tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33644502011-11-05T09:24:44.097-05:00The sights, sounds, and thoughts about my life in Chicagoredhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.comBlogger5161100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-33829247380926759042010-04-23T06:50:00.003-05:002010-04-23T06:53:57.661-05:00

Physically and virtually.Keeping two blogs takes up too much thought and effort. And as much as I have loved this blog over the many years I have had it, this is the one I am giving up. I will be expanding my knitting blog a bit to include other things I am doing, including concert and other photos.You can find my other blog here: Knitstant Gratification.

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-47516690140787702142010-03-20T19:37:00.003-05:002010-03-20T19:40:12.622-05:00

It's been 4 months since I posted here. I haven't had the motivation to post, and I really haven't had anything to say. I've been debating what to do with this blog. I was hoping to get out more and thus have more to talk about, but that hasn't happened. So I was thinking that I wasn't going to post here anymore.But I am going to a concert tonight, and that would be something to post about.So

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-71890891120614618242009-11-29T12:23:00.002-06:002009-11-29T12:41:21.031-06:00

Last night we went to see The Jesus Lizard at Metro. This show was different than most of the other shows I've been to over the past few years. First, the crowd was older. I mainly remember the Jesus Lizard being around in the late-80s and early-90s, as opposed to most of the bands I see now who have only been around a few years. Usually I'm one of the oldest people at a show. Last night I

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-24801858836403458642009-11-15T17:56:00.002-06:002009-11-15T18:01:46.100-06:00

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-5728153720937595692009-11-11T05:33:00.002-06:002009-11-11T05:39:24.507-06:00

We went to the 45th Annual Chicago International Film Festival last month. I planned to write a long post about the films we saw, but I never got around to it and now it just seems like it was too long ago for something like that. However, one of the films we saw is opening in Chicago on Friday, so that gives me an excuse to talk about one of the films I saw.The House of the Devil is the sort

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-63940127600794345302009-10-14T22:21:00.003-05:002009-10-14T22:40:41.067-05:00

CrocodilesIt's always a nice bonus when I buy tickets to see a band I really like, and I know and like the opening act as well.Prior to the show Sunday night, I had listened to the Crocodiles album twice, and I liked what I heard.I really enjoyed their set. It was very, I don't know, "me". I'm sorry, that's the best I got.The HorrorsI had seen The Horrors once before, a few months ago when they

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-56540137013478132442009-10-12T19:35:00.002-05:002009-10-12T19:47:07.806-05:00

My mom, boyfriend and I went to the Wolves home opener. Our seats were great. We were in the third row of the balcony behind the net that the Wolves shot at twice.Unfortunately, the Wolves lost that game, but we had a great time.

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-18702987861301127812009-10-09T06:41:00.001-05:002009-10-09T06:43:55.818-05:00

He's the newest Blackhawk. Well, I guess at this point he is the newest IceHog because he was assigned to the minors.

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-16631735892030022932009-10-08T06:24:00.002-05:002009-10-08T06:29:22.084-05:00

I went to the Moby concert at The Vic back on September 30. It was such a great set. Moby's catalog is pretty broad, and I was curious as to how he would make all of the various styles work live with a band. Somehow he pulled it all off. Techno. Rock. Slow sweet ballads. It all sounded great. He had great musicians and singers with him, which helped. The set was a nice overview of his

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-26147659818910534742009-09-20T15:52:00.001-05:002009-09-20T15:52:54.620-05:00

Taken 9/9/09 in Sarasota, Florida

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-47076864615646206812009-09-12T12:12:00.002-05:002009-09-12T12:18:17.267-05:00

We saw The Polkaholics at the Glenwood Ave. Arts Fest last month. They were awesome, and very funny. There music was a combination of rock and polka. For those of us raised on polka music, it is an awesome combination.

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-14416220282606882092009-09-08T19:25:00.002-05:002009-09-08T19:56:18.098-05:00

I've been lazy. Finally, here's Day 3.We arrived at the beginning of the day, again, and checked out a bit of the Sam Roberts Band's set, before we crossed the field and listened while sitting and waiting for Friendly Fires. Friendly Fires were great. It was really upbeat and fun. I really wanted to dance along, but it was really, really hot.Next we planned to get food and take it back to

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-20545703618768798922009-08-23T10:31:00.003-05:002009-08-23T10:46:34.442-05:00

We met up with my friends in the bar at Schuba's shortly before doors opened. We hung out near the door so that we could be the first ones in. Of course, my friend and I were front and center.It was a wild show. I knew they performed with a lot of energy, but every description of their show did not prepare me for what I saw. The lead singer went into the crowd several times, and never seemed

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-69173380072296264232009-08-22T18:30:00.002-05:002009-08-22T19:04:53.558-05:00

Leaving the Arctic Monkey's show the night before was a good idea, as I had a lot more energy to get myself through the day on Saturday. My feet no longer hurt, I wasn't yawning, I was ready to go.We got there early, and met up with some friends to catch Band of Skulls. All of my friends who came in from out of town was really looking forward to this set. We were discussing Band of Skulls

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-22926730091565709352009-08-17T19:17:00.001-05:002009-08-17T19:18:24.806-05:00

And here it is.

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-89983105004672658282009-08-15T22:00:00.002-05:002009-08-15T22:30:12.141-05:00

I took no pictures on Friday. When I was close enough to stages to take pictures it was raining and I didn't want to get my camera wet. When it wasn't raining I was too far back to get any decent pictures. We started the day with a yummy breakfast with friends at the Bongo Room. Mmmm, pancakes. The line to get into Grant Park on the first day was really long, and the rain started while we

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-12403605818884189522009-08-13T19:24:00.002-05:002009-08-13T19:45:33.164-05:00

My friends and I started our Lollapalooza weekend a night early by going to the Heartless Bastards and The Decemberists gig at Metro Thursday night.I didn't really know what to expect from the Heartless Bastards. I think I had listened to an album of theirs maybe once or twice before the show. My boyfriend watched on of their sets online and wasn't impressed. I hoped for the best, and I was

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-79906921548028047812009-08-04T19:15:00.002-05:002009-08-04T19:18:21.526-05:00

How much would I love to see this??? Here's why I won't:1. I have already spent a ton of money for Lollapalooza weekend. Festival passes, tickets to a pre-show on Thursday night and aftershows on Friday and Saturday, and any food or merch I want to get. Oh, and cabs to the aftershows. Spending money on another set of tickets isn't in the cards.2. As I said, I'm going to three extra shows. I

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-76477981941537846712009-07-28T19:39:00.002-05:002009-07-28T19:44:49.307-05:00

My concert calendar seems to go in cycles. There are times, particularly from January through early March, when few bands I want to see come to town. On the other hand, there are times where it seems as if every week there are 20938201 shows I want to buy tickets for.Right now, for me, it's the latter.In the past two weeks, I bought tickets to see Moby, The Jesus Lizard, and Placebo. I also

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-37169322176965943112009-07-26T18:32:00.002-05:002009-07-26T18:45:32.559-05:00

I should have known that I shouldn't call this series of posts "Artist of the Day", because I knew darn well I would never be able to post every single day. So now it's just "prep".I tend to like a lot of bands from the UK, and White Lies epitomizes this for me. They came through Chicago a few months ago, and I missed out. I will not miss them at Lollapalooza, though. Even if it means missing

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-70859728797414135102009-07-23T07:41:00.000-05:002009-07-23T07:44:20.729-05:00

Taken 4/30/09 at the Riviera before Franz Ferdinand's set.

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-77394632757007060642009-07-18T05:04:00.002-05:002009-07-18T05:06:56.842-05:00

Taken on State Street, 6/24/09At first I thought it was random to see a pirate in the middle of State Street. Then, about 10 feet away, I noticed a sign for the pirate exhibit at the Field Museum. The sign wasn't right next to the pirate, and it made me wonder how many people realized that the pirate was an advertisement.

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-80120470283853550142009-07-15T18:54:00.002-05:002009-07-15T19:07:03.306-05:00

I have a bucket list. My bucket list is bands/singers/artists/whatever I want to see live, not before I die, but before *they* die.I started my bucket list back in 1995. Those who read this who know me well have probably heard this story a gazillion times and are rolling their eyes. For those of you in this group, skip ahead a bit.In 1995 a girl I worked with asked if I wanted to go with her

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-61670417418525573992009-07-13T19:47:00.002-05:002009-07-13T20:00:46.658-05:00

I'm not a review writer, so please don't expect this to read like something out of a magazine or foodie blog.For weeks my boyfriend and I were waiting for the new Five Guys burger place to open a few blocks from our apartment. Tim had read something about their burgers somewhere a while back and had wanted to try them. Two or so weeks ago we saw a sign on the window saying that they would open

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-15501970115859293462009-06-26T21:13:00.002-05:002009-06-26T21:23:21.696-05:00

Thanks, Schubas, from eliminating one of my conflicts. As if deciding between Kaiser Chiefs and the Airborne Toxic Event wasn't difficult enough, throwing Cage the Elephant into the mix made it downright impossible. As a friend said, they are going to be great in a small venue. I can't wait!I didn't really know much about this band until a couple of months ago. Now I love them!Ain't No Rest

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-25088784173977152582009-06-21T12:53:00.002-05:002009-06-21T13:16:54.729-05:00

I have seen the Kaiser Chiefs, um... there was that show at the Park West and the one at The Vic... Have I really only seen them twice? I thought it was more than that.I was leaning towards the Airborne Toxic Event until I started watching some of these videos. Now I'm more confused than ever.Every Day I Love You Less and LessOh My GodThe Angry MobKaiser Chiefs on MySpaceOfficial Site

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-79173989304247051562009-06-20T09:37:00.002-05:002009-06-20T09:52:12.105-05:00

I saw The Airborne Toxic Event at Schubas back in February (with The Henry Clay People, another band who will be at Lolla). It was a great set, thought the lead singer's voice wasn't so good that night. I think he was having problems with it.I was glad I saw them in February because when the Coachella lineup came out they were part of a huge conflict on Friday. The Airborne Toxic Event, the

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-58837800283035384072009-06-19T07:01:00.002-05:002009-06-19T07:11:19.960-05:00

Hockey is one of those bands I wasn't too familiar with before the Lollapalooza lineup came out. Actually, I had never heard any of their songs until yesterday. Well, that's not really true. It turns out I had heard one song before, but I didn't know it was them.In this post I talked about my debate between April Smith and Hockey. After listening to a few songs by Hockey last night, I have to

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-36136026423241114532009-06-18T06:39:00.002-05:002009-06-18T06:57:46.599-05:00

So the schedule is out. I am a bit sad about a few conflicts, but it could have been much, much worse. I think I will have an easy time sorting out the conflicts I have, unlike Coachella, which was much more difficult for me. I say this now, though. As time goes on and I analyze the schedule more closely, and as I get to know some of the artists better than I currently do, it will probably

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-42886880848213734762009-06-17T06:27:00.002-05:002009-06-17T06:30:30.713-05:00

Remember Sunday? It was nice out on Sunday.

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-79993098663565748602009-06-16T06:18:00.002-05:002009-06-16T06:28:13.357-05:00

April Smith is one of the artists I had never heard of before the Lollapalooza lineup came out. I didn't, learn much about her online. Just that, according to MySpace, she is from Brooklyn. And, according to her official website, she is short. Oh, and she sings pretty, retro-sounding songs.Bright White JacketsSummerspellApril Smith on MySpaceOfficial Site

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-90710684829280780822009-06-14T07:46:00.002-05:002009-06-14T07:58:37.633-05:00

Other Lives is a band from Stillwater, Oklahoma. This is the sort of dreamy indie music I like to sit and listen to while doing nothing else. Just listen.Paper CitiesHow Could This BeThe Partisan (of course, I include the Leonard Cohen cover)Other Lives on MySpace

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-79534727156109576202009-06-13T09:36:00.004-05:002009-06-13T11:01:03.192-05:00

This is the first in a series of posts leading up to Lollapalooza.I'm just as excited in the lead up to a music festival as I am when I'm actually at the festival. I take a lot of time to get to know as many of the artists I'm not familiar with when the lineup comes out, and that music discovery period is very exciting. I start rank ordering artists in my head in the hopes of easily being able

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-55703464300094874212009-05-03T10:14:00.002-05:002009-05-03T10:21:03.140-05:00

See more photos here.

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-70584895241810201672009-05-02T21:09:00.002-05:002009-05-02T21:12:45.224-05:00

See horrible pics from the show here.I don't do reviews, so this isn't one of those. It was a great show, though. I haven't danced like that at a show in years. I got the last of the t-shirts I wanted off the wall. It was a good night.

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-61794442504158958442009-04-28T06:02:00.000-05:002009-04-28T06:03:30.286-05:00

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-65662295426676465212009-04-26T20:35:00.002-05:002009-04-26T20:57:16.806-05:00

I had planned to write a long post, or more likely series of posts, about Coachella. However, now too much time has passed. Although I had a great time, spent time with friends, and listened to great music, I just don't have the motivation to write a long synopsis of the experience. Instead, I'm going to cut to the chase and talk about Friday night, because, really, it was the best festival

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-70045972750094049922009-04-21T23:12:00.002-05:002009-04-21T23:21:17.162-05:00

Listed regardless of whether I saw a full set or just a handful of songs.Los Campesinos!Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley BandLeonard Cohen (!!!)MorrisseyPaul McCartney (!!!)Ida MariaBob Mould BandLiarsDrive-By TruckersAmanda PalmerHenry RollinsCalexicoThievery CorporationCrookersThe Chemical Brothers (DJ set)MastodonVivian GirlsNo AgeThe Gaslight AnthemBrian Jonestown MassacrePeter Bjorn and

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-12712669912548423772009-04-03T07:56:00.001-05:002009-04-03T07:57:38.060-05:00

Taken 3/29/09Thank goodness that snow is gone.

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-38062419429682152009-03-31T18:46:00.003-05:002009-03-31T18:47:44.831-05:00

Back in December I made this post about my favorite CTA train conductor. I was on his train again last week.Imagine my joy when I found this article about him on the Chicago Tribune's website today. I'm glad that other people appreciate him as much as I do.

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-37482185094322190902009-03-29T13:37:00.002-05:002009-03-29T13:43:16.973-05:00

I remember once, when I was a little girl, it snowed haevily on Easter. Being a native of the Chicagoland area, I know that it really can snow at any time. Sometimes I'm surprised it doesn't snow in June.And it's only March. It's still snowy season. But could you imagine my horror and disappointment when I woke up to snow this morning? I often don't mind winter, but this winter has been

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-6045092265887547482009-03-22T16:04:00.004-05:002009-03-22T16:10:53.283-05:00

We went to Golden Pacific Market on Broadway for the first time in years this afternoon. I was looking for Pocky (which I got) and briefly considered getting some Jaffa Cakes before putting them back. This box, located among boxes of Pocky, caught Tim's eye:We weren't exactly sure what this was going to be. After seeing that chocolate was one of the ingredients, we decided to give them a

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-31501350913195840942009-03-08T12:01:00.002-05:002009-03-08T12:07:12.636-05:00

We only go to Navy Pier for two reasons.1. We have family or friends who don't live in the city who are going and invite us along.2. We are going to see an IMAX movie.Yesterday we went to see Watchmen. We went early so that we could grab some lunch and walk around a bit before having to get in line for the movie.As soon as we walked in, my boyfriend decided to use the restroom. He left me along

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-41214085470370720742009-03-01T13:07:00.002-06:002009-03-01T13:32:24.344-06:00

On many levels. I haven't posted here in forever. I want to post more regularly, but I've really had nothing interesting to say or show lately.On another level, last night I went to my first concert since September. That is a long time for me. My how I missed live music. How did I go that long without a show? That won't be the case for the next few months. I'm still thinking about going to

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-3815309993845194102009-01-18T21:59:00.003-06:002009-01-18T22:02:57.644-06:00

In this post I talked about some of the things I want to accomplish in 2009. I'm already making progress on #1 (go to more concerts) and #3 (travel more).First, I finally bought tickets to a concert for the first time in a while. I'm going to see Airborne Toxic Event next month at Schuba's. I'm going to the early show, the all ages one. But at least I'm going.Second, I have one thing that

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-721390518621622652009-01-15T07:49:00.001-06:002009-01-15T07:49:50.509-06:00

The wind chills are dangerous today. Be careful out there!

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-26997319180634173022009-01-13T20:14:00.001-06:002009-01-13T20:16:15.457-06:00

One person was not enough to push my car though the snow.Thanks to the kind gentleman who helped my boyfriend push my car and shovel around the wheels.

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-65391567942375994852009-01-08T22:40:00.000-06:002009-01-08T22:41:32.760-06:00

Taken 1/6/09 in front of a hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah.

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-38652180422903034532009-01-04T16:07:00.003-06:002009-01-04T16:13:21.573-06:00

I've spent a lot of time over the past couple of weeks thinking about what I want 2009 to be for me. While there have been a lot of great things that happened to me in 2008, there are other ways in which I took a few steps backwards. Those are the things I want to address. I'm used to my new schedule and job now. It's time to get back to feeling more like myself, and doing the things that are

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-52183901213731557712008-12-27T23:31:00.000-06:002008-12-27T23:33:30.492-06:00

It went from being dangerously cold to snowy to icy to warm to fog to flooding, all in a matter of days. Chicago's weather... never a dull moment.Taken 12/26/08 in Michigan City, IN.

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-62846077233505145912008-12-24T09:59:00.000-06:002008-12-24T10:00:10.601-06:00

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-76227554906976443812008-12-23T21:46:00.002-06:002008-12-23T21:47:06.892-06:00

Taken 12/23/08 from the Clinton Green/Pink Line platform.

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-44308696749550783962008-12-16T20:00:00.002-06:002008-12-16T20:03:48.101-06:00

This is what the Kennedy Expressway looks like in the snow.When I went out for lunch, it was lightly snowing. It was a serene snow, peaceful, light and quiet.When I left work for the night, it was a horrible driving snow that stung my face.Why is it that, no matter which direction I walk down on my wind tunnel of a street, that the snow is always blowing in my face? It never fails.The stairs

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-69932880781254267872008-12-16T06:54:00.003-06:002008-12-16T07:06:16.330-06:00

I heard this story a week or so ago, about the Chicago Blackhawks going to Dale Tallon's father's wake. I wasn't sure it was true until yesterday. It is nice to hear about professional athletes doing something nice instead of being in the news for doing something stupid or illegal. You can see interviews with a couple of players here.I haven't been to Harvey's in years. It's one of the things

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-2496899129753577682008-12-07T13:49:00.003-06:002008-12-07T14:03:41.344-06:00

I have a favorite CTA train conductor.When I worked at my old job, I used to be on his train in the morning more often than not. He is one of the conductors who still talks over the intercom, even when it's not informing the passengers of a delay. He says things like, "Have a nice day," and "God bless you," and stuff like that. It was a nice way to start the morning. Occasionally I would be

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-44635199922150231462008-12-06T19:22:00.000-06:002008-12-06T19:23:59.757-06:00

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-12074817414067039072008-11-30T08:11:00.003-06:002008-11-30T08:32:03.799-06:00

I really wanted to do something fun last night. I knew we would still have another day of the long weekend to relax, so I really wanted to get out and do something. My first thought was to go to a concert, and while there were a couple of bands in town I wouldn't mind seeing, I wasn't particularly excited about them. Then we considered a movie, and that was still in the running for a while,

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-3653294668678292982008-11-19T18:39:00.000-06:002008-11-19T18:40:47.300-06:00

Taken 11/17/08

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-60138048552018630632008-11-18T19:19:00.002-06:002008-11-18T19:32:46.051-06:00

Taken 11/18/08 on Washington Blvd.It reminds me of this song.This was one of the songs that got me through the writing of my dissertation and my dissertation defense.

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-50342972751896754172008-11-16T22:47:00.002-06:002008-11-16T22:52:54.594-06:00

I don't know about anyone else, but I was happy to see the snow flying around earlier this evening. Ever since I quit driving to work a few years ago I rarely mind a good snow shower, especially if the snow doesn't stick. The first snowfall, more more specifically the first time the snow sticks, is so beautiful to me. Clean piles of snow. Beautiful icicles. Large stretches of white on the

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-3353671941602639232008-10-28T20:57:00.001-05:002008-10-28T20:57:17.490-05:00

We have finally seen all of our Chicago International Film Festival films. I have to say it was an amazing experience. First and foremost, it was great to have the chance to see films we might not otherwise get to see. I have no idea how many of the films shown will get a regular theater release in the United States. Three of the films we saw were foreign, and who's to say we would get

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-85807190414200003882008-10-18T19:12:00.002-05:002008-10-18T19:18:46.272-05:00

Every year I have good intentions to see at least one film that is part of the Chicago International Film Festival, but every year I fail. Not this year, though. Thanks to one of the graduations presents I received, I am a member this year and got some free passes. We are going to four films, the first of which is tonight. We spent a lot of time looking at the descriptions of all of the films

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-85619081732610279142008-10-03T06:31:00.001-05:002008-10-03T06:32:25.805-05:00

I started seeing these in The Loop yesterday. At least I didn't notice any on Wednesday. This one was taken at the corner of State and Washington.

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-38145550795131711012008-09-30T06:38:00.001-05:002008-09-30T06:40:34.828-05:00

This photo was taken on 9/27/08 at that pier or whatever it is off of Pratt Beach. It's in the same place as the Keep Clean photo I posted yesterday. While we were there, my boyfriend and I stared at it, but we couldn't figure out who it was. A friend suggested it might be Joe Piscopo, and I can see that. Any other suggestions?

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-35422032617957362282008-09-29T20:45:00.002-05:002008-09-29T20:51:44.481-05:00

Until last weekend I couldn't remember the last time I saw someone throw trash out of a car window. I know it happens because I see rubbish all over the place, but I think the last time I saw someone toss something out of their car window was when I was in high school. We were driving either to or from the suburbs last weekend, and sure enough, whoever was driving the car in front of us threw a

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-39519935452228726512008-09-25T21:10:00.001-05:002008-09-25T21:12:06.424-05:00

Taken 9/19/08 on the floor in front of the conference room of my hotel in Ft. Meyers, Florida.I swear it was already dead when I saw it.

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-54112397607670044292008-09-23T06:46:00.001-05:002008-09-23T06:46:34.450-05:00

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-35170327103494782902008-09-11T22:11:00.002-05:002008-09-11T22:16:49.057-05:00

I was on the Red Line a couple of weeks ago. There were two people, a man and a woman, having a conversation in front of me. They weren't sitting on the same set of two seats, but they were right by each other. I got the impression they were strangers who struck up conversation, but to be fair I wasn't really paying attention. I was knitting and occasionally chatting with my boyfriend. I

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-91252404119136437052008-09-04T18:49:00.002-05:002008-09-04T18:58:46.864-05:00

I was annoyed on my commute home today by the men who kept sitting next to me on the train. They were the sort of guys who spread out as much as they can and leave you very little room. One of them was a skinny guy who still took up more of my seat than he should have.The train was crowded, and once it cleared out a little I noticed this even skinnier guy on the other side of the doors who had

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-83346351578182782422008-08-31T22:04:00.001-05:002008-08-31T22:04:50.256-05:00

Taken 8/31/08

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-83631508907546321552008-08-26T06:00:00.001-05:002008-08-26T06:00:57.691-05:00

Taken 8/17/08 in front of a Greek restaurant on Halsted.

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-89896193088856991332008-08-24T10:32:00.002-05:002008-08-24T10:34:59.837-05:00

These pictures were taken early in the morning of August 12, 2008, while I was waiting for my cab to arrive to take me to the airport.When I turned around to walk back to my building to meet the cab, I saw a shooting star.This made getting up at 4:30 in the morning worth it.

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-21485519710216747602008-08-22T06:51:00.003-05:002008-08-22T06:57:25.956-05:00

Sometimes I feel like I don't really things about this city that I should. I go a lot of places, and see a lot of things, and although I'm pretty good at exploring neighborhoods, there are things that make the city live that you only see if you are looking for them.Late Saturday night we were coming home from a friend's house. My boyfriend got thirsty. We found a convenience store, but it

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-24387123579929595912008-08-16T13:02:00.002-05:002008-08-16T13:10:40.825-05:00

We got there a bit late, so we only got to hear The Blakes perform two songs.Those songs sounded great, though, so I was really hoping to see them on Sunday. The Whigs came out next. I had listened to their album once and thought it was good. I mostly went to this particular after show for a few reasons.1. I was only going to be a Lollapalooza on Friday in the evening, so I thought that

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-49356764773855037002008-08-10T22:02:00.002-05:002008-08-10T22:19:29.365-05:00

With a week to dwell on it, and my photos uploaded, I'm finally ready to recount my Lollapalooza experience.I thought I was over my disappointment at missing the first part of the day. I knew all along that I was going to have to work that day, and I never planned on seeing any of those bands. A variety of circumstances meant that I had to work from home on Friday, and while that helped me

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-66660835599038335422008-08-09T23:32:00.002-05:002008-08-09T23:33:05.969-05:00

Taken on a #147 bus on 7/26/08

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-66094016928412282652008-08-05T20:47:00.001-05:002008-08-05T20:47:44.450-05:00

I'll post more about Lolla once I upload my pics, which may happen soon and may not.But right now I want to look forward to the shows I have coming up. I have tickets for these three:9/8:9/13:9/28:And while I don't have tickets, I'm seriously considering this one on 10/25:

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-53149132679773114412008-08-04T19:54:00.001-05:002008-08-04T19:56:25.673-05:00

5. Does It Offend You, Yeah?4. The National3. Rage Against the Machine2. Love and Rockets1. Flogging Molly

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-21978526042086895902008-08-04T06:29:00.002-05:002008-08-04T06:32:58.326-05:00

I plan on posting a lot more later, but for the sake of getting started, here is a list of bands I actively listened to for at least 2 - 3 songs. Oh, and some of these artists, I may not have actually "seen" them, but I actively heard them.FridayBloc PartyStephen Malkmus & the JicksRadioheadSaturdayDoes It Offend You, Yeah?The Ting TingsDr. DogFoalsBooka ShadeSpank RockJamie LidellLupe

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-14907712984933816512008-07-28T20:31:00.002-05:002008-07-28T20:38:04.415-05:00

Yeah, that was taken last year. Apparently I got our wristbands so early this year (today) that the big Lollapalooza balloon wasn't there yet. The structure of the gate was there, but the banners and balloons were not.I'm still not 100% who all I want to see, which I guess is good. That leaves it a little open for discovery to occur. But somehow I don't feel prepared this year. I am not sure

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-61427976162708253612008-07-27T17:27:00.001-05:002008-07-27T17:27:50.646-05:00

Taken 7/25/08

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-27019784925683821972008-07-20T00:43:00.002-05:002008-07-20T00:44:14.648-05:00

It was hard for me to believe that The Dark Knight took place in Gotham City when Chicago featured so prominently. I even saw the building I was in watching the movie in the film.I loved it, though.

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-24179505865683372032008-07-16T21:13:00.000-05:002008-07-16T21:14:08.707-05:00

I do!!!

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-77812860888576665822008-07-16T06:50:00.003-05:002008-07-16T06:56:47.803-05:00

As I was on my way home from work yesterday, the train conductor announced that our train wouldn't be stopping at Argyle because of a horrible incident. Those were the words he used, "horrible incident". The train was going to go from Lawrence to Berwyn.I thought the woman sitting in front of me was going to explode. She let out a long, exasperated sigh, and then shook her head angrily for at

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-5373622280488615262008-07-13T10:27:00.001-05:002008-07-13T10:29:36.792-05:00

I love that I can go out to dinner on a Saturday night and listen to blues music while I eat.

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-16233576704535781582008-07-12T13:49:00.002-05:002008-07-12T13:56:58.103-05:00

I'm well over the disappointment at not being able to get to Lollapalooza until late Friday afternoon or early Friday evening because I won't have the day off work. There are a few bands I want to see during that time, but I got into the habit of looking at the schedule from 5:30 and later on Friday, and just ignoring what is below it. It stung a bit this morning when, in order to decide who he

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-11504390072842815272008-07-11T06:47:00.000-05:002008-07-11T06:48:01.911-05:00

Taken 7/8/08

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-54551388391546931562008-07-08T20:32:00.002-05:002008-07-08T20:38:49.445-05:00

1. The Loud TalkerThere is nothing more annoying than going to a little neighborhood spot for dinner, and you can't hear the conversation coming from the table of six next to you because the dude all the way at the other side of the room is talking so loudly.2. They have to do everything the sameI was waiting outside an L stop this evening. A couple entered the station on their way to tonight's

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-80604227669535308962008-07-01T22:59:00.001-05:002008-07-01T22:59:59.198-05:00

Taken 6/28/08 from my hotel room.

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-51043248973395469702008-06-30T22:28:00.000-05:002008-06-30T22:29:33.552-05:00

Taken on a Northbound Red Line train, 6/22/08

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-8975832702273906032008-06-29T11:28:00.000-05:002008-06-29T11:31:37.163-05:00

Taken from a Northbound Red Line train on 6/22/08

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-75592364699664572472008-06-25T21:25:00.002-05:002008-06-25T21:28:15.187-05:00

Taken 6/21/08 in Michigan City, IndianaIt's amazing how just 36 hours out of the city can really clear one's head. Thanks, Indiana.

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-62183745100811602862008-06-24T19:18:00.002-05:002008-06-24T19:50:58.384-05:00

I'm slowly getting used to the neighborhood my new job is in. I'm learning various public transport routes too and from work. I'm learning where to get lunch. I'm learning where to get coffee. I don't know it like the back of my hand, but I'm starting to feel at home there.The neighborhood, West Loop, like many in Chicago, is a neighborhood in transition. When I first started driving

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-40314865698411206412008-06-23T20:31:00.001-05:002008-06-23T20:32:54.743-05:00

The train was moving when I took the picture, so I'm surprised that wall outside the train is as clear as it is.

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-81864572336652973072008-06-22T22:50:00.001-05:002008-06-22T22:52:29.660-05:00

Okay, so this pic was taken 2 years ago, but still, Aramis is the man.Here, watch some Steve Goodman.

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-5971816690736657792008-06-19T21:42:00.001-05:002008-06-19T21:43:41.954-05:00

Taken 6/15/08 outside of Allstate Arena.Luckily we were inside before the storm hit.

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-23952875391581996272008-06-04T20:07:00.002-05:002008-06-04T20:26:39.250-05:00

Last Friday was my last day at my old job. The job was located in Streeterville, near Michigan Avenue. I know that I have complained to many people about the pain it is to work in this area. Dealing with tourists can be trying, not to mention having to walk past American Girl Place every day. But there will be a few things I will miss about the location (not to mention the actual place of

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-51602591286341085722008-05-27T15:39:00.002-05:002008-05-27T15:43:02.170-05:00

Dear Mother Nature,Thank you so much for giving us Chicagoans such a lovely Memorial Day. It was very generous of you to give us a nice warm day for cooking out, and for waiting to turn on the rain until late in the evening. It was wonderful to have an actual nice day on a holiday!I think I need to inform you of something, however. Many people consider Memorial Day Weekend to be the unofficial

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-75633676982473999232008-05-25T17:50:00.003-05:002008-05-25T18:34:11.709-05:00

Yesterday we drove to Wisconsin to go shopping at the outlet mall in Pleasant Prairie.As I experienced last week when we went to Indiana, sometimes just getting out of Chicago, even for just a few hours, really helps recharge the batteries. I felt relaxed and happy while shopping, even though the shopping completely tired me out.I bought many articles of clothing and three pairs of shoes, but

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3364450.post-82467572516876414612008-05-23T13:33:00.002-05:002008-05-23T13:36:45.767-05:00

The "Ouch" refers to the gas prices, which might be hard to see since they are small. It was the best shot I could get while stopped at a stop light. This picture was taken yesterday afternoon at the corner of North Ave. and Clark. I think this is probably one of the most expensive places to get gas in the city. The price for regular at this particular station was the same as the price for

redhairedgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560343565337736900noreply@blogger.com0