Public Transportation Whore
Spending three hours a day commuting to and from a job you spend 10 hours at gets pretty old, pretty fast. Its ok though cause Tuesday is when I get to move into my new condo. From there it will only take me 10 minutes to get to work so that will be really nice. Bad news though is that I don't have any furniture so when I do move in its things are going to really bare. I also don't know how long it will take for me to get the internet hooked up so there's no telling when I'll be able to get on AIM or anything again.

9 days till Meg comes to visit! I've decided to call those 4-5 days "Meg Madness!"

No Mercy
First day of my new job is tomorrow. I'm starting the day by getting up early at 6am and taking my time to get out the door. I'm going to drive down to the Lombard train station. From there I'm going to take the Metra downtown, hop on the #120 bus which takes me to Navy Pier and will drop me off right in front of work. I have to be there at 9am, but I'm planning on getting there at 830am. The goal for tomorrow is to beat one of my hourlies nearly to death, but not all the way to death. That may be pushing it for my first day.

Gotta show 'em who's in charge ya know?!

Back To That Same Old Place...
...Sweet Home Chicago. I made it safe and sound to Chicago and now I'm just trying to settle in. On the way up here I had a little problem with the car thanks to the damage that bitch did to the side, but thankfully the yokels in Wilson fixed it up in a matter of minutes and didn't even charge me. So that night (Friday) I spent in Chapel Hill and had a good time visiting my friends there (with special guest Keri). Saturday we had lunch at Japan Express which just rocks my face off. Right after we ate I headed out and began my 9 hour drive to Louisville, KY. I only stopped twice during the whole time too. Once for gas and a Lime Coke, and once to wizz. Sunday morning I drove 5 more hours here to my Uncle Bill's where I'm going to be staying for a bit and where I was going to meet my Dad since he was in town for the weekend. Him and I got lunch at Portillo's (*thumbs up*). Then I just spent the rest of that day visiting family.

Monday Mom and I had an appointment with Apartment People which is a company that works with you (and no charge to you) to find you an apartment. She took us around to a few places and each of them had pros and cons, but none of them felt right. That was until we got to the last place. Its in a high-rise condominum at 36oo Lake Share drive on the corner of Addison. The condo for lease that we looked at is on the 19th floor, is a decent size, clean, and modern looking. The building is extremely nice and has a courtyard with grills available, a laundry room, a convenience store, a fitness center, has a bus stop right outside that can take me to work in less than 10 minutes, is only 5 blocks from the "El" train and is only 5 blocks from Wrigley Field! The place is also really cheap for what you get from it. Almost needless to say, thats the one I decided on. I already signed some papers and paid for the 1st months rent. I should be able to move in as early as Saturday, or as late as next Tuesday. It really is a great place and I'll be sure to get some pictures up here once I have the capabilities.

First day of work is Wednesday. Fingers crossed that goes well. I'll blog about it later.

Last blog post from North Carolina
...so there shouldn't be any for a good few days. I have full intentions of continuing this blog from Chicago and I hope you continue to read it. I started this whole thing because I figured it would make it easier for people to keep in touch with me on a daily(ish) basis.

So today I pack my car to the brim with as many personal belongings I can squeeze into my little Honda coupe. When I leave here though I'm bringing more that just a bunch of clothes and knick knacks. I'm bringing with me tons of memories from my years in North Carolina. There are great opportunities for me in Chicago, and I know that its the place for me. Even though, I know I'll miss the friends I've made here, and I hope to be able to keep in touch as much as possible with as much of you as possible. There are so many memories and people that I will never forget. I'll miss you all!

Phoney Photo Phiolation
Earlier today I decided to yank the proverbial crank of the Webshots people by reporting a violation against Charlie's photo album page. Here is what I reported, "I HAVE RED EYES IN ONE OF THE PICTURES!!!! AND ITS MY BAD SIDE!!!!!" I was kinda bored and I figured they'd just pass it over and assume (know?) that I'm just an idiot. Well apparently I underestimated their level of customer service. Merely a few hours later I got this message from them;

"Brad,

Thank you for contacting Webshots Customer Support. Which of the pictures in this album contain your photo? Have you contacted the album owner to have these photos removed?

Hope to hear back soon.
Tara
Customer Support"

Good work webshots, good work.

Drive-By Complimenting
There's this little "hobby" I have that I've thoroughly enjoyed since my days in high school. To give you an idea of what it is, it involves driving with my windows down, random pedestrians outside my car, and me yelling obscenities such as "fuck you!" "eat shit!" and "RAAAA!" Lately I've been getting criticism from some of my friends about doing this. They say it hurts peoples feelings, but I'm not so sure about that. My other friends love it though so its a toss-up really. Despite that, I'm going to make an effort (on occasion) to alter my hobby a little bit. I've already tested out my new version by yelling things such as "I love life!" "You look great today!" and "You rock!" So far its proven to be pretty entertaining. I think I might keep it up, but I'm still going to go back to my old favorites from time to time.

Pack to the Future
Been doing a lot of packing today and the room is looking very plain and empty. I sure hope I can fit all my stuff in the car, but its going to be one hell of a battle.

Not too much going on these past few days. Just spending time with friends and trying to get ready for my exodus to the promise land.

Rock Out With The Balls Out
In case you didn't make the assumption already, we did some partying last night. It started off by doing some drinking here at the 201, then we went to some party I knew about in Rivers Pointe. It was pretty cool with the exception of all the fights and crazy people. Actually, maybe that makes the party cooler come to think of it.

Also, I got a voicemail from the Hilton O'Hare Friday. They're offering me a job. I'm not going to take it though because I've already decided, but its still cool to know I'm wanted. Its also cool that I got job offers from every company that spoke to me. I successfully swept my 3 interview series in Chicago.

Drunk!!!
Rawk bitches!!!! Yo mamma smell like doodoo!!!!

Agents of Gay Dude Roots
Thursday night at work one of the gay kitchen guys came up to me and asked me if I was straight. I told him yes, and as he was walking away I overhead another gay dude working that night say to him, "What did he say?" I don't exactly know how to react to that. Later on though the first dude asked me if that was the first time I've been asked that and if he offended me at all. I told him, "Nah, its cool, I'm a democrat." I suppose I need to get used to that sort of thing considering some of the apartments I'm looking at in Chicago are near a neighborhood referred to as "Boys Town." Use your imagination as to why they call it that.

Went to Richmond, VA with Charlie, Stambaugh, and Shannon last night to see Agents of Good Roots. The show was overall quite bitchin. The opening act DJ Williams Projekt was cool, the venue was this neat building down a cobblestone alley that looked like a really old cotton warehouse. And of course AGR was awesome. They played for a good bit of time and they all seemed to really enjoy playing. Hopefully they might just get back together. Even though I'll be far out of their area I'm hoping they do for Charlie's sake.

Just so you know...
Since I accepted that job its time for me to finally end the North Carolina chapter of my life. The plan now is to leave Greenville the early afternoon of Friday April 22nd (a week from tomorrow). From here I'm going to make one last trip to Chapel Hill like I've done so many times in the past. There I'm planning on doing a big group dinner with all my friends. Early early the next morning (Saturday) I'm going to make the 14 hour drive to Uncle Bill's house in Chicago. But until all that happens I'll be here in Greenville getting ready and trying to spend lots of time with all my friends here.

So now you know.

Total Est. Distance: 855.06 miles
You know you're in for a very long drive when the map on Mapquest starts so far zoomed out that it actually labels, "United States of America."

New featured Flava by the way. Its a Van Morisson tune entitled, "Wonderful Remark." That greatest hits album I got is the best music purchase I've made in a long time.

Run Away And Join The Office
I went into the Pirate's Cove office today to ask how I should go about paying for my rent while I'm in Chicago. I got to talking to the nice office lady that we so adore (we gave her a Christmas card) and I told her about me leaving. She gave me a hug and said I should come in and visit before I go. I love that lady, she rocks.

Quite The Souvenir
I managed to pry the "2" off the "201" on our apartment door. This bitch is coming to Chicago with me.

Disclaimer
In regards to the previous post. If you were a supporter for Bush in the 2004 election, are currently a NY Yankees fan, or a Kenny Chesney fan then my apologies if you were offended. If you classify for all three of those then I apologize that you do in fact suck at life. May God have mercy on your soul.

She's Gone From Suck To Blow
Driving from work earlier today the car in front of me had on their back window "W The President" and a NY Yankees sticker. They're only a Kenny Chesney sticker away from officially sucking at life.

Busted & Beige
For those of you who don't know, somebody ran into my car in the middle of the night last week and drove off. It left a huge dent about 5 feet long across the back left of the car. I went to a couple body shops today to get it estimated. The first place told me $1,600 and the second said $2,000. Either way its way more than the insurance company will give me for the old 185k mile car that it is. Looks like I'm going to be stuck with a busted ass mobile.

Jon says that at least the car matches my chest.

It Is Decided
I've finally decided which job to take. It was a really really tough decision, but here were the deciding factors. First of all, there's only one location. That's actually kind of a bad thing because it provides for less advancement opportunities. However, this is how I see it. If/When they do start making more locations I'll be on the ground floor to rise up to the top. Also, since it is a brand new concept I'll have more of a voice to provide new ideas. Also, I think I would enjoy working there more overall because of the co-workers, the atmosphere, and the more appealing menu.

When I called my parents to tell them the good news they were far less than supportive. They think I should have gone with Corner Bakery, and they also gave me shit about a couple other things. They've been wrong before, and I think I've been doing pretty well on my own with all this shit. They really pissed me off today with their negativity so I made sure they knew that. I dont want to even talk to them today so I've been screening their calls. Right now I have 5 missed calls and 4 voicemails on my phone from them but I don't give a rat's ass. Thanks for ruining my big day Mom and Dad.

"I'm A Bud Man, And A Cubs Fan"
Spent the afternoon at the saloon portion of Texas Steakhouse Saloon today watching the Cubs game on TV. While there I had blackened salmon, button mushrooms, coleslaw, an order of hot wings, an oreo smoothie, and 4 mugs of cold beer. I thought about getting cheesecake, but I figured it was time for me to go home. Needless to say it was a very satisfying day.

Yanto?
Tonight at work I dropped a plate allowing it to come crashing down to the ground. Right after it happened some old redneck guy drinking a Crown Royal and Mellow Yellow highball yelled out, "Do it again brother!"

Rednecks is crazy yo!

Takin It Deep
Now, I've had kangaroo before (pretty good actually) but I can tell you my table manners were much better than this guy's.

Link contributed by Josh.

Rock Out With The Collar Popped Out
First of all Happy Birthday Jenn Chitwood and Lauren Brinsfield! Speaking of, we went to their bday party here in Pirates Cove earlier tonight, and the douchebag meter was maxing out! We saw one guy there who had on a bright yellow polo shirt, (collar popped of course) some gaudy plaid shorts, and a light blue velvet blazer. Somebody needs to tell this fool he looks retarded. I kinda did that. When walked past I said, "Happy Halloween." ...yeah I know, I'm an asshole.

Finding a new first job and a new first apartment in a new big city is not easy.

One Step Closer
Got back earlier tonight from my trip and I must say it went pretty well. Of the three companies I went to interview for 2 of them already offered me a job and the third one said they'd call me next week. The Hilton was talking considerably less money than the other two so I'm not even concerned with them. So basically, I have two choices, and I sorta need to make my decision by Monday. After that I should be out of here in about 2-3 weeks. Gotta look at the calendar first.

I also looked at a couple apartments. The first one sucked, but the second one I really liked and I might just go with it. I'm not a spontaneous person at all so I feel like I'd be doing something wrong by deciding on a place so quickly. I'll do some more searching and if I don't see anything that catches my eye I'll go for it.

Thats the short and sweet version of whats going on. I might add some more detail later as stuff progresses.

Flying to Chicago for Interviews
There's going to be a little bit of an absence from the blog for a few days. The reason is because today I'm flying out to Chicago for a number of job interviews and won't be back till late Thursday night. I have two interviews scheduled tomorrow. Wednesday I have a morning interview or two. Thursday I have another interview with Hilton, but I have to drive to the Palmer House (swanky downtown hotel) where I'll be meeting this guy for lunch. Later that night I fly back to the NC. These next few days are pretty damn important so needless to say I'm pretty nervous. If all goes well when I come back I might just have a job offer or two or three. If I do then I will probably only stay in Greenville for another 2 weeks at the most after that. Call the cell if you want.

Let The Baseball Begin
If you haven't noticed already by looking at my countdown on the side panel today is the season opener for the Cubs. There were a bunch of changes made over the off-season and I really don't know how well we're going to do this year. Its a much different style of a team and the health of our pitching and veterans is going to play a huge factor of course. The only thing I do know is that I'm glad the season is underway. I'm also glad that I have tickets this year! I'm going to a night game with Megz on May 10th and I also have 3 tickets for the last home game on September 28th. That last one should be fun. We'll either be finishing off a valiant effort of a season, playing a clutch game, or celebrating an ensuing playoff appearance. To celebrate this day, today's Featured Flava is a song entitled, "Go Cubs Go."

You know what they say, big fingers, big...aggression?
I stumbled upon this article right here that says "Fingers May Point to Male Aggression." Basically what its saying is that a short index finger in comparison to the ring finger is an indication of aggressive behavior. For the record, my index finger is pretty much the same size as my ring finger. That just proves that I'm a lover not a fighter (but if you cross me you might just find a 16 inch screwdriver lodged in your forehead).