Chicago and the Icy MESS

Yes, Mother Nature has a very bad sense of humor. She brought snow, but did not leave the freezing rain back where it came from. Needless to say, it made my journey from the gym and hair salon VERY, VERY interesting. I was able to deal with the walk along Clark Street fine - no incidents. I almost kissed the sidewalk on Belmont on my way to the CTA station. Once I was on the train after a cold wait, I felt confident because I knew that I took the safer route home. That confidence was shaken when I started to look outside after each stop after Sheridan. All I could see on the CTA platform was a natural-made ice rink coming off the train. When I reached my stop on Arygle, my worst fears were presented - the ice rink was HUGE. As long as I walked SLLLLLOOOOW, I was fine. It was same once I got on the sidewalk and walked home.

Once home, I made a decision to NOT RUN tomorrow during a 5K that Josh and I signed up for. I do not want to risk any injury caused by the ice and crap that's still falling as I speak. I have spent too much time recovering to risk it on a very small race. If I do go with Josh, I will walk the course - not run.

Well, once I got home, I made the finishing touches to our small lights display for our apartment. I miss owning a home or ground floor apartment with a balcony and going NUTS with the lights, but I am very proud of what I have come up with this year. (Well, we are the one apartment with lights on their windows). And YES, peeps - we do have heat back on as late, late Thursday night. We have a nice warm, toasty apartment again. Yayy!

To top of that good news, I received an e-mail tonight from the company that created my free blogger head. They had a redesigned their website and sent out an e-mail about a contest for a free custom header. Well, I won a FREE custom header and now in the process of deciding what I want on it. Everyone will have to wait and see what will come about. To be continued....

BTW, 14 days until GRADUATION TIME!

Thank GOD for 3 day weekends

....and the third one in a row too. I am still counting down the days until I take my LONG and much-earned vacation around my birthday (less than a month away!). I can not wait! I also started my 2nd to the LAST undergrad class on Monday. SO cool!

I went to the gym after a very challenging week (especially the last two days). I ran 4 miles on the treadmill and then headed to do 60 minutes of weight training and core workout. It felt SO good. I also dropped another 1.4 lbs so far this week and very happy about it. I am getting so close to my goal and very happy about the results this time around.

Another thing that I am looking forward to this weekend is that the VIKINGS and BEARS play on SUNDAY. It's the first of two games this year. I am SO PSYCHED! I have not talked about football lately because some of my teams have sucked, but this week is SO GREAT! On top of that, the GOPHERS are in town to play Northwestern during their Homecoming. I wanted to go to the game, but other things got in the way. It's a TOTAL MINNESOTA weekend in CHICAGO weekend. Whooohoo!

Time to work on some homework and then some snuggle time.

Today's workout
4 mile and weight training/core work
45:24
11:20/mile - NICE!

A view of Downtown Chicago

During our 14 mile walk along the lakeshore...and THREE blisters (and a bad facial sunburn) later in 4 1/2 hours.

Oh...what a Mother's Day ride!

This weekend ended on a very positive, but sore note. After sleeping in, Josh put the "kids" aka his three pugs on the bed and was brought breakfast in bed. It was a very relaxing morning. After the relaxing morning and he took care of his pugs, we took our bikes out for a very, very long bike ride throughout Chicago - 18.91 miles to be exact (see link for the map!) We did not do it all straight through - stopped off at the Red Apple after riding for 1 1/2 hours for the Mother's Day buffet (VERY yummy!) - then off to Baskin-Robbins for some ice cream. I was amazed that I was able to get through the entire. I am sitting here very sore as I wind down before going to bed. I am hoping to be not too sore to ride my bike to work tomorrow AM. Josh wants me to do my first run tomorrow too before I run my first 5K race since the ITB injury. I hope to get it done and that I am not too sore to be able to accomplish it. I will just have to wait and see.

Busy Life

Well, things have been very busy here in Firefly-Full Metal Lunchbox-land. Between both of our new jobs (at 4 weeks we are still new!) On top of that, I went to Yoga FIVE days last week and then on Monday. I plan to go back tommorow and Thursday. I am also in the plans to fly back home in MN on Friday afternoon for the weekend. I am looking forward to a little break from work. I have to work 4 days in a row with another 2 more to go - 6 days in a row together. We spent some time with his mom and her boyfriend on Sunday where we celebrated our new jobs and then again on Monday for some sushi. I had a great time with them. Well, I need to keep this post short because I am very tired right now.

Day off from work..

..with a sleepy pug on the couch.

Yoga - Take 2

Well, after a day off, I went for another session of yoga. It is not so bad as the first. First, it was not as crowded as the first session. Plus I was actually falling asleep just lying on the floor on top of the yoga mat and towel. I was starting to get relaxed now. I still sweat like a pig, but a more satisfied pig. The poses are getting easier to do - 'cept for the damn one legged pose, which I am still struggling on along with involving sitting on my bended knees especially with meniscus issues. I will give it time before I do any of that. Anyways, I am having fun with it and not so frustrated with it. Josh's noticing very positive things since I have started yoga like I am more relaxed. I slept SO much better on Monday night. I slept 8 hours very soundly. I am hoping tonight's just as o relaxed as well. He can explain more in detail of his observations and I will leave it that way. I am just hoping to lose 12 lbs that I have gained since my running injury in January. It is something that I am very embarassed to talk about....plus my clothes are starting to get very tight on me. Well, I have two days off and plan to enjoy them fully. I just wish the snow/rain crap we got today goes away very soon.

I did Bikram.....

....and lived to tell about it. Yes, my blogging friends, I tried my first sesson of Bikram Yoga. I have been sick and tired for the last three month - especially the last three weeks - of sitting at home when not at work and not able to run. Well, after some searching, I decided to try Bikram Yoga. I found a Bikram Yoga studio, which is only 15 minutes from work. I got there quite a bit early to get changed and prepare myself for what I am able to experience. Here's the summary of my experience: First 30 minutes in the 105 degree heated room: "Ok...this is not too bad. I can handle this." 30-45 minutes into the session: "HOLY SHIT...I am really sweating. Look at the puddle that guy's leaving on the floor." (This is with the frustration of not being able to do many of the pose in the required time.....and seeing all of the show-offs in class." 45-60 minutes into the session: "Um...it's getting a little TOO hot in here. I don't know if I can make it." Last 15 minutes: "NOW I have seen and felt what HELL is..........and I don't like it." Well, I made it. I am now very tired...and sore. Plus I drank TWO 20 oz bottles of water during the 90 minute session - what I did not sweat out, I made very frequent trips to the bathroom. I have two more sessions left for this week before I book for more. I am using their $29 unlimited monthly intro package. Very nice deal for a newbie like me. BTW, Josh and I spent our Easter after I got home from work heading to Chinatown and having VERY nice dinner (and cheap too) at the Triple Crown. (Hmmmm...walnut shrimp!) It's my first Easter in Chicago (and 2nd away from home - did not miss much, mostly lots of family drama). Now time for bed....what a day!

Is there a FULL MOON out there or WHAT?!

GODDAMNIT, people! Today was supposed to be better day than yesterday....NOT!!! Here's the short, short version of my day: 1. NO lunch break at all - LOTS of running around 2. PMS hitting me VERY bad + craziness at work = BAD Firefly on the edge! 3. Time had to use "show of force" up on the 6th floor (Behavior Health Unit) = 4 (three straight in a row during a 10 minute period - aka the triple feature) 4. People coming out of the woodwork for requests during the triple feature with NO available officers = 6 ( I need to seriously clone myself and have my clone do the work.) 5. No food in system by the end of the day = cranky Firefly on top of the PMS. 6. Got my IL driver's license FINALLY after work (Passed the written test that comes with it with only 2 wrong - allowed 7) 7. Had dinner with Josh at the Veggie Dinner. Very yummy! 8. Found out today that I will be working on Sunday morning on Easter. Oh well! Only one day off and then back to work. Nothing more. Time to get some sleep...very much need it.

Sad face..

One sad and tired Firefly in an apartment by myself for a whole weekend (until sometime on Sunday afternoon/evening). Check out some of the details of his weekend in Champaign on his blog on Monday. But I am in the great company of Sadie the pug. I spent time today after getting great sushi to celebrate my 1st week at my new job. Then I spent 90 minute walking around (part of it under an alcohol-induced buzz from the plum wine I drank during dinner), getting lost at one part looking for a grocery store, getting frustated in the process while sending a SOS signal to Josh via cell phone, and then finally getting there. **sigh** Then I carried FIVE plastic grocery bag of supplies on the Red Line and walked home. It all sunk in when I walked in the door to an semi-empty apartment. It hit me HARD. I was too tired to get any homework done and plan to crash here shortly since I have been up since 4:30 am.

Busy...busy....and even more busy.

First, I would like to say: I LOVE my new job! I am starting to feel more comfortable in my place where I work. Comfortable enough that I made decisions today that I have never been able to do as an officer. Second, I wish I could take a breather during my shift to sink it all in and BREATHE. I run around the hospital most of time especially if it's involves doing something for my boss. Today was the first day in three days that I can actually SIT in my office and EAT LUNCH (while making phone call in between bites - still doing stuff)! Yes, you read it right. The last two days I have either had NO lunch until AFTER work or had a liquidified lunch in the form of a smoothie. Until I get trained, I am going to have to make sure that I eat something by putting a snack in my jacket pocket. I walk up...and down the stairs to and from my office (did it at least 10 times today - my knees are not happy about it.) It is to a point that I do not want to ANYTHING after work 'cept working on schoolwork which does not involve walking. (Josh can vouch for me on that.) Not mention that I have a HUGE blister/callus on the back of my right heel, which hurts like a bitch when I walk with my boots on. Besides good stuff on the job front, I received another "A" for a class I finished during the week I prepped to move to Chicago. Besides being busy with the moving stuff, I had to struggle with finishing homework assignments due on the day that I moved my stuff to Chicago. I started another new class on Monday. I am so looking forward to the graduation day when I finish my classwork and prep to walk during the Graduation ceremony in May 2008. Well, off to get relax the rest of the evening before heading to bed again.

A Report from my 1st day....

....and I can say it in four words: OH MY POOR FEET!!

Owwwww!

I can not remember it being this painful to wear my normal work boots. I walked about 5 out of the 8 hours today and even climbed about 30 flights of stairs too. The rest of the time I either stood, sit (while in HEAVEN!), or in-between sitting and standing. On top of that, I did not get a lunch break today and only a small 15 minutes break. The rest of the time, even though it was slow and calm, was go, go, go!! I already have a sense that I will be doing a lot of paperwork. The office that I share with two male supervisors is in total chaos! My first instinct is to CLEAN IT and organize. I hope to get that chance next week. Bring it on!

The ten people - met 8 out of 10 today - who I will supervise are very nice and easy to work with. In fact, I will be appointing a 2nd Officer in Charge (OIC). I already have an idea of who I would like to appoint. But I want to get a few of the others a chance before I make a solid decision.

The weather today is SO wonderful and very warm. It made it a great day to wear short sleeves to work. But the early, early wake-up call came TOO damn early. I really need to get some much needed sleep tonight. I hope I sleep better than I did last night. I guess the excitement really got to me.

Yesterday was so much fun. Josh did an awesome job running the Shamrock Shuffle. I was standing out by the mile 4 marker - since 9:15 am - with my huge sign for all of the Chicago RBF runners to see. The crowd was so big that it was difficult to see anyone. I got a little too much sun yesterday and paid the price. Owww!

Well, off to continue relaxing today. I have another busy day tommorow.

End of the first week in Chicago

Well, I have made through my first week in Chicago. Tommorow will hopefully - depending on the weather - will be the Shamrock Shuffle. Come Monday night morning will be my first day of my new job - start at 6:30, which means getting my butt out of bed at 5 am. (OUCH!)

The end of this week was at the most part quiet and full of errand running getting ready for my first day on Monday. I got my new uniform today after stopping in with the paperwork yesterday. I still have a stack of benefit paperwork to work through. **sigh**

On Thursday night, I took Josh to the Melting Pot for a celebratory dinner since it was his last day at Chase. It was one place that I highly recommend...especially the chocolate fondue part. Yummmm!

On Friday, after getting up at a decent hour (before 10:30 am - part of being LAZY this week), I met up with the people in H.R. to fill out paperwork and get my pretty ID picture taken, which required me to really work on my hair so it looks decent. Afterwards, I took a train to turn in my paperwork for my uniform, get sized for my shirts (where I finally get FEMALE uniform shirts where I will not look like I gained 10 lbs instantly upon wearing them), and then headed back home on the train to meet Josh.

Then we headed to the Shamrock Shuffle expo with Josh's former co-worker, Jay, and his friend, Shea. The boys picked up their race packets, while I looked around the awesome goodies. After the boys had their fill, Josh, Jay and I headed to the farewell celebration at Jak's Taven. It was a very fun evening of lots of beer drinking (without repeating my last drinking incident), eating and gossiping. I met all of Josh's now-former co-workers where they were doing shots while I stuck with the beer (Thanks, but no thanks!) I was the sober of the two last night when we headed home. (See Josh's blog for the pics from Thursday AND Friday night....as soon as he works on it...eventally!)

After Josh headed to bed, I was still a little wired. I saw on the news that the MN Gophers team was making national news about their NEW COACH. We were all cheering and celebrating in MN while another team was...ah...well...I don't know what was going on. All I know that, after getting some decent players (who actually PLAY), we have a shot at a winning season next year. (Please no comments from the peanut galley!)

As for today, it was a very relaxing day. I picked my uniform shirts, laid around the house for one more day (**sniff sniff**), spend some personal time with Josh, and got our place cleaned for the party tommorow. If it was not so gray for most of the day, it would be a perfect day - very comfortable.

Good luck to those racing tommorow at the Shamrock Shuffle. I will see you on the sidelines.

Pre-Employment Exam DONE....

...'cept for the drug screen (which I know will come clean) and my TB exam on my arm. Not to mention the blood that they drew to test my MMR resistance. Damn needles! The drive after I picked up my rental car was very smooth. I had awesome directions provided by Yahoo.com. I did not get my damn GPS machine as promised, but I did not get charged for it too. The ride in the car on I-90 SUCKED, but once I was on westbound I-290 everything was SMOOTH. I even got there 45 minutes and enough time for breakfast, which I did not eat before leaving out the door. But my sweet boyfriend packed me some grapes and apples in the sandwich bag to eat during the stop and go traffic on I-90 and on all of the lights I hit on Halsted to get to I-90. They did the standard physical exam: hearing, drug screen, vision, breathing (similar to when I go see the allergist for my asthma - nervous about that one!), the 2 minute physical exam by a doctor, and the HUGE stack of paperwork that I had to fill out. Talk about writer's cramp. OWWWW! After I finished my exam, I drove toward back home to pick up Josh. I got stuck in traffic to get back onto I-90. Damn drivers! But I was able to get out of the mess thanks for Josh's assistance. He gave me my first awesome scenic route through Lower Wacker Drive onto Lake Shore Drive. It was most beautiful drive I have done so far in Chicago since I moved here. It was the most perfect day for a drive with a slightly cooler sunny day. I now officially feel at home in Chicago. I can not wait to get a new car, but the transit system will do me just fine for now. The rest of the day was ours with the car. We did some errands with the car before coming home to relax after we returned it. I really needed it because I have been up since 7 am and out the door at 7:45 to catch the bus to the rental facility. The rest of the week now is all mine and plan to enjoy it. 4 days until the Shamrock Shuffle. I look forward to cheering everyone on during the race.....just look for the sign.

This is all I have left.

The sad part is that three of six boxes has feminine products and other bathroom crap inside. I have THREE set of either non-heat or heat rollers too. Plus Josh has had to relocate stuff in the closets so I have room for it. One of the boxes has stuff for a care package for a certain pregnant RBF member that I keep putting off getting out in the mail. (Bad Firefly!)

But I am almost there...and that's after only three hours of unpacking between yesterday and today. I already quickly unpacked THREE wardrobe boxes of CLOTHES on top of my dresser that we carried empty up three flights of stairs. DONATION TIME!

I have my pre-employment physical tommorow morning in Melrose Park at 10 am. (Why that far beats me...without a car too? UGH!) I am renting a car with a GPS system coming with it from Budget so I do not get LOST. I plan to use the car later for some much needed errands - and driving for the first time in Chicago - that could not be done with a HUGE moving truck.

Plus I found out besides having a nice week off from work I have another reason to celebrate. It's SPRING BREAK. I have NO classes this week at all....thank GOD!! I can completely relax this week without anything tying me down. Can we say PARTY? Ummm....not that bad. Still visions on last Monday in my head. BAD memories!

Well, off to tend a sick boyfriend, one of the unconventional side effects of moving. UGH!

We are all done!

Now I have a week off of work to unpack. Thank God! I don't have much to unpack, but enough to keep me busy.

The moving truck has been returned and feel MORE relaxed. BTW, I am not changing this blog to reflect my move because my roots are from MN.

Day one is almost done and another day in Chicago is about to begin. Josh and I thank all of you for your support throught this process. It has been great journey to get this far and it's just beginning still for both of us.

P.S. If you are wondering about the dismantled bed in the background, that's another $$$ project in the works. Onto bigger and better things.

Part one done

Part two of the move is tommorow involving the storage locker. Then onto the unpacking.

I am SO tired right now (so is Josh too!)! **sigh**

I am now in IL.

Almost to my new home. YAY!

It only took us about 7 1/2 hours to reach Chicago. A new record!!

Goodbye, MN. Hello, Chicago!

We are on the road with Josh at the wheel driving.

Pressing on....

...with the move. Another room - a BIG closet done. Two rooms done. 4 more to go. 1 PT session down. Hurt like HELL. I felt much better BEFORE the session. Damn IT band massage. UGH! 10 days until the big move. 3 more days until Josh arrives here to help me out and see my big hometown. I told my kids the news on Sunday and was very hard to do. It did not come without any tears. My daughter's excited to come visit Chicago especially after she received her new baby doll last night from American Girl. (But I think she's geographically challenged right now. Need to work on that.) My son will take some time to get digest the information since he's a little bit older. I will allow him to the time, but I got some outside help to assist me with him. I hope it helps. But he did like his new Sony PSP (I am an awesome mom!) They get to meet Josh on Sunday when I pick them up from their dad's house. We are still working on the details of the fun day. I finally met my mom's boyfriend last night, along with my kids. He's nice, but like my kids will be feeling, it will take some time to get used to it. I am in their shoes right now so I know how it feels to meet someone else that's not your dad. How ironic! I know that my mom's happy right now. At the same time, I miss my dad and the feelings are still fresh right now. Back to work for me. 6 work days left for me. Work is a little bit a refuge right now and gives me time to rest....and work on my homework.