Saturday, March 27, 2010

Old School in Chicago

I just moved to the Lakeview/Lincoln Park area of Chicago and went to Mario's Place Barber Shop on Saturday, which is obviously their busiest day. Mario welcomed me as a new customer despite the fact that he was booked solid. I was offered a doughnut and a Pabst Blue Ribbon beer while I waited (now that is impressive) and was given a great haircut with the always-enjoyable straight razor neck shave. I am now a customer until my travels take me elsewhere. Thank you for a great experience, Mario. I know many of you like stylists but I am a barber man for life thanks to my late uncle, Dave Anderson, proprietor of the former Irwin, PA staple Guyon & Anderson barber shop.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Biskit gets a new shirt

OK, so the 'Windy City' is just that and it's cold. I knew that going in but poor Biskit had no idea. This being a dog who has lived her entire life in sunny Florida and is now freezing her little ass off. She has been taken aback that's for sure. Potty outings have been quick and sometimes she just won't go. So, we went to Petco today in search of a sweater. Well, it's no longer winter so they have the spring and summer collection. Don't tell this to Biskit as she shivers and shakes but slowly but surely, she's coming around. Debating on what to do for the evening and I'm probably gonna head out to the local Steelers bar and watch some March Madness. My dad, brother and I enjoyed Durkin's Chicago over the weekend and they made us feel at home. So, it looks like they'll get a return visit out of me. Why the hell not? Last non-working weekday is tomorrow for me (for the foreseeable future) and I'm certainly happy about that.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

We have furniture in Chicago

This week is absolutely flying by as I try and get settled here in the Windy City. I was able to get a good deal on a sofa and chair from a local furniture store and have it delivered on the same day. Beats the shit out of the fold-up chairs I was using as I gave my previous couch and love seat to my good friend Rebecca. Biskit is already liking them both and as you can see, she can look out the window to see when I'm arriving. She is growing more and more accustomed to Chicago each day. I love my neighborhood and went on a pub crawl last night and hit three different locales. Each has a different flavor but a common theme: neighborhood bars that cater to the locals. Two offered a free drink which I gladly accepted, not that doing so should surprise anyone but why the hell not? The next fun will be going to the DMV when my paperwork from the bank arrives. I'm sure I should practice up on my Spanish if past DMV visits tell me anything. Looking forward to watching the Pens play the Caps tonight. Hope they can take down Ovechkin. A superstar player no doubt but also a world-class cheap shot artist. Until next time...

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

World of KK Returns Live From Chicago

Hello family and friends, it's been awhile. In case you haven't heard, I have relocated to Chicago arriving last Friday. I begin my new position at Sears Holdings Management Corporation next Monday.
I'm excited about the new opportunity and to be away from the extreme negative environment of my last stop on the employment wagon. I cannot say thank you enough to my Dad who came and helped me pack, load, drove my car to Chicago and helped unload and unpack. You're the best! Thanks also to my brother Khris who flew in for the weekend to help unload in Chicago. Both of you mean the world to me and Biskit and I couldn't have made it without you. We had a great weekend and sampled some local fare, including deep dish pizza. Very solid. I'm living in the Lakeview neighborhood which is close to everything and an easy commute via bus/train to 'The Loop.' I absolutely love it here so far and the people have been great. Look for frequent updates as I take this next step in my professional career.