KK Hurting in Chicago

It's been awhile since my last blog. The NFL Draft is in the books. I like most of what the Steelers did but no. 2 pick Jason Worilds will be the true caveat. Great series win for the Pens and I enjoyed some dinner and drinks with my friend Harry over the weekend. However, it was all about to change. When I first moved in, I had an accident and didn't think that much of it. My brother Khris and I were carrying my big screen TV and I was walking backwards. I tripped over a high curb and went down but caught the TV. I felt a tweak in my leg but kept going. Well a few weeks passed and I felt some pain but left it go. I took some pills two weekend's ago and that seemed to help. Well, last Thursday the pain and discomfort came back. I took it easy all weekend but it continued. Sunday was unbearable and I finally got to the doctor this a.m. After x-rays and an MRI, I was diagnosed with:
1.) Partial PCL tear
2.) Large joint effusion
3.) Partial medial meniscus tear
So, I'm hobbling around awaiting an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon later this week. It's ironic as I have never even broken a bone. So with this, I guess I was long overdue. There goes my hopes of finding a softball team for the season. Oh well. Until later my friends, take care and Let's Go Pens!

Chicago Chicken Wing Crisis

Those of you that know me are well aware of my fond affliction for chicken wings. Of course, they have to be to my liking. Any ole wing doused in hot sauce and tossed on a plate will not suffice. At a minimum, I expect the wings to be extra crispy and without breading. Hot sauce is fine but my favorite are wings coated with seasoned salt. I then dip the wings in Frank's Red Hot to control the amount of kick. That said, extra crispy and wet hot wings are fine and delicious. Well, the food Mecca that is Chicago is not aware of this. I've tried wings from at least five bars and at least 4 pizza places. Some of the bar wings were OK, led by Four Shadows and Durkin’s Tavern. Yak-Zie's Bar & Grill boasts the best in Chicago. Well, their flavor and cooking were perfect but the wings were the size of a baby sparrow. The pizza joints can't even come close. Most bake the wings and when you ask for extra crispy, you get them burnt. Wings are to be fried and then if you like, tossed on the grill for a unique finish that many crave. I have thrown away two orders after trying one of these begrudged birds. Thus, I'm pretty much resigned to making them at home as:
a.) I make kickass wings (whole wings).
b.) They're cheaper, fresh and better.
c.) I'm a wing connoisseur and I'm sick of this shit.
A former colleague Al suggested Toon’s here in Chitown and at first look, their menu says "jumbo chicken wings." I'll put them to the test. Until later, Let's Go Pens! Let's Go Pens! Let's Go Pens!

See Ya Later Tone

A lot of people including myself were stunned at the initial report of the trade, but should we really be? The more people that ask me and the more I think about it, this move should have been seen coming but wasn't due to our blind faith and hope for a change in behavior. Santonio Holmes saved the Super Bowl for the Steelers and as fans, we will be eternally grateful. However, the man also had repeated off-field issues, including the latest prompting his suspension. His wake-n-bake comment on Twitter didn't help but when he told someone to kill themself, well that did it for me.
Adios Santonio, it's been real. Thanks for the good memories but not for the bad. You've been awful quiet on your normally boisterous Twitter account today. Guess you've been humbled, if that's possible? Such a shame as the talent is undeniable, yet the immaturity is unmistakable.

Beautiful Day in Chicago

It's about time. We had flurries the other day and the heat was on last night. Now, it's 74 and the windows are open. As you can see, Biskit is a huge fan of this as people are constantly walking by with dogs, kids etc. and she just loves seeing it all. Was pleasantly surprised at the local grocery store to find Heinz dill relish. I'm sure most of you couldn't give a shit about this but I love pickles and Heinz are my favorite. I was able to get them in Columbus but not in Charlotte or Florida. So, the relish is better than nothing plus my parents can bring me some or I can scoop some up when I visit them as the drive home now is very much shorter and a mid-summer trip will be made by myself and said dog. On a lighter note, my very good friend Harry has a great blog that he writes often and he rates different restaurants that he visits. Why bring it up? He hates pickles and has an interesting story as to why. For a good read, visit the Stiff Competition blog. I had no intention of going out today but I have wanted to see what this dogs in bars thing is all about so what the heck, Biskit and I are gonna roll up to Durkin's Tavern for a few cold beers. I hope everyone has a great weekend and we'll be a bloggin' soon. Next topic may include the lack of good wings joints here in Chicago. Kickass pizza and Italian beef but lousy wings so far. Stay tuned!

Great first week in Chitown

Well, I've been here two weeks but it was a great first work week. I spent Monday at the massive Hoffman Estates compound, which is where Sears Holdings is now headquartered. The people were great and the facility is impressive. That said, I'll be spending over 90+% of my time at the downtown office located on State Street. The flagship Sears store is right across the street so it makes it convenient for anything I might need. We broke a record for temperature on Thursday at 83 degrees! That was awesome and people were really enjoying it. The commute to work is easy. Walk a block to a covered bus stop. Ride about a mile and a half to the subway and then get dropped off a block away from my office. It only takes 35 minutes and beats traffic, parking, gas and tolls that's for sure. Biskit is adjusting well and loves it when the windows are open as many dogs live in the neighborhood. The town is abuzz as baseball season nears. I hate the Cubs but at least I'll get to see my Buccos a bunch here in the Windy City. I'm sure they will lose every game but I'll still be there as often as I can. The neighborhood (as seen in the picture) is great and I love the fact that I can walk to just about anything. That's about it for now. Happy Easter to all!