It's been a while since I posted. Actually, I think it's been over a month because I was commuting from the 'burbs the last time I posted. How do I remember? Because I wrote that post on the soul-sucking Metra. I've decided that I prefer the CTA over the Metra. Maybe that's because I just moved to the city about a month ago? Now don't get me wrong, the Metra, in theory, is great, but it just lacks so much personality and I never feel like I can have adventures on the Metra. And the only time I have ever ridden the Metra is when I have a commute of an hour or longer. Yes, it might be cleaner. Yes, there are less mentally ill individuals. Yes, the Metra doesn't have a tendency to smell like pee. BUT the Metra doesn't show up every 7 minutes, it costs a bit more than $2.50 per ride, and sometimes they can be real sticklers to the rules (which is really no fun at all).
Now I'm living IN the city. My address is followed by Chicago, IL 60613. So maybe it's not in the loop but I'm living in BOYSTOWN. For anyone who knows anything about me, this is absolutely perfect. Hell, if you ever read this blog you'll realize it's perfect for me.
For anyone wondering, I still love my job. I can confidently say that I have never been happier than I am right now with where I am in life. I'm still trying to figure out how to balance work and relationships but I think I'm getting there. Maybe. My only friends in the city are my coworkers so I might be cheating a little bit.
Recent Developments: I'm going to attempt to be a vegetarian. I think my first vegetarian meal was a week ago at this place called Native Foods. It's a vegan restaurant and they have "meat" but it's made out of vegetable proteins. I'm going to be honest, it doesn't taste like real meat BUT it's still pretty damn good. In Chicago, it's pretty easy to be a vegetarian. There's a whole foods seemingly every 5 blocks in the city and vegan restaurants on every corner. I'll keep you guys posted on my progress because I'm actually pretty excited about the prospect.
I do have a confession, though. Last night I was at a wedding and the main meal was chicken kiev. I ate the meal. I was hoping that I would never remember my last meal with meat in it but the timing was pretty perfect. Let me tell you why in the form of my favorite thing ever, a list!
1. Weddings are all about new phases in life. Weddings are not only mile-markers for the couple but for the people who attend them as well. Think about it. I was at a wedding with the Rogan's fam, which was a significant part of my high school and college years, and the man getting married helped me become the confident, quirky weirdo I am today. I doubt that he envisioned the monster he would create, but... oh well. I was more than happy to share my last meat-oriented meal with people who have seen so many major moments in my life. Maybe I'm putting too much thought into this. I don't really care.
2. You know how people always say they'll do something next month? You can't really get away with saying that on June 1st.
3. I wanted to test myself. It had been about a week since I decided I was going to attempt to be a vegetarian. If I could eat a meal with meat in it and still have my mind set on being vegetarian, than clearly I can do it. The only thing I'm going to miss is Buffalo Wild Wings, but I can still eat their soft pretzels so I think I'll be okay.
4. What good was throwing out the meal that was already made do? The chicken died already. What was the good in not eating going to do?
So, WHY am I doing this? Just you guys wait, I'm going to make another list. But FIRST, I'm going to explain something. My basis right now is relatively weak. There's some research I need to do to get harder evidence but I am going to list the things I know.
1. Eating vegetarian is sustainable. More sustainable than livestock.
2. Eating vegetarian just forces you to eat healthier. I have to eat vegetables and fruit. I have to be aware of everything that I eat. I actually have to stop and think about what I'm going to put into my body.
3. Treatment of livestock is bad. I don't know specifics but I do know that I really like animals a lot better when I can cuddle with them and not eat them.
4. Odd numbers drive me insane. I'll have more reasons as I think of them.
DISCLAIMER: If you don't want to be vegetarian, that's great. But also remember that no one needs to eat meat every day to be healthy. Meals don't need to be centered around a meat. This initially started because I wanted to eat less meat, but the more I thought about it the more I just felt like being vegetarian was the way to go.
So that post wasn't nearly as entertaining as they usually are and PROPS TO YOU if you read all the way through my rambles. Winner winner chicken dinner. .... I guess maybe I should find a new phrase?
As a reward, I'm going to share with you my canvassing story of the week.
Luther*, this is for you.
I was canvassing in an undisclosed location for a environmental group, and a nice foreign old man stopped to talk to me. We chatted for a bit about the efforts the group was working for, then he informed me that he needed to work out and go to the store, then he would come back and make a donation. Which, obviously, I figured wouldn't happen because people rarely return, even if the pinky promise. Bitches, right? So, Luther, approximately 65-70 years old, strutted off. About 2 hours later Luther actually comes trucking back, groceries in hand. I obviously remember him and say hi. He tells me that he has good and bad news for me. Naturally, I ask for the bad news first. Luther informs me that at this time he is unable to make a contribution, BUT the good news was that he would love to take me for a drink when I get off work.
.............
Luther, you missed the point there, my friend. So I tell him that can't happen because I have to go back to the office after I finish canvassing so I won't be in the area. Quick save. Also, if you can afford to buy me a drink I THINK you can afford to donate at least five godforsaken dollars to save the world you are stomping all over with your socks and sandals and Jewel bags. So I nicely decline Luther and he leaves. Bye, Luther.
OH BUT WAIT. Homeboy comes back a third time. This time he has showered and shaved, changed clothes, and put on some cologne. Great. Luther, this time, comes up to me and demands I take his phone number down so the next time I'm in the area I can get a hold of him. Sir, I admire your persistence but you're 70 and I'm 22. It will never happen. Ever. Thanks.
THE END.
*names have been changed.
Everyone have a super great week and I promise I'll take care of this blog a little bit more. Stay tuned for my adventures with AmirKAT. Okay, so my landlord's name is actually Amir, but I've decided AmirKAT is better. Except not to his face.
XOXOXO
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