As much as I love Chicago, there are things here that irritate me, especially when weather comes in to play. Let’s just say, when it rains, your morning commute can become a nightmare.

But, that’s life in the big city where you rely on public transportation and tourists are a way of life.

So in the celebration of this season, here is my recent list of pet peeves (winter edition):

• Long hair - Yes, this is my choice, but it gets stuck in everything! Scarves, zippers, coats, etc. It is driving me bananas
• Sweating - The buses have turned on the heat and when you’re smushed in the bus with the heat blasting and a heavy coat on, it is like sitting in a hotbox. Awful
• Static electricity - For some reason, I shock everyone. Might be shuffling my feet or the dryness of my apartment but everything and everyone I touch, I shock them. Embarrassing
• Dry skin - The wind here chaps my skin and dries it out like the desert. I’m constantly applying lotion and lip balm. Thank goodness for Kiehl’s Whipped Creme de Corps, feels like butter on my skin

It’s funny because prior to today, this Chicago winter has been very mild. Now, it’s snowing, with inches already on the ground and snow and temps are getting back semi-seasonal 30 degree highs temps.

I may have to amend this post with “pet peeves: snow edition” shortly. Because once snow falls, people get way dumber about how to get around in the city. No kidding.

What’s bothering you about this winter season?

Happy Sunday everyone!

This weekend was full of two things: organizing and cleaning.

Plus, a little drinking.

What drove me to drink? Well, I hate coming home to a mess. When I go to work, I pick up before I leave, same when I go on trips.

Friday, when I got the call that painting was (finally) over in my apartment, I went home to find a huge mess. The painters left extension cords, garbage and supplies everywhere. This is in addition to all of my stuff sitting in piles to make room for them.

Let’s just say, I wasn’t thrilled.

But, rather than clear off the bed and crash, I opted to take one for my team and get to work. And about 7-8 hours later (between Friday night and Saturday), my apartment started to look normal again. Furniture moved, items purged, donation piles created, etc.

Sure, I still have work to do but it’s nice to have things back in their place and lay down on the couch.

Plus, I have to say, the new walls look really nice. The only downside, seeing my place in disarray and how “new” the place looks, it doesn’t totally feel like home. Just another adjustment but I’m so glad this is over with :)

And when I needed a break from the mess at home, I went out and had some beverages. And my a “couple,” I mean six. Thank goodness for dinner and fresh air…and ibuprofen the next day, wink wink.

How was your weekend?

First, I hope you all had a great holiday, I still have pictures to share! But for now, I’m talking about something else.

I cannot believe 2011 is almost over. I know, it was just Christmas and I’m surprised NYE is coming up so quickly? Well yeah, I am.

In digging up last year’s post to see if I made strides on my resolution, I was grateful to find that I kept it simple.

My 2011 resolution was to “keep trying new things.” So was I successful?

Yeah, I think I was!

Some of 2011′s highlights:

• Italy. I mean, two weeks alone in a foreign country where I barely spoke the language? That was huge and an amazing experience
• Trapeze. I will never do it again and was scared out of my f*cking mind but I did it and can cross it off my “want to try” list
• Dating. Yes, this didn’t work out as I hoped, but I gave it an honest shot and put myself out there more than I have in a long time. And maybe the next one will turn out differently
• FOOD. From Italy to Seattle to Vancouver to Chicago to Milwaukee, I’ve had a lot of amazing meals and tried a lot of new things, some that were tastier than others. But still, I have some very fond food memories
• Oprah! Yes, thanks to the Chicago blizzard, I got last minute tickets to the Oprah Winfrey Show (before it went off the air) and even got a little camera time. That was an awesome experience
• Acting like a crazed teen. Seeing Weezer play the Blue Album in concert with Mega was amazing. The 17 year old inside of me was wicked excited (but not about the mosh pit)

So what is the plan for 2012? Much of the same, travel, food and continuing to try new things and challenge myself.

I may not always be successful but I won’t know unless I try.

And I’m very optimistic and excited to see what 2012 has in store for me. Hopefully it will include a make out or two as well.

What are your 2012 resolutions?

I literally cannot believe that Saturday is Christmas Eve. Wasn’t it December 1st last week?

Anyhow, the big holiday weekend is almost here and I am getting ready to head home, to bake, stuff myself with deliciousness and spend time with people I’m related to (including my beloved fur nephew). I also need a break from Chicago so I can keep working toward feeling like the old me.

Oh and I will try to also watch Love Actually one more time. Seriously, I love that movie. LOVE.

My gifts are packed, laundry done and I am ready to have a puppy smother me in kisses soon.

There is lots of other fun things to look forward to this weekend, including movies and being reunited with my high school best friend, who I haven’t seen in a long time.

Lots happening in the other mitten state.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday weekend and safe travels wherever you are off to.

I will be back next week with a full holiday and shenanigans recap :) I leave you for now with a video of puppies under the tree, seriously, it will make you explode from cuteness.

Oh, and I hope Santa is extra good to each of you, wink wink.

Love, JB