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.