Category Archives: Top 5 Friday

Top Five Friday: Top 5 Types of Metra Commuters

Posted on January 18, 2013 | 3 Comments

Packing up my things from Madison, WI, moving in with my parents in the ‘burbs, and starting work downtown in October, I’ve now been commuting for three solid months. I’ve experienced late trains, figured out the best schedule for my hours, and had one or two scary moments prompting me to purchase some pepper spray.

Throughout it all, I’ve spent many an hour people watching. For your reading pleasure, I’ve managed to list the travelers into five top categories. Behold the top five types of Metra commuters!

5. The Sleepers

These men and women always fascinate me. They have the ability to sleep with their monthly pass in full view for the conductor, not drool, and wake up at the end of the line fully refreshed. What the hell.

4. The “Still Getting Ready” Travelers

Honestly, I think I’ve picked up a few make-up application tips from watching these girls. And, not admitting or denying I’ve been such a traveler, I have to say you do not realize how bumpy a train ride is until you try applying mascara en route.

3. The Afternoon Party Crowd

The first time I saw people cracking open beers on the evening train, I was shocked when the conductor didn’t even give them a second glance. Turns out, it’s completely legal and normal to drink on the Metra.

I’ve also learned the Afternoon Party Crowd takes it up a notch on Fridays.

2. The Carrying Weird Items Passengers

I’ve brought home a frozen turkey. I’ve carried a rolled up rug. I’ve seen people carry laundry baskets filled with folded up clothes (thankfully clean). Crazy amounts of luggage. Plants, presents, and full meals meant to consume during the commute.

Essentially, if you don’t travel by car, you’re forced to carry it with you. And everyone sees.

1. The Runners

We all know I’ve been here. Running from my car in the morning to get over the center track before the train comes barreling through, or running through Ogilvie after work because my bus ran late. The first time I ran, I felt foolish. Later, I realized I see someone sprinting at least twice per day. It’s just another workout.

My rug.

My rug.

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Posted in Chicago, Top 5 Friday

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Top Five Friday: Top 5 Things Not to Say to the Single Girl at the Holiday Party

Posted on November 16, 2012 | 1 Comment

Holiday Party Season is upon us, which means evenings full of forced conversation, sparkly sweaters, and too much eggnog. We tear open hastily wrapped white elephant gifts as we mingle with co-workers, friends, and family.

As a single girl attending these parties without a date, attention sometimes clings to your dating status. And God forbid you show up sans date after age 30! Inevitably, you end up being cornered to supply answers to any or all of these top five most awful questions to ask a single girl at a holiday party:

5. So, any new dating prospects?

This wording is traditionally reserved for work functions. As though achieving a date to next year’s holiday party is the ultimate goal. Which equates to obtaining a lot of prospects.

Which, in turn, makes me wonder if they would refer to a fiance as a tentative, and a husband as a definite.

Just saying.

4. [Insert random name here] in the [insert random department here] department is single….

At no other time during the year would anyone ever suggest you date _____ in the _____ department. I mean, let’s be honest. If he was that cute I would have tried already. And regardless, dating someone at work is a bad idea in general. But something in the minds of smug couples making conversation with the single girl in the company makes them want to rack their brain for new prospects.

Apparently their minds only have the capacity to wander so far.

3. So, uh….what are you doing to celebrate the holidays with your…parents?

Nothing’s been set in stone yet, but I’m scheduling myself to answer the same questions at home, presented with different verbage.

2. Have you tried match.com or eHarmony yet?

Yes.

And, if you must know, I also recently responded to a request for a holiday girlfriend.

I’m starting to think that, joke or not, the guy who made that original post was on to something…

1. Wait, isn’t that your third piece of cake?

Ok. My single status you can question all night. But chocolate cake consumption?

Now you’ve gone too far.

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Posted in Dating, LOLZ, Top 5 Friday

Top Five Friday: Top 5 Rules for Surving the CTA Bus System

Posted on November 2, 2012 | 1 Comment

Ah, the CTA. Such a wonderful thing for those of us who require transportation around downtown Chicago, yet who aren’t willing to suffer a heart attack due to stress in exchange for commuting by car.

The majority of my commute is spent getting to the Metra train station, parking the car, paying for my spot, waiting (while shivering) for the Metra, then actually on the train itself. But it’s those damn CTA busses that are the tricky part.

After working four whole weeks in the city, I’ve learned there are CTA rules, and there are CTA rules. Behold the top five rules to surviving the busses in downtown Chicago!

5. It all starts the moment you leave your house.

Leaving on time doesn’t only influence catching the Metra.

You have to get yourself to the station, parked, paid for, and immediately start walking to where the head cars will soon be stopped. Don’t do this? You miss out on a seat up front. And then? You have to walk through more people and a greater distance to get out of Ogilvie. So? Well, as soon as you cross the street to get to the corner of Canal and Madison, you make it just in time to wave goodbye to the back of your bus.

Like what happened to me on Monday.

…and Tuesday.

4. Be willing to get lost.

Because when it’s cold, raining, and windy, waiting another 17 minutes for the 157 isn’t an option.

That’s when it’s time to put on your big girl pants, go outside your comfort zone, grab your smart phone, and try a new adventurous route to work.

3. Google is a helpful tool.

Google Maps, to be specific.

Thirty-five seconds after waiving goodbye to the 157, you can pull up the nearest alternate bus routes, directions to the nearest stops, and time frames on everything!

2. Google sucks, get a bus tracker app. Or three.

Google, actually, is great.

For routes, planning, and directions.

…but for timing? Not so much.

Using Google in conjunction with bus tracker apps, you can find out the most accurate route, and the most accurate time. But I’d download a couple tracker apps. Every so often, one doesn’t update correctly, causing you to miss your bus.

Like what happened to me on Wednesday.

1. Hold on!

No really, hold on. At all times.

But at least for sure when you’re paying, walking, standing, moving, and sitting.

Those corners come fast, some people walking on the streets think it’s ok to dart out in front of large busses, and cars are constantly racing to cut in front.

You guys, I may look like a scared tourist, one hand with a death grip on the nearest handle, the other tracking our route on google maps so I don’t miss my stop….but I haven’t fallen once.

Yet.

There’s always next Monday….

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Posted in Chicago, Top 5 Friday, Work

Top Five Friday: Top 5 Things I’ll Miss About Wisconsin

Posted on September 28, 2012 | 6 Comments

I’m moving back home to Chicago next Friday and I couldn’t be more thrilled! That being said, there are going to be some things I will, of course, miss about Wisconsin.

Some things are replaceable, like everything in the area that has become familiar for me. Local hang-outs, the gym, where I grocery shop…hell I’ll even miss my regular spots to fill up my gas tank, and to grab Chinese take-out.

But then there are those things I’ll miss about Wisconsin that you just can’t duplicate in Chicago. Behold the Top Five Things I’ll Miss About Wisconsin!

5. Cheese Curds.

If you ever make your way to Wisconsin, find the nearest neighborhood bar, and order some fried cheese curds with a side of ranch.

Feel free to thank me later.

4. Badger Games.

As a Mizzou alumna it’s hard for me to admit this, but Badger football games are second to none. I’ll never forget my first game, freezing my ass off, realizing every single person was clothed in badger red, while trying to figure out just what the hell the student sections were chanting at each other.

3. Capital Beer.

Happy hours just won’t be the same without whatever seasonal Capital beer is on tap.

2. Insanely Amazing Friday Night Fish Fry.

Avenue Bar on E. Washington. Enough said.

1. My Friends.

Yes, I am aware at how cheesy that sounds. But I’ve been up here for exactly one decade, survived more online dating horror stories than I thought possible, job changes, career changes, boyfriend changes, and everything in between. I started my marathon journey, my novel, and attendance at a wonderful book club.

And you just can’t duplicate the people who have been there for it all. I will miss them dearly!

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Posted in Friendship, Top 5 Friday, Wisconsin

Top Five Friday: Top 5 Personal Attendant Duties

Posted on August 10, 2012 | 6 Comments

Last night a great friend asked me to be a personal attendant at her wedding and omigosh I’m super excited! She is gifted at her career, which happens to be in the wedding industry, so you just know the reception is going to be ah-ma-zing. Also, the most important thing – the couple is one of those loving partnerships us single girls aspire to be a part of one day.

But here’s the thing: What exactly does one do as a personal attendant? Having never been one before, I took to the powers and wonder of the internet to find out. There were many duties, but five main ones that stood out.

5. Organize. Everything.

When I hear the word “Organize” I get excited. If I could list one super human talent I possess, this would be it. So far, so good.

4. Help the bride get dressed.

I know how to get dressed in the morning, so I feel pretty qualified to handle this one. Easy peasy.

3. Various “go-fer” duties.

Which gives me total access to walk around with a purpose, checking out all the single dudes. This is the best job ever!

2. Hold a touch-up / emergency bag.

I’ve actually brought these to most weddings, just because. Traditionally I include band aids, hairspray, clear nail polish, nail clippers, nail files, deodorant, and breath mints. Done!

1. Make sure the bride is not stressed.

Challenge: Accepted. Current adding liquor to my touch-up/emergency bag.

I guess it actually doesn’t really matter. The bride essentially told me I just have to show up, keep her sane, and have fun.

Done and done!

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Posted in Friendship, Love, Top 5 Friday

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Top Five Friday: Top 5 Things Not to Say to a Single Girl at a Wedding

Posted on August 3, 2012 | 5 Comments

Wedding season is upon us, which means Saturday evenings full of taffeta, tulle, and too many beers. We tear up as we watch our friends walk down the aisle, full of happiness and excitement for the new couple as we join in their celebration.

As a single girl attending weddings without a date, attention sometimes clings to your dating status. And God forbid you show up sans date after age 30! Inevitably, you end up being cornered to supply answers to any or all of these top five most awful questions to ask a single girl at a wedding:

5. When’s it going to be your turn?

Does anyone actually think the person they are asking knows the answer to this question? I’m currently taking any suggestions of smart-ass-without-being-mean responses to use. And really start to appreciate the open bar at this point in the evening.

4. Don’t worry, when you stop looking the right guy will come along!

Oh. Ok. So I’ll just be over here at the bar then. Here I am. At the bar. NOT LOOKING. Just hanging out trying to think of a smart-ass response to your first question.

3. Are you looking? Because you really should be putting yourself out there if you want to find anyone.

I’m so confused. Isn’t this opposite of what that other person said? Bartender? Help.

2. I just let that cute single groomsman know that you are available and looking. I bet he comes over here any second!

Oh dear God. If that doesn’t scream desperate, I don’t know what does. Not to mention that by now I’m on my third glass of wine so if the super cute and single groomsman does happen to make his way over here, I’m toast as soon as I open my mouth. Someone hide me.

1. Wait, isn’t that your third piece of cake?

Ok. My single status you can question all night. But chocolate cake consumption?

Now you’ve gone too far.

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Posted in Dating, Family, Friendship, Love, Top 5 Friday

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Top Five Friday: Top 5 Cheap Ways to Spend a Summer Weekend

Posted on June 29, 2012 | 2 Comments

It’s summer, it’s the weekend, and I’m in major budget mode. But that doesn’t mean I have to spend the weekend moping about my lack of extra money. All I need is an open mind and I’m able to enjoy a couple of days off from work, frugal style.

My top five ways to be cheap on a summer weekend:

5. Workout

I already pay for my gym membership, so I may as well use it, right? And to train for my next marathon, all I have to do is run out the front door. I can stay on track with training, burn extra calories, and feel better about myself without spending a dime.

4. Clean

I’m talking move-the-furniture cleaning. The kind you do only when you are having a party with a ton of people coming over. Window treatments, under the bed, under the couches - all those areas that get overlooked on a normal weekend.

3. Donations

Jeans, t-shirts, shoes, shorts, jewelry….do I really need all of this stuff? Why am I saving things I haven’t worn in over 3 years? It’s been ages since I’ve completely taken apart the closet. I have a feeling I’m going to find a lot I don’t need.

2. Reading

I have piles of books waiting to be read and a library literally out my back door. It’s cheap,free, and interesting entertainment that often gets pushed aside when I’m over-planned.

1. Relax

Budget mode = less planned = less to stress about.

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Posted in Budget, Top 5 Friday

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Top Five Friday: Top 5 Great Things About Running

Posted on June 22, 2012 | 3 Comments

5. Nice people

Very seldom do you hear about the jerks of the sport. More often, it’s a nice crowd at the expo and on the trails. The fast finishers encourage the back-of-the-pack, the back-of-the-pack applaud the fast finishers. It’s like a running circle of life. And when you meet Jeff Galloway at the Grandma’s Marathon Expo, want to buy his book, and he doesn’t take debit cards…he gives you his book anyways, signs it, and trusts you to mail him a check when you get home (first thing I did after unpacking). If that doesn’t sum up the “nice” of the running community, I don’t know what does.

4. Meet new people

Like Elizabeth. We are running the Grand Rapids Marathon together in October after meeting at the Salt Lake City Marathon. And there’s Steena, and Renee, and Angie, and Katie and so many more runners-turned-friends I’ve connected with via Daily Mile, Twitter, and Facebook. All because of our common love (or love/hate) for pounding the pavement.

3. Stay in touch / reconnect with old friends

There are so many examples of old friends I have stayed in touch with, or reconnected with because of running. Without the excuse of an entry form I would never have met up with Marlena in Cincinnati, or planned a trip to Nashville with Angie, Laura and Jessica.. Nicole M., Jeff, Farrah, Nicolette – we’ve all had awesome weekends just because of running.

2. Adventures

For some, this means running a marathon in every state. For others, it’s signing up for that local 5k for the first time. Some run charity races with special meaning, some run in costumed races, and some (my friends) run in beer runs. No matter why you are running, each race is an event.

1. Healthy lifestyle

Running and the running community help me reach my goals. When already self-motivated, we offer words of praise. When someone falls off the wagon, its words of encouragement. I may not always make the best choices (like the pizza I had for breakfast…stop judging) but I promise I’d be much worse off if it weren’t for this sport. We re-enforce and promote a healthy lifestyle among ourselves. And it’s awesome.

What do you love about running?

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Posted in Running, Top 5 Friday

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Top Five Friday: Top 5 Thoughts at a Marathon Expo

Posted on June 15, 2012 | Leave a comment

Ah, marathon weekend. A few days of fun, traveling, catching up with friends, and exploring new places.

Along with it comes a trip to the marathon expo (otherwise known as the location where you grab your race materials while being tempted by sales at various booths crammed into a convention center with aisles that never seem wide enough as people push double-wide strollers over the very feet you are desperately trying to rest before the big day).

This is the spot where it hits you - you’re not just here to sightsee. Your trip to this town holds a greater purpose. And no, it’s not to practice patience for double-wide strollers.

Behold the top five thoughts going through my head at the marathon expo:

5. Whoa. Everyone here looks way fitter / skinnier / more like a runner than me.

I think this….and then I get over it. Marathoners come in all shapes and sizes. Some of us run/walk, some are trying to qualify for Boston, and some are actually competing to win. But we all cover 26.2 miles no matter the speed, or size of our body.

4. Holy crap, there are some hot guys here!

Hey boy, hey…need help with that body glide I see you buying? I’ve got a free hand. Just saying. So, call me maybe?

3. Put the marathon race name embroidered sweatshirt down.

And the shorts. And the Bondi Bands. And the Spy Belt and the extra water bottles and the cute One More Mile running shirts. Budget Mode = buying only things I need, not things I want, and knowing the difference between the two.

2. Uh…maybe I should have glanced at the elevation chart more closely.

And if I always made sure to study the course, perhaps I would not have had such wide eyes at the Flying Pig Marathon expo when I saw there was a steady three-mile elevation climb during the race. Ah, the memories.

1. Holy crap, I have to run a marathon this weekend.

Here we go….

Disney World Marathon Expo

Indianapolis Marathon Expo

Flying Pig Marathon Expo Sign

City of Oaks (NC) Expo

Salt Lake City Utah Expo

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Top Five Friday: Top 5 Power Songs on my iPod

Posted on June 8, 2012 | 3 Comments

Grandma’s Marathon is coming up, which means time to start making my insane packing list, print out the driving directions, confirm my hotel reservation, and charge my iPod.

I’ll admit, I’m not as well-trained for this one as I’d like to be. But I’m confident I can crawl my way through the seven hour time limit in order to mark another state off the list.

What’s going to help me when I’m all alone in the last few slow miles? Music! I’ve got plenty of songs on my iPod, but a few key beats get me moving.

Behold the top five power songs on my iPod:

5. Girlfriend by Avril Livigne


4. Animals by Nickelback


3. Bleed it Out by Linkin Park


2. Remember the Name by Fort Minor (head nod to Tony Black for recommending this song several marathons back) 


1. Sandstorm by Darude


What are your power songs?

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Posted in Marathons, Running, Top 5 Friday

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