Yes, its been awhile, but I'm back! A lot has changed since I moved back to Milwaukee, but I'll talk more about that in another post.
This post is about haircuts, yes, haircuts. Who knew how difficult it would be to get a decent, affordable haircut here. The last few months, I've been going to a local supercuts. Its not anything special, but its relatively cheap. The proximity and cost have been my primary reasons for me to continue to frequent the place, as well as the quick walk in service, but last week, that all changed. I tried going last week on a Saturday. I walked in fully expecting to get my hair buzzed quickly and being in and out in 15 - 20 minutes. I tried walking in around 5:45 to a full lobby. There were quite a few people sitting on the benches. One of the hair stylists told me that since it was nearly 6pm and there were 3 people in front of me, they wouldn't be able to service me today. So, I walked out and drove over to cost cutter, which was just a few minutes away also. And strike two, they had closed at 6 pm also. From the parking lot there, I checked on great clips from my phone and strike three, they had closed already. And I'm out!
I tried again a few days later, this time on a weekday and much earlier, 4pm. I drove to supercuts and there was no one in the lobby, but there was only one stylist and she was cutting a woman's hair. She told me it would be at least half an hour and gave me a $2 coupon for a future haircut. Rather than wait, I figured since it was only 4pm, I'd beat any after work rushes at the next place. This time, I thought I'd be a little smarter and call cost cutters while running across the street to Target. The wait at cost cutters was an hour and a half, strike two again! I looked up great clips again and called over. They lady said there was a 10 min wait, so I said, great, put me on the list please. She proceeded to tell me that they had this great app for your smart phone in which you could check in. I told her that I was on my phone speaking to her and asked whether she could put me on the list, which she could not since it was walk in only, unless you checked in via your app....explain that one to me. Steeeeerike three....again!
I guess that's why in Chicago, for years, I went to State Street Barbers and then to another salon, where my stylist went to after leaving there. Although, more expensive, the service level was so much better. The few dollars extra was worth it in the conversation of knowing someone for a while by itself. Not counting the hot lather straight razor neck shave, need I even mention any more? Luckily, I had heard that my stylist had moved to Milwaukee. Hopefully, I'll find a place soon where I'll be able to get a decent haircut at a fixed time soon!
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Hello Milwaukee
Now that I've been back in Milwaukee a little while, I've begun to remember what I like about the city.
1. There's no traffic. Even when there's traffic, there's no traffic.
2. It takes a max of a half hour to get anywhere in the city. Thats it.
3. Parking is everywhere. Its easy. Its mostly free.
4. 5.5% sales tax.
5. Way cheaper gas, usually at least 20 cents.
6. Family. Old friends.
and more.....
1. There's no traffic. Even when there's traffic, there's no traffic.
2. It takes a max of a half hour to get anywhere in the city. Thats it.
3. Parking is everywhere. Its easy. Its mostly free.
4. 5.5% sales tax.
5. Way cheaper gas, usually at least 20 cents.
6. Family. Old friends.
and more.....
Monday, March 19, 2012
Goodbye Chicago: Part IV
As I write this, I realize my goodbye to Chicago has been lengthier than expected. This will hopefully be the last one as we really are moving tomorrow (as much as we can anyways). Its been a long goodbye, but a fruitful one. I've been able to actively do things and see people that I haven't seen in a long time.
This past saturday was St. Patrick's Day. It wasn't just the celebration, but it actually was St. Patrick's Day. Chicago, so I've heard, is the largest St. Patrick's Day celebration outside of Ireland. There are quite a few Irish and Irish pubs around, truth be told. This year, the South Side Irish Parade resumed after a 2 year hiatus. We didn't go because we heard that it was going to be much tamer, i.e. no open containers allowed.
Kel and I decided to go see the Chicago river get dyed. They dye it at 10 am via a speedboats using orange dye that magically turns the river 'Irish Emerald' green. Unfortunately, we made a bad call in taking the bus down instead of the red line and ended up missing the actual event. We ended up being about 15 min late, but the day was so beautiful that we didn't care at all. When we finally got down there, it was packed. I mean thousands and thousands of people. Kel and I took some pics of the river and ended up meeting up w/our friends Chris and Melissa. They were party w/friends at Renaissance. Nothing like a good old fashioned hotel room party at 10:30 in the morning.
We decided not to go to the parade at noon, but instead went to Rock Bottom Brewery's rooftop. It was absolutely gorgeous out. Too hot in fact for how we were dressed, but we weren't complaining. Then we went to Kelsey's in Lincoln Park where we met up w/the crew and finally headed to Chapman's. By then, after whiskey and coke on the bus, sips of moonshine, pulls of jaeger from the bottle chased w/Red bull, and a few beers, I was done for.
As the last big thing we got to see in the city, I'm glad we got to do it. The weather made it that much better.
This past saturday was St. Patrick's Day. It wasn't just the celebration, but it actually was St. Patrick's Day. Chicago, so I've heard, is the largest St. Patrick's Day celebration outside of Ireland. There are quite a few Irish and Irish pubs around, truth be told. This year, the South Side Irish Parade resumed after a 2 year hiatus. We didn't go because we heard that it was going to be much tamer, i.e. no open containers allowed.
Kel and I decided to go see the Chicago river get dyed. They dye it at 10 am via a speedboats using orange dye that magically turns the river 'Irish Emerald' green. Unfortunately, we made a bad call in taking the bus down instead of the red line and ended up missing the actual event. We ended up being about 15 min late, but the day was so beautiful that we didn't care at all. When we finally got down there, it was packed. I mean thousands and thousands of people. Kel and I took some pics of the river and ended up meeting up w/our friends Chris and Melissa. They were party w/friends at Renaissance. Nothing like a good old fashioned hotel room party at 10:30 in the morning.
We decided not to go to the parade at noon, but instead went to Rock Bottom Brewery's rooftop. It was absolutely gorgeous out. Too hot in fact for how we were dressed, but we weren't complaining. Then we went to Kelsey's in Lincoln Park where we met up w/the crew and finally headed to Chapman's. By then, after whiskey and coke on the bus, sips of moonshine, pulls of jaeger from the bottle chased w/Red bull, and a few beers, I was done for.
As the last big thing we got to see in the city, I'm glad we got to do it. The weather made it that much better.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Goodbye Chicago: Part III
The day after our Will's get together, Kelly and I both had bachelor/bachelorette parties to go to. Our friends Irene and Mark are getting married in May and had their parties' on the same day which worked out well.
The girls rocked out in a limo all night and started at a BYOB restaurant, Isla Pilipina. From there they moved on to a drag show in River North and a bar or two before eventually meeting up with the guys.
Some of us guys went to Tydell's to play. As per usual, we started late partly because people got there late and partly because half of us brought food over. Pretty typical of us. Our poker games are pretty ridiculous. Sometimes its like the blind leading the blind. Some guys can't remember how to play, other guys busy watching whatever sporting event is on tv, a few are just too busy on their phones, while others are just plain spacey. It can be really funny and/or extremely maddening. Of course since we started late, we ended up meeting Mark and co. later at Dave and Busters where we played some games. Eventually we went to Old Town Ale House and met the girls.
At Tydell's we FINALLY, FINALLY finished off this bottle of Russian vodka that Scott has had since 2007. Even we didn't know that he'd had it that long. Over the years during many poker nights, we've slowly taken shots of it, and finally polished it off. The bottle has become legendary partially since he's had it for so long, partly because its terrible vodka, and partly because Scott's enamored with it. He loves talking about the bottle and how its Russian (as if thats supposed to mean its good or something). Alas, we've finally killed the damn thing.
The girls rocked out in a limo all night and started at a BYOB restaurant, Isla Pilipina. From there they moved on to a drag show in River North and a bar or two before eventually meeting up with the guys.
Some of us guys went to Tydell's to play. As per usual, we started late partly because people got there late and partly because half of us brought food over. Pretty typical of us. Our poker games are pretty ridiculous. Sometimes its like the blind leading the blind. Some guys can't remember how to play, other guys busy watching whatever sporting event is on tv, a few are just too busy on their phones, while others are just plain spacey. It can be really funny and/or extremely maddening. Of course since we started late, we ended up meeting Mark and co. later at Dave and Busters where we played some games. Eventually we went to Old Town Ale House and met the girls.
At Tydell's we FINALLY, FINALLY finished off this bottle of Russian vodka that Scott has had since 2007. Even we didn't know that he'd had it that long. Over the years during many poker nights, we've slowly taken shots of it, and finally polished it off. The bottle has become legendary partially since he's had it for so long, partly because its terrible vodka, and partly because Scott's enamored with it. He loves talking about the bottle and how its Russian (as if thats supposed to mean its good or something). Alas, we've finally killed the damn thing.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Goodbye Chicago: Part 2
From between September to January, and hopefully February, Kelly and I have a second family. That family comes together weekly, either on Sunday or Monday, at Will's Northwoods Inn (http://www.willsnorthwoodsinn.com). We congregate, some would say religiously, to watch and cheer on our beloved Green Bay Packers. The beauty of it is that its become a ritual. We sit near each other, play games, eat good food and have fun. And like family, win or lose, we come together no matter how our team is doing.
As part of our what I like to call 'Goodbye Chicago Tour' we met up with some of our friends at of course Will's and had a good old fashioned friday fish fry, drank beer and hung out. We reminisced about epic Packer games, how we came to find Will's and our progression to the tables we're at now, and all the other good times we've had because of bar. Not only will we miss the people and the games, but we'll also miss the bartenders who we've become friends and the atmosphere. I've been a Packer fan all my life, but until I started going to Will's regularly, I don't think I appreciated it as much.
Will's has become an oasis, a home away from home in enemy territory, and I will miss it, the people, the ritual, and the experience every sunday and/or monday from September to February.
As part of our what I like to call 'Goodbye Chicago Tour' we met up with some of our friends at of course Will's and had a good old fashioned friday fish fry, drank beer and hung out. We reminisced about epic Packer games, how we came to find Will's and our progression to the tables we're at now, and all the other good times we've had because of bar. Not only will we miss the people and the games, but we'll also miss the bartenders who we've become friends and the atmosphere. I've been a Packer fan all my life, but until I started going to Will's regularly, I don't think I appreciated it as much.
Will's has become an oasis, a home away from home in enemy territory, and I will miss it, the people, the ritual, and the experience every sunday and/or monday from September to February.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Goodbye Chicago: Part 1
Now that I've more or less come to grips with leaving and knowing that its a mere 2 weeks away, I've become re-energized in trying to see and do as much as possible in this short time I have left here. Just this past weekend, was one such event, a mini tour of Andersonville.
Some of us guys (Aaron, Tydell, Chapman, Meyer, Inkmann, and myself) went to tour the Koval Distillery, http://www.kovaldistillery.com. The tour was $10 and was pretty decent. The location is actually right next door to Metropolitan Brewery which I've also toured. The facility isn't that large so we didn't walk around that much, but it was interesting. The tour guide gave us a brief history of the company, showed us the equipment used, and told us about the products they distill and sell. We were given a shot glass to taste some of their beverages and tried small samples of 9 of their 27 or so products. 3 of them were 'white whiskeys' which I've never tried before. Basically its clear and isn't aged at all. It just passes through the barrel so that it can be called whiskey. The next 3 were 3 aged whiskeys. They age their whiskeys 2 years and use a variety of grains, some which are unique and solely used by Koval, and 2 different barrels for lighter/darker aging. The final 3 we tried were their liqueurs, chrysanthemum honey, rose hip and and ginger. A few fun facts about the place that we learned on the tour were that they opened in 2009, the distillery is certified organic and kosher, and its the first distillery in the city of Chicago since prohibition.
After the tour, we went to Hamburger Mary's, http://www.hamburgermarys.com . Skip, Matt K, Kel, Courtney Chapman, and Melissa joined us. I love burgers and this place has a great selection of them. They also brew a few beers of which I tried 'superstition' and 'gangster', but didn't love either of them. The 'fiesta burger' that I had though was highly satisfying. One nice thing I found when checking out their website was that their is a branch in Milwaukee.
Hopleaf (http://www.hopleaf.com) was our next destination. Tom and Courtney Carroll met us there. I've wanted to come here for years for the beer selection and it didn't disappoint. I had a couple local beers, 3 Floyd's Pride and Joy (which I thought was just ok) and Goose Island's Matilda (which is one of my fav's). Also tried mead, yes your head me correctly, for the first time. This was from Poland and very syrupy and sweet, a little tough to drink to be honest. I've heard that the food is good here also so check it out if you ever get a chance. I'd love to go again.
Finally we ended the night at Farragut's on Clark, a divey kind of bar for a final drink. I had a great time and was happy to see so many friends out. Hope to have a few more before we leave!
Some of us guys (Aaron, Tydell, Chapman, Meyer, Inkmann, and myself) went to tour the Koval Distillery, http://www.kovaldistillery.com. The tour was $10 and was pretty decent. The location is actually right next door to Metropolitan Brewery which I've also toured. The facility isn't that large so we didn't walk around that much, but it was interesting. The tour guide gave us a brief history of the company, showed us the equipment used, and told us about the products they distill and sell. We were given a shot glass to taste some of their beverages and tried small samples of 9 of their 27 or so products. 3 of them were 'white whiskeys' which I've never tried before. Basically its clear and isn't aged at all. It just passes through the barrel so that it can be called whiskey. The next 3 were 3 aged whiskeys. They age their whiskeys 2 years and use a variety of grains, some which are unique and solely used by Koval, and 2 different barrels for lighter/darker aging. The final 3 we tried were their liqueurs, chrysanthemum honey, rose hip and and ginger. A few fun facts about the place that we learned on the tour were that they opened in 2009, the distillery is certified organic and kosher, and its the first distillery in the city of Chicago since prohibition.
After the tour, we went to Hamburger Mary's, http://www.hamburgermarys.com . Skip, Matt K, Kel, Courtney Chapman, and Melissa joined us. I love burgers and this place has a great selection of them. They also brew a few beers of which I tried 'superstition' and 'gangster', but didn't love either of them. The 'fiesta burger' that I had though was highly satisfying. One nice thing I found when checking out their website was that their is a branch in Milwaukee.
Hopleaf (http://www.hopleaf.com) was our next destination. Tom and Courtney Carroll met us there. I've wanted to come here for years for the beer selection and it didn't disappoint. I had a couple local beers, 3 Floyd's Pride and Joy (which I thought was just ok) and Goose Island's Matilda (which is one of my fav's). Also tried mead, yes your head me correctly, for the first time. This was from Poland and very syrupy and sweet, a little tough to drink to be honest. I've heard that the food is good here also so check it out if you ever get a chance. I'd love to go again.
Finally we ended the night at Farragut's on Clark, a divey kind of bar for a final drink. I had a great time and was happy to see so many friends out. Hope to have a few more before we leave!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
A bittersweet goodbye...
Well, its official, Kelly and I are moving back to Milwaukee. Home (bitter)sweet home! Now don't get me wrong, I am really excited to move home. Our families are there. Friends and new opportunities will offer themselves. I'll be able to watch more Wisconsin sports.
On the other hand, I've lived in Chicago for over 6 years now and have had great experiences and made many lifelong friends, gotten into some shenigans and have made great memories. We have had countless experiences, and amazing memories, and in our last 2-3 weeks left, hope to make a couple more.
Some of our highlights include the South Side Irish Parade, eating so much great food, brewery tours, BBQ's on friends' decks, and so much more. I'm not sure how much we can do/accomplish in the next few weeks, but I know that were gonna try out best to make the most of it. I'm gonna start this saturday by going to tour the Koval Distillery.
On the other hand, I've lived in Chicago for over 6 years now and have had great experiences and made many lifelong friends, gotten into some shenigans and have made great memories. We have had countless experiences, and amazing memories, and in our last 2-3 weeks left, hope to make a couple more.
Some of our highlights include the South Side Irish Parade, eating so much great food, brewery tours, BBQ's on friends' decks, and so much more. I'm not sure how much we can do/accomplish in the next few weeks, but I know that were gonna try out best to make the most of it. I'm gonna start this saturday by going to tour the Koval Distillery.
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