Apparently someone has heard our cries in the food desert.
Woodlawn is getting it’s very own Farmer’s Market starting Saturday, May 17th at Experimental Station home of Blackstone Bicycle Works.
So I’ll be able to walk to purchase reasonably priced fresh produce AND shop for a reasonably price eco friendly, weight controlling form of transportation.
Note the emphasis on walk, reasonably priced and fresh.
AND they’ll take the LINK Card. Not that I have one or anything. Apparently I made too much money when I was on unemployment.
It’s too good to be true.
But Woodlawn isn’t by itself----Bronzeville and Englewood are getting their own farmer’s markets as well.
Because we’re on the south side it wouldn’t surprise me if the markets were sponsored by McDonalds.
I predict that many poorly stocked, high priced corner grocery stores and mini marts will be feeling the pain of reduced business.
I’m very interested in seeing the selection of produce we get in the ‘hood. Since I’m a big fan of the market at Federal Plaza I have a pretty good idea what’s what.
I am beyond thrilled with this---see how the squeaky wheel gets the grease when enough people question the status quo.
South Side stand up.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Draining
Yes, I’ve been missing lately. Please excuse my absense.
After all, waitressing and working seemingly every part time job possible can take a toll on a sister. It took about three weeks for my feet and back to stop outright throbbing.
Methinks that I can now run a marathon in heels.
Just because I’m working day and night to make ends meet doesn’t mean that I don’t have stories to tell.
The latest involves why you should always make sure that you have a legitimate developer who has obtained all of his or her legitimate licenses regarding your building.
Note I said legitimate licenses.
Carlton Knight obtained “licenses” but they were to replace walls and to erect a fence. Trust me, I have copies of the permit applications.
You want to make sure that little things like the plumbing and roof have been covered as well.
But I digress.
After many years of having their low-end laminate kitchen cabinets, my next door neighbors decided to upgrade and get new cabinets.
They shopped, saved their money, made their purchases and set an installation date.
The appointed time came and the workers started to rip out their old cabinets.
But a small wrinkled developed.
The “T” drain that funnels water from the kitchen of both of our units was damaged when the base cabinets were being moved.
As I’m sure you know, most bathrooms and kitchens in a development are placed in generally the same place so the water and drainage lines can be in the same location.
You see my friends, when our developer “rehabbed” our units he merely made cosmetic changes.
If you’ve been a long time reader of this blog you’ve read the stories.
But this time the “T” drain in the kitchen of my neighbor’s unit was being held together by insulation foam resting on the base kitchen cabinet.
Did I mention that the “T” drain was completely rusted ?
Now I’m not a Rhodes Scholar, but I’m confident that if the plumbing was updated when all of us first bought into this development over six years ago it wouldn’t of rusted.
Hell, can you even put metal pipes in buildings anymore?
Ironically, when my neighbor directly below me rehabbed her kitchen, she didn’t have any problems. And might I add her new kitchen is the shit.
Hotness personified.
Nonetheless because the drain runs between both of our units, I couldn’t wash the dishes or run the dish washer.
Like I need an excuse to not do housework.
Unfortunately my neighbors had to pay over $700 to get the “T” drain fixed. If they didn’t any kitchen water both units would of run would of gone directly into the walls.
And we all know that water is a home owner’s worst enemy.
The moral of this story is that when you’re looking for a condo and you get that funny little feeling about the things you can see, be very concerned about the things you can’t.
After all, waitressing and working seemingly every part time job possible can take a toll on a sister. It took about three weeks for my feet and back to stop outright throbbing.
Methinks that I can now run a marathon in heels.
Just because I’m working day and night to make ends meet doesn’t mean that I don’t have stories to tell.
The latest involves why you should always make sure that you have a legitimate developer who has obtained all of his or her legitimate licenses regarding your building.
Note I said legitimate licenses.
Carlton Knight obtained “licenses” but they were to replace walls and to erect a fence. Trust me, I have copies of the permit applications.
You want to make sure that little things like the plumbing and roof have been covered as well.
But I digress.
After many years of having their low-end laminate kitchen cabinets, my next door neighbors decided to upgrade and get new cabinets.
They shopped, saved their money, made their purchases and set an installation date.
The appointed time came and the workers started to rip out their old cabinets.
But a small wrinkled developed.
The “T” drain that funnels water from the kitchen of both of our units was damaged when the base cabinets were being moved.
As I’m sure you know, most bathrooms and kitchens in a development are placed in generally the same place so the water and drainage lines can be in the same location.
You see my friends, when our developer “rehabbed” our units he merely made cosmetic changes.
If you’ve been a long time reader of this blog you’ve read the stories.
But this time the “T” drain in the kitchen of my neighbor’s unit was being held together by insulation foam resting on the base kitchen cabinet.
Did I mention that the “T” drain was completely rusted ?
Now I’m not a Rhodes Scholar, but I’m confident that if the plumbing was updated when all of us first bought into this development over six years ago it wouldn’t of rusted.
Hell, can you even put metal pipes in buildings anymore?
Ironically, when my neighbor directly below me rehabbed her kitchen, she didn’t have any problems. And might I add her new kitchen is the shit.
Hotness personified.
Nonetheless because the drain runs between both of our units, I couldn’t wash the dishes or run the dish washer.
Like I need an excuse to not do housework.
Unfortunately my neighbors had to pay over $700 to get the “T” drain fixed. If they didn’t any kitchen water both units would of run would of gone directly into the walls.
And we all know that water is a home owner’s worst enemy.
The moral of this story is that when you’re looking for a condo and you get that funny little feeling about the things you can see, be very concerned about the things you can’t.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Just When I Thought I'd Seen It All
Help Me Jesus.
Just when I thought my developer was---oh how shall I put it?----horrible; along comes this joker to win the sleazy developer of the year award.
My heart goes out to this person’s business partners, employees and most of all anyone who put down escrow money on a new unit.
As if times aren’t difficult enough for folks without this shit happening.
Just when I thought my developer was---oh how shall I put it?----horrible; along comes this joker to win the sleazy developer of the year award.
My heart goes out to this person’s business partners, employees and most of all anyone who put down escrow money on a new unit.
As if times aren’t difficult enough for folks without this shit happening.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Speechless
I’m a dumb ass.
At least that’s what the University of Chicago’s HR automated program says.
When I went to register for the University’s internal temporary admin program, I was told that I didn’t meet the basic qualifications.
Oh. My. God.
Per the University’s HR website, basically qualified is defined as possessing the knowledge, skills, education and experience listed at required on the job posting.
This is the job posting:
High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree preferred; advanced degree preferred; previous secretarial experience required; ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing required; meticulous attention to detail required; ability to multi-task required; ability to work with confidential information discreetly required; ability to work calmly and quickly in a fast paced environment required; ability to work under pressure with frequent interruptions required; experience with Word and Excel required; experience with Access and PowerPoint preferred.
Now I wonder what about my application said “loser.”
I graduated high school---college even.
I’m not quite sure if a blog qualifies as being to effectively communicate but people seem to be able to understand what I write. I also happen to also speak the “King’s English.”
Attention to detail? Multi-task? Discretion? The ability to work calmly and quickly in a fast paced environment? Work under pressure with frequent interruptions?
Not only does that define my entire adult working life but did I mention I’m witnessing in Hyde Park? Hell, if keeping a tables of diverse ages, races, socio-economic classes happy doesn’t provide a good example of those requirements, I don’t know what does.
Note: Waitressing is not as easy as it looks.
Experience with MS Word and Excel----check and check.
The only thing that I can think of that may have dinged me is previous secretarial experience required.
While I’ve been an admin before it isn’t on my resume as it was in the early ‘90’s.
I think I’m going to pay a personal visit to the HR next week. Perhaps if they get a look at me I’ll be deemed worthy.
Plus I gotta know what disqualified me via the automated program.
Kindly excuse me. I have to open the restaurant for the lunch rush in a few hours.
That is if I can get my limited abilities in check so I can schlep to work without getting lost.
Unbelievable.
At least that’s what the University of Chicago’s HR automated program says.
When I went to register for the University’s internal temporary admin program, I was told that I didn’t meet the basic qualifications.
Oh. My. God.
Per the University’s HR website, basically qualified is defined as possessing the knowledge, skills, education and experience listed at required on the job posting.
This is the job posting:
High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree preferred; advanced degree preferred; previous secretarial experience required; ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing required; meticulous attention to detail required; ability to multi-task required; ability to work with confidential information discreetly required; ability to work calmly and quickly in a fast paced environment required; ability to work under pressure with frequent interruptions required; experience with Word and Excel required; experience with Access and PowerPoint preferred.
Now I wonder what about my application said “loser.”
I graduated high school---college even.
I’m not quite sure if a blog qualifies as being to effectively communicate but people seem to be able to understand what I write. I also happen to also speak the “King’s English.”
Attention to detail? Multi-task? Discretion? The ability to work calmly and quickly in a fast paced environment? Work under pressure with frequent interruptions?
Not only does that define my entire adult working life but did I mention I’m witnessing in Hyde Park? Hell, if keeping a tables of diverse ages, races, socio-economic classes happy doesn’t provide a good example of those requirements, I don’t know what does.
Note: Waitressing is not as easy as it looks.
Experience with MS Word and Excel----check and check.
The only thing that I can think of that may have dinged me is previous secretarial experience required.
While I’ve been an admin before it isn’t on my resume as it was in the early ‘90’s.
I think I’m going to pay a personal visit to the HR next week. Perhaps if they get a look at me I’ll be deemed worthy.
Plus I gotta know what disqualified me via the automated program.
Kindly excuse me. I have to open the restaurant for the lunch rush in a few hours.
That is if I can get my limited abilities in check so I can schlep to work without getting lost.
Unbelievable.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Makin' It Rain
I realized that it’s been awhile since I’ve reported on the antics of my favorite developer, Carlton Knight.
Last September, I wrote a post about a building that’s being converted by Mr. Knight needed major corrective work, despite the fact it was currently on the market.
According to DCAP an application was submitted to replace an existing porch.
I think any rational person can agree that it was a step in the right direction.
But that little voice inside my head told me there had to be more to this story. So I took a little trip down the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office to dig up any possible paperwork.
Let me tell you folks, that was the best $1.75 I ever spent on a bus ride. The court papers did not disappoint.
So I don’t bore you I’ll cite a few samplings from the 27 page filing:
“Defendants Carlton Knight and the 1512-1514 E. Marquette LLC (‘The LLC’) are the developers of the subject property.”
“Beginning on or about January 2006, Defendants Carlton Knight and 1512-1514 E. Marquette converted the 6 unit apartment building that is the subject property to condominiums. That conversion required extensive renovations.”
“Defendants Carlton Knight, the Trust, and the LLC financed the renovations with a construction loan valued at $1,202,000, which included approximately $600,000 for the acquisition of the property.”
“Defendant Carlton Knight applied for several permits for the property. Defendant Carlton Knight failed to secure a certificate of occupancy for the property.”
The best part comes in the following eight counts the city alleges against Mr. Knight:
1. Failure to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy.
2. 56 separate building code violations.
3. Fines aren’t enough motivation to correct these issues, the city wants to building put into a receivership.
4. Making false statements of material fact.
5. Failure to obtain a general contractor’s license.
6. Failure to obtain a residential real estate developer’s license.
7. Failure to obtain a business license as a general contractor.
8. Failure to obtain a business license as a residential real estate developer.
My particular favorite is in count 4 (false statements of material fact) the city alleges:
“On August 18th, 2006, Carlton Knight applied for a permit for work being done on the subject property with the Department of Construction and Permits.”
“The application stated that the project was valued at under $10,000. The true value of the project was over $400,000.”
“Carlton Knight failed to disclose the true costs of work undertaken to rehabilitate the property when he falsified the amount of the rehabilitation project, and as a result violated 1-21-010 (2006).”
“Carlton Knight has violated and continues to violate section 1-21-010 of the general provisions of the municipal code by his continued failure to disclose the true costs of the work undertaken as required by DCAP and his knowingly falsifying his original application for a permit.”
I know each and every one of your are shocked by all of these allegations.
And just so you don’t die of curiosity, a few of the 56 separate building code violations range from the condition of the back porch, to inadequate lighting at an exterior entrance to the basement.
I cant imagine why the city would have a problem with various electrical code issues and failure to arrange mechanical ventilation or warm air heating system final inspection when the work was completed---do you?
I have to give the Department of Buildings and the Coporation Counsel mad props as they just seemed to finally inspect and document everything I’ve been writing about for the past two and a half years.
Only time will tell if the repairs are made or if Mr. Knight squeaks through another loophole.
Methinks the city just “made it rain” all over shady bootleg developers.
'Bout time.
Last September, I wrote a post about a building that’s being converted by Mr. Knight needed major corrective work, despite the fact it was currently on the market.
According to DCAP an application was submitted to replace an existing porch.
I think any rational person can agree that it was a step in the right direction.
But that little voice inside my head told me there had to be more to this story. So I took a little trip down the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office to dig up any possible paperwork.
Let me tell you folks, that was the best $1.75 I ever spent on a bus ride. The court papers did not disappoint.
So I don’t bore you I’ll cite a few samplings from the 27 page filing:
“Defendants Carlton Knight and the 1512-1514 E. Marquette LLC (‘The LLC’) are the developers of the subject property.”
“Beginning on or about January 2006, Defendants Carlton Knight and 1512-1514 E. Marquette converted the 6 unit apartment building that is the subject property to condominiums. That conversion required extensive renovations.”
“Defendants Carlton Knight, the Trust, and the LLC financed the renovations with a construction loan valued at $1,202,000, which included approximately $600,000 for the acquisition of the property.”
“Defendant Carlton Knight applied for several permits for the property. Defendant Carlton Knight failed to secure a certificate of occupancy for the property.”
The best part comes in the following eight counts the city alleges against Mr. Knight:
1. Failure to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy.
2. 56 separate building code violations.
3. Fines aren’t enough motivation to correct these issues, the city wants to building put into a receivership.
4. Making false statements of material fact.
5. Failure to obtain a general contractor’s license.
6. Failure to obtain a residential real estate developer’s license.
7. Failure to obtain a business license as a general contractor.
8. Failure to obtain a business license as a residential real estate developer.
My particular favorite is in count 4 (false statements of material fact) the city alleges:
“On August 18th, 2006, Carlton Knight applied for a permit for work being done on the subject property with the Department of Construction and Permits.”
“The application stated that the project was valued at under $10,000. The true value of the project was over $400,000.”
“Carlton Knight failed to disclose the true costs of work undertaken to rehabilitate the property when he falsified the amount of the rehabilitation project, and as a result violated 1-21-010 (2006).”
“Carlton Knight has violated and continues to violate section 1-21-010 of the general provisions of the municipal code by his continued failure to disclose the true costs of the work undertaken as required by DCAP and his knowingly falsifying his original application for a permit.”
I know each and every one of your are shocked by all of these allegations.
And just so you don’t die of curiosity, a few of the 56 separate building code violations range from the condition of the back porch, to inadequate lighting at an exterior entrance to the basement.
I cant imagine why the city would have a problem with various electrical code issues and failure to arrange mechanical ventilation or warm air heating system final inspection when the work was completed---do you?
I have to give the Department of Buildings and the Coporation Counsel mad props as they just seemed to finally inspect and document everything I’ve been writing about for the past two and a half years.
Only time will tell if the repairs are made or if Mr. Knight squeaks through another loophole.
Methinks the city just “made it rain” all over shady bootleg developers.
'Bout time.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Know Your Role
A few weeks ago, I went to the Understanding Your Role in Gentrification forum held at the University of Chicago during “Displacement Week.”
Naturally I was curious about one’s role in gentrification since it’s a much discussed and vilified topic these days. Since I’m a condo owner and by definition a gentrifier in Woodlawn, I had to stick my head in and see what all of this was about.
Perhaps I was slightly disappointed because of the un-preparedness of the panel.
Perhaps I was slightly disappointed because of the sparse turnout.
But one thing struck me as the discussion progressed, I’d bet you a million dollars that you’d never see a group of educated successful Black people beat themselves up over gentrifying a neighborhood.
Some say gentrifying, I say improving.
The panel was in the process of developing a brochure about responsible gentrifying. There seemed to be a lot of hand wringing by some people about gentrification in general.
People in attendance and the panel realized that good intentions and your personal budget often collide. As a result of finances and due to some people’s personal living preferences they have to (or choose to) live in “emerging neighborhoods.”
That’s a nice way of saying minority neighborhoods
I think it’s awfully conscious of the people at the forum to be concerned about being responsible gentrifies.
But as far as I’m concerned, it’s called being a good neighbor.
And as we all know, you can’t teach consideration, manners or good taste.
Well maybe you can try.
What I think the young people in that room may not have considered that change is a constant in Chicago neighborhoods.
Humbolt Park wasn’t always Hispanic. Woodlawn wasn’t always Black. Some parts of Old Town and River North used to be the “red light district.”
Obviously block busting, redlining, overt racism and down right ignorance played a huge role in the changing of the guard in the residential areas.
As those of us in the Chicagoland area know, it’s not the neighborhood but who lives in it that drives how it’s perceived and the services it receives.
Hey that rhymed.
In a sort of neighborhood circle of life, older neglected neighborhoods are bound to be rediscovered by those seeking beautiful, architecturally interesting buildings.
Not to mention accessibility to public transportation and green spaces.
Older neighborhoods in the city are experiencing a renaissance. Naturally, gentrication will follow.
And while many opinions will continued to be expressed about the re-emergence of urban neighborhoods, a few things continue to ring true.
People who want affordable accessible homes aren’t the problem. They shouldn’t be treated as such.
If you don’t want the flavor of your neighborhood to change, purchase it. Short of eminent domain or a federal injunction, not much can be done to take it away from you.
It never hurts to have a little diversity in your ’hood. While I don’t think the Germans are on there way back to Humbolt Park, it wouldn’t hurt to have a tauqeria next door to a beer hall.
And to my fellow forum attendees that happen to be white a small aside:
You don’t need a manual on how to be a good neighbor. In fact, I think it’s somewhat ridiculous to feel guilty or apologize for simply being who you are.
With racial divisions being very much in the news these days, it’s great to see dialogues getting started.
But unnecessary contrition isn’t needed.
Unless there’s 40 acres and a mule involved, I think your potential new neighborhoods will survive your arrival.
Naturally I was curious about one’s role in gentrification since it’s a much discussed and vilified topic these days. Since I’m a condo owner and by definition a gentrifier in Woodlawn, I had to stick my head in and see what all of this was about.
Perhaps I was slightly disappointed because of the un-preparedness of the panel.
Perhaps I was slightly disappointed because of the sparse turnout.
But one thing struck me as the discussion progressed, I’d bet you a million dollars that you’d never see a group of educated successful Black people beat themselves up over gentrifying a neighborhood.
Some say gentrifying, I say improving.
The panel was in the process of developing a brochure about responsible gentrifying. There seemed to be a lot of hand wringing by some people about gentrification in general.
People in attendance and the panel realized that good intentions and your personal budget often collide. As a result of finances and due to some people’s personal living preferences they have to (or choose to) live in “emerging neighborhoods.”
That’s a nice way of saying minority neighborhoods
I think it’s awfully conscious of the people at the forum to be concerned about being responsible gentrifies.
But as far as I’m concerned, it’s called being a good neighbor.
And as we all know, you can’t teach consideration, manners or good taste.
Well maybe you can try.
What I think the young people in that room may not have considered that change is a constant in Chicago neighborhoods.
Humbolt Park wasn’t always Hispanic. Woodlawn wasn’t always Black. Some parts of Old Town and River North used to be the “red light district.”
Obviously block busting, redlining, overt racism and down right ignorance played a huge role in the changing of the guard in the residential areas.
As those of us in the Chicagoland area know, it’s not the neighborhood but who lives in it that drives how it’s perceived and the services it receives.
Hey that rhymed.
In a sort of neighborhood circle of life, older neglected neighborhoods are bound to be rediscovered by those seeking beautiful, architecturally interesting buildings.
Not to mention accessibility to public transportation and green spaces.
Older neighborhoods in the city are experiencing a renaissance. Naturally, gentrication will follow.
And while many opinions will continued to be expressed about the re-emergence of urban neighborhoods, a few things continue to ring true.
People who want affordable accessible homes aren’t the problem. They shouldn’t be treated as such.
If you don’t want the flavor of your neighborhood to change, purchase it. Short of eminent domain or a federal injunction, not much can be done to take it away from you.
It never hurts to have a little diversity in your ’hood. While I don’t think the Germans are on there way back to Humbolt Park, it wouldn’t hurt to have a tauqeria next door to a beer hall.
And to my fellow forum attendees that happen to be white a small aside:
You don’t need a manual on how to be a good neighbor. In fact, I think it’s somewhat ridiculous to feel guilty or apologize for simply being who you are.
With racial divisions being very much in the news these days, it’s great to see dialogues getting started.
But unnecessary contrition isn’t needed.
Unless there’s 40 acres and a mule involved, I think your potential new neighborhoods will survive your arrival.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
An Aside
I knew it I had to go out and get a job---any job---when I couldn’t qualify for CEDA utility assistance.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with the program---and frankly I wasn’t until recently----CEDA administers the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The program pays a month’s worth of utility bills for individuals.
The trick is to qualify for the program.
One of my former co-workers told me about CEDC in a recent conversation. She applied and they paid her utility bills so she thought I should give it a shot.
The big difference in our lives is that she has a child and that I don’t.
You would think that this wouldn’t make a difference but according to “the guidelines” because I have no children my unemployment means that I make way too much money.
Yes, you read that correctly.
My unemployment---which has since ended by the way----that piddly $654 bi-weekly check meant that I made too much money.
Are you fucking kidding me?
A single person who makes a touch over $13,500 can’t qualify for almost any type of assistance.
That’s when I felt like a Detroit auto worker from the 80’s.
The funny thing is that for those of us who lived through that time, mistakenly thought that if we kept out of trouble and worked hard we wouldn’t be caught in a changing economy.
We weren’t like our some of our parents and grandparents, we went to college. We learned how to play the game.
Apparently that wasn’t (and isn’t) the case.
So to quote the film---Hi ho, Hi ho, it’s off to work I go.
Poof! I’m a server.
Talk about reinventing yourself.
Since I’ve started training and actually picking up shifts as a server (waitress) I wanted to take a few moments to let you all in on a few secrets:
Those Hyde Parkers/U of C people aren’t so bad after all. In fact, quite a few have helped a sister stack her paper.
If you come in with a group, run me ragged and then insist on splitting the check 15 different ways I won’t like you. And yes, I expect an additional tip on top of the 18% gratuity that’s added onto the check for large groups. Motherfuckers.
I so love the people who serve me at my regular watering holes. I always prided myself on being a good patron but now I truly understand their pain.
Speaking of pain, my feet feel like they don’t belong to me.
You have no idea how extremely tired I am. But I will build a bridge and get over myself.
Things will get better I’ll revisit this and write about my serving life in a few weeks. While I rarely wrote about my past employers, it might be a little different with this one.
But as you can assume, slinging drinks and food on the south side is a blog within itself. There are so many stories just begging to be told.
I’m just not sure if I’m the one to tell them at this point.
I won’t tell you where I work but if you find me and ask me if I’m the Woodlawn Wonder, I won’t lie to you.
Naturally, you’ll leave a big fat tip, right?
Speaking of people who have a story to tell and live on the south side, let me reintroduce you to the lovely Erin of Puffthechuff.wordpress.com.
She and a group of my west Woodlawn dwelling neighbors met out for drinks a few months ago and while we haven’t seen each other since, we continue to cyber stalk each other.
Her blog is quite funny and the tale of how she met her husband (Portly Jew indeed) is a modern Chicago love story.
BTW, she wants a baby and just turned 26. These are just a few facinating things you'll find out about Erin via her blog.
26? Isn't she still a damn baby herself?
She's a ballsy, stand up broad and despite the fact I barely know her I like the cut of her gib.
Sit down and stay awhile at her blog. I’m sure she’d like to see you.
Just don’t continuously ask to borrow things.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going back to bed to catch up on my sleep.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with the program---and frankly I wasn’t until recently----CEDA administers the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The program pays a month’s worth of utility bills for individuals.
The trick is to qualify for the program.
One of my former co-workers told me about CEDC in a recent conversation. She applied and they paid her utility bills so she thought I should give it a shot.
The big difference in our lives is that she has a child and that I don’t.
You would think that this wouldn’t make a difference but according to “the guidelines” because I have no children my unemployment means that I make way too much money.
Yes, you read that correctly.
My unemployment---which has since ended by the way----that piddly $654 bi-weekly check meant that I made too much money.
Are you fucking kidding me?
A single person who makes a touch over $13,500 can’t qualify for almost any type of assistance.
That’s when I felt like a Detroit auto worker from the 80’s.
The funny thing is that for those of us who lived through that time, mistakenly thought that if we kept out of trouble and worked hard we wouldn’t be caught in a changing economy.
We weren’t like our some of our parents and grandparents, we went to college. We learned how to play the game.
Apparently that wasn’t (and isn’t) the case.
So to quote the film---Hi ho, Hi ho, it’s off to work I go.
Poof! I’m a server.
Talk about reinventing yourself.
Since I’ve started training and actually picking up shifts as a server (waitress) I wanted to take a few moments to let you all in on a few secrets:
Those Hyde Parkers/U of C people aren’t so bad after all. In fact, quite a few have helped a sister stack her paper.
If you come in with a group, run me ragged and then insist on splitting the check 15 different ways I won’t like you. And yes, I expect an additional tip on top of the 18% gratuity that’s added onto the check for large groups. Motherfuckers.
I so love the people who serve me at my regular watering holes. I always prided myself on being a good patron but now I truly understand their pain.
Speaking of pain, my feet feel like they don’t belong to me.
You have no idea how extremely tired I am. But I will build a bridge and get over myself.
Things will get better I’ll revisit this and write about my serving life in a few weeks. While I rarely wrote about my past employers, it might be a little different with this one.
But as you can assume, slinging drinks and food on the south side is a blog within itself. There are so many stories just begging to be told.
I’m just not sure if I’m the one to tell them at this point.
I won’t tell you where I work but if you find me and ask me if I’m the Woodlawn Wonder, I won’t lie to you.
Naturally, you’ll leave a big fat tip, right?
Speaking of people who have a story to tell and live on the south side, let me reintroduce you to the lovely Erin of Puffthechuff.wordpress.com.
She and a group of my west Woodlawn dwelling neighbors met out for drinks a few months ago and while we haven’t seen each other since, we continue to cyber stalk each other.
Her blog is quite funny and the tale of how she met her husband (Portly Jew indeed) is a modern Chicago love story.
BTW, she wants a baby and just turned 26. These are just a few facinating things you'll find out about Erin via her blog.
26? Isn't she still a damn baby herself?
She's a ballsy, stand up broad and despite the fact I barely know her I like the cut of her gib.
Sit down and stay awhile at her blog. I’m sure she’d like to see you.
Just don’t continuously ask to borrow things.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going back to bed to catch up on my sleep.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Over---For Now
Mt. Carmel finally picked up the trash on the north parkway yesterday.
It's amazing how good the 'hood can look when the sidewalks aren't awash in Remy bottles.
I've been so busy with the new waitressing gig that I've barely had time to notice. Let me tell you slinging drinks and grub isn't as easy as you would think.
Luckily for me, I was reminded about the trash everytime I left to go to work.
So the north parkway is clean---for now.
I wonder if Mt. Carmel (and their landscape service) will step up and clean without prompting or will this be a continuing point of contention.
It's amazing how good the 'hood can look when the sidewalks aren't awash in Remy bottles.
I've been so busy with the new waitressing gig that I've barely had time to notice. Let me tell you slinging drinks and grub isn't as easy as you would think.
Luckily for me, I was reminded about the trash everytime I left to go to work.
So the north parkway is clean---for now.
I wonder if Mt. Carmel (and their landscape service) will step up and clean without prompting or will this be a continuing point of contention.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Trying To Do Right
I regularly check the stats for I Hate My Developer.
While I wrote a post some time ago about Mike Holmes, I continue to get traffic to the blog based on a Mike Holmes search string. You’d be surprised at how many people search to see if Mike Holmes is married.
He is a tasty piece. Trust me, I get the interest
Roughly two weeks ago I was checking the stats for the blog when I ran across the following search string in the visitor activity log:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=i hate my school i want every kid there dead
It stopped me cold.
My mind went in a million different places. What should I do? Should I notify the authorities? Am I paranoid?
With all the school shootings at both Northern Illinois and Virginia Tech, I think the red flag goes up when anyone starts shooting off their mouth about----well----shooting.
I wrestled with what to do for two days. If I can prevent someone else from mourning for their child, I'm all in.
In the end, I didn’t want to have any deaths on my conscious. I decided to notify the school district of the city and state where the query originated.
You guys aren’t completely anonymous when you come in to check out my little blog.
This is what I sent:
Good Morning,
In light of the recent campus shootings at Northern Illinois University, I thought it might be wise to make you aware of a recent hit I saw in the visitor activity log of my blog. Frankly I was a little disturbed when I saw the search string. While wrestling if I should or should not send this e-mail, I reasoned that it's better to be over cautious than ignore a possible sign.
The following entry was received on 2/25:
VISITOR ANALYSIS
Referring Link http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=i hate my school i want every kid there dead
Host Name
IP Address xxx.xx.xxx.xx
Country United States
Region New York
City xxxxxx
ISP xxxxx
Returning Visits 0
Visit Length 0 seconds
VISITOR SYSTEM SPECS
Browser MSIE 7.0
Operating System Windows XP
Resolution 1024x768
Javascript Enabled
Navigation Path
Date Time WebPage
25th February 2008 14:25:26 www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=i hate my school i want every kid there dead
www.ihatemydeveloper.blogspot.com/
I'm not sure if the sender is even a school aged child or if they even attend a public school in your school district. My intent is not to cause unnecessary worry but if the IP address can be traced, hopefully the author of this string, if a student, can receive the help that he or she may need.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Regards,
The Woodlawn Wonder
Ooooh Whee…
Did I anticipate them shutting down the entire school system of this little hamlet in New York state? Did they do it? You bet your ass they did.
Not only did two Chicago Police show up on my doorstep to ask me a few questions but I received e-mails from the hamlet’s police AND the New York State police.
I just wanted to make sure that a disaster was averted. I didn’t mean to rattle everyone’s cage.
Moreover, if a young person could get the help that they needed all’s the better.
Shit, if I shot everyone in junior high and high school that was mean to me I’d be under the jail.
Hell for that matter, if I went off the deep end every time drama popped off during the last two years I’d be sitting on death row.
Blogging, gardening and normal coping mechanisms help me relieve stress.
Unfortunately some people in our society think that the business end of gun will put an end to all of their problems. When in fact, it simply creates so many others.
Luckily, the young person was located and explained that the search string was a result of a very bad day at school. The officer who explained the situation stated that the young person gets bullied and isn’t very social.
It should also serve as a warning to those who bully. One day an ill placed gesture or deed may result in someone being very upset with you.
And when I say very upset, I mean get a gun upset.
Not only are manners a good thing to practice but one day they very well may save your life.
Thank God the young person is getting the help they need.
And I can sleep at night.
While I wrote a post some time ago about Mike Holmes, I continue to get traffic to the blog based on a Mike Holmes search string. You’d be surprised at how many people search to see if Mike Holmes is married.
He is a tasty piece. Trust me, I get the interest
Roughly two weeks ago I was checking the stats for the blog when I ran across the following search string in the visitor activity log:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=i hate my school i want every kid there dead
It stopped me cold.
My mind went in a million different places. What should I do? Should I notify the authorities? Am I paranoid?
With all the school shootings at both Northern Illinois and Virginia Tech, I think the red flag goes up when anyone starts shooting off their mouth about----well----shooting.
I wrestled with what to do for two days. If I can prevent someone else from mourning for their child, I'm all in.
In the end, I didn’t want to have any deaths on my conscious. I decided to notify the school district of the city and state where the query originated.
You guys aren’t completely anonymous when you come in to check out my little blog.
This is what I sent:
Good Morning,
In light of the recent campus shootings at Northern Illinois University, I thought it might be wise to make you aware of a recent hit I saw in the visitor activity log of my blog. Frankly I was a little disturbed when I saw the search string. While wrestling if I should or should not send this e-mail, I reasoned that it's better to be over cautious than ignore a possible sign.
The following entry was received on 2/25:
VISITOR ANALYSIS
Referring Link http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=i hate my school i want every kid there dead
Host Name
IP Address xxx.xx.xxx.xx
Country United States
Region New York
City xxxxxx
ISP xxxxx
Returning Visits 0
Visit Length 0 seconds
VISITOR SYSTEM SPECS
Browser MSIE 7.0
Operating System Windows XP
Resolution 1024x768
Javascript Enabled
Navigation Path
Date Time WebPage
25th February 2008 14:25:26 www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=i hate my school i want every kid there dead
www.ihatemydeveloper.blogspot.com/
I'm not sure if the sender is even a school aged child or if they even attend a public school in your school district. My intent is not to cause unnecessary worry but if the IP address can be traced, hopefully the author of this string, if a student, can receive the help that he or she may need.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Regards,
The Woodlawn Wonder
Ooooh Whee…
Did I anticipate them shutting down the entire school system of this little hamlet in New York state? Did they do it? You bet your ass they did.
Not only did two Chicago Police show up on my doorstep to ask me a few questions but I received e-mails from the hamlet’s police AND the New York State police.
I just wanted to make sure that a disaster was averted. I didn’t mean to rattle everyone’s cage.
Moreover, if a young person could get the help that they needed all’s the better.
Shit, if I shot everyone in junior high and high school that was mean to me I’d be under the jail.
Hell for that matter, if I went off the deep end every time drama popped off during the last two years I’d be sitting on death row.
Blogging, gardening and normal coping mechanisms help me relieve stress.
Unfortunately some people in our society think that the business end of gun will put an end to all of their problems. When in fact, it simply creates so many others.
Luckily, the young person was located and explained that the search string was a result of a very bad day at school. The officer who explained the situation stated that the young person gets bullied and isn’t very social.
It should also serve as a warning to those who bully. One day an ill placed gesture or deed may result in someone being very upset with you.
And when I say very upset, I mean get a gun upset.
Not only are manners a good thing to practice but one day they very well may save your life.
Thank God the young person is getting the help they need.
And I can sleep at night.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Inspiration
It’s official, the mighty have fallen.
How did I come to this conclusion?
As I was sitting in the Bennigans on Michigan Avenue drinking a green Miller Lite, eating one of the worst hamburgers I’ve ever have (that beef tasted like shit), listening to “What Time Is It?” from the High School Musical 2 soundtrack; I wondered how I was going to make ends meet on a possible $13.00 an hour admin temp job.
I know, cue the violins.
For those of you who don’t know me, I rarely if ever go to chain restaurants, I only drink bad beer at sporting events and my taste for beef has definitely been through an upgrade.
Do not get me started this High School Musical foolishness.
While I know in the scheme of things this isn’t on the scale of calling in the United Nations but I was having one of those days.
Earlier I had gone and registered with a admin temp agency.
My rationale is that the waitressing job wouldn’t provide enough income to keep the household bills paid so I had to have another stream of income.
It’s a touch demoralizing being told you’re not worth $14.00 an hour because your MS Word test scores aren’t up to par.
But at least I can take comfort that my filing and basic office skills scores tested off the charts.
As of yesterday it became obvious that there wouldn’t be many more eyebrow waxes, manicures and pedicures.
Hell, it’s bad enough you can zest citrus fruit with my heels----must I look like Ernest Borgnine about the brows?
Jesus take the wheel.
So it is with a sense of irony that I was in my usual swanky watering hole a few weeks ago when I saw this mouth watering man sitting in the seat I like to sit in at the far end of the bar.
Honestly, he was something to see.
Many people who go to this place are somewhat full of themselves.
Present company excluded, of course.
Captain of the universe types who command all that they see and make a lot of money doing so.
They all just don’t happen to be eye candy.
But this guy was not only handsome but seemed down to earth and had very good posture.
That’s when I took a closer look.
He was well dressed but didn’t have on an expensive suit. He was at a bar but was drinking orange juice. And he had an earpiece coming out of his ear.
Holy shit, he’s someone’s bodyguard.
I scanned the room and noticed other clean cut looking, ramrod straight looking types at the entrance and in another corner.
I had been to that bar and the adjoining hotel multiple times when dignitaries, athletes and movie stars alike wandered those halls and I’ve never seen that type of security.
Who the hell needs that type of protection?
Another scan of the room answered my question.
I already liked Oprah but I really must commend her for her excellent choice in security eye candy.
I know this unemployment foolishness won’t last but it’s odd where you take your inspiration.
Mine is to one day to be able to afford good looking men to protect me.
How did I come to this conclusion?
As I was sitting in the Bennigans on Michigan Avenue drinking a green Miller Lite, eating one of the worst hamburgers I’ve ever have (that beef tasted like shit), listening to “What Time Is It?” from the High School Musical 2 soundtrack; I wondered how I was going to make ends meet on a possible $13.00 an hour admin temp job.
I know, cue the violins.
For those of you who don’t know me, I rarely if ever go to chain restaurants, I only drink bad beer at sporting events and my taste for beef has definitely been through an upgrade.
Do not get me started this High School Musical foolishness.
While I know in the scheme of things this isn’t on the scale of calling in the United Nations but I was having one of those days.
Earlier I had gone and registered with a admin temp agency.
My rationale is that the waitressing job wouldn’t provide enough income to keep the household bills paid so I had to have another stream of income.
It’s a touch demoralizing being told you’re not worth $14.00 an hour because your MS Word test scores aren’t up to par.
But at least I can take comfort that my filing and basic office skills scores tested off the charts.
As of yesterday it became obvious that there wouldn’t be many more eyebrow waxes, manicures and pedicures.
Hell, it’s bad enough you can zest citrus fruit with my heels----must I look like Ernest Borgnine about the brows?
Jesus take the wheel.
So it is with a sense of irony that I was in my usual swanky watering hole a few weeks ago when I saw this mouth watering man sitting in the seat I like to sit in at the far end of the bar.
Honestly, he was something to see.
Many people who go to this place are somewhat full of themselves.
Present company excluded, of course.
Captain of the universe types who command all that they see and make a lot of money doing so.
They all just don’t happen to be eye candy.
But this guy was not only handsome but seemed down to earth and had very good posture.
That’s when I took a closer look.
He was well dressed but didn’t have on an expensive suit. He was at a bar but was drinking orange juice. And he had an earpiece coming out of his ear.
Holy shit, he’s someone’s bodyguard.
I scanned the room and noticed other clean cut looking, ramrod straight looking types at the entrance and in another corner.
I had been to that bar and the adjoining hotel multiple times when dignitaries, athletes and movie stars alike wandered those halls and I’ve never seen that type of security.
Who the hell needs that type of protection?
Another scan of the room answered my question.
I already liked Oprah but I really must commend her for her excellent choice in security eye candy.
I know this unemployment foolishness won’t last but it’s odd where you take your inspiration.
Mine is to one day to be able to afford good looking men to protect me.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
I’m Down With HPP
That’s Hyde Park Produce.
With six months of unemployment and semi-exhausted financial resources I have to be a tad creative with critical necessities.
Read: Food
With the Co-op closing and Peapod becoming un-affordable, I turned to the semi-new kid on the block, HPP.
HPP just moved to a new space in Kimbark Plaza on 53rd Street. I had gone in previously with friends and was duly impressed.
But be being impressed doesn’t keep money in the bank account.
So when I rolled up to them on Monday, I made sure I brought along my Peapod list and kept the receipt for a fair price comparison.
Behold the tale of the tape:
Peapod
8 oz. Package of Mushrooms $1.99
5 oz. Organic Salad Greens $3.49
5 oz. Organic Spinach $3.99*
1 Green Pepper $ .99
1 Yellow Pepper $2.49
1 Red Pepper $1.99
1 Bunch of Broccoli $1.99
4 Bananas $1.16
1 Bunch of Cauliflower $2.49
20 Head of Garlic $8.00
16 oz. Package of Strawberries $4.99
HPP
8 oz. Package of Mushrooms $1.49
5 oz. Organic Salad Greens $2.99
5 oz. Organic Spinach $2.99
1 Green Pepper $ .33
1 Yellow Pepper $ .69
1 Red Pepper $1.25
1 Bunch of Broccoli $1.10
4 Bananas $ .69
1 Bunch of Cauliflower $1.78
20 Head of Garlic $3.29
16 oz. Package of Strawberries $2.99
Totals Peapod: $33.57
HPP: $19.59
Difference: $13.98
Note: The price for the Peapod spinach is for a 6 oz package and the HPP package was 5 oz. But what’s an ounce between friends?
Obviously this is the subtotal without the ridiculous Cook County Sales tax. Naturally it won’t seem ridiculous if Mr. Stroger has his way and we’re due for another hefty tax hike---again.
Oh I’m sorry, was that out loud?
And yes, I like garlic. It keeps a sister healthy.
Savings and affordable fresh produce? Sign me up for the Christian jubilee.
With six months of unemployment and semi-exhausted financial resources I have to be a tad creative with critical necessities.
Read: Food
With the Co-op closing and Peapod becoming un-affordable, I turned to the semi-new kid on the block, HPP.
HPP just moved to a new space in Kimbark Plaza on 53rd Street. I had gone in previously with friends and was duly impressed.
But be being impressed doesn’t keep money in the bank account.
So when I rolled up to them on Monday, I made sure I brought along my Peapod list and kept the receipt for a fair price comparison.
Behold the tale of the tape:
Peapod
8 oz. Package of Mushrooms $1.99
5 oz. Organic Salad Greens $3.49
5 oz. Organic Spinach $3.99*
1 Green Pepper $ .99
1 Yellow Pepper $2.49
1 Red Pepper $1.99
1 Bunch of Broccoli $1.99
4 Bananas $1.16
1 Bunch of Cauliflower $2.49
20 Head of Garlic $8.00
16 oz. Package of Strawberries $4.99
HPP
8 oz. Package of Mushrooms $1.49
5 oz. Organic Salad Greens $2.99
5 oz. Organic Spinach $2.99
1 Green Pepper $ .33
1 Yellow Pepper $ .69
1 Red Pepper $1.25
1 Bunch of Broccoli $1.10
4 Bananas $ .69
1 Bunch of Cauliflower $1.78
20 Head of Garlic $3.29
16 oz. Package of Strawberries $2.99
Totals Peapod: $33.57
HPP: $19.59
Difference: $13.98
Note: The price for the Peapod spinach is for a 6 oz package and the HPP package was 5 oz. But what’s an ounce between friends?
Obviously this is the subtotal without the ridiculous Cook County Sales tax. Naturally it won’t seem ridiculous if Mr. Stroger has his way and we’re due for another hefty tax hike---again.
Oh I’m sorry, was that out loud?
And yes, I like garlic. It keeps a sister healthy.
Savings and affordable fresh produce? Sign me up for the Christian jubilee.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Woodlawn’s A Poppin’
Despite the snow outside, things are heating up in Woodlawn.
The city is seeking a developer for the vacant lot on the southwest corner of 63rd and Blackstone.
Rumor has it that since the property abuts Mt. Carmel High School they’ve been trying to purchase it for years. The Alderman at the time (Arenda Troutman) put the kibosh on the whole gig. Apparently that parcel was to slated for housing, not an extension of the Mt. Carmel real estate empire.
Well now it appears that the city is moving forward on developing the land.
This ought to be interesting. I’ll keep an eye on this and keep you kids in the mix.
And speaking of development…
Some lovely foundations “are creating a multimillion-dollar fund to protect South and West Side neighborhoods from being overlooked or overwhelmed in the city's pursuit of an Olympic Game.”
I don’t even know what that means.
According to the Chicago Tribune article, “They may be used to canvass residents and fund research on jobs, business development and tourism opportunities. Later grants may support community planning, affordable housing, education and job training.”
Jobs? Business Opportunities? Shouldn’t the alderman already be searching for those opportunities?
As a matter of fact, don’t we also have groups and foundations that have already done community planning, affordable housing studies as well as job training?
Personally it sounds like the beginning of business as usual around these parts.
Grants will go to “community groups” who beat a big can but can’t take out the trash.
Money will be funneled, good intentions will be promised, studies will be “issued” and job training programs will be “funded.”
And a dime of money won’t reach the people that need it most.
Or I could be wrong.
But the last little Woodlawn caveat is the best.
Guess what kids, it’s Displacement Week at the University of Chicago.
As in Woody’s ass will be displaced from her home if she doesn’t get a job.
No seriously folks, the University is searching its soul concerning displacement and to created a dialogue “about the University’s responsibility to global and local communities.”
The minute I got this e-mail from a loyal reader I started to giggle.
You know I’m all over Understanding Your Role In Gentrification tonight at 8:00 PM. Hell, I might turn the Forum on the University of Chicago Hyde Park/Kenwood/Woodlawn into a friggin cocktail hour.
But don’t expect me to furnish all of the vodka, you boozers.
You’ll know it’s me by the peels of laughter in the back of the room.
This one ought to be interesting.
The city is seeking a developer for the vacant lot on the southwest corner of 63rd and Blackstone.
Rumor has it that since the property abuts Mt. Carmel High School they’ve been trying to purchase it for years. The Alderman at the time (Arenda Troutman) put the kibosh on the whole gig. Apparently that parcel was to slated for housing, not an extension of the Mt. Carmel real estate empire.
Well now it appears that the city is moving forward on developing the land.
This ought to be interesting. I’ll keep an eye on this and keep you kids in the mix.
And speaking of development…
Some lovely foundations “are creating a multimillion-dollar fund to protect South and West Side neighborhoods from being overlooked or overwhelmed in the city's pursuit of an Olympic Game.”
I don’t even know what that means.
According to the Chicago Tribune article, “They may be used to canvass residents and fund research on jobs, business development and tourism opportunities. Later grants may support community planning, affordable housing, education and job training.”
Jobs? Business Opportunities? Shouldn’t the alderman already be searching for those opportunities?
As a matter of fact, don’t we also have groups and foundations that have already done community planning, affordable housing studies as well as job training?
Personally it sounds like the beginning of business as usual around these parts.
Grants will go to “community groups” who beat a big can but can’t take out the trash.
Money will be funneled, good intentions will be promised, studies will be “issued” and job training programs will be “funded.”
And a dime of money won’t reach the people that need it most.
Or I could be wrong.
But the last little Woodlawn caveat is the best.
Guess what kids, it’s Displacement Week at the University of Chicago.
As in Woody’s ass will be displaced from her home if she doesn’t get a job.
No seriously folks, the University is searching its soul concerning displacement and to created a dialogue “about the University’s responsibility to global and local communities.”
The minute I got this e-mail from a loyal reader I started to giggle.
You know I’m all over Understanding Your Role In Gentrification tonight at 8:00 PM. Hell, I might turn the Forum on the University of Chicago Hyde Park/Kenwood/Woodlawn into a friggin cocktail hour.
But don’t expect me to furnish all of the vodka, you boozers.
You’ll know it’s me by the peels of laughter in the back of the room.
This one ought to be interesting.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Murse
While on the bus today running errands, I noticed a young man with what appeared to be a natty looking bag.
Naturally I was confused.
When did the male urban hip-hop set start carrying murses?
Is this the latest thing? Is some rap star translating a “look” from the runway? Were Kayne and Diddy photographed with the latest carry all?
I had to know what this kid’s deal was.
Now I normally don’t have conversations with people I don’t know on the bus. To do so is to open up the door for crazy to walk right into your life.
But I had to know.
So I asked him if he had a carry all.
Unfortunately he stated that he was on his way to drop off what I thought was his murse. It turned out to be a soft sided train case that belonged to a lady friend.
Damn.
I was so looking forward to seeing saggy pants wearing, corn rowed young men roaming the south side with teacup dogs.
Naturally I was confused.
When did the male urban hip-hop set start carrying murses?
Is this the latest thing? Is some rap star translating a “look” from the runway? Were Kayne and Diddy photographed with the latest carry all?
I had to know what this kid’s deal was.
Now I normally don’t have conversations with people I don’t know on the bus. To do so is to open up the door for crazy to walk right into your life.
But I had to know.
So I asked him if he had a carry all.
Unfortunately he stated that he was on his way to drop off what I thought was his murse. It turned out to be a soft sided train case that belonged to a lady friend.
Damn.
I was so looking forward to seeing saggy pants wearing, corn rowed young men roaming the south side with teacup dogs.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Pity Party
Smelly and unemployed is not a dream combination.
With my extended job hunt sucking the life both out of me and my bank account, a crisis in confidence was sure to happen.
Well it did.
And as I related in the last post, reality gave me a swift kick in the ass.
No matter how I felt about this little change of fortune or how bruised my professional ego may be, Mama has bills to pay and a fuzzy gray cat that needs to be fed.
Moreover, why am I gonna let a small thing like unemployment stand in the way of my milestone birthday celebration in August?
Plus I have yet to win the Chicago Tribune’s Glorious Gardens contest. Admittedly it would be a difficult to do so if I don’t have enough money to put a garden down this year.
The pity party is gonna have to wait for another day.
One day you’ll find yourself patronizing one of the many fine restaurants in the Hyde Park area and thinking to yourself, “That woman doesn’t fit the mold of a typical waitress and her ass is too big to be a co-ed’s. I wonder if that’s my favorite blogger The Woodlawn Wonder?”
That would be a yes.
I start training next week so I can sling food and libations. While I haven’t waitresses in quite some time, I think it will be a good departure from the corporate grind that I’d experienced for over ten years.
Plus I really need to get my ass off the couch and stop watching Lifetime.
Did I mention QVC has crept into the rotation?
I also wanted to really get my hustle on and substitute teach for Chicago Public Schools.
Despite the fact they have a desperate shortage of substitute teachers, applications are not being accepted from those of us who do not have an education degree.
Can you even fathom how asinine that policy sounds.
Risking life and limb as a substitute is a job so few people obviously want to do. Apparently in order to sit and take guff off of students, the powers that be at CPS feel that you need to have taken education courses to do so.
So as schools desperately scramble for a warm body and a heartbeat, I who is willing to risk daily peril cannot even offer my services because I choose to get an English Literature degree.
And no, I don’t want to teach. I spent a lifetime watch my mother doing it so speaking from the perspective as a teacher’s kid---I’ll take a pass.
But seeing that the schools have a need for subs and I have a need for cash and an overwhelming desire to keep the heat on, I thought it would be a perfect fit.
That would be a no.
its on to running pub grub and rum and cokes for the Hyde Park crowd.
Remember to tip your wait staff generously the next time you’re out enjoying a meal.
I don’t expect George Clooney to invite me to the villa on Lake Como for a few days to celebrate my birthday so it looks like if I’m going to have a fantastic milestone, I’m going to have to work like a mother.
With my extended job hunt sucking the life both out of me and my bank account, a crisis in confidence was sure to happen.
Well it did.
And as I related in the last post, reality gave me a swift kick in the ass.
No matter how I felt about this little change of fortune or how bruised my professional ego may be, Mama has bills to pay and a fuzzy gray cat that needs to be fed.
Moreover, why am I gonna let a small thing like unemployment stand in the way of my milestone birthday celebration in August?
Plus I have yet to win the Chicago Tribune’s Glorious Gardens contest. Admittedly it would be a difficult to do so if I don’t have enough money to put a garden down this year.
The pity party is gonna have to wait for another day.
One day you’ll find yourself patronizing one of the many fine restaurants in the Hyde Park area and thinking to yourself, “That woman doesn’t fit the mold of a typical waitress and her ass is too big to be a co-ed’s. I wonder if that’s my favorite blogger The Woodlawn Wonder?”
That would be a yes.
I start training next week so I can sling food and libations. While I haven’t waitresses in quite some time, I think it will be a good departure from the corporate grind that I’d experienced for over ten years.
Plus I really need to get my ass off the couch and stop watching Lifetime.
Did I mention QVC has crept into the rotation?
I also wanted to really get my hustle on and substitute teach for Chicago Public Schools.
Despite the fact they have a desperate shortage of substitute teachers, applications are not being accepted from those of us who do not have an education degree.
Can you even fathom how asinine that policy sounds.
Risking life and limb as a substitute is a job so few people obviously want to do. Apparently in order to sit and take guff off of students, the powers that be at CPS feel that you need to have taken education courses to do so.
So as schools desperately scramble for a warm body and a heartbeat, I who is willing to risk daily peril cannot even offer my services because I choose to get an English Literature degree.
And no, I don’t want to teach. I spent a lifetime watch my mother doing it so speaking from the perspective as a teacher’s kid---I’ll take a pass.
But seeing that the schools have a need for subs and I have a need for cash and an overwhelming desire to keep the heat on, I thought it would be a perfect fit.
That would be a no.
its on to running pub grub and rum and cokes for the Hyde Park crowd.
Remember to tip your wait staff generously the next time you’re out enjoying a meal.
I don’t expect George Clooney to invite me to the villa on Lake Como for a few days to celebrate my birthday so it looks like if I’m going to have a fantastic milestone, I’m going to have to work like a mother.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Monstrosity
The proverbial straw fell about two weeks ago.
It broken the camel’s back concerning the futility of my ongoing employment search.
Like most people in the market today, I thought I’d have a job within a month or so. The reality of the my job search is no where close to my battered expectations.
The monster.com job fair was absolutely the worst. A complete waste of time for every person who schlepped to the Holiday Inn Merchandise Mart.
As if job hunting for nearly six months isn’t demoralizing enough, the hundreds if not thousands of other job seeks at the fair truly let me know how rough it is out there.
I’m not bullshitting. The line of job fair attendees wrapped around the entire floor of the hotel.
And that was within the first hour of the doors opening.
When I got to the end of the line, I should of known something was up as it moved fairly quickly. From the time I got to the end of this long line to the time I signed into the door it took about 35-40 minutes.
There had to be at least 600 people ahead of me in line.
That should have been my second clue. Then the Monster representative not having a location map of the employers should have been the dead give away as well.
The third clue should have been the size of the room.
Now if this had of been a legitimate job fair with a variety of potential employers, the space would have been much larger.
The room was the size of my dining room.
And while that’s huge for a dining room, it’s quite small for a job fair.
Once I got through the line, signed in (first name only please), dropped off a copy of my resume and entered the room I quickly assessed that this ridiculous waste of time.
Now I’m not slamming the employers that were there but let’s just say that the fair wasn’t exactly geared toward those of us who didn’t want to work for Crunch Fitness or be a salesperson on commission.
And by the way, with that little dustup in Middle East enlisting in the Army didn’t seem to be the right move either.
I threw on my suit and trotted out my Crest smile for this?
It broke me.
In the last few weeks the only reason I left my condo was to take out the trash with the stinky cat litter and to check the mail.
Being in my robe for a couple of days and watching QVC probably didn’t help matters either.
Since the middle of January, I’ve been fighting the urge to give up.
Getting up everyday, checking my e-mail account for Monster and Careerbuilder e-mails, networking my ass off, keeping up with my career counseling services and attending their various workshops kept me involved in my fate and more importantly it kept me busy.
Grasping at every lead, applying for every relevant job---keeping hope alive as Rev. Jackson would say.
It can be quite exhausting.
Wasting time at a half assed job fair with many other people just did me in.
I wanted to give up.
Luckily reality slapped me in the face. And by reality I mean keeping a roof over my head.
It broken the camel’s back concerning the futility of my ongoing employment search.
Like most people in the market today, I thought I’d have a job within a month or so. The reality of the my job search is no where close to my battered expectations.
The monster.com job fair was absolutely the worst. A complete waste of time for every person who schlepped to the Holiday Inn Merchandise Mart.
As if job hunting for nearly six months isn’t demoralizing enough, the hundreds if not thousands of other job seeks at the fair truly let me know how rough it is out there.
I’m not bullshitting. The line of job fair attendees wrapped around the entire floor of the hotel.
And that was within the first hour of the doors opening.
When I got to the end of the line, I should of known something was up as it moved fairly quickly. From the time I got to the end of this long line to the time I signed into the door it took about 35-40 minutes.
There had to be at least 600 people ahead of me in line.
That should have been my second clue. Then the Monster representative not having a location map of the employers should have been the dead give away as well.
The third clue should have been the size of the room.
Now if this had of been a legitimate job fair with a variety of potential employers, the space would have been much larger.
The room was the size of my dining room.
And while that’s huge for a dining room, it’s quite small for a job fair.
Once I got through the line, signed in (first name only please), dropped off a copy of my resume and entered the room I quickly assessed that this ridiculous waste of time.
Now I’m not slamming the employers that were there but let’s just say that the fair wasn’t exactly geared toward those of us who didn’t want to work for Crunch Fitness or be a salesperson on commission.
And by the way, with that little dustup in Middle East enlisting in the Army didn’t seem to be the right move either.
I threw on my suit and trotted out my Crest smile for this?
It broke me.
In the last few weeks the only reason I left my condo was to take out the trash with the stinky cat litter and to check the mail.
Being in my robe for a couple of days and watching QVC probably didn’t help matters either.
Since the middle of January, I’ve been fighting the urge to give up.
Getting up everyday, checking my e-mail account for Monster and Careerbuilder e-mails, networking my ass off, keeping up with my career counseling services and attending their various workshops kept me involved in my fate and more importantly it kept me busy.
Grasping at every lead, applying for every relevant job---keeping hope alive as Rev. Jackson would say.
It can be quite exhausting.
Wasting time at a half assed job fair with many other people just did me in.
I wanted to give up.
Luckily reality slapped me in the face. And by reality I mean keeping a roof over my head.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Legally Speaking
Boy oh boy do I get e-mails and comments.
While I read all of them, I rarely respond to individual requests or queries via the blog.
And by rarely I do really mean rarely.
But today is the day I diverge from standard operating procedure.
Why?
‘Cause if I get one more e-mail inquiring about reasonable and competent legal services, I’m gonna scream.
So kind readers, let me introduce you to John Elias, esq. lawyer extraordinaire.
John has represented me in two real estate transactions, is the lawyer for our condo association and is very experienced in the breath of condominium law in the state of Illinois.
And yes, he’s a personal friend.
Despite the fact I’ve know him for nearly ten years, I can honestly say this kid’s top drawer. Not only is he good but he also has a high work ethic.
Plus any lawyer who stayed with us during the foreclosures, liens and learning how to run our home as a business deserves a medal.
Child please.
So look to the left to find a link to his website.
If you tell him I referred you, your association will receive a free hour consultation.
Yes a free hour consultation----for your association, not you. So don’t go in there with a personal ax to grind. Remember, your unit is your home but the association is a business.
It wouldn’t hurt if you adhered to the following tips prior to making an appointment:
Make sure all of the members of your association board can be present
Have a copy of your declarations and bylaws at the meeting.
There is never a thing as too much paperwork. Executed contracts, turnover documentation and dates are extremely helpful.
If you feel this topic needs to be addressed, disclosure of your financial situation.
Prepare all of your questions and concerns prior to the meeting.
You’d be surprised at how quickly an hour can pass when you’re with a lawyer.
And no, I don’t know his hourly rate. He doesn’t ask me how much money I make (hint: That would be zero as I’m unemployed) and I don’t ask him how he runs his business.
I’m just saving you the trouble of asking.
But as with anything, please do your due diligence. Check (or ask) him about his education and credentials, how long he’s been practicing real estate law and any other thing that pops into your head.
Just because I’m giving him the thumbs up doesn’t mean you should follow me blindly.
‘Cause frankly speaking----isn’t that what got you all in your predicament in the first place?
While I read all of them, I rarely respond to individual requests or queries via the blog.
And by rarely I do really mean rarely.
But today is the day I diverge from standard operating procedure.
Why?
‘Cause if I get one more e-mail inquiring about reasonable and competent legal services, I’m gonna scream.
So kind readers, let me introduce you to John Elias, esq. lawyer extraordinaire.
John has represented me in two real estate transactions, is the lawyer for our condo association and is very experienced in the breath of condominium law in the state of Illinois.
And yes, he’s a personal friend.
Despite the fact I’ve know him for nearly ten years, I can honestly say this kid’s top drawer. Not only is he good but he also has a high work ethic.
Plus any lawyer who stayed with us during the foreclosures, liens and learning how to run our home as a business deserves a medal.
Child please.
So look to the left to find a link to his website.
If you tell him I referred you, your association will receive a free hour consultation.
Yes a free hour consultation----for your association, not you. So don’t go in there with a personal ax to grind. Remember, your unit is your home but the association is a business.
It wouldn’t hurt if you adhered to the following tips prior to making an appointment:
Make sure all of the members of your association board can be present
Have a copy of your declarations and bylaws at the meeting.
There is never a thing as too much paperwork. Executed contracts, turnover documentation and dates are extremely helpful.
If you feel this topic needs to be addressed, disclosure of your financial situation.
Prepare all of your questions and concerns prior to the meeting.
You’d be surprised at how quickly an hour can pass when you’re with a lawyer.
And no, I don’t know his hourly rate. He doesn’t ask me how much money I make (hint: That would be zero as I’m unemployed) and I don’t ask him how he runs his business.
I’m just saving you the trouble of asking.
But as with anything, please do your due diligence. Check (or ask) him about his education and credentials, how long he’s been practicing real estate law and any other thing that pops into your head.
Just because I’m giving him the thumbs up doesn’t mean you should follow me blindly.
‘Cause frankly speaking----isn’t that what got you all in your predicament in the first place?
Salting The Wounds
The school across the street finally shoveled the snow.
Granted it was a half assed only because they were practically forced effort but at least a majority of the snow was removed from the sidewalk.
Since I’m tired of begging the powers that be to meet their responsibilities, I simply started making my alderman aware of the issue.
Hey, I’ve tried to be nice.
All it gets me is trash strewn, weed choked hell hole.
So like my Mama said, “Time for talking is done.”
From what I understand the school across the street may have gotten a visit from the friendly local streets and san representative.
And while I’m not sure if there was a meeting, I can imagine if there was one it might have gone something like this:
Streets & Sans Rep: “Hi.”
School Across the Street: “Hi.”
Streets & San: “Apparently you’re not shoveling the snow on the south end of your property.”
School: “Yeah, so.”
Streets & San: “Well you might want to make an effort to shovel.”
School: “Why?”
Streets & San: “Besides that Woody screaming her head off, it is in violation of current ordinances.”
School: “Yeah we pretty much marginalize her and only respond to her bootleg concerns only when she calls. We figure we’ll wear her down. You do know that we don’t consider anything on the ‘other’ side of the fence our concern, right?”
Streets & San: “Well that very well may be, but it’s a new day in these parts. You have to keep up all of your property. Not just the parts your student, staff, visitor and fat cat alumni see.”
School: “So what if we don’t?”
Streets & San: “Let’s not get into a pissing match. I’m here as a friendly warning. You do know that I have the power to fine you, right?”
***Stone silence***
School: You know we pride ourselves in being a good neighbor.”
Streets & San: “Well then act like it---this is the only discussion we’ll be having on this subject. If there’s a next time, the fine notices will start showing up.
So after two weeks of having an impassible sidewalk, the school across the street finally shoveled sometime on Thursday morning.
Naturally since the shoveling was done with a minimum of effort, it didn’t go down to the sidewalk. This packed down the snow to create a even slicker walkway.
To keep to the theme of half assing their commitment to the ‘hood, the school didn’t even put any salt down to melt the snow left behind by the half assed shoveling job.
At least then the shitty shoveling job would of made sense.
See ‘cause then you would of thought, “Ok, they didn’t go down to the pavement but at least the salt will melt the rest of the snow.”
Apparently we’re not even worth salt.
Unbelievable. Un-fucking-believable.
Because this institution let free money from the South East Chicago Commission go unused; because this institution needs constant reminding of their parkway & sidewalk responsibilities and more importantly because of this institution’s lack of serious commitment to Woodlawn they finally need to be named.
Mt. Carmel High School doesn’t live up to their commitments.
Perhaps they have a soup kitchen in the neighborhood or help the seniors down the street. Maybe they help locals with free tax prep services.
I may be wrong, Mt. Carmel may be doing tons of service oriented projects around Woodlawn that I may not be aware of.
Hell, I don’t know everything, right?
But a lack of true community involvement plus spotty sidwalk & parkway maintenance equals a crappy neighbor.
So to commemorate this auspicious occasion, every time Mt. Carmel doesn’t shovel the snow, or pick up the trash or cut the grass the Mt. Carmel Watch-o-Meter will go up somewhere on the blog.
That is if I can figure out how to tweak my template.
If their track record is any indication, I suspect the Watch -o-Meter will be going up very soon.
Granted it was a half assed only because they were practically forced effort but at least a majority of the snow was removed from the sidewalk.
Since I’m tired of begging the powers that be to meet their responsibilities, I simply started making my alderman aware of the issue.
Hey, I’ve tried to be nice.
All it gets me is trash strewn, weed choked hell hole.
So like my Mama said, “Time for talking is done.”
From what I understand the school across the street may have gotten a visit from the friendly local streets and san representative.
And while I’m not sure if there was a meeting, I can imagine if there was one it might have gone something like this:
Streets & Sans Rep: “Hi.”
School Across the Street: “Hi.”
Streets & San: “Apparently you’re not shoveling the snow on the south end of your property.”
School: “Yeah, so.”
Streets & San: “Well you might want to make an effort to shovel.”
School: “Why?”
Streets & San: “Besides that Woody screaming her head off, it is in violation of current ordinances.”
School: “Yeah we pretty much marginalize her and only respond to her bootleg concerns only when she calls. We figure we’ll wear her down. You do know that we don’t consider anything on the ‘other’ side of the fence our concern, right?”
Streets & San: “Well that very well may be, but it’s a new day in these parts. You have to keep up all of your property. Not just the parts your student, staff, visitor and fat cat alumni see.”
School: “So what if we don’t?”
Streets & San: “Let’s not get into a pissing match. I’m here as a friendly warning. You do know that I have the power to fine you, right?”
***Stone silence***
School: You know we pride ourselves in being a good neighbor.”
Streets & San: “Well then act like it---this is the only discussion we’ll be having on this subject. If there’s a next time, the fine notices will start showing up.
So after two weeks of having an impassible sidewalk, the school across the street finally shoveled sometime on Thursday morning.
Naturally since the shoveling was done with a minimum of effort, it didn’t go down to the sidewalk. This packed down the snow to create a even slicker walkway.
To keep to the theme of half assing their commitment to the ‘hood, the school didn’t even put any salt down to melt the snow left behind by the half assed shoveling job.
At least then the shitty shoveling job would of made sense.
See ‘cause then you would of thought, “Ok, they didn’t go down to the pavement but at least the salt will melt the rest of the snow.”
Apparently we’re not even worth salt.
Unbelievable. Un-fucking-believable.
Because this institution let free money from the South East Chicago Commission go unused; because this institution needs constant reminding of their parkway & sidewalk responsibilities and more importantly because of this institution’s lack of serious commitment to Woodlawn they finally need to be named.
Mt. Carmel High School doesn’t live up to their commitments.
Perhaps they have a soup kitchen in the neighborhood or help the seniors down the street. Maybe they help locals with free tax prep services.
I may be wrong, Mt. Carmel may be doing tons of service oriented projects around Woodlawn that I may not be aware of.
Hell, I don’t know everything, right?
But a lack of true community involvement plus spotty sidwalk & parkway maintenance equals a crappy neighbor.
So to commemorate this auspicious occasion, every time Mt. Carmel doesn’t shovel the snow, or pick up the trash or cut the grass the Mt. Carmel Watch-o-Meter will go up somewhere on the blog.
That is if I can figure out how to tweak my template.
If their track record is any indication, I suspect the Watch -o-Meter will be going up very soon.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Neighborhood Watch
Sweet, sweet karma is starting to do the come up.
The rumor mill seems to think that Carlton Knight’s latest project at 32nd and Rhodes won’t legally start beginning construction anytime soon.
While he has all of his permits covered, he hasn’t broken ground.
The city has found out that he plans on commercially developing the property---ie: a for profit sale---if any construction activity commences, a cease and desist order will be slapped on the project.
As you should know by now, the city has a set of processes in place to monitor developers. The glaring loophole is that the city can’t possibly know if the developer is developing a commercial project unless he or she self identifies.
Or if eagle-eyed neighbors call the city.
Apparently they have kept the city abreast of any new developments.
At least that’s what I hear.
Good bless ‘em.
I can only assume that if Mr. Knight wanted to salvage the project, he’ll simply comply with the developer statutes laid down by the city.
Apply for a business license and fill out the paperwork for the developer registry---how hard is that?
Then of course he may have already done so.
Perhaps, he’s steeped in the middle of the process right now---who knows?
But I’ll tell you this, if anyone so much as takes a toy pail and shovel and moves a spoonful of earth, the shit is hitting the fan.
Big ups to the neighbors for watching over their ‘hood.
The rumor mill seems to think that Carlton Knight’s latest project at 32nd and Rhodes won’t legally start beginning construction anytime soon.
While he has all of his permits covered, he hasn’t broken ground.
The city has found out that he plans on commercially developing the property---ie: a for profit sale---if any construction activity commences, a cease and desist order will be slapped on the project.
As you should know by now, the city has a set of processes in place to monitor developers. The glaring loophole is that the city can’t possibly know if the developer is developing a commercial project unless he or she self identifies.
Or if eagle-eyed neighbors call the city.
Apparently they have kept the city abreast of any new developments.
At least that’s what I hear.
Good bless ‘em.
I can only assume that if Mr. Knight wanted to salvage the project, he’ll simply comply with the developer statutes laid down by the city.
Apply for a business license and fill out the paperwork for the developer registry---how hard is that?
Then of course he may have already done so.
Perhaps, he’s steeped in the middle of the process right now---who knows?
But I’ll tell you this, if anyone so much as takes a toy pail and shovel and moves a spoonful of earth, the shit is hitting the fan.
Big ups to the neighbors for watching over their ‘hood.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Getting It Right
Since the new school year started last August and I've been unemployed, I've had the unique opportunity to pay even closer attention to my neighborhood.
But you eagle eyed readers already knew that.
One thing I noticed is that there were no disaffected, baggy pants wearing youths wandering the neighborhood looking for a place to fire up their shitty domestically grown pot.
Curious, no?
I come to find out that Hyde Park Career Academy has a new ass kicking principal who shut down the open lunches that allowed the disaffected youths to freely roam.
And no, not all of the Hyde Park students are monumental pains in the ass.
As usual it's the small percentage of dumb asses that ruin it for everybody.
Plus the super swanky new McDonald's has banned students during school hours.
Nonetheless, I must give a resounding well done to Hyde Park's new principal and the Chicago Police Department. The officers and police cars that line Stony Island after school cut down on the usual foolishness from ocurring.
And because the usual foolishness has lessened, my quality of life has shot up.
Granted I don't have any income coming in but at least I don't have to deal with disrepectful brats.
Now if the new principal could find a way to address the student's behavior on the bus, he might be able to bring peace to the Middle East.
Good luck kind sir, you'll need it.
But you eagle eyed readers already knew that.
One thing I noticed is that there were no disaffected, baggy pants wearing youths wandering the neighborhood looking for a place to fire up their shitty domestically grown pot.
Curious, no?
I come to find out that Hyde Park Career Academy has a new ass kicking principal who shut down the open lunches that allowed the disaffected youths to freely roam.
And no, not all of the Hyde Park students are monumental pains in the ass.
As usual it's the small percentage of dumb asses that ruin it for everybody.
Plus the super swanky new McDonald's has banned students during school hours.
Nonetheless, I must give a resounding well done to Hyde Park's new principal and the Chicago Police Department. The officers and police cars that line Stony Island after school cut down on the usual foolishness from ocurring.
And because the usual foolishness has lessened, my quality of life has shot up.
Granted I don't have any income coming in but at least I don't have to deal with disrepectful brats.
Now if the new principal could find a way to address the student's behavior on the bus, he might be able to bring peace to the Middle East.
Good luck kind sir, you'll need it.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Slow Burn
I so appreciate needing a dog team to navigate my neighborhood.
Why?
Because the owners of the many rental properties and vacant lots around these parts don’t believe in clearing snow from the sidewalks.
So I and the other pedestrians tend to walk in the street as most of the sidewalks are virtually impassable.
Can I tell you how fun it is to walk down Stony Island with cars whizzing past you wondering which one of them will hit a patch of ice and skid into you?
Especially a few days ago when their was so much fog, the ’hood looked like the movie set for Wurthering Heights.
Unfortunately, established businesses and institutions aren’t doing a bang up job either.
The gas station around the corner seems to think that they only need to plow out their parking lot and the sidewalk is the city’s responsibility.
Of course the school across the street is continuing to be a “good neighbor” by not shoveling an inch of snow on the sidewalk from Dorchester to Stony Island.
Not one flipping inch.
And that was the snowfall from last week.
God they’re so full of shit.
With today’s anticipated snowfall, we might not be able to use that side of the street until baseball season .
Methinks I need to jot off an e-mail to the alderman.
Why?
Because the owners of the many rental properties and vacant lots around these parts don’t believe in clearing snow from the sidewalks.
So I and the other pedestrians tend to walk in the street as most of the sidewalks are virtually impassable.
Can I tell you how fun it is to walk down Stony Island with cars whizzing past you wondering which one of them will hit a patch of ice and skid into you?
Especially a few days ago when their was so much fog, the ’hood looked like the movie set for Wurthering Heights.
Unfortunately, established businesses and institutions aren’t doing a bang up job either.
The gas station around the corner seems to think that they only need to plow out their parking lot and the sidewalk is the city’s responsibility.
Of course the school across the street is continuing to be a “good neighbor” by not shoveling an inch of snow on the sidewalk from Dorchester to Stony Island.
Not one flipping inch.
And that was the snowfall from last week.
God they’re so full of shit.
With today’s anticipated snowfall, we might not be able to use that side of the street until baseball season .
Methinks I need to jot off an e-mail to the alderman.
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