One of my favorite parts of Chicago is the extensive public transport system. Between the El, Metra, and the buses, you don't need a car in this city. And with gas around $3.20 a gallon nowadays and parking such a pain, it's not advisable to even have the burden. Yes, I'm so dependent on the CTA that I'm willing to shell the 3 bucks if fare increased next month. Further, I have no idea what I'll do in Indy since they have such a shitty public transport system.
One niggling thing though about public things: they can be too public. You're in close quarters with other people, especially during rush hour. What am I supposed to do in the morning when the 50 year old lady next to me is drifting asleep and dangerously close to my shoulder? I HATE that! Plus, you get some real weirdos on the el. Just today, I was on the bus to community health and this guy comes on to the bus around chicago and halsted. Apparently I have a sign on me that says "psychoanalyze me" becuase that's what this dude did. He starts saying that I need to stop folding my arms; it shows I'm a selfish guy. I then said (with no hint of sarcasm mind you), "thanks for the psychotherapy, buddy."
This prompted the guy to then say I'm snobbish for being so rude. Oh, I guess passing judgment on a complete stranger whose just trying to get back to the lab because he has a shitload of analysis to do isn't a jackass type of thing to do. My bad. One other guy on this same bus route (watch out for the 66 on Chicago Ave., guys and gals) started saying out loud "I want me a white girl" and this high school girl talking about how much of a slut she was and wanted to break up with her bf by sending him a text message. I knew I was getting old when I realized how annoying high schoolers are.
Oh yeah, at the end of this day, I got soaked from head to toe in a Chicago monsoon while two shuttles decided to not come tonight to pick up students. A great day for the CTA.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Empty Nest
So my brother just got dropped off at Purdue for college. We'll see how it goes; hopefully it gives him a good dose of reality. More importantly, my parents now are all alone back home. Wow, that's weird to think of. They have zero hobbies so I'm wondering how they're going to cope with that. It will be interesting nonetheless. I told them "you guys always have the dogs", but I know they're going to be bored in that big ole house in the middle of nowhere in Indiana. It's unfortunate but everyone grows up eventually and becomes independent from the 'rents. So here is a list of things they'll start doing without us there:
1. Work, work, and work: My parents already work pretty long hours, but I've noticed that working is a pretty good alleviation for boredom. In this summer after college, my circle of friends and people I hang out with has shrunk to a pittance. Coupled with an apt. without AC and lack of cable tv, itt's been a pretty good motivator to work 12 hours a day. What else am I going to do? Hopefully, my parents don't work too hard, but I see this as a pretty large likelihood.
2. Rent more movies: My parents are closet movie junkies, but hate paying for stuff without my brother and I being present. So this is not very likely.
3. Read books: very unlikely. My parents hate reading for leisure.
4. get a new dog: My parents have been talking for a while about getting a new dog (actually just mom), but Silky is getting old and may need a "replacement" soon. We'll see where this goes but I wouldn't be opposed to it at all. It'd be kinda cool.
5. Get friends: My parents have zero interaction with people in the community. For doctors, they can be pretty callous, but I really wish they had friends with whom they could talk to and invite for dinner, etc.
I feel bad for them, but hey it had to start sometime. As long as my dad doesn't get a motorcycle or a Cadillac, I think they'll get through the midlife crisis okay.
1. Work, work, and work: My parents already work pretty long hours, but I've noticed that working is a pretty good alleviation for boredom. In this summer after college, my circle of friends and people I hang out with has shrunk to a pittance. Coupled with an apt. without AC and lack of cable tv, itt's been a pretty good motivator to work 12 hours a day. What else am I going to do? Hopefully, my parents don't work too hard, but I see this as a pretty large likelihood.
2. Rent more movies: My parents are closet movie junkies, but hate paying for stuff without my brother and I being present. So this is not very likely.
3. Read books: very unlikely. My parents hate reading for leisure.
4. get a new dog: My parents have been talking for a while about getting a new dog (actually just mom), but Silky is getting old and may need a "replacement" soon. We'll see where this goes but I wouldn't be opposed to it at all. It'd be kinda cool.
5. Get friends: My parents have zero interaction with people in the community. For doctors, they can be pretty callous, but I really wish they had friends with whom they could talk to and invite for dinner, etc.
I feel bad for them, but hey it had to start sometime. As long as my dad doesn't get a motorcycle or a Cadillac, I think they'll get through the midlife crisis okay.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
whooo craziness
Whooo...just got back to Chicago to start my research job. I get paid 500 a month to work 60 hr. weeks. Yep, i guess I must really like this stuff then. My boss, the PI, is really cool and so is everyone in the lab. God, I missed this city, though it's been steamy and sticky these last few days (and without AC in my apt. it sucks). Only 2 weeks left until I move to Lakeshore....YES! My new bachelor pad is the shit and I'm only a 15 minute walk from Mich. Ave. Can't wait to move in and enjoy the year off from formal academia!
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