I've been thinking lately about some friends.  People who were once close buds, but now seem more like strangers.  I go home to Chicagoland and have the opportunity to see them, but really don't feel like bothering anymore.  I'm finding that as I grow, I'm just growing apart from a lot of these people, and I can't help but wonder what our ( Read more... )

My grandfather was a poor orphan from Philadelphia and an immigrant.  He dropped out of high school at 16 and worked at his older sister's bar in exchange for basic necessities.  When he came of age, he served in the military, then moved to the south side of Chicago and opened his own bar.  When it failed, he made ends meet, supported his family ( Read more... )

A couple more weeks until I go home for a long week. A few weeks after that, and I get a long holiday. Many people I haven't seen in a long time. Maybe they've changed. Maybe I have ( Read more... )

You bitch.

Sincerely,
Mike

Someone rescue me from upper Midwest, recession-era drudgery!  I'm too young to be trapped here, and I've committed no crime!

where you actually kind of miss being an angst-ridden teenager, even though you absolutely hated it at the time?

It's a part of who you are and who you've been, and a part of you even, against your better judgment, misses that moment in time.  Isn't that strange?

Cold, heartbroken Chicago still holds appeal to me.

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This is an interesting video from the NY Times on a pair of twins (2008 journalism grads!) who are struggling to find employment in New York City.  I recommend watching it.  If bright, educated young people can't find employment in NYC, something has gone slightly amiss in our economic structure.  Not only is it a negative from a personal ( Read more... )

Happy Columbus Day.  We've officially gone from summer to winter in a span of three weeks.


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I thought I'd share a glimpse into my life over the past 13 months, via cell phone pics.  This will be a long post, so hopefully I don't crash your computer.

I moved to Wisconsin in August 2008, into this apartment in a 120-year-old house.  It was quaint but smelled like cat pee, and the landlord was sketchy.  Still, it served me well during my ( Read more... )

God bless all those out there who give great advice.  They mean well and hope to help others.  I've been the recipient of plenty of advice, which I've sought out.  The charity of those voluntary advisers shows the goodwill in humanity ( Read more... )