Cause I still had a thought...
Well this is my first posting! I feel quite proud because I always have these extravagant ideas of doing a blog or some other fun idea when I travel to a new place, but than I never do it. But, this time I'm making sure that I'm doing this, mainly for my own memory but also to hopefully help other transplants like myself, who are new to the city and are figuring out their way around town. I moved in this weekend after 5 years of living in Buffalo, New York which to put it lightly is a huge adjustment. The entire city of Buffalo could probably fit into 1/10 of Chicago. But, luckily my sister moved to Chicago 2 years ago and her fiance grew up here so I'm not totally on my own which I am eternally grateful for! But, even with my sister and her finance I still feel a bit on overwhelmed side. The city is massive and with all the different neighborhoods, Bucktown, Gold Coast, Boystown, Wrigleyville, etc I feel like I'm never going to be able to visit them all, let alone be able to explore them all. Shockingly though I already have been able to check out some neat places while wedding dress shopping with my mom and sister this weekend. Though this isn't a "Chicago institution" the Benefit Boutique store at 852 West Armitage is super fun and cute, with really helpful sales people as well (which is always a huge bonus). Another awesome place was Lori's "The Sole of Chicago" that had amazing shoes, though a bit over my current unemployed budget, but the minute I get my first big paycheck that's one of the first places I'm going to hit up! Lastly, was Francesca's Collections at 2012 N. Halsted in Lincoln Park (see I'm getting the hang of these neighborhoods!) which was way more in my price range and that has gorgeous jewelry if you're looking for a little sparkle when going out in the city. Unfortunately, today I was stuck inside job searching cause I am going to need money if I want to shop at any of these places. I'm hoping I'll be able to explore more later this week and if I'm lucky also check out some restaurants I've been hearing rave reviews about!
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