What I’ve learned

Living in Chicago, this is What I’ve Learned...

The lady working the shoe counter at Waveland Bowl is Chicago’s answer to the Soup Nazi. Approach, say your size, and say please. Do not try to make small talk. She doesn’t have time for it, and she doesn’t care about you. If you wear size 12 or larger, have one of your shoes off and ready to give to her to as a deposit. Do not make her wait, and do not make her explain the rules. If you have a problem with your shoes (too small, laces are tied in 75 knots, etc.) that is your tough luck. Exchange them at your own risk, and expect a healthy amount of dirty looks and condescending comments.
— Pete Sullivan

I’ve learned that CTA buses drivers can do whatever they damn well please, no matter the rules of the road or common sense. I like the bus when I am riding it, but I HATE IT when I am behind one!
— Jeff Blythe

It’s illegal to make a turn in front of a bus, so when driving, you’ll inevitably be behind a CTA bus when you have to make a turn. And the light, every single time, will turn red by the time the driver lets everyone off and/or loads everyone on. It’s annoying.

I’ve learned that in order to put a screw in a wall, especially drywall, you need a blue plastic cone thing ... also known as an “anchor.” You can’t just hammer the screw in. Who knew?!

If heat is “not included” in your apartment’s rent, then 60 degrees is nice and warm in the dead of winter.

I’ve learned that there are restrooms facilities on the train. It’s the two chairs in the way back, facing the other way. The only thing missing is toilet paper, apparently.
— Debbie Podmore

Never underestimate the Chicago Public Library system. There are many locations, and if your nearest library does not have the particular book you are looking for, they can get it from one of the other locations. If you are a serious book reader, it is a great way to save money.
— Mike Florczak

When traveling abroad, I will encounter people who expect me to sound like the guys from “the Superfans” Saturday Night Live sketch. And these people will annoy me.

Every gym is at its most crowded and busiest in early Janaury.

The $1.25 sushi on Fridays at Nohana near Broadway and Briar is one of the best eat-out deals around.
— Paul M. Banks

The guy playing the saxaphone for change in the basement of O’Hare knows the theme to “The Flinstones” and “Sweet Home Chicago.” I think that’s about it.
— Trent Modglin

The Backstage Bistro, 180 N. Wabash Avenue, is a great place to enjoy multi-course fine dining without the white-glove price. This is a culinary student-run restaurant with a “graded” emphasis on first-class service and meal preparation. It’s a wonderful place to go during business hours, but make sure to call ahead for availability. Backstage follows the Illinois Institute of Art’s student calendar and is closed during holiday and seasonal breaks.
— Jesse Alejos

We are guaranteed that for every surprisingly warm week in February, we will be forced to experience a very soberingly freezing week in March or April.
— Eric Edholm

Don’t step in puddles, as they may not all be rain water.
— Megan Zimmerman

The Matchbox has the best cosmopolitans in the city, and Oberweis has the best chocolate milkshakes anywhere.

Even years after moving here and after all the business trips I’ve gone on, I still feel happy every time I first glimpse at the skyline coming back in the taxi from O’Hare.

The cold weather is a blessing in disguise. It weeds out the weak and whiney and has helped give Chicago its reputation as a nice, hardworking kind of town.
— Michelle Seagraves

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