Spur of the moment decision - might be life-changing. (Calling the Chicago Dopers.)

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

Earlier this month, I went to visit Chicago. It wasn’t a vacation, it was to start networking to improve my chances to get into a graduate program. The visit went very well and I believe I succeeded in improving my chances. Unfortunately, the chances were in the low single digits anyway, so even if I doubled my chances I most likely will not be admitted (this cycle, anyway). These numbers for one university only, the other is said to be similar, but I don’t know the numbers there.

However, I’m well aware of that and I’ve decided it’s time to move to Chicago anyway. I’ve just finished my MS, I’m at the tail end of a divorce (amicable, but still), and I am unemployed, but with a little cash to go on. In other words, almost nothing is tying me to where I am now, and it’s time to get going.

The truth is that I made this decision a little less than a week ago, but I can feel it’s absolutely the right one. I have even already managed to line up housing I can afford near one of the universities I’m applying to.

So, I know there are a ton of Chicago dopers (almost manged to meet up with HazelNutCoffee, even), and I’d like to meet people. I’d like to get advice about the city. I’d like someone to help me go winter clothes shopping (I’m originally from a desert).

I need a part-time job. I can’t get a full-time job right away, unless it’s a truly flexible job or out of the home (and still has somewhat flexible hours). That scares me, but I know it’s doable. If I knew how to set up a tutoring service such that I’m all above board and know how to get clients, that would be ideal. I don’t have a car, so I’ll be completely dependent on public transit. That worked for me when I visited, and I hear that transit in Chicago is very good, so I’m less worried. However, I know a lot of transit cuts are being strongly discussed, so I’m a bit concerned. I’m certain I need and need to know other things. I guess I’ll figure that all out as I go along.

A couple of my friends commented when I told them of this that I don’t make life changing moves halfway, and I guess they’re right. But it’s time to get a move on.

2

I can’t help with the clothes shopping, but I wouldn’t worry too much about the transit cuts. It’s mostly political theater. Unless you are relying on obscure bus routes, it is unlikely you would even notice.

3

Sweet! We snagged us another one! :smiley: When’s your moving day? We should do a Dopefest Welcome Wagon!

Re: Chicago winter clothing. The key is layers, especially if you’re going to be going indoors and out (including public transportations. The buses and trains are heated, except when they’re not, but the platforms and waiting areas are not, except when they are. So you want a nice water-resistant winter coat that’s light enough to carry around when you don’t need it, and nice wool or half wool socks (yes, it makes a difference) and either boots or waterproof overshoes, and definitely a warm winter hat. I know they look stupid, but trust me, hats are a godsend. I actually got away last winter with just a thin “spring” jacket all winter, 'cause I had a good hat instead. Gloves or mittens, too. I like mine that are mittens, but the tops of the fingers fold back to reveal my fingertips when I need to, say, get my keys out of my pocket or put change in a meter. Lots of people like scarves, but I find I end up dragging mine in the slush more than is useful, so I often don’t bother with them.

(You’re a dude, right?) Turtlenecks, mock turtlenecks and thermals (“long underwear” tops) are great to wear under sweaters. Some people wear an undershirt or t-shirt on the very bottom layer, as well, but I find that to be overkill. The thing about Chicago winters isn’t so much the temperature (although it will definitely feel cold to you) it’s the windchill. Even at a decent sounding temp, we’ve got this gusty cold wind that bites through your clothing. So one or two layers to seal you up and break the wind is more useful than a single heavy layer with air gaps.

If money is tight, you can find all of these things at one of the gazillion thrift and resale stores we have in the city, with the possible exception of a good pair of gloves or mittens and a pair of boots. I don’t know which university you’re moving near, but if it’s on the north side, I’d be happy to go thrifting with you sometime.

As for your apartment, heat is probably included, and there are city regulations about the temperature that has to be maintained during the winter months. I think it’s 68 during the day and 64 at night, but I’m not sure. But many Chicago apartments still run on radiator heat, with no individual thermostats, so the whole building is run on one system. This means that the upper floors tend to get ungodly warm while the lower levels are freezing. And, again, drafty windows + Chicago winds can make for some miserable rooms. I highly suggest getting window plastic at Home Depot - it’s a sheet of plastic you cut to size and stick to your windowframe with doublesided tape, and then shrink to fit with a hairdryer. It’s amazing how much warmer your space will be with your windows shrinkwrapped.

You don’t have a car, you say, so you won’t have to deal with the weirdest Chicago custom - “reserved” parking spots with lawn chairs in them. Just ignore your neighbors when they start yelling and throwing lawn chairs at each other on the front lawn, okay?

Oh, and that big room at the front of your apartment that you probably call “the living room”? That’s The Front Room, pronounced “The Fronchroom”. It’s a Chicago thing. Don’t fight it.

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She is, in fact, a girl. I’ve offered her cold-weather clothing advice along with the ‘what the hell are you doing, stay in Baltimore and watch my kid and work for me you weenie’ but it hasn’t worked. Go figger.

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Random, thanks. I did wonder how much of it was grandstanding, but it’s impossible for a visitor to know.

WhyNot, first off, a dude in the sense that I call all people “dude” but not a dude in the sense of being male. Though I can look male if I work at it. And cut my hair…

I am actually moving into a room in a house for now. That’s how I know I can afford it, and it encourages me to get rid of things. For all that fuss I made in the slob reform thread(s) about my table and buffet, I’ve discovered that I don’t need them now. I had some emotional attachments to them, but I’ve grown up some in the 6months since then. Odd, no? I’m still pretty attached to the freezer, but I’ll do alright without it.

I’m not sure about the boundaries of the city, so I don’t know if I’ll be on the north side or not. That said, I bet that if I’m not near you, I can find a way up. I really do need good clothing, and money really is tight (see that “no job” thing). Plus, you’re on my list of dopers to meet someday, so that’d be cool too. Actually, I’m sort of expecting a lot of dopers on that list to turn out to be Chicago dopers.

I won’t lie, I’m actually terrified of the winter and the wind (see that “desert” thing, above). And I see that the lovely GingerOfTheNorth has also stepped in with gender clarification and that she’s offered me advice. She has. She’s been amazing while I’ve been here (as these winters are bad enough for me), but I’m still scared. Also, she has my sweater, now that I think about it. But it’s not a winter sweater.

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I’m not about to get into fashion statements, just echoing what WhyNot says about layers - get a bunch of things, varying thicknesses, and generally overdress, because it’s colder than crap here.

Waterproof winter shoes.

It’s not soda, cola or a soft drink - it’s pop.

Downstate is anything west of Aurora, or south of I-80. It’s all down.

Don’t go to concerts at the United Center.

Or the Allstate Arena, not if you want to preserve your hearing.

The rest of the country liked Smashing Pumpkins, we think he’s a pretentious prick.

But Wilco rocks, which is odd, because he’s also a snob, but their music is better anyway.

It’s still called Sox Park. Sometimes Comiskey. Call it by whatever the hell they call it now, and you’re branded an outsider. Or a cubby fan.

Despite what the ‘guidebooks’ say about there being “X” number of good ones, virtually every neighborhood has a really good pizza place. And they deliver.

The signs in the alleys with pictures of rats? That’s not hyperbole, take that seriously, the rats here are NOT cute, friendly little guys. They eat horses.

It’s not an ‘asian waterbug’, it’s a cockroach.

I wouldn’t put a lot of stock in the CTA service cut threats being political BS - they’ve made big cuts before, and that was even when we had a competent, non-jagoff governor.

The Bulls are cool again, if you like basketball.

Anyone asks you about hockey, say the name “Wirtz” and spit on the ground.

Other reasons you’re glad you don’t drive: The Dan Ryan, the Edens, The Ike, the “steel bridge”, and cab drivers.

Mayor Daley is entertaining as all get-out, really. Bushisims have nothing on this guy.

There is no prettier city view in all the world than downtown, and the skyline as viewed from the Adler Planetarium, at virtually any hour of the day, and time of the year.

I second the Welcome Wagon idea, we need another excuse to get together, the Chicago Doper contingent is hands down the coolest collection of people on the planet. Welcome!

ETA: The layering advice crosses all gender lines.

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Workplaces, at least in my experience, tend to overheat their buildings in winter, so layering is good because you’ll probably be sweating once you’re inside and will need to strip down a little.

Chicagoans tend to sacrifice fashion for warmth in winter outerwear. This is a good thing.

Don’t wear leather boots outside in slushy weather - we use salt on our roads and this will get into the slush and eat away at your nice boots.

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I’m just dropping in to say, um, welcome? Because I don’t live in Chicago anymore…but I’m returning in December! Chicago rules; it’s the best city on earth.

I’m not sure I can give any advice that hasn’t already been given,* but I’m psyched to hang out and meet the Chicago Dopers. Oh! I should mention that you have to visit the Seminary Coop Bookstore at UChicago. (And if that’s one of your schools, then we should definitely talk…)

*But I do like the Smashing Pumpkins. Go figure :smiley:

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Agred on everything, except that there are pockets of “soda” folks in Chicago, and, from my experience, Billy Corgan and the Smashing Pumpkins are quite loved here, although you will have your “pretentious prick” detractors.

If you want temp work to tide you over until you get on your feet, I had great experiences with Mack and Associates. It’s my only experience with a temp agency, and I have nothing but good things to say about them.

Otherwise, if you ever need a culinary tour of Chicago, I’m your man. We can bring sugar and spice along, too. :slight_smile: She can probably help you with the shopping, as well…

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Shopping! I’m all for shopping. Especially the used/vintage clothing stores. What neighborhood are you living in?

Are you thinking about UChicago? Good school, even if the neighborhood sucks. I did enjoy my year there, but I am very happy to be living out of Hyde Park now.

I’m sorry we didn’t get to meet last time, but if you’re going to be moving here, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future I would imagine. :slight_smile:

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Glad to hear I can say soda, since that’s what I say. I know what a pop is, but it’s just never been what I grew up with. I’ve only heard any of the Smashing Pumpkins music once, at Live Earth NYC/NJ, and I didn’t like it at all. My companion was very disappointed and said that what I heard was not typical of them. However, I think I can easily fall in with the people who dislike the band.

My moving date is the first week of December sometime (Hi Millit!), hopefully nearer the beginning of the week.

I’m currently looking at UC and UIC and will be near UIC. I’m in discussions, as it were, with my probable advisor to look at other schools as well, but those are the two on the list right now. I am exceedingly hopeful about getting into one, despite knowing the odds.

I feel a bit crazy to move right at the beginning of winter (or close enough to it), but that’s fine.

Not a big sports fan, but I tend to like hockey, so could someone explain the “Wirtz” thing?

I’m super excited, despite my nerves, I have to say!

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Bill Wirtz owned the Chicago Blackhawks for about 40 years and recently died. He was one of the least loved owners this town’s seen in any sport.

In 1979 he took all Hawk games, including road games off of local TV, because (paraphrase) “Why are we giving something away for free that we can charge people to come and see?”

When the face of hockey changed, and when the game itself changed, he continued running the team like it was the 1950’s. In recent years, attendance has fallen so bad at Hawk games that a few times, my friends and I would go online on game day, and get 2nd, 3rd row seats behind the benches.

His kid took over the team, and signs so far seem positive, but there are lots of former Blackhawk fans they’ll never get back - this one included.

GO Rangers!
[SIZE=1]

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Thanks, Mr. Bus Guy. I don’t have a team, but I can see why that would be terrible. I didn’t even know Chicago had a hockey team.

14

There’s a city service that you might want to know about – you can “rent” a vehicle for a really reasonable price for just a couple of days, I think it comes out to like $7/day, or $50/mo for 6 days’ use. Something like that.

I know somebody who got rid of her car (wise choice, given the price and inevitability of parking tickets) and uses that when needed.

Chicago rocks! We moved there with no jobs and limited money, and had a blast!

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Fessie, thanks. I’ve seen that sort of service before, and it’s not a bad idea. I just hope I won’t need to use it too much.

Does anyone know what it takes (off the top of their heads) to switch from an out of state DL to an IL DL? I’ll look it up later if no one knows, but I’d like to get it done as soon as I arrive, so I’m curious.

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Here’s a page I found , it doesn’t specifically mention new transfers, so I’d think that the standard new license fee would apply.

17

For temping, Olsten is also fantastic - I used them for years.

For the Driver’s License, this explains it (go to “I will be working in/moving to Illinois. How do I obtain a driver’s license?”). You’ve got 90 days and it’ll cost ten bucks. You might have to take the driving test - you will have to do vision and written. I’m sure you’ll find that the Secretary of State employees are about as pleasant as our tollway workers!

Oh, one last thing - MrBusGuy lies - we have NEVER had a competent, non-jagoff governor. :smiley:

18

I was watching the news last night of Future Federal Inmate Ryan, and I thought back to what I posted, but by then the Edit window was certainly closed.

Then, to top it off, there’s Thompson defending him.

And Dan Walker telling what federal prison will be like.

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Well, you can’t say we don’t have a trifecta there, can ya? :smiley:

20

They did announce this week that they are going to start televising the games.