These Boots Are Made for Walking

After a week-long game of "note tag" with the UPS man, I eventually had no choice but to go pick up my UPS package at the Customer Service Center. I googled the address to plan out my route after work. I couldn't waste a minute finding the place since it closed at 6pm and wasn't open on weekends - how convenient for all those who have a 9 to 5 job. Let's see - not home when UPS delivers and when you have to pick up your package, UPS gives you a whole hour to pick it up...that is if you get off work exactly at 5pm and know exactly where you're going. All conditions for a funfilled story to post. So here is my adventure to retrieve my UPS package.

After checking out CTA trip planner (which I use everytime I have to go somewhere unfamiliar), I plan my route to the UPS Customer Service Center. Telling by the center's location, I know that I'll be standing out like a sore thumb. I leave the office 15 minutes early to make sure I beat the 6pm deadline. By the time I get to the green line platform, it's obvious to everyone that I'm not taking my typical train home. I am the ONLY white person on the entire train. Good thing I studied the map so that I look like I know what I'm doing in the southside of Chicago. After several stops a white guy gets on, and what does he do? Sits right next to me - like a bug attracted to the light. I was going for cool and casual while this guy goes for safety in numbers.

I get off the train a few stops later to catch the westbound bus where I am again clearly out of place. Once the bus reaches my stop, I hop off and start walking to the end of a dead end street. Another element to make my imagination play out possible scenarios that could end up on the 10 o'clock news. Finally, I reach the center and sign in to get my package only to find out that I need ID with my Chicago address. Hmmm - I've lived here a little over a week and got nothing. The large woman at the counter rattles off, "Check, business card, license, magazine, mail?" After pleading and spilling all forms of identification from my purse onto the countertop, the lady allows me to sign for my UPS package. I start heading back home...with a large box in my arms. I follow my same path back to the bus stop and then to the train station thinking, "Look like you fit in. Look like you fit in." I should note that now I'm the young, white girl carrying a large package with JCrew written all over the box. Not fitting in.

I did make it home safely, and quickly opened my well-deserved package. Wondering what my JCrew purchase was? Check them out.

Yes, I put them on as soon as I got home. And no, it wasn't raining.

The Wonderful World of Ogilvy

I'm at the end of my first work week at OgilvyAction, and what a great week it has been. (I should clarify that I work for RedWorks which is an internal team within OgilvyAction.) I've perfected the morning commute, but the trip home is still in the works. Somehow I get distracted on my way home walking to the blue line station...I blame talking on my cell phone. My excitement gets the best of me when telling Chris about my day at work - that would be a first. This week at Ogilvy has been a breath of fresh air. I know days will get difficult and hours will be longer, but something tells me that I'll enjoy it still.

Yesterday, I went to Kraft headquarters for a meeting. After the meeting we went down to the studio to prep more for our photoshoot on Monday. The atmosphere was chic...but in a food way, if that makes sense. You have a team surrounding a pizza shoot - a food stylist steaming the pizza with a clothes steamer, an art director perfecting the layout, the photographer getting the right angle, the account person making sure everything is going smoothly and the client checking in on it all. Cooks were in the adjacent kitchen preparing the perfect food for other photoshoots. We also checked out the little Kraft store that was in the building. It had all products distributed by Kraft/Nabisco for way less than in a grocery store! I was like a kid in a candy store after seeing $3 CPK frozen pizzas, $2 Fruity Pebbles and $.40 Taco Bell Seasoning packets. I walked through the store creating a mental grocery list for my return on Monday. I see it as supporting my client...it's the least I can do.

Everyone at Ogilvy has been welcoming, and you can tell they love what they do. My go-to girl for training is fantastic, and I'm so lucky to have her show me the ropes. The girls here are fun and outgoing, and I actually look forward to going to work. I'm anxious to jump into it all with my client - Kraft Natural Cheeses. I'm also supposed to help a little with SC Johnson. For those who aren't familiar, they have household products like Glade, Windex, Raid, etc. I love working on consumer brands and it will be so exciting to see my work in stores and magazines. Now that you know I work on Kraft, you'll notice the brand more. You'll probably even feel guilty if you don't buy Kraft Cheeses too. You better. I bought a block of Kraft Cheddar after my first day at work, and I'm even considering getting a foam cheesehead for my cube. What I do already have in my cube, Wizard of Oz magnets and a KU Jayhawk. Represent.

Helloooo Chicago

So it's all happened. KC is a place of my past, and I've moved to Chicago. I also started my new job this past Monday. All of this explains why I have abandoned my blog for the last several days...and the fact that I still don't have a router to get the internet at home. (Note to self: Buy router after work.) So let's play catch up.

I had a going away party with my girls before I left, which I can't think them enough for the wonderful night I had. They gave me the sweetest wishes and the cutest gifts. Thanks for the best send-off! I will miss you, ladies!

This past Saturday Chris, my dad and I caravanned up to Chicago with my belongings crammed into my little Civic and the back of my dad's pickup truck resembling the Beverly Hillbillies'. We drove through some rain, but luckily it had cleared up by the time we arrived and began unloading. After climbing stairs numerous times with boxes and furniture, we decided that margaritas were the answer to our exhaustion. Thankfully, finding a Mexican restaurant in Logan Square is like shooting fish in a barrel, so we walked to nearest place (I already forgot the name.) Later that night I began unpacking while Dad and Chris enjoyed their Jack and cokes on the couch together.

Sunday morning I said my goodbyes to the boys. I'm sure they had a talkative trip back to KC...Dad + boyfriend + eight hour car ride = awkward moments. ha! For the rest of the day, I visited with my new roomie, unpacked a little more and tested out my commute to work. After taking the blue line to Clark, I decided to wonder around downtown since the weather was absolutely beautiful. I was a block from the lake when I realized I should start walking back toward Logan Square - my thinking was, "It's a nice day and I have time to stroll back home." Not the greatest idea. Some sketchy neighborhoods, sore feet and three and a half hours later, I reached home. You live, you learn. I learned not to walk back from downtown to Logan Square.

Monday morning I gave myself a full hour to get to work. Good thing I did, because I used the entire time. The train ride took longer than expected, exiting the station was a little more confusing and I got turned around inside Merchandise Mart - all things that make me an amateur. I would like to note that I'm quickly learning though. Now, I know if I catch the earlier train, it will be less crowded, getting in the first car will be closer to my exit and only taking exits on the left will be a shorter walk to Wacker. I say that's pretty good for only a few morning commutes.

As of today, my to-do list is getting longer (thanks to Rachel I have a great note pad though), and I'm still exhausted from the move and starting a new job. I'll update you on the wonderful world of Ogilvy soon.

I Drink It Up!

It was Sunday morning in Chicago, the second day of my roadtrip. Apparently, there are no places to eat off the Eisenhower Expressway unless you drive back to the city. So we drove back towards downtown from suburbia to get breakfast.

We eventually spotted a Dunkin' Donuts - sweet victory! Nate and I grabbed half a dozen donuts and started chowing down. Halfway through my Bavarian Kreme, I took a big gulp of my carton of whole milk. "What the f---?! Sweet Jesus, where can I spit this out at?! Oh my God! Is that...?"

These are all thoughts that went through my head when I realized that the milk was sour and chunky. I swallowed the entire mouthful of milk, because I had no quick alternative to get that nasty, curdled "milk" off my tastebuds. There are no words to describe the situation further besides these photos and this video. Enjoy - I sure didn't.

The solution to get rid of that rancid taste in my mouth...Tic Tacs...lots and lots of Tic Tacs.

Roadtrip

I took a roadtrip this past weekend with my brother - not quite a weekend vacation though. We left for Chicago at 5:30 AM on Saturday. An eight hour drive through Missouri, Iowa and Illinois full of traffic, McDonald's breakfast, a little snow, a wrecked diesel and beef jerky.

When we finally reached Chicago, I drove downtown through the towering skyscrapers. I was overwhelmed with the feeling of "I finally did it. This is it." Nate and I made our way up to Lincoln Park to check out the first apartment. At this first place, I met the would-be roommate who discussed in detail her issues with friends and her medical history. She continued to describe her worst allergic reaction to butternut squash which made her flesh peel off when she washed her hands. Anyone who knows me knows that I have a very weak stomach that doesn't handle flesh-eating butternut squash stories. NEXT!

Nate and I then drove over to Logan Square where a couple other apartments were. We checked out the neighborhood quickly learning that it's the Hispanic side of town. Every sign was bilingual or in Spanish. Good thing I speak a little Spanish - now all I need is a better tan.

After checking out the area, we went to check in at the hostel. Looks like I have trouble with dates, because I booked our room for this coming weekend. So Nate and I were out on the streets with no place to stay...and it began to rain/sleet as we headed back to Logan Square. Perfect.

I put the whole "not having a place to stay in this freezing, wet weather" thing when we got to the second apartment appointment. The outside of the place was beautiful and when we reached the inside, it was even better. I met Christina and her adorable dog, Cali - my future roommates. The apartment and roommate was just what I was looking for. I had enough of the weirdos with odd food allergens. I'm so relieved to have found a great place and will be moving this Saturday.

After an hour of visiting with Christina and Cali, Nate and I were soon back on the road with a mission to find a cheap place to stay. Eventually, we found a Best Western out in the 'burbs of Chicago. Cold, hungry and exhausted - we get settled in our king-size bedroom (although we requested two doubles.) I fell asleep on my side of the bed after eating a couple bites of my cold leftover pizza. What a day.

Too Much Time On My Hands

This post is not a tribute to Styx, although I've had that song stuck in my head all day. Why? Because I haven't had anything to do at work since I only have three days left. So is it any wonder I've got too much time on my hands, it's hard to believe such a calamity. Ta ta too much time on my hands.

Haha - hopefully some of you caught the fact that you're singing a bit of Styx.

Anywho...Since I have time to Google everything from squirrel fishing to new arrivals at Banana Republic, I thought this would be a good time for a random post. Awkward, embarrassing yet funny moments in my life - the list is endless, but I thought I would share the most recent episode.

Thursday, April 10, 2008:
After all the hot chocolate I drank earlier in the morning, I go to the office bathroom. Luckily, I have the place to myself (I have a very shy bladder and have difficulty when someone is in the next stall. Laugh if you want, but office bathrooms are a place of anxiety for people like me.)

So I finish with no company, and begin to unlock and open the door. I begin to unlock and open the door. I continue to try and unlock the DAMN door. What is wrong with this f-ing lock?! Ok. I throw my shoulder into the stupid door. Nothing. Looking down at the space between the floor and the wall separating each stall, I consider just sliding into the other stall. I bend down. No dice - the space is too small and I do NOT want to crawl on the bathroom floor. Ick! I step on the toilet planning my climb up and over into the next stall. Not happening either - I'd definitely end up with a foot in the toilet with that kind of attempt. I look at the small floor space and reconsider.

Lying down on my stomach (on the company's bathroom floor!), I army crawl backwards to the next stall hoping the entire time that nobody walks in to see me on the cold tiles. After some heavy handwashing, I tell our receptionist about the busted lock in the bathroom and how I managed to get out.

Word gets around the office quickly.

I Will Miss...

Since my moving day is approaching quickly, I've realized that there are many things I will miss once I move to Chicago. This is my tribute to those things.

• Girls' nights - I've always wanted to have a close group of girlfriends who I spend time with weekly, and these nights are exactly what I was looking for. Great conversations, big laughs, true friends and wonderful memories of Thursday nights. Save a cinnamon roll for me, ladies. (Rachel, don't think I won't miss you despite your absence in the photo below.) =)

• Loose Park - Hands down the most beautiful park in Kansas City. I had never been until I moved a block east of the park, and now I'm spoiled having lived next to such a charming environment. Walking on the trail, watching wedding ceremonies, smelling the roses, feeding the ducks/geese (who didn't care for my Saltines), enjoying the variety of dogs that come out to play, sunning by the small water park and of course, Chris and I being the only adults playing in the water park with all the little kids.

• Long walks through Mission Hills and Brookside - Chris and I would walk for hours on end through the nearby neighborhoods. I've had some of the best conversations on these walks: discussions of dream homes, favorite dogs, plans for the future and life in Chicago. I'll always remember these significant talks and walks with you, Chris, and I know we have many more miles waiting to be walked in Chi-town.

• Family - Of course I will miss Mom, Dad and Nate. I've grown closer to my parents since moving to KC, so I'll soon realize I can't just drive over for Mom's home-cooked meal, Dad's entertaining jokes and auto advice or a little R&R in my childhood home. Natey, my big bro, will be set to a visiting regimen - he has no choice. I suppose I should let him in on this decision. All family now has a reason to make frequent trips to Chicago - I expect it.

• Senora - I love my random visits with my ex-high school Spanish teacher. She always has an open ear and shoulder to lean on when I need it, guaranteed entertainment especially when Mike is there, great advice and always makes me feel like her segunda hija. Again, visits expected.

• Lawrence - The best college town that was always just a short drive away. Some of my favorites about this place are Mass Street, Milton's breakfast, Juice Stop, Free State Brewery, the bike trail along the river, visits to Clinton Lake and of course, the KU campus and all its glory.

Enough sentimental stuff though, I'm going to Chicago because it's the greatest city in America!

We Are The Champions, My Friend

CONGRATULATIONS, JAYHAWKS!!! With another NCAA National Championship title under our belt, I couldn't be more proud to be a KU Jayhawk. Last night's game was phenomenal.
KU 75, Memphis 68

As I sat inches away from my 21-inch television, I realized that it was five years ago when I was sitting in the exact same position in front of the same TV watching Roy's Jayhawks play Syracuse in the National Championship. I was a Senior in high school counting down the days until I started KU in the fall. That night ended with tears from the upsetting loss and from the news of Roy's departure. I never had hard feelings for Roy Williams, especially after seeing him wear the KU Jayhawk on his shirt during this year's championship game. Once a Jayhawk, always a Jayhawk.

Last night's game ended with the biggest grin across my face, fist pumping and a very satisfied feeling. During each of those championship games, I was approaching a significant chapter in my life - one starting KU and moving to Lawrence, the other beginning my new life in Chicago.

If background music could play right now, you would be listening to Flashdance's "What a Feeling" by Irene Cara. Last night was surreal to watch Mario Chalmers hit that 3 pt shot - talk about a clutch athlete. I'll be riding high on this feeling until the next March Madness. All I can do to savor this moment is to get a t-shirt commemorating the game. Hey, isn't that what everybody does? In case you didn't get a t-shirt, here are a few photos to remember as well.

Rock Chalk Jayhawk!

Tonight, the KU Jayhawks play Memphis in the NCAA National Championship! This definitely perks up my Monday. I'm still riding high from the amazing game against North Carolina on Saturday. If anyone is a little behind in their SportsCenter, let me update you: KU 84 UNC 66. As usual, ESPN does not give KU the credit they deserve for their Final Four win. I suppose the facts and beautiful game footage speaks for itself though. I'm still a fan of Roy, but I will always love my Jayhawks. Looks like we put the pressure on 'ol Roy this weekend.

Rock Chalk Jayhawk! Go KU!

I was lucky enough to be in Lawrence on Saturday to watch the game. After our significant win, we drove to Mass Street and ran down the crowded street to celebrate with all of Lawrence. It's a good day when you're hugging and high-fiving complete strangers over a college basketball game. I was able to enjoy the crowd from above thanks to Chris who carried me on his shoulders through the drunken debauchery. Georgia especially enjoyed the Lawrence police force by kissing every officer in sight. There was so much love to go around! Beak 'em Hawks!

Movin' On Up

I said I would start a blog when I knew I was moving to Chicago. Well, guess what?

I am moving to Chicago!!! I found out yesterday that I got the job at my ideal advertising agency in the great Windy City. Dreams are coming true. If you build it, they will come. Well, I built it and they came. I guess I'm coming to them, but you get the idea.

The luck agency - OgilvyAction. For those of you who are in advertising, you know the name Ogilvy (it was in all of our textbooks). For those of you who don't pick out product placement while watching a movie or don't critique every commercial you see on TV, then let me enlighten you on how most addies feel about the Ogilvy family. They are amazing and create the best work in advertising for top brands like Kraft, Dove and BP. Ogilvy is a top dog in the industry that I studied in almost every journalism course. This is my dream agency to work for, and I couldn't be more excited to join the team...as you probably can tell.

What is in store for me now? - the wonderful process of moving. Of course the time that I should be finding a new place to live, the KU Jayhawks will be playing in the Final Four. Now, you will see where my priorities come into place. Instead of going to Chicago this weekend to find an apartment, I'm driving to Lawrence to watch the game and partake in Jayhawk shenanigans. I see it as my last hoorah for a weekend with friends in the area. See - I can justify any of my actions. Next weekend will be the time for apartment hunting. This calls for roadtrip! Stay tuned for this exciting adventure...

As for Windy Wit:

I'm excited for friends and family to keep up with my life in Chi-town via my blog. I will do my best to keep you entertained while keeping up with what's to be my busiest, best month yet. As the saying goes, April showers bring...CHICAGO! (Or something like that) :)