Hey guys!

I am movin on up, and not posting on here anymore. I've always had a tumblr, just haven't used it a whole lot, and now I think I'm going to start. I will eventually post it on facebook, but just ask if you want the link if you want to keep updated on my crazy busy life. :)

I will miss you blogger! We have been friends for quite some time :(

Peeeeeace!

Are you going to get a release form before or after he cheats on you?

I've recently discovered I have some fans who like to creep up on me. I realize that I am literally all over the internet, who isn't? But for someone to take time out of their day, to google me, find my blog, my website, or anything else...there must be a reason.

9/10 times people have seen my blog, and my website on facebook. I have posted links to it, and mostly share it with my Omaha friends, to keep them updated on my life and my work here in this crazy city. When I'm not friends with you on facebook, I begin to wonder. Sure you could've gotten it from someone else, but I just don't know that many people in chicago for all of them to be connected.

So here rises the question....WHY?

When you tell someone you don't want anything to do with them, that usually means you are scum of the earth, and not worth even talking to, or knowing. Why they would take the time to google my blog to find out how I am, or what I'm all about it, is ridiculous.

Why do you care? Sure as hell didn't before.

I've had a lot of things stolen from me, but my pictures....this is the first time. You don't really think to get release forms from your boyfriend or girlfriend the time you are with them, because you think "oh hey...they won't give a shit" right? You don't ever think about the after effects, or think they have a crazy girlfriend who wants to check up on your pictures also. But when they deliberately go out of there way to find it, and then put it on their facebook, like "oh i just think its a cool picture" and then get all these comments on it about how people like it, and not tell them who took it....could that be considered stealing?

There is a reason (believe it or not) why I don't have any of my photo's on facebook.

1. I don't have a watermark, or know how to put one on there.

2. Once it's on facebook, facebook owns it.

So to my very special fans reading this, or creeping on my pictures....grow up. I know...it is hard for you, you don't know how, and I'm flattered you're jealous of me, but really...leave me alone.

Looking up

I thought I'd give everyone a lil update on my happenings here in the windy city, (seeing as its been awhile since I've really blogged).

There's been a lot of bad things that have kept happening to me here, and after this last one I decided it wasn't going to bring me down anymore.

My wallet was stolen from again, right out of my purse, without even knowing it until I tried to get on the bus after getting off the train. Within a half hour, they bought 2 $92 bus p

asses, and spent $130 in groceries at Dominicks. I STILL haven't gotten all this money back.

A couple days later, the guy I was seeing had his so called girlfriend break up with me in a text message. Of course this was followed by lots of harassment, threats, and telling me he fucked 4 other girls when he was with me. Good guy right?

I started to work at the Museum of Science and Industry a lot more.

It's on the south side, and it takes me awhile to get there, but I enjoy the ride. From the view on the train, it kind of reminds me of Omaha a lil bit.

I take touristy pictures of people in front of the U505 submarine, yelling at people all day. I literally just buried myself in work, and tried to work as much as possible and be as positive and happy around everyone as much as I could. To my surprise, this actually worked out tremendously well. The people there are really great. Not just the people I work with at photogenic, but the people that work at the museum are truly awesome.

Since I've been working my ass off there, my supervisors put in a good word for me and one of the managers called me asking if I wanted to get some more training in to become a trainer/lead. What did I say?

Hell yes!

I've never been a lead or a supervisor/manager anywhere I've worked. I had the opportunity lots of times, but never wanted to take on all the responsibility, or didn't think I could do it. This time, I really want to. It's easy to be good at this job, and there's no reason why I shouldn't try to move up and do it to the best of my ability.

I'm being trained tomorrow, and I'm nervous as hell. BUT I'm also excited. :) I've met a lot of really cool people through this job, and I'm finally feeling ok with everything and where my life is going. Because of this training, I will receive my own id badge which allows me to get into every museum in Chicago FOR FREE! And I can also bring up to 3 people with me. How amazing is that? I had no idea.

I am also moving to the west side of Chicago in 3-4wks. I'm talkin like waaaay the fuck west. I will be sad to leave the north side though. It's very quiet and I will definitely miss the lake.

A girl that I work with, her family rents out their basement to people, and she showed me it one day. It was amazing. I'll have a kitchen, a living room and my own separate bedroom, a giant window letting in lots of light, all utilities included and pay cheaper than what I'm paying now. Not only that but her mom is super nice. Her family is Guatemalan, and they make delicious food, and said I could come hang out upstairs sometimes, or when they have family reunions, or whatever. I think this will be a really really good experience for me and to be with a family. I am so stoked. AND now there really is no reason why I shouldn't speak spanish fluently.

I start school the week of Sept 7th, and I am totally not ready. It's going to be so much more work this semester, and I haven't really given it as much thought as I should be. I'm really anxious about it.

I've also FINALLY put all of my work on ONE website. Check it out here. For those of you photographers, illustrators, graphic designers, photoshop gurus and all you other arsty fartsy, if you haven't heard of deviant art, definitely check it out. It's an awesome website.

Alright guys, I'm all typed out.

UNTIL NEXT TIME!

Much love

Thoughts

I'm not sure if anyone reads this anymore..

I wish everyone had blogs, it'd make things a lot easier.

I'm going through some things I'm not sure I'm ready to handle. I feel like I'm trapped in a 3oyr olds body, thinking "this is it." I hate it. I want so much more, yet lack any motivation, or any confidence. I don't understand it. I've never felt like this to this extreme ever before in my life.

I have to get out of this, and I have to push myself more now than I ever have.

I have too much alone time, and too many thoughts racing.

My mind is always in the past, and the future. It needs to be in the present.

"Step right this way, alright. Smile big for me now!"

I have finally found a new job!! Well, another job. Unfortunately it doesn't pay as well, but I am there for the experience, and from what I've seen so far, it seems like it will be a really fun job for the summer. 

I found this company called Photogenic on craigslist, thought it sounded cool, so I sent an email with my resume attached. I didn't hear anything back for like a week, but was invited to a group interview. At the interview I met some really cool people and ended up getting hired! :)

Basically, the job in a nutshell is taking tourist pictures of people. The cool thing about this is they're stationed on 3 different boats at Navy Pier (one of which you actually get to ride on the cruise FO FREE!) and also at the Ferris Wheel.  The other locations include The Hancock Building, The Sears (Willis) Tower, and The Museum of Science. EVEN COOLER THING ABOUT THIS IS.....I've never been to any of these places except the pier, and the first time I do I can get in free? Helllll yeaaah! Sometimes I can also get free cruises for my friends and family too. Sweeet!

I will officially start next week! I am currently still looking for a job at a club or some high end restraunt downtown as well so I can finally leave Office Max. It is doing nothing for me except giving me a headache and making me angry. 

I had applied to the Cubby Bear in Wriggleyville a couple weeks ago and was rudely told to "get some more experience," so that didn't work out. I was so bummed. I really wanted to work there. I was talking to a girl who used to work there and she said she'd pull in $500 in an 8hr shift sometimes on game days or weekend in the summer. Isn't that insane??!! 

For now I'm just going to keep my head up and try to stay positive. I've been feeling real shitty lately, and I hope this new job is just the boost I need. 

On a different note.......

I love this picture. 

The past 3 months..

MAN OH MAN DOES TIME FLY!

This semester has been totally insane. I've had soooo much work to do, and have even gotten behind on a lot of things. My darkroom teacher is absolutely crazy. I'm convinced. She gives us assignments on top of the assignments we already get in my lecture class, which means twice as much shooting, and twice as much 

printing. OY! She keeps wanting us to join all these weird blogs and made a twitter just for our class, and no one has done any of them, but she keeps trying. She also contradicts a lot of things she says, and forgets half of it and just says "Oh I didn't say that, that's not right." OOOOOKKKAAAYYY....

Other than that class, I've really come to enjoy my painting class a lot. My teacher is in love with color. It's so great. She can sit there and talk to you about paint and colors all day if you asked her to. She's so laid back too, its a huge relief. All we do is come to class and paint and talk and listen to 50's music. I'm in the process of p

osting pictures of some of the stuff we've done so far. 

On another note, I've been seeing someone for the past couples months as well. :) 

His name is Pedro and he's an exceptionally good looking puerto rican man, (not that that really has anything to do with it, but he speaks spanish and lets face it, thats pretty damn hot.) He is so great, and so supportive. Things have been really good with us. (minus you know half my job thinking I'm a shady bitch....buuuut thats a different story). Ha. 

We've been having so many good times together, and finding lots of new things. We randomly came across this cute little diner not far from my apartment and I absolutely fell in love with it. It's quiet and has red vinal seats and mirrors surrounding the place. Surprisingly, I haven't taken any digital photographs of it yet. I'm currently documenting it and taking a series of photographs for my documentary assignment, but it might just turn into my final. (Again...haven't had the time to scan in any of my color stuff yet, and probably won't till after finals.) 

We have also been starting to go on bike rides together, (considering how the weather is of course). Pedro rides his bike everywhere to get around and he had an extra one he gave me. 

Pretty bad ass eh? Eventually I want to ride on the streets by the time summer comes, but I am terrified!  I don't want to get hit by a car and die! But it's been a lot of fun riding on the lake so far. We came across this bad ass skate park the other day, and I didn't have my camera and I was so upset. I will definitely be going back there soon. I've never seen so many fine dudes on skateboards and bikes on such a huge skate park! 

We also found this really dinky little movie theater that only had 4 theaters in it. It was so cute though.  It was by the Loyola campus so I assume a lot of college kids go there. 

AND

On Thursday, we went to see P.O.S, Dessa, Astranautalis, and F. Stokes. 

Man was that a great fuckin show. Pedro had never heard of them, but he was down to check them out, so that was fun. Astranautalis is crazy mother fucker, and I love him. His voice is so low and raspy and he just kept talkin to us about how if we hated our jobs, that we should just quit and become a rapper and drink a lot of whiskey. He even put on an epic freestyle for us. Dessa was amazing too. She got on the stage and said, "We're gunna sing some sad sad love songs, fuck yeah." P.O.S just blew my mind. I can't get over his lyrics man, it's insane. 

On a good note, I am allllmost finished with my black and white portfolio. I'm hoping I can have it done by the end of the week to show you guys!

Until next time....PAAAYYCE!

Keith Carter

What a freakin cool ass dude. I never thought I would see him right in front of me. 

For those of you who don't know anything about him, he's a self taught photographer from a small town in Texas. His mom was a photographer in the 50's, and he said he never paid attention as a kid, but that his mom would always turn their kitchen into a darkroom at night and print photographs to sell to the neighbors and locals around the area.

You can check out some of his work......here.

And thats not even the half of it! In a lot of his work he likes to create fantasy throughout his photographs, but also like nature and animals a lot too. I didn't know this but he did a lot of commercial work also and some bands have his photographs as their cd labels, and authors have them on their books, and that the Gap called him up once and asked him to make a photograph for their shoes. He showed us that photograph and he placed their shoes in the mouth of an alligator and sent it to them and got a call back saying, "this isn't what we're looking for." I just thought was hilarious. He also told us a story about how he got a call from the band The Hives one day wanting one of his photographs for their cd label. The photograph was of a man carrying his girlfriend on his back in a lake. (I've looked for this photograph online and can't seem to find it anywhere) They asked him if he had a release for the people in the photograph and he told them, "Well, no. I was walking around and saw this couple and just thought they were beautiful and just said... 'Stop' and made this photograph." He said, "Now this is the first thing they teach you at Columbia....never forget a release! But....I'm a dumbass," and he laughed. 

Throughout his lecture he gave a lot of great advice. He told us The 5 things to keep creativity:

1. We all need to work of others.

2. Make friends with uncertainty.

3. It's all about making choices.

4. Belong to a place, belong to something.

5. The full weight and mystery of your art rests upon the relationship between you and your subject.

He spoke a lot about what each of these means, and he even added, "You don't always need weed to be creative." 

He even showed us a sneak peak on what he was currently working on. He's doing a series of photographs of women with ridiculously long hair, (which let me tell you is incredible). Some of these women he found have hair as long as them!

He concluded with his lecture by saying, 

"Don't ever think you can't make a difference. Don't ever be afraid someone is going to "copy" you or think you're crazy, just do it. Take a secound to look around you, look in your backyard, your block, your street, it all starts there."

Why...

I've been struggling with a lot of things lately. 

I haven't really come across the answer yet. 

 

I saw photographs from Nan Goldin's book, The Ballad of Sexual Dependency last week in class.

It inspired me so much. This woman took a piece of her life, photographed it, and put it out there for the world to see, showing us the relationships between men and women. Even though these were shot in the 80's, the same things still happens today.....different styles, and different worlds. She uses such a harsh flash indoors making a lot of her photographs orange and yellow, but it just adds more to the scene. If you get a chance, check this book out.

Wish I wrote more....

SO! 

I didn't really take the time to think about my new years resolutions up until a few days ago, just been in this weird/nostalgic/comforting/reassuring kind of mood.

First, I guess I'd like to try my hardest to stop smoking cigarettes. It seems like everyone says that, (I know I have a lot as well), but I don't feel like its an addiction as more as it is an enjoyment of smoking. You know? So its HARD.

BUT, I'm all about being healthy this year.

Second, I'm taking out the trash. I'm letting go of all the excess people and things that just bring me down. Some people just change beyond my grasp, and I can't do anything to stop it or help them. I'm done dealing with other peoples childish drama.

Third, I'm tired of being alone. Not even in a relationship type way, but in general. When I first walked in my apartment again I was overwhelmed with this sense of solitude and loneliness. I'm determined to change it, no matter how hard it is to let people in. 

Fourth, I'm done trying to chase after guys, and I'm done settling for the first guy thats there for me. It's dumb. Loneliness does not equal feelings for someone. 

Fifth, I want to figure out why our generation has become so selfish. Why are we so obsessed with tv shows, facebook, and being tagged in the next picture from the night before? I mean, don't get me wrong I have been sucked in too.....but why? It sucks. It's like we can't even sit around in a room full of friends without being on our phones wondering what the rest of the world is doing. 

Being home has opened my eyes again. It has made me appreciate it so much more, but also worried me. Everything about it is just beautiful. The people, the neighborhoods, the houses, the lights, the streets, and the trees. Man, I just can't get over the trees! You don't see trees like that in Chicago everyday. It's mind blowing. But at the same time, with this weather and this solitude its created, I'm not sure what's going to happen. There were times I wished I were back in Chicago, but when I actually get here....I'm alone all over again. It makes me more appreciative of those late nights in the attic, movie nights, sitting around with my family, and laying around on the floor bull shitting with the greatest people in my life. I'm worried about my family, and my friends. It was so good seeing everyone, and I wish I could've spent more time there. Everyone just kind of seems like they're in a funk. I'm blaming it on the weather, the bitching, and the negative vibes spreading. I just hope we can all pull through until spring.  

I love you,

Christine

It's been awhile...

So I figured I'd give everyone an update on whats goin on with me lately. I feel like I never blog anymore! 

Basically I've just been really busy with school. Working on my photo project has been taking up most of my time. A lot of my negatives were underexposed so its been a lot of work trying to make them perfect. I'm really stoked about a lot of them though :) My 2D class has been horrible lately. Everyone in that class doesn't give a shit, and doesnt put any effort into anything they do, and I feel so bad for my teacher. Last class he nicely told us we suck and we need to do better. I just want that class to be over. Even though I try and put effort, he still thinks I don't give a shit. It's nerve racking. 

Other than school, I've been sick with this horrible cough and runny nose. It's really draggin me down. Makes me reaallllly tired all the time, and just kind of puting me in this funk. 

Visiting Omaha a couple weeks ago was crazy. I was so fuckin excited when I was at the airport and when we finally landed. I walked down to the baggage claim and saw my dad standing there, and I started to cry I was so happy to see him. I was so over-filled with joy just driving home and being home. It was an incredible feeling. But then I go and see literally everyone I wanted to see, (and some people I didn't really care to see), and it was mind-blowing. It felt like I never left. Everything was still the same. It's a very strange, and nostalgic feeling. I'm sure it will always feel like that from now on. Diana told me once, "You'll be so excited to come home, and then you'll just want to go back Chicago again." She was so right. 

Being here has opened my eyes to so many things. 

I truly feel like I belong here, like this is where I'm supposed to be, doing what I've always wanted to do. 

Work.....has been kind of crazy drama filled place lately. I don't like it. I've made friends with some of them, but I don't really feel like I can trust any of them with anything, because the next day the whole store will know about it. Blaaahh

It's time for me to head to class....3wks left!

Something more

I'm in search of an artist, 

for someone who actually WANTS to learn and be in school,

for someone who is creative, and different, and amusing,

who can make me take a step back and think twice,

who can INSPIRE me.

I'm in search of a dreamer,

for someone who believes that NOTHING is out of reach,

that the world is ours for the taking,

and that only we decide how it ends.

I'm in search of a musician,

for someone that can reach in and touch my soul through the rhythm of the beat,

who can make me want to dance for hours upon hours.

I'm in search of something

someone

new.

HOOORAH!

Alright kids, I know its what you've all been waiting for......

MY PRINTS!!

I realize I've been in school for almost 2 months now and haven't shown anyone back home my work. At first, I didn't want to and wanted to wait till the end, or try to find some website to put them on where people can't jack my shit, BUT I'm too excited about them I just wanna put them out there. 

You can check them out on my 

<------flickr over there on this page. 

as well as other stuff I've shot (mostly from last year). 

Note: They are very high in contrast (dark) because of the lighting in my apartment. They are better right in front of you of course, but once I get the time and start to develop a portfolio they will be 10x better. 

Enjoy, and feel free to leave me feedback (even if you totally hate them).

TODAY:

                                                        

                                               

We watched a video on Jenny Holzer. She does these bad ass text portraits, using HUGE projections onto buildings, water, stairs, windows, trees, you name it. A+

TOMORROW:

I will be seeing a lecture given by Jodi Adams and Curtis Mann

:)

<3

Bummed

I didn't think living without an ID would be this bad. 

I can't go out with anyone.

No one wants to come chill.

I can't even go see some music anywhere.

No one wants to do anything period unless it involves a club. 

He barely talks to me anymore.

I don't know if he's really busy or if he thinks I'm tryin to holler at him, but all I wanted to do was hang. 

I keep getting blown off and I don't know why.

BUT

At least I'm trying.

I just need to try harder. 

I'm just going to bury myself in school.

It's the only thing I want to do.

I miss you, Omaha. 

Smart Bar

I have found it! I have found new drum n bass, dubstep, house, industrial, and techno! 

This place is HUUUUGE! The lightning gets really wild, you can't really see in the picture but the walls light up green in the lounging areas. On Weds, Thurs, and Fri they stay open till 4, and Saturdays till 5! So nuts!

I got done with all my darkroom stuff last night, just making prints of my own stuff because I bought the wrong paper, and still have to shoot 2 rolls and make 6 prints before Wednesday. While I was walking out my teacher assistant was behind me, saying "Look at you, gettin a jump start." I told him I'd already done all of this before, and then we ended up sharing a cigarette and telling me a little about photography events at the school and then we exchanged numbers and he invited me to come out to this place. 

HOLY BALLLZZZZ 

I 

       WAS

                    SO

                               ECSTATIC! 

I saw Caspa + Timid, Whoa-B, and J Courage. Sadly, I didn't bring my camera to show pictures. I wanted to dance more! It was fucking incredible. Just what I needed! 

平和と愛

Nothin but good vibes

The past couple weeks I was feeling very blue, and out of touch from everyone and everything. I started to question my motives, my desires, my ambition, and my over all strength as a person. 

Up until a few days ago, I decided to stop.

Stop worrying.

Stop questioning.

Stop being self concious.

Stop being another student sitting in a classroom and not saying anything,

and BE someone more. 

Everyday I go to class, It gets a little better. I learn a little more, and I slowly make my mark. 

I've decided that I'm not going to post a

ny of my photographs until the end of the semester, or maybe when I make my own website. 

Today in my Photo class we t

alked a lot about light, what it does for the photograph, the mood it gives off, and the texture it creates. We looked at this photographer by the name of Elinor Carucci. We took a look at her series of photographs titled, "Closer." This series was essentially just everyday life of her family, mostly her parents, her husband, and her sister. Some of them so simple, yet they seem to make you look at the simple things in life differently. I think it's extraodinary how close she is with her parents, and how they are willing to let her photograph these nude pictures of them and portray them as how she sees him. They almost make you step back and look at your own family, how similar, or how different it may be to hers.  

You can check you her other work at http://www.elinorcarucci.com

On another note....

For my 2-D Design class we are starting on this outrageous project. Essentially we grabbed a box, and filled it with all kinds of arts and crafts, and random stuff he had for us, and we put it inside this box to create shape, and lines, and texture. WELL....this is literally a 24hr project. We are supposed to take and hour and half out of our day to sit down and draw this 3-D image, 2-dimensionally, on a 22x28 paper, WITH A PEN! This should be very interesting...

This is my totally absurd box that's going to be hard to draw. =/

Until next time kids.....

Anticipation

Photo 1

My teacher is awesome. I did some research on him and found some really great stuff. He's been in exhibits all over the world, mostly in New York, Philadelphia, The Netherlands, and of course, Chicago. He grew up in South Side Chicago and got a MFA & BA at Columbia. He really inspired me to live and breath photography. You can check out some of his work here. He's laid back, but particular about what he expects out of all of us. As most teachers do, he advised us to use the school, The Museum of Contemporary Photography (on campus), the Art Institute of Chicago, the library, and everything around us, to soak up every ounce of information that we can.  This class is going to be so awesome. It's kind of a refresher for me, but I have a feeling I am going to learn a lot. (Not to mention that it's on the 8th floor and I have an amazing view of Lake Michigan EVERYDAY!) It just blows my mind. Everyone in the class seems really cool, isn't from Chicago at all, it's crazy! 

Darkroom 1

I have the same people in this class as I do in my Photo 1, just a different teacher. My teacher seems really serious about everything, but very cool.  She's older and has been teaching at Columbia for awhile. One of the first things she told us was, "You can check out my work at karenglaserphotography.com" SERIOUS BUSINESS. She said as of recently she's been doing a lot of underwater photographs. I checked some of them out, and they are extraordinary. 

 

On the first day of class she showed us a 25 x 38 print of this. 

She also showed us the darkrooms (which are huge) and where to develop film, and then we got to see some work that was at the Museum of Contemporary Photography. Upon walking in the students working there we're talking amongst themselves and saying, "Oh Karen's here you guys..Karen's here." I felt honored to even be in her presence. I didn't know this but, you can request to see an artists work anytime during certain hours. And everything is the original prints! How crazy is that?

2-D Design

Definitely not the class I thought it was. I thought we would be doing things on the computer, and designing using shapes and patterns and what not. Completely wrong. It's mostly drawing and painting. FUCK! I don't mind it, I just can't really do either of those things very well, so it'll be interesting to see how this class works out for me. Right when we started he gave us an assignment to pick out seven images for a scale and have one side be the good, and one side be the evil, what comes in the middle, and everything else in between. The first thing that came into my head was images of rich people, images of poor people, and images of the middle class, so I just went with that. Everyone in that class is mostly Art & Design majors, or Advertising majors. AND there was only 1 person in the class that was actually from Chicago. WILD! 

Art History 

My teacher is wild about art history, let me tell you. It's your typical lecture class, but he's so scatter-brained it's hard to keep up with him. It's almost as if he has too much information and he just wants to get it all out at once. I met a couple new people in the class, so hopefully that should make it better. 

School is amazing. It feels good to be back. 

31st Annual Chicago Jazz Festival

Fareed Haque & The Flat Earth Ensemble

Crazy Masks!

 

St Charles High School 

Such a nice day.

Columbia College!

Esperanza Spalding.

So many people...GODDAMN!

These dude's were just jammin. That guy's playing 2 saxophones at once! There was a good 10-15 people standing listening to them, and then they stopped and started preaching about God and throwing Jesus in our faces and only 5 people, (including myself) were left standing. After awhile it just became repetitive and I had to walk away. 

Sadly because of work, I was only able to attend on Friday, but it was incredible. I felt so at peace. I met a photographer there who took some pictures of me. His name was Jerry Goldner and he's a wildlife photographer. He just kept telling me about how he was really stoned and that he's just been going around freelancing and said he basically gives his photographs away for free. He said to me, "It's such a reward to not get paid to do what you love, but to simply just love what you do." You can check out his work here.

Until next time....

School supplies, Hobo's, and Bomb Bakeries

Here it is! My first actual blog about my whereabouts and happenings in this crazy, random, totally off the wall city that I now call home. 

First off, I can't even begin to describe how in love I am. I wake up everyday and sometimes I still can't believe I am here. There's so much to do, and so much to explore. Everyday is an adventure waiting to unfold. 

I started work last Monday, and it is extremely wild. Unfortunetely their back to school started that week, and will continue through the 2nd week in September. THUMBS DOWN. Back to school was rough in Omaha, and here it is just as busy and I am running everywhere constantly. The way they run this store is outrageous, and totally not efficient in anyway. Instead of restocking in the morning, they restock at night. 

This 

means 

staying 

later.

On my first day we stayed an extra 2hrs later, and didn't get out until 11. This week we close at 10.....I can't even imagine how much that's going to suck. I don't really mind this because when I go to work I feel like I have friends, and generally have people to talk to about the city. Everyone I work with is crazy. 

No, I'm dead serious. 

My General Manager, John (heavy Chicago accent, somewhat hispanic looking) seems like he doesn't really do anything but is constantly stressed out asking what's going on with everything. This assumption was confirmed by Phil (who I'll get to later) saying, "He basically sits in his office all day, and we can do whatever we want on the floor."

Fuck.

Yeah.

My Assistant Manager, Patrick (big black dude), is hilarious. He generally likes to have a good time at work, and crack jokes, but still gets work done. One of the first days I worked with him I told him I had a "cash-on-hand-warning" and he kept forgetting about it. Later when we closed he said to me, "I don't do those, I used to work in the projects before I came here ok...if we needed to pick up cash from the register, we had to close the whole store." Fair enough. 

My other manager, Jodi (really short white guy) is off the wall nuts. He's the kind of guy that will tell it to you like it is, and won't really care either way how it makes you feel. But he is overally nice to customers, and talks in a quiet old woman's voice. Upon closing one night with him he found a labeler in the office and ran out screaming at all of us. "WHY IS THIS HERE?!"....."It's not on planogram, we can't find a place for it." We all kind of said at the same time. "WELL LETS MAKE A FUCKIN PLANOGRAM FOR IT! COME ON YOU GUYS!" I was so terrified. His face got so angry, and then turned straight and said, "I'm just kidding, I'll take care of this tomorrow." When he checked my bag after the first night I worked he saw my pills and asked, "Oooooo what pills you got?" and I couldn't help but laugh and say, "It's Ibuprofen."

My Logistics Manager, Helen (short big black lady) I've only worked with twice. From what I have seen so far, she works her ass off and is constantly moving. She also likes to fuckin yell in the headset, which hurts my ears.

My associates are generally all around my age, which is awesome. There's Phil (half Mexican, half white), who's really fuckin cute, but is 18, just starting college, and just talks to me about all the wild shit he does when he's drunk. He definitely likes to P.A.R.T.Y. Amir (middle eastern lookin dude who goes to Depaul), who I thought was real fine when I first saw him, turned out to be a total bro when I heard him listening to Lil Wayne videos on youtube on his break. Not a fine dude anymore. Ana (22yr old who's from Guatemala) is a super nice, friendly, and fun girl.  She reminds me a lot of Rosie in a lot of ways, so I think we could potentially be good friends in the future. Stephanie (white girl from Milwaukee), goes to some fancy smart school (that I can't remember the name of, but she said it was similar to M.I.T.) and majors in physics. She's the kind of girl that automatically assumes you're dumb and don't know anything, and will try to teach you in a nice way, but it just comes out all wrong. So I'm not particularly a a huge fan of her. Nancy (29yr old from Mexico City who could pass for being Russian any day with her accent) literally lives in the building next to mine, so I have someone to ride the bus and the train with. Nick (25yr old tall dark haired white dude) basically thinks he's the shit and knows everything. Every time I ask him a question I feel like he's talking down to me, and I HATE THAT. But he gave me his number on Saturday and said, "We should go out sometime, I'll show you the hot spots." I don't really like his vibes, but I figure I'll give him a chance anyways because I don't have any friends here yet. 

All of these people are so different, and so unique in their own ways, (and I haven't even met everyone I work with yet!). I love coming into work just because of that. It's crazy because I feel like the minority, there's not many people white people that work there, and it's awesome. 

On my walk to the beach, I waited for the walking symbol to cross the street and an African guy ran across and turned back looking at me and said, "Afraid to die?" I just said, "Uh....yeah..." and he walked with me to the beach telling me his story of how he came to Chicago. He said he came from Africa, and that he used to be a teacher at Berkley and decided one day that he was going to leave and take nothing but his backpack and just go to Chicago for the hell of it. He said he didn't know anyone and that now he knows me. And then of course that was followed by a series of "You got a husband? Serious boyfriend? If I was your husband I would treat you right, honor you, cherish you. How does one get to know you better?" "Uh..I don't really know, do you live around here?" "Oh no no I go to the shelter, do you have a phone number of some sort, so that I could see you again sometime?" "Um...I don't really give it out..." We had come to the bike trail and it was made obvious that I was going to keep walking, and he said "Oh ok, I see you again sometime Christine, we shall meet again!" and I just smiled, said "See ya," and went to read my book. Hobo's are crazy. I get asked for change probably 5-10 times a day everywhere I go. Some of them only ask you once, but some of them sit there and give you a whole speech about how everyone should help the homeless. I've noticed there's one on my street that literally walks up and down Bryn Mawr 24/7 fidgeting with his hands and talking to himself at times. I guess it's not too appealing that there's an institution for mental illness people across from my building either. They have this fenced in patio where they're able to get fresh air, but all they do is pull their chairs up to the fence and stare at you as you walk by. 

Basically the past week I have just been getting familiar with my neighborhood, walking around the block every which way, or riding the train and getting off at each stop exploring. On Thursday I was determined to find a good bakery close by. 

I walked into this place and its filled with everything you can think of and everyday they put out new things. Muffins, cookies, loafs of bread, pastries, donuts, and cream filled cakes. You grab a tray and pick out whatever you want and bring it up to the register when you're done. I grabbed a muffin, a cookie, a donut, and an apple pastry and had no idea what the price was going to be, but didn't even care. It was literally, $2.50 for everything. I was in heaven. I ate the donut on my way to the train, and I about had a party in my mouth it was so good.  MMMMM

I'll be blogging soon, there's a lot of Jazz happening at Millenium Park this week, and weekend that I am really looking forward to. And the best part of it is, IT'S FREE! 

I can't wait for school to start.

I can't wait for tomorrow, and every other day that follows. 

Decorated

This is my door, (obviously) I put the smile that Jake painted there so that everytime I leave I'll remember to smile =) And then there's turntables, a signed Crystal Method poster (thanks to Ali), a picture I took of Chicago when I first visited, and a Marilyn Monroe little poster that Keith didn't want. 

My dresser has random stuff on it right now, as you can see....

This is mostly where I keep my cameras, camera supplies, shoes, pants, and school shit.

I have too many clothes. The closet actually goes to the right pretty far back also. 

I got this couch for free. Neil stole it from Creighton and had another one exactly the same so he let me have it. 

My tv doesn't work for my dvd player. I didn't find this out till a couple days after I moved in, so I mostly just listen to music, or watch movies on my macbook. 

I LOVE THIS CHAIR! I also got this chair for free too. My counselor that I used to see was going to throw it away, so I said I'd take it. It's way comfortable. I also scored the hanging picture thing at Urban Outfitters for like $10. I was just going to put Omaha pictures on it, and right now I just have Lightning Bug, a picture of the Zoo, and a polaroid of Steph, Emily, and I. 

This wall is dedicated to SAM EVANS!

And this one is dedicated to Erykah Badu. Mhmmm

This is my kitchen. My stove didn't get turned on till about 2 days ago, and my microwave currently doesn't work. I don't know why, but it just doesn't heat up so I've been calling everywhere to try to get it fixed. I don't want to return it because its from Nebraska Furniture Mart and that'd just be a hassle. 

You can't really see it very well, but I have a drawing/writing that Nic drew/wrote while we were all really stoned one night at my old house. Then I have a senior picture of Rosie. I have lot's of other pictures, but I just think she looks gorgeous in that one, so I put it up. And then there's a Film Festival, and Free Yoga coming up in Sept that I'm going to check out. And then Jeff and an awesome Thai restaurant within walking distance from my apartment that delivers! (Even though I don't really need them to.) I also have all those words from my old house that I haven't messed with at all yet. My mom was trying to write me a sentence and could only find "love you man" that was appropriate. 

You can't really see, but the trains over there.

This is my view, another apartment complex WOOOO!! lol

I did actually make a video of this, but it was too long for youtube, and it wasn't uploading on here, so I just took pictures instead. I'll have to fill you in on what I've been doing since I've been here in a different blog. I've just kinda been busy taking care of shit, and trying to get familiar with my surroundings. 

I MISS ALL OF YOU SO MUCH!

Hmmm..

I don't know why I try to make things work at the most inconvenient times.

I'm sorry I never gave you a chance earlier.
I hope we can enjoy this time together while we can.


9 more days till I leave....crazy. It still hasn't hit me yet. So much to do, and so little time. I just can't wait till I'm in my apartment. My OWN apartment, full of my OWN SHIT!! I feel so accomplished.

Also, I'm feeling a lot better about who I am, what I want, and the people I don't need in my life anymore. I've realized I can't help someone who doesn't want to help themselves. If that makes me a shady bitch....so be it.


I'll be back for my trial and everything, and my manager is nice enough to let me come home for Christmas. =)

(This is one big random blog, cuz I'm on break at work and I have no money for food so I'm just sitting back here.)

I've run out of things to say.....
PEACE