gotshoo?

So I didn’t get mugged. Chicago is so great! I don’t care how cold, how windy, or that most of the people are Cub fans.

I got into town about 8:45pm on Saturday. I stepped out of Union Station and realized the first thing I forgot to pack, even though it was right in my other coat; gloves and ear warmers. Boy it was cold and windy. Obviously, but hey its the ‘Windy City’. The skyline and atmosphere was just freaking awesome. There were hardly any cars in sight, it was snowing just right. It was beautiful. Like a real life post card. I don’t know if anyone else does this but it seemed like the whole time that every thing was in slow motion. I took in everything.

So I got on the “L”, had to make one transfer. Not a big deal at all. I actually liked riding it.

I get up to Melanie’s and I’m greeted by 6 elves and a Santa. It was friggin hillarious; Mel’s roommate Amanda and her friends were going bar hoping. Too many guys in tights though. I wish we could have gone out with them, but alas we didn’t have elf costumes and were heading to another party.

We (as in myself, Melanie, Beth, Becca [another roommate], Matt [Becca's bf], and Heather [Becca's bf's sis]) took two cabs and headed off to the party. The guy having the party, Joe, works with Mel. We show up and there are about 40-50 people in this apartment. It was awesome. The main attraction was that Joe had made some ‘home-made’ egg nog w/ wiskey. Unfortunatly, it was all gone by time we arrived. However he did have this wicked drink (not even really a real drink) called ‘Dragon’s Breath.’ Dragon’s Breath consists of Gin, Jaeger, and Creme de mint. Talk about nasty. I had half a glass. But luckily I was able to fall back on some keg beer.

So I was feeling good. I talked to a lot of people. Chicago people are stupid when it comes to acknowledging where Springfield is located. It was just easier to say I was from the capital. And they would be like, ‘ohh ya.’ I had a lot of 5 dollar converstations. Meaning that I ended most of my ranting stories with “and I found 5 dollars.” Not really, but hell I don’t remember I had the Dragon in me.

But I do remember talking with a couple at the end of the night about the difference in cost living between here and Chi town. The guy asked me how much a 1-bedroom apartment would cost a month. I replied, “about 400.” He about fell on the floor. Now that was funny.

We pretty much closed the party down. But before we left, Mel and Beth being the sly cute girls they are asked about the presents under the tree. One of the guys said, “Didn’t you read the invite? We are giving out special prizes out during the night.” He then hands Beth a box. “But you can’t open it till you get home.” Mel chimed up, “Can I have a present?” Guy: “What will you do for a present.” “The worm!?” He ends up handing her a present anyway without witnessing the worm. The girls were all excited because they scored presents.

We get in the cab and they immediatly want to open the presents. So they tear them open faster than 5 year old trying to get the present from the bottom of a cereal box. And what did they get? Nothing!!!! They were pissed, in a funny we are so dumb kind of way. They left Joe some nasty phone messages.

Sorry, but its passed my bedtime. Part two will come tomorrow.

I am on the train right now, and the conductor just reminded everyone to review the passenger safety manual. No chance in that happening here. We are about 15 minutes North of Bloomington / Normal. While we were stopped I was able to hit a wifi spot and connect to the internet. I did a check of everyone’s blog and of course everyone was slacking on posting. I don’t blame you. I usually don’t hit the net until late Sunday night.

This is the second time I have ridden the train this year. I went up earlier this year in August to visit Melanie (which I am doing again). It’s always been an eclectic crowd each time I have been on the train. I had a crazy guy sitting across from me just before the stop in Bloomington. He wasn’t that bad. He wasn’t even crazy. Okay, let me re-stereotype him. He was a nice guy that probably has a challenge mentally of keeping everything going. Still a nice guy. Then just a few seats up there are a guy and girl talking about everything from books, to South Park to Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. And while I was sitting in the lobby of the train station there was a group of Harley Davidson enthusiasts. Maybe I just need to get out of the bar more often.

The next big step in this journey is to make it on the “L.” I rode the L last time I was in Chi-town but it was with Melanie and very early in the morning. I think I can do it. Mel gave me directions and I printed out a map. I am so going to get mugged.

Okay, maybe I won’t get mugged this evening, but I am riding the “L” to South Chicago tomorrow afternoon to meet up with Laura. My parents kind of dropped their jaws when I told them where I was meeting up with Laura; in South Chicago. If I haven’t told you before Laura is also up in Chicago visiting her friend Stephen. I am riding back home with Laura and Stephen. I am not too worried; it will be a Sunday afternoon. Who wants to mug a person on a Sunday afternoon? They all have to be asleep.

Tonight is going to kick butt though. Can’t wait to get up there!!!! Expect updates after Sunday. Unless I get mugged or killed.

Tata