Sunday, September 30, 2012

Sunday





Yesterday I noticed that the tops of the maple trees in Chicago are just starting to tint orange. Fall is coming and I am truly not ready for it. My stomach is in knots and I wake up in a panic so alarming that I can rarely get back to sleep. I haven't figured out where I want to live or what I want to do with the next year, and it's all coming at me too quickly. But I'm making plans as best I can and moving forward the only way I know how, by just letting it happen. Somewhere in the grand scheme of things, I'll land on my feet.



Happy Beatles Sunday!


-K.K.


Friday, September 28, 2012

Candy Pink



My mother hasn't bought me an article of clothing without my presence or prior approval since the great white button up incident of 2001 in which my mom had to purchase me a plain button up white shirt for a band concert in the 7th grade. She came back with a short sleeve white button up with bows adorning the cap sleeves...my baggy pants/boys shirts/pseudo skater wanna-be self threw a fit, and from then on I have been consulted on clothing.


My style has developed quite a bit since then, I suppose Mom could pick out my clothes now that she isn't deathly afraid of me becoming a 7th grade butch (for real, I had a Kate Gosselin hair cut). Although there is an obvious trend in my clothing to tend towards boy-ish. Whiskey-Pants put it best when we were shopping one day: "I just think, would an old man wear this? And if the answer is yes, then I can buy it for you."


So imagine my surprise when a co-worker returned from a thrifting trip with a suede bubble gum skirt and told me she had thought of me! I don't know if this means if my style is changing, or if its evolved in to its own thing. Classic/girly with an edge/tomboy/old man/ultra femme?




I don't suppose I care too much what label this skirt is attached to, I just know that I love it :)




On another note, I've taken to doing a pre-work outfit photo shoot in the bathroom...classy dame that I am. 

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Le Sigh



And now for your Wednesday...


Photo via


I think that pretty much sums it up.


Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Yarn Over





Yesterday was my only day off and aside from taking a good chunk of time to compile a fall list, look at apartments, and precook lunch for the rest of the week, I also spent a lot of time watching movies and trying to knit a scarf. 

This scarf has become the bane of my existence.

I bought the yarn, a beautifully soft emerald green color, to make for someone else and it never quite got finished. I loved the stitch but somewhere in the middle it got messed up. Recovering it on Sunday I decided that I would take the whole thing apart and start over again. I brought it to the theatre and began unraveling it pre show. "What are you doing? That's a nice scarf! Hours of work wasted!" the cast commented, but I had a mind to do it, so I did. I tried another far more complicated pattern for the next three hours and decided I hated it and took it apart again.

Yesterday when my internet was down I used my phone to look up stitches, and an hour in to at least three different ones I would take them apart and start over again. Finally I found a stitch that I liked, but it got messed up and after several attempts at repair, I huffed and took it all apart again. 

This scarf has become an allegory for my life. 

It's beautiful yarn, gorgeous color, would compliment so much of my other wardrobe, but I don't know what I want it to be yet. Every time it looks like it's not going to turn out the way I want it to, I take it apart and start all over again. Maybe it's because I didn't buy it for myself and now I have to make it my own, or maybe it's because of the turns my life is taking right now. But, for the time being the "scarf" is unraveled and sitting on my couch in a wound up heap. I don't think I'll know what I want it to be for a while. 


Monday, September 24, 2012

Fall Fall Fall

Yesterday was the first day of Fall and it slipped right by me. I didn't do anything the least bit Fall-y except for wear boots and contract a nasty change-in-the-weather cold. I should have had pumpkin coffee or apple cider and "lit a fire" in the fireplace at the apartment, so I tried to make up for it this morning...




You can almost hear it crackling, can't you? Don't tell Roommate but I left the apartment this morning with it still "burning". 

The issue is I don't know what fun Fall activities Chicago has to offer, but I have my ideas...mostly because I Googled "Chicago in the Fall" and was inspired to come up with a list. Here are a few things to get me started:

Making a trip to the Doughnut Vault for some roasted almond glazed and other seasonal treats

Go on a Chicago ghost tour just in time for Halloween. Chicago Hauntings offers tours on a nightly basis!

Pay a visit to the Andersonville Farmer's Market for fresh honeycrisp apples or salted caramel popcorn.

Sign up for the Frank Lloyd Wright 5k in Oak Park, just in time to get running before the cold really kicks in.

Take a day trip to Starved Rock State Park for a hike through the changing leaves.

Try the pumpkin pancakes at Pauline's, the "awesomest Andersonville brunch spot in the universe"

Treat myself to a fabulous new fall coat, or this girly long sleeve tee, OR this ah-mazing printed dress.

Decorate my apartment for fall just in time to move and start putting up Christmas decor

Learn to make tasty fall favorites like this, this and this



What's on your Fall To Do list? Anything else I should be doing in Chicago?



Sunday, September 23, 2012

Sunday


Photo via

My needs are simple this morning...other than loading up on dayquil and cuddling up in a flannel shirt...I want all the bacon and eggs you have.

Enjoy your Sunday!

-K.K. 




Friday, September 21, 2012

The Sickie


Today, I get to be that gross person on the train coughing up a lung and slouched sleepily over the air vent, only waking up when too much air gets in to my clogged sinus and I start coughing again. I apologize commuters of Chicago, I truly do. And I vow to you that I will, at the very least, cough in to the crook of my elbow and use tissues as opposed to my fingers. If you could just not overcrowd me or stand too close to the "firing zone" that would be fantastic.

Sincerely,

The Sickie


Photo Via




Thursday, September 20, 2012

A Little Light Reading


Browsing the Urban Outfitters book section is almost, if not more delightful that wandering their hipster/adorable sales rack offerings, and I often find myself getting sucked in to reading more than a couple before I can physically exit the store. Running Buddy happened upon this gem the other day:



Purchase here


It's a list of 20-something truths accompanied by squiggle illustrations, and the page that got me the most was the real-life resume, which included things like "applying eyeliner" and "making myself throw up after I've has too much to drink". Charming. But it inspired me to create my own Real Life Resume...




Kiley Morgan
Education: The School of Hard Knocks on the Head
Major: Procrastination with a Minor in Sarcasm 


Walking in heels

Falling asleep on the El

Taking care of my friends when they're drunk

Finding a legitimate need to go shopping twice a month

Successfully editing and curating several Pinterest boards

Eating a family-size bowl of popcorn in one sitting

Exploring and implementing fitness methods that don't involve me leaving my house (see couch yoga)

Calling my boyfriend just as he's about to go to sleep with a major life crisis

Throwing away a tooth brush even though I feel that we've formed some sort of kinship



What are your "real life" resume skills?

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Foooood

Remember that time a long, long time ago when I said I was going to be an adult and actually start cooking my meals? A whole two weeks in and I've actually stuck with it! Of course this means that now that I've announced it there will be a rapid decline in my kitchen productivity, but so far it's been pretty enjoyable. It got a little hairy for a bit trying to pack lunch and dinner to go straight from the museum to the theatre, but overall I'm pretty darn proud of myself, considering my total lack of Julia-Child-like tendencies.

Here are the recipes that I've made so far...I want to preface this list by saying that if I recipe calls for some six dollar spice that I can't steal from my roommate, I won't use it. I also make things by the recipe, like a serving for four people and then I split it up throughout the week. Less prep time overall if you can do it all on one day.



Quinoa and Black Bean Salad via The Girl Who Ate Everything I actually made a batch of this and it lasted for three days! Huzzah!

Bistro Style Crispy Chicken via The Fit Cook

Blueberry Breakfast Grilled Cheese via Fit From Conception, otherwise known as the easypeasy recipe that's blowing up Pinterest right now. I left out the icing sugar and it still tasted of awesomeness.



Crispy Coconut Chicken via The Fit Cook I precooked a batch of these and it doesn't do so well on the re-heat. There's still some in my fridge if anyone wants to bring the mango salsa!

I've also been throwing together a lot of fruit salads and experimenting with pita pockets (I'm wild and crazy like that.) Hard boiling eggs in advance for meals is also a big help since I can grab it and go...but I haven't phased out eating cereal for meals entirely. I just discovered quick oats with peanut butter though, and that seems to be a slightly better substitute.

If you're stuck, I highly recommend The Fit Cook. Tons of simple easy to make ideas and still healthy. I'm bent on learning how to make her Banana Waffles and Game Day Chili 

Monday, September 17, 2012

Born to Run

Slowly but surly, I fell off the wagon again.

My plans to go running always begin with a excellent intent and speedy results, but just as quickly as the urge to "just do it" arrives, it's gone. I could blame my two jobs or my lack of funds, but ultimately I'm going to have to blame myself. Because what is stopping me from putting down the laptop right this minute and lacing up? Just little ole' me.


Me, laced up, in January

It seems crazy because when I do follow through with my running plans I feel fantastic, regardless of how I look. It's something to truly marvel at: look what I can do! Look at what I've accomplished today! Yet, I can mentally prepare the fastest list you ever saw of reasons not to go. Not to mention the time I waste being down on myself about it.

What helps you get through with your fitness plans?

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Sunday

I was lucky enough to cap off my first week at my new job and previews for the show by celebrating with the cast and crew and waking up to this conversation:

Roommate: Does my face look red?
Myself: Yeah, do you want to borrow some sunscreen?
Roommate: It's not a tan, it's Gwar blood!




Oh the lovely times in this apartment. I've hardly spent more than a moment in here except to sleep this week. I hop off the train from my 9-5 and go straight to the theatre. It's stressful but I can't help but be proud of it. At least I know it's not forever...

I'm going to take the morning to relax and jump right back in the saddle this afternoon!

Hope you're enjoying your Sunday!

-K.K.

 

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Blue Skies

There is one thing to be said about my hour long commutes...







The view doesn't suck. 


My first day at my new job was Wednesday, and I have been coming straight from downtown to my theatre job on the north side, and then passing out when I get home. We're currently in previews, but I'll be so glad to get the show on the road so I can come home occasionally. Fortunately I've had stunning Chicago skies and new-job jitters to keep me happy...


Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Warm September

As an 8th grader I wasn't privy to the same coverage as high school students got. In second period history class one of my favorite teachers tried to be as straight with us as he possibly could. We listened, but not seeing anything visual to confirm our fears we were able to set it to the back of our minds and continue on with class. "Someone will probably have to re-write a textbook" he announced somewhat ominously.

The rest of the day teachers stood closely and whispered at their desks. There was an active fear in them, but they pushed through to keep us calm. Then students started to disappear. Throughout lunch and again in gym class, parents were coming to retrieve their children early, and when cross country practice came the coaches dismissed us to go home with our families. I was alone at my house when I called Mom. "Your uncle lives in Brooklyn, can you watch the news coverage and see if everything is alright over there?" A lump formed in my throat. I had been shielded from this all day and now I would finally come face to face with the damages. "You don't have to if you don't want to" Mom reassured, but of course I did.




Piles of rubble, instant replays of the plane, constant re-caps of the death toll. Much to my surprise, I couldn't sit, I couldn't cry. I stared blankly at the screen as if this were all happening somewhere far away from here in a distant time that I was not a part of; that I would read about in the next chapter of my history book. I peeled myself away from the screen and caught my breath. My uncle was fine, my family was fine, my friends were fine. Despite being so young and not knowing the gravity of the situation we faced, I felt extremely lucky.






Monday, September 10, 2012

Teach

The Chicago teacher strike is currently going on right outside my front door. I live across the street from an elementary and high school and they are stationed outside with signs asking people to honk for fair pay and evaluation procedures; a cheer goes up every time they get a honk, and the crowd is starting to get bigger. From elementary through high school I always toyed with the idea of being a teacher, but Mom who has been teaching for 36 years gave me a resounding: "No" when I was trying to decide my major in college. Policies are changing and it's not necessarily for the benefit of the teachers, much less the students. And it's gotta say something when your mom would prefer you get a degree in the arts than one in education...




As unfair as people seem to think it is that the teachers have "walked out" on their students, they're actually fighting for their education. Updating to a better curriculum and an evaluation system that isn't based solely on test scores. The term that most shocked me is that they have to negotiate for air conditioning. Some schools don't have it and when school begins in August students are sitting in a 90-degree classroom. The teachers are stepping in to protect their students, and despite the fact that my teachers never had to strike for me to keep my arts classes or for an air conditioned room, I always knew that their first priority was helping their students succeed. Teachers should be thanked for that more often, and not accused of abandoning their classrooms.

I'll get off my soap box now and return to my day of organizing and dress rehearsals, and if you feel so inclined you can read more here and here.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Sunday


On this Sunday morning I realized that I'm entering that phase where all night wild partying is maybe not my thing anymore. I attempted to party it up last night, and by midnight I was curled up on the couch staring off in to sleepy space. When my more mature friends would explain the wonders of staying home with an IPA and a movie, or going to a quieter bar to watch a game and chat, I would insist that it was no replacement for partying hard, but alas, I am becoming old.




And now, my royal oldness will spend the morning with a cup of coffee and some oatmeal, nursing and undeserved old-lady hangover and ponder facing the true autumn today....additionally I might make a national movement to replace the Birthday Song with they Might Be Giants.

Enjoy your Sunday!

-K.K.

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Fall Picks 2012

The glorious days of lounging around my apartment with the windows open wearing shorts and a tank top while munching on a peach are numbered. I'm in bed on this crisp Chicago morning Pinterest-ing fall style ideas and wondering if I'll be brave enough to pair my expansive shorts collection with my equally copious amounts of tights this year. The answer: probably yes. I own too many pairs of shorts to simply put them away when Chicago starts to get a little nippy. The sudden shift in temperatures from 90 degrees to 70 got the ball rolling for me to start thinking about my "back to school" shopping.


I didn't realize but based on this board I'm feeling pretty moody. Edgy but girly, with a penchant for dark colors and brooding prints. I'm in love with dark (faux) leather and military detailing but with bejeweled accents. The snake ring in particular is called out to me because it reminds me of a ring my grandpa passed down to my dad. Balancing out the rebel detailing are lacy sweaters, femme fatal brocade prints and peter pan collars.  The chain strap purse seems to be the best representation of where I am with fall style this year.


Apparently the section of my wardrobe calling out for a make-over is pants. Not only am I in love with the floral, burgundy, and high waist varieties shown above, I'm also loving coated denimzipper anklesslouchy khakisbrocadepleated crop and knit pants. Yeah, it's a lot of pants. Luckily obsession comes swiftly and leaves just as fast. By the time leaves are falling I'll know what I really want to spend my money on. 

What are your obsessions this Fall?

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Last Day

Amidst the excitement of my new job and making plans for my next year in Chicago, I forgot that I will also be saying goodbye to my food service job that I started on Valentine's Day. Although I'm beyond excited to ditch wrapping burritos and waking up at the crack of dawn, I know I'll miss seeing the co-workers that have gotten me through my first year in Chicago. Their humor, advice, and camaraderie really eased me in to Chicago and lit the fire under me to create a better future for myself.


Tomorrow I'll get my paycheck, say goodbye, and probably celebrate by unceremoniously going grocery shopping and eating some of my stock piled frozen custard from Ollie's. My new chapter begins on Wednesday.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

Despite getting my adult stuff together for the most part...full time jobs, apartment searches and whatnot, I feel that in living on my own I haven't been able to conquer one aspect: cooking.



I've never liked the idea of standing in the kitchen for two hours only to have my hard work devoured in five minutes flat. Besides which, in between my two jobs I just don't have the time. Unfortunately when I give up my food service job my one free meal a day goes too, so I have to start getting serious about making food for myself. I've always had fun baking and being the sous chef to my friends, how can I make cooking fun for myself?

First, I found a few great ideas from my beloved Pinterest, and the stand out so far has been thefitcook.net. Fresh, easy and healthy ideas to get to started, a recommendation to all 20-somethings or otherwise who are trying to get in to the routine of cooking healthy.

Second, is making the time. This has been one of the bigger hurdles as I only have a two hour break between jobs. Would it be nicer to sit on my laptop for an extra hour and just eat PB&J? Yes. But would it be as satisfying as Bistro Style Crispy Chicken? No, no it will not be.

Third, making your shopping list/budget. I would love to make every recipe that I come across, but factors like out of season fruit and expensive yet delicious cheeses come in to play. Knowing what's in season and what you can afford greatly affects what I can make...that being said the price of meat is going to rise this year due to the drought, so plan accordingly.

Fourth, try to make recipes that call for the same ingredient in the same week. A family of four could polish off a pound of grapes, but a single gal needs a little more time. Mix them with a salad, freeze them for a sour snack for later, put them in a little baggie for a snack on the train.

I'll have some more 20-something cooking tips to pass along...because hopefully I'll be able to keep up with my progress. Help me out here, what makes cooking fun and easy for you?

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Sunday


Cheers to the end of August! It's never been my favorite month. It's a place where I'm always confused about the seasons, whether it should be a lazy summer month or a productive fall one. August delays time in terms of how I think my life should be progressing; it's that strange middle ground that I don't know what to do with except to get through it. Now that I have, Welcome September! The birth month of a lot of my favorite people, the time when pumpkin flavored things seem less out of context and when I can safely start thinking about my Halloween costume without feeling like a nerd. I shall try to enjoy you to the fullest until my second favorite month follows you...October! Golden leaves, spooky treats, and true sweater weather!




Saturday, September 1, 2012

How Firm Thy Friendship



The season opener for the Buckeyes is today! But here in Chicago there are few flags being flown and even fewer people shouting "O-H!" at each other. I'm inside all day for the commencement of tech week and I'm just the slightest bit home sick for my Buckeye friends. I came to the realization yesterday that with this new job I won't be eligible for vacation time for six months...March. I hope to have the parade of visitors I had this year, and even more hopeful that some new ones can make the trek. They will be rewarded with museum visits and the best places to get breakfast and pizza in Chicago!

Making me even more homesick is the fact that I won't be going home for Thanksgiving or Christmas this year since I work the day before and day after. I know I'll make it work since so many others in the city manage to, but images of me sitting alone in a studio apartment watching families from my window pile in to their cars Christmas morning to go to Grandma's are haunting me at the moment.

Viking has a theory of my living in the future too much and not enough in the present. So in the spirit of his often wise words, I'm going to celebrate the Buckeyes playing Miami today by wearing my loudest gear and maybe going to McGee's for a beer. I'm happy that tech week is finally beginning and that I have a job that pays me enough to put down some roots and start looking for an apartment. I know I'll see everyone soon enough!