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Okay, that was a bit of an exaggeration. When I leave the house I turn it down to 54-56. When I first get home, I pop it up to 64ish. I am usually working around the house, making dinner and such; making a bit of my own body heat.
Once I sit down to do paperwork or watch TV I might bump it up to 66, or on a very cold day 68. But I have often been known to leave it at 64 and add on the blankets, hats and socks. Not to mention the warmth from my overheating laptop.
What happens when I go to bed? Now this might be where I loose a few of you...
Tonight (where it is about 10 degrees outside) I have on three pairs of socks, flannel pants, a long sleeve t-shirt, two sweaters, and a knit hat. Not to mention the five blankets on top. Throughout the night I may shed a few layers. The hat will probably be the first to go. Then maybe a pair or two of socks.
But the key to this system is the sock/pants relationship: tuck your pant legs into the first layer of socks. That way when you toss and turn throughout the night the pant legs won't ride up and expose your legs to the elements.
My electric bill is pretty good, but it is the gas bill I am worried about this month. You may ask, "You have a fireplace, why don't you use that?" But with the fireplace, I have to leave the damper open all night; which in my mind is just sending my heat out the chimney.
My system, though convoluted works for me. I think I will keep it. At least until I start seeing someone and have to explain my ridiculous winter going to bed rituals.
Showing posts with label city life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label city life. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
42
It takes 42 consecutive nights of going to the same ice cream place and order the exact same thing until they give it to you for free.
Tonight was night 42.
Each of the workers have know my face for a while. A few weeks back they knew my order right away. They were even calling to the back for it while there were still people in front of me in line. But tonight was the break-through. The manager was there, who I have had fairly in-depth discussions about the fruit to chocolate to cream ratio that makes for excellent flavors. She came in from the back, saw me at the window, said, "I got it." and went to grab my Raspberry Chip Cheesecake, kid's size, in a cup. I sheepishly look at the couple beside me and say, "I'm a regular".
This past week I have really been contemplating if they the girls that work there think I am crazy or have an eating disorder. They may think I am homeless and beg for the $2.50 habit I have. (they would think this because I usually go in the same cut-off sweatpants and Produce-A-Plenty polo shirt I put on each night as soon as I get home from work.
But when the manager brought up my order to the window, she said it was, "on her." I at first refused, then thanked profusely. So this leads me to believe that I am not the crazy fat girl that comes every night. (though one time I did run to them in heals, 4 bags, and a dress yelling from across the street, "Are you still open for one more order!?!?!")
No. I am the loyal customer base who recommends Annette's to anyone in the city looking for good ice cream (or Italian Ice - though I have never had it). No recession will get me down. I will gladly skip Starbucks for my ice cream. Annette's recognizes this and rewards it.
Thank you Annette's!
(Annette's is located on the NE corner of Armitage and Bissell)
Disclaimer - I officially endorse Annette's for ice cream in the Chicago area. However, until Greater's starts coughing up freebies, they aren't going to get any promos from me.
Tonight was night 42.
Each of the workers have know my face for a while. A few weeks back they knew my order right away. They were even calling to the back for it while there were still people in front of me in line. But tonight was the break-through. The manager was there, who I have had fairly in-depth discussions about the fruit to chocolate to cream ratio that makes for excellent flavors. She came in from the back, saw me at the window, said, "I got it." and went to grab my Raspberry Chip Cheesecake, kid's size, in a cup. I sheepishly look at the couple beside me and say, "I'm a regular".
This past week I have really been contemplating if they the girls that work there think I am crazy or have an eating disorder. They may think I am homeless and beg for the $2.50 habit I have. (they would think this because I usually go in the same cut-off sweatpants and Produce-A-Plenty polo shirt I put on each night as soon as I get home from work.
But when the manager brought up my order to the window, she said it was, "on her." I at first refused, then thanked profusely. So this leads me to believe that I am not the crazy fat girl that comes every night. (though one time I did run to them in heals, 4 bags, and a dress yelling from across the street, "Are you still open for one more order!?!?!")
No. I am the loyal customer base who recommends Annette's to anyone in the city looking for good ice cream (or Italian Ice - though I have never had it). No recession will get me down. I will gladly skip Starbucks for my ice cream. Annette's recognizes this and rewards it.
Thank you Annette's!
(Annette's is located on the NE corner of Armitage and Bissell)
Disclaimer - I officially endorse Annette's for ice cream in the Chicago area. However, until Greater's starts coughing up freebies, they aren't going to get any promos from me.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Power in the office
It started with a power tie. Then, when women entered the work force, it turned into the power color. We had the power suit; and now, thanks to Hillary, the power pants suit.
But I would like show you the evolution of the power code at work: The Power Dress. The power dress has clean lines, is very well made, and something that will forever be in style. It is classic, not trendy. Attention grabbing, but not flashy. The Haute couture for the middle-middle class.
It it the dress you wear it to work and people corner you to ask if you have an interview. It is the dress you wear when you are attending a meeting with the Mcdreamy CIO. It is the dress you wear when you want to say, "I am woman, hear me roar, I look damn good, now listen to what I say."
When accessorizing the power dress, take a lesson from Coco Channel. Before you leave the house, take off one accessory. You don't want to over-power the power of the dress. You also have to think about the shoes. I will be honest, I don't have great shoes - I am no Carry Bradshaw. I have 2 good pairs of brown shoes and 1 pair of nice black shoes. This lack of options has limited the colors of my power dresses. I stick to neutral colors- browns, black, navy, ect. But if you normally wear more vibrant colors, feel free to expand the colors. But the more vibrant the color, the more simple the dress.
Also, I don't wear pantyhose. Ever. This will come as a shock to some readers, but nowadays, it is no longer required. I would actually discouraged. No one wears hose. Some wear tights, but never with a power dress.
The power dress is like a new car. As soon as you drive it off the lot, it immediately looses value. If you over-wear your dress it looses power. It should not be added to the weekly rotation. Either people think you are really looking for a new job, or you are trying to show off your fancy wardrobe, but can only afford a few pieces. No amount of mixing and matching can help it. Also, your dry cleaning bill will be enormous.
For examples of power dresses, don't look at the CTA in the morning. Don't look at Bebe. Go for discount designer stores and be willing to shell out about $100. Think of it as an investment. You are preparing for your future and your future power. I have over-invested a bit and have a few samples as well...
But I would like show you the evolution of the power code at work: The Power Dress. The power dress has clean lines, is very well made, and something that will forever be in style. It is classic, not trendy. Attention grabbing, but not flashy. The Haute couture for the middle-middle class.
It it the dress you wear it to work and people corner you to ask if you have an interview. It is the dress you wear when you are attending a meeting with the Mcdreamy CIO. It is the dress you wear when you want to say, "I am woman, hear me roar, I look damn good, now listen to what I say."
When accessorizing the power dress, take a lesson from Coco Channel. Before you leave the house, take off one accessory. You don't want to over-power the power of the dress. You also have to think about the shoes. I will be honest, I don't have great shoes - I am no Carry Bradshaw. I have 2 good pairs of brown shoes and 1 pair of nice black shoes. This lack of options has limited the colors of my power dresses. I stick to neutral colors- browns, black, navy, ect. But if you normally wear more vibrant colors, feel free to expand the colors. But the more vibrant the color, the more simple the dress.
Also, I don't wear pantyhose. Ever. This will come as a shock to some readers, but nowadays, it is no longer required. I would actually discouraged. No one wears hose. Some wear tights, but never with a power dress.
The power dress is like a new car. As soon as you drive it off the lot, it immediately looses value. If you over-wear your dress it looses power. It should not be added to the weekly rotation. Either people think you are really looking for a new job, or you are trying to show off your fancy wardrobe, but can only afford a few pieces. No amount of mixing and matching can help it. Also, your dry cleaning bill will be enormous.
For examples of power dresses, don't look at the CTA in the morning. Don't look at Bebe. Go for discount designer stores and be willing to shell out about $100. Think of it as an investment. You are preparing for your future and your future power. I have over-invested a bit and have a few samples as well...
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Dating Karma
For reference, please see the posting from April 27 - second date.
I had my first date with someone from Match.com. He seemed pretty cool, a bit old (33) but well established and witty. Basically my only two requirements. (besides that they have to laugh at my jokes).
Breakfast on Saturday morning. Then we went to the Printer's Row Book Fair. I have always wanted to go and since this was where he had just bought his new condo, it worked out perfectly. Now the check for breakfast comes. I have been down this path before, but I have decided that on a first date, I am a split down the middle kind of girl. It must be the feminist in me. So I through in my $20 and we are done. But now this leaves me with $3 total...not going to take me far in the Book Fair.
First find is a used copy of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. It is in the $1 bin, but when the guy looks at it, he says he can only charge me .50 for it. Done and done. I just might make it through with my now $2.50.
But then we come across the perfect father's day present. I won't say what it is, Dad might be reading, but it was well out of my $2.50 budget. It isn't crazy expensive, but they don't take credit card. So my valiant first date gave me the extra money to get my father's day present. Karma from the second date paid back. World - we are even.
I had my first date with someone from Match.com. He seemed pretty cool, a bit old (33) but well established and witty. Basically my only two requirements. (besides that they have to laugh at my jokes).
Breakfast on Saturday morning. Then we went to the Printer's Row Book Fair. I have always wanted to go and since this was where he had just bought his new condo, it worked out perfectly. Now the check for breakfast comes. I have been down this path before, but I have decided that on a first date, I am a split down the middle kind of girl. It must be the feminist in me. So I through in my $20 and we are done. But now this leaves me with $3 total...not going to take me far in the Book Fair.
First find is a used copy of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. It is in the $1 bin, but when the guy looks at it, he says he can only charge me .50 for it. Done and done. I just might make it through with my now $2.50.
But then we come across the perfect father's day present. I won't say what it is, Dad might be reading, but it was well out of my $2.50 budget. It isn't crazy expensive, but they don't take credit card. So my valiant first date gave me the extra money to get my father's day present. Karma from the second date paid back. World - we are even.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
How fine is the line between civic duty and being a narc?
Tonight I am not sure if I did my civic duty or was a narc. I am in my apartment about 10 minutes ago blogging. It is rare that I am up this late, but I have had a few days off in a row and have been sleeping in and my schedule is totally screwed up.
Anywho...I am blogging and watch crappy network late night TV and the usual din of bar noise gets louder. And then I realize it has been loud for about 5 minutes. I peak out my window and see a largish group of men and women are screaming and confronting each other on the corner of Bissell and Armitage. Do I call 911? The only other time I called 911 was when there was a fire on the CTA train I was on. That was clearly civic duty, but was this?
Was the fight just a verbal spar - frat boys slinging ridiculous insults about the other's girlfriend or mother? Or was it something larger? So, I called 911. After news stories of poor 911 operators and CPD response, my expectations were not very high. But, I was impressed with the operator's direct questions and her earnest concern. And, I was impressed that the CPD showed up within 2 minutes of my call.
I am not ready to start up a neighborhood watch or run for ward representative. And hopefully, I did the right thing tonight. At least it has quited down - maybe I will get some sleep now. One thing is for sure, I really created a traffic jam - 3 cop cars blocking all of Armitage.
ps - Mom, Dad - I really do live in a safe neighborhood. I was not in danger at any point. I love the city!
Anywho...I am blogging and watch crappy network late night TV and the usual din of bar noise gets louder. And then I realize it has been loud for about 5 minutes. I peak out my window and see a largish group of men and women are screaming and confronting each other on the corner of Bissell and Armitage. Do I call 911? The only other time I called 911 was when there was a fire on the CTA train I was on. That was clearly civic duty, but was this?
Was the fight just a verbal spar - frat boys slinging ridiculous insults about the other's girlfriend or mother? Or was it something larger? So, I called 911. After news stories of poor 911 operators and CPD response, my expectations were not very high. But, I was impressed with the operator's direct questions and her earnest concern. And, I was impressed that the CPD showed up within 2 minutes of my call.
I am not ready to start up a neighborhood watch or run for ward representative. And hopefully, I did the right thing tonight. At least it has quited down - maybe I will get some sleep now. One thing is for sure, I really created a traffic jam - 3 cop cars blocking all of Armitage.
ps - Mom, Dad - I really do live in a safe neighborhood. I was not in danger at any point. I love the city!
striking gold
Today I experienced the city-dweller's equivalent of striking gold. I found my thought lost 30-day CTA pass. For those who are not familiar with the CTA 30-day pass, it is a $75 pass to all of the Chicago buses and trains. I have unlimited rides for 30 straight days, instead of the $2 per ride; which gets stupid expensive really fast.
I thought I had left my 30-day pass in my coat I dropped off at the dry cleaners Wednesday. I finally decided I was going to dress for spring even if it wasn't spring weather outside. I was going to put my winter clothes away and dress in only summer and spring fashions, even if it meant hypothermia while waiting for the train. I usually keep my pass in my pocket. I thought I check both pockets before I dropped the coat off, but lets be honest, I have never been good at details like that.
But, today as I was cleaning of my kitchen/dinning/crap table, I flipped through a book I have been trying to read for about 3 months. A few days back, Wednesday I guess, I was really committed to trying to read it and must have had it handy when I got on the train. I had stuck my CTA pass in the book as a place holder (pg 2).
At 11am today, I struck city gold! I found my pass. I no longer have to be sure I have 2 singles or jump the turnstile. (I have never done that, I am not nearly that cool.)
I thought I had left my 30-day pass in my coat I dropped off at the dry cleaners Wednesday. I finally decided I was going to dress for spring even if it wasn't spring weather outside. I was going to put my winter clothes away and dress in only summer and spring fashions, even if it meant hypothermia while waiting for the train. I usually keep my pass in my pocket. I thought I check both pockets before I dropped the coat off, but lets be honest, I have never been good at details like that.
But, today as I was cleaning of my kitchen/dinning/crap table, I flipped through a book I have been trying to read for about 3 months. A few days back, Wednesday I guess, I was really committed to trying to read it and must have had it handy when I got on the train. I had stuck my CTA pass in the book as a place holder (pg 2).
At 11am today, I struck city gold! I found my pass. I no longer have to be sure I have 2 singles or jump the turnstile. (I have never done that, I am not nearly that cool.)
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