Since I started school in Champaign, I've been wanting to just keep going to Memphis (the road signs say Champaign 85 miles, Memphis 482 or something like that). Today, I kept going to Memphis. Sure, it's not a spontaneous sort of crazy Memphis trip, it's for work, but here I am. Took about 8 hours from Tinley, four states to drive through, and two food/bathroom stops with a lot of singing to the radio and listening to stand-up.
Best thing I saw along the way was a family (older grandpa type, teenaged boy, man (dad), woman (mom) and another younger son in a very old yellow bug car. Grandpa was down the road a bit waving traffic away from the right lane of the road, the mom was sitting in the passenger seat, all three men were running and pushing the car (once the car was rolling and the sons were in a jog, I saw dad jump in to steer. Unfortunately, I had to keep driving to see if they all got in the car, or what was going to happen to the older man waving traffic away, but I could not help but think of Little Miss Sunshine. I laughed quite a bit and hope they got their car driving with all family members in it shortly after I saw them.
Drove through Arkansas for the first time today, and I think it rivals North Dakota in desolate-ness. There were barely any cars, no exits, no street lights, and very very dark. Thankfully I stopped in southern Illinois for gas and had plenty, because if not, I don't think I would have found any in Arkansas.
Staying at a Fairfield Inn this week, very typical. Free everything, comfortable, not fancy rooms. I think I'm going to go to Graceland since I'm here, but anything else cool to do in Memphis (or at least if not cool, touristy?) Mackin suggested Beale Street for food and music. Any other ideas? It's supposed to be around 100 degrees all week, so we'll see how it goes.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
St. Louis, MO
Clang, clang, clang went the bell.
I'm in St. Louis this week, or in Clayton which is pretty close. I accidentally booked the hotel in Clayton when the store is in Creve Coeur, so we're a bit of a commute away from anything.
We're staying at the Sheraton which is very nice, though not a convenient location. Free business center and internet in the lobby, but everything else you have to pay for. The fitness center is very nice and I can watch a tv on my treadmill which is cool. Sidenote: I lost the 10 pounds I set to lose a few months back. Now I just have to be slightly more careful with what I eat and work out every now and again so it doesn't get out of control again. To those who travel, be cautious of eating out all the time, it will catch up to you.
Went to the Landing in downtown St. Louis yesterday to meet up with my dad for dinner. He was in town on business too, which is the second time our paths have crossed on the road. The Landing was a pretty area, looks very historic and cute. We were right by the arch, which I attempted to take a picture of from underneath it, but it just looked dark.
That's about all the fun here. Went through torrential rains driving here, intense muggy heat today and tomorrow (97 degrees tomorrow!), and tornado watches now. Blah.
Other news, definitely moving to Chicago by July 1st! Everything went through and is all official. My kind of town.
I'm in St. Louis this week, or in Clayton which is pretty close. I accidentally booked the hotel in Clayton when the store is in Creve Coeur, so we're a bit of a commute away from anything.
We're staying at the Sheraton which is very nice, though not a convenient location. Free business center and internet in the lobby, but everything else you have to pay for. The fitness center is very nice and I can watch a tv on my treadmill which is cool. Sidenote: I lost the 10 pounds I set to lose a few months back. Now I just have to be slightly more careful with what I eat and work out every now and again so it doesn't get out of control again. To those who travel, be cautious of eating out all the time, it will catch up to you.
Went to the Landing in downtown St. Louis yesterday to meet up with my dad for dinner. He was in town on business too, which is the second time our paths have crossed on the road. The Landing was a pretty area, looks very historic and cute. We were right by the arch, which I attempted to take a picture of from underneath it, but it just looked dark.
That's about all the fun here. Went through torrential rains driving here, intense muggy heat today and tomorrow (97 degrees tomorrow!), and tornado watches now. Blah.
Other news, definitely moving to Chicago by July 1st! Everything went through and is all official. My kind of town.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Appleton, WI
Hello. It's been awhile since I did a real post about a new place. This may become two posts to encompass everything, but here goes.
First of all, I will be moving to Chicago on July 1st. I officially have an apartment in the city with Amy. After five years, goodbye Champaign-Urbana. Also, congrats to Darwin and Jess who bought their first townhouse last night.
So, Appleton, Wisconsin. You haven't heard of it right? It's about a half hour north of Oshkosh and a bit south of Green Bay. We're staying at the Radisson on College Ave. and the best part is we are literally a 20 second walk to the store. I can see the back of the store from my window, go down the elevator, walk 10 feet, go down another elevator, walk 30 feet, and there I am. The other nice thing about the location of the hotel is we are right in the middle of downtown, so there are a ton of restaurants and bars on this street within walking distance. We've already taken a cab twice (it's Wednesday) to different locations, but things are right down the block if we so choose.
Places to note:
10th Frame: $6 all you can bowl plus shoes. This is what we did Monday (plus a bit of happy hour at the hotel then a few pitchers) but it ended in a very fun time. It's quite an old bowling alley with no electronic ball return or screen giving you the score, but clean and not crowded. I did bruise myself running into the ball return, but oh well, I'll live.
Cleo's: A holiday themed bar a block down from the hotel. If you go, order a dirty snowball. Cheap drinks, enjoyable decor, a bartender who's worked there 17+ years, a bouncer who likes to hit on the ladies, and a relaxed atmosphere. I bought a shot glass from here to remember Appleton by.
Skyline Comedy Cafe: Saw a comedy show here tonight, and it was decent. Very cheap to get in (especially with a buy one get one ticket from the website) and a 2 drink minimum with somewhat pricey drinks. An enjoyable night, but the comic was not my favorite.
Victoria's: Awesome Italian food on College Ave that was fairly cheap and everyone got a TON of food. Mine last two meals and I still had enough left for a third. Definitely should have hit that up earlier in the week.
I've enjoyed staying at the Radisson so far. Parking is only a $1 to enter and no fees to stay however long you like, great location, big rooms, sleep number beds which are fun to play with for a bit, room service, free business center with a slow printer, my room has a microfridge, free internet, free bottles of water replaced everyday, shampoo and conditioner replaced everday, and I had a problem with my tv that was fixed by the time I got home after work. Nice work out facility, decent pool, hot tub, and a sauna. There are two bars to enjoy (one has swings and island themed, the other is sports themed but decently priced) and a steak house. Staff is very friendly and always says hello in the hall. Only problems: tv wouldn't stay on a channel (but fixed quickly) and ATM in lobby woudn't work (but many other ATMS nearby).
Appleton, Wisconsin has been enjoyable so far. I've even eaten some cheese curds while here. Staying in a central location next to the store has been a huge advantage. As always, thank you Priceline.
First of all, I will be moving to Chicago on July 1st. I officially have an apartment in the city with Amy. After five years, goodbye Champaign-Urbana. Also, congrats to Darwin and Jess who bought their first townhouse last night.
So, Appleton, Wisconsin. You haven't heard of it right? It's about a half hour north of Oshkosh and a bit south of Green Bay. We're staying at the Radisson on College Ave. and the best part is we are literally a 20 second walk to the store. I can see the back of the store from my window, go down the elevator, walk 10 feet, go down another elevator, walk 30 feet, and there I am. The other nice thing about the location of the hotel is we are right in the middle of downtown, so there are a ton of restaurants and bars on this street within walking distance. We've already taken a cab twice (it's Wednesday) to different locations, but things are right down the block if we so choose.
Places to note:
10th Frame: $6 all you can bowl plus shoes. This is what we did Monday (plus a bit of happy hour at the hotel then a few pitchers) but it ended in a very fun time. It's quite an old bowling alley with no electronic ball return or screen giving you the score, but clean and not crowded. I did bruise myself running into the ball return, but oh well, I'll live.
Cleo's: A holiday themed bar a block down from the hotel. If you go, order a dirty snowball. Cheap drinks, enjoyable decor, a bartender who's worked there 17+ years, a bouncer who likes to hit on the ladies, and a relaxed atmosphere. I bought a shot glass from here to remember Appleton by.
Skyline Comedy Cafe: Saw a comedy show here tonight, and it was decent. Very cheap to get in (especially with a buy one get one ticket from the website) and a 2 drink minimum with somewhat pricey drinks. An enjoyable night, but the comic was not my favorite.
Victoria's: Awesome Italian food on College Ave that was fairly cheap and everyone got a TON of food. Mine last two meals and I still had enough left for a third. Definitely should have hit that up earlier in the week.
I've enjoyed staying at the Radisson so far. Parking is only a $1 to enter and no fees to stay however long you like, great location, big rooms, sleep number beds which are fun to play with for a bit, room service, free business center with a slow printer, my room has a microfridge, free internet, free bottles of water replaced everyday, shampoo and conditioner replaced everday, and I had a problem with my tv that was fixed by the time I got home after work. Nice work out facility, decent pool, hot tub, and a sauna. There are two bars to enjoy (one has swings and island themed, the other is sports themed but decently priced) and a steak house. Staff is very friendly and always says hello in the hall. Only problems: tv wouldn't stay on a channel (but fixed quickly) and ATM in lobby woudn't work (but many other ATMS nearby).
Appleton, Wisconsin has been enjoyable so far. I've even eaten some cheese curds while here. Staying in a central location next to the store has been a huge advantage. As always, thank you Priceline.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Crestwood, IL
Staying home in Tinley. Working 20 minutes away in Crestwood...
And that's about it.
Saw UP on Tuesday, and it was very cute. I would recommend it.
Hung out with Shaina tonight at Rock Bottom and it was very nice to hang out with a high school friend.
If you go to Nicky's in Crestwood, don't get the gyro platter...it's huge. Really all of their food is huge. It's very tasty and pretty cheap though. Then of course there's Portillo's...always awesome.
New schedule coming up after Appleton, Wisconsin next week. Two new more work states: Tennessee and North Carolina. Very glad it's summer time and the days of hoodies are numbered. I feel as soon as I'm out of Chicago (I've been wearing a hoodie all week, sigh) it will officially be summer.
And that's about it.
Saw UP on Tuesday, and it was very cute. I would recommend it.
Hung out with Shaina tonight at Rock Bottom and it was very nice to hang out with a high school friend.
If you go to Nicky's in Crestwood, don't get the gyro platter...it's huge. Really all of their food is huge. It's very tasty and pretty cheap though. Then of course there's Portillo's...always awesome.
New schedule coming up after Appleton, Wisconsin next week. Two new more work states: Tennessee and North Carolina. Very glad it's summer time and the days of hoodies are numbered. I feel as soon as I'm out of Chicago (I've been wearing a hoodie all week, sigh) it will officially be summer.
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