Moving in Chicago

When I was moving apartments a couple of years ago, I hired movers for the first time. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life... just the pleasure of watching other people lug your crap up flights of steps, and knowing that they will never, ever, ever call you to ask for help when they move... well, it's practically priceless.

So this year, I went on Craigslist and tried to sniff out a bargain on movers, and I got what I paid for, sort of.

Kikos Movers in Chicago are HORRIBLE, so if you happen to have read their ad on Craigslist and are looking for a moving review, let me tell you then ruined my entire moving experience without even lifting a finger.

I spoke with Alberto from Kiko's Movers three times during the week to confirm my 7:00 pm Friday appointment, but get this... come Friday night, Alberto's mailbox was full and his moving crew NEVER ARRIVED at my apartment. I was left staring at my packed boxes and totally freaking out over how where I was going to get a truck this late on the busiest moving day in the city. So PLEASE... whatever you do... DO NOT HIRE KIKO'S MOVERS. Alberto was adamant about our appointment, but nowhere to be found at that time. Not a phone call explanation, nothing. So don't hire them... don't even call them if you are moving in Chicago.

Now to my saviors.... Peterson Moving. I'd hired Peterson the first time I hired movers and they blew my mind. They were on time, professional, and man can these guys move stuff... they'll take your 30 trips from the truck and do it in ten. I don't know why I didn't call Peterson first, but if you want a reference for a good moving company in Chicago, I fully endorse Peterson Moving.

Peterson Moving
2037 N Major Ave
Chicago, IL 60639
(773) 728-1171

Something to say, but how to say it

I've been working for a while toward writing and recording some music, and that 'a while' has really turned into about 10 years now. I'm getting closer, and once I get moved into my new place and get some recording issues straightened out, I'm going to be posting some clips on here. At least I'll have them here as a record of how I'm doing, and maybe I can get some feedback from some folks too!

Until then, I'm going to add some older stuff that I've written that doesn't necessarily have music. So here's a poem I wrote:

---

The Storm (II)

I don't believe in
one true love
or else I'd die and
leave right now

Because I've been in love
and it was true
I fondled and held it
and knew it
inside out

It grew from a teardrop
to a fountain
to a waterfall
to an ocean

and then it rained

and then it stormed

winds whirled
and whipped

ships sank
and
levees broke

The flood of that true love
washed over everything

It carried away possessions
and memories

With it went links to
the past
and dreams for
the future

and in it's wake
there was
disaster

When the sun had
the gall to
return

it dried up the water

The newly formed
lakes and rivers
running through the streets
finally receded for good

Water-logged articles and debris
were removed

and as the days wear on
I'm left with only remnants,
small puddles

in which to view my reflection
and see the effects
of the storm on me.

---

Bands I've seen in '07

This is gonna be tough, but I'm going to try to catalog who I've seen this year. I'm sure I'll forget some people, but here's a start:

• Ryan Adams
• Arctic Monkeys
• The Raconteurs
• Manu Chao
• The Decemberists
• Ben Gibbard
• TV on the Radio
• Spoon
• STS9
• Los Campesinos!
• Daft Punk
• Pearl Jam
• Muse
• The Hold Steady
• The Black Keys
• Modest Mouse
• The Roots
• Silversun Pickups
• Paolo Nutini
• Roger Hoover & The Whiskeyhounds

Ok... there's a start... still coming this year:

• The White Stripes
• Okkervil River
• Tokyo Police Club
• Beastie Boys

Thursday morning

Wow... I've had quite the summer, but I am so glad that it's winding down. I've managed to do an amazing amount of things over the past couple months, I've seen tons of concerts and have actually become a competent golfer, but many of the important details of my daily life have totally fallen by the wayside.

So in the spirit of the back-to-school season, I'm going to be putting some concerted effort into getting my head out of my ass and my life back together (which means getting the bills paid on time (thank you hot showers) and acting more like an adult).

That's that... in short, here's the fall plan:

• Spend more time actually working (you fool!)


• Keep you house in order - don't rely on anyone else to keep your shit together... do it yourself


• Get the band together - or at least play out at a damn open mic already

There, I've said it. Seems like a fairly manageable list since there's only actually one item on it that can ever be 'done'.

Blah blah blah... peace and carrots.

Movin on

It's been two years living a block from Wrigley Field, and the time has come to get movin on. At the end of August, Ken and I are going to be moving about a mile northwest from where we're at now... the place is gonna be pretty sweet. It's on the damn third floor, and after 3 years of not having to climb steps to my apt., I'm a bit anxious about that (man am I lazy), but other than that, I couldn't be happier or more excited to move.

Now that all the figuring out where shit is done, and I've really made up my mind about moving, etc... I'm excited to get a new start.

More to come...

Lollapalooza '07

Now, I'm getting prepared to place a full review of the weekend on the site, including some pics and my favorite moments... but before I get to that... here's a pic of Rodman sparking a pipe!

photo courtesy of stereogum.com

Monday Night Tapas

So lately I've been trying to get out and eat at real restaurants. Nothing against bar food, but its nice to be able to sit down in a quiet place relax while having a great meal. Last night I went to Emilio's on Fullerton with a friend. The place was nearly empty when we walked in around 8:30pm. Apparently Monday is half price wine bottle night. We orders a bottle of white and started off with two tapas. A cold salmon dish and a hot mixed seafood dish. Both were excellent. We ended up getting two more hot tapas, and a dessert. Over all the bill ran two of us close to $70, but was well worth it. It was nice being able to relax and hold a conversation without having to yell over music or the table stacked right next to you. The atmosphere in the place was great, and we had a view looking over Clark St. I haven't come up with a rating system yet for Restaurants, but this place was good. Not amazing, maybe great, but definitely good.