Buzz your girlfriend…woof!

The best thing about large cities is that you can visit them several times and still not experience all they have to offer. During my first stay in Chicago, I had no idea that I was literally staying just three miles from two of the greatest movie landmarks imaginable, both of which need no introduction. Upon arriving at 671 Lincoln Avenue in Winnetka, IL, I tried my hardest not to speed into the driveway and knock over the solid steal, knee-high statue as so many others have. It was surreal to think that I was actually sitting on the same street where the “wet bandits” plotted a neighborhood wide stash and dash. The only thing that would have made the moment better would have been to see a young Kevin McCalister come flying out of his front door atop an old snow sled. It was amazing to think that I was actually in front of the house that made history (or at least influenced mine), but, somehow, at the same time it was depressing. Realities became intertwined just for a moment: one being my once perceived childhood notion that a witty, MacGyver-like eight year old can out smart a couple of silly burglars, and the other being the now, the recognition that things aren’t as they once seemed. All the cinematic wonder and nostalgia created by the film was suddenly deflated by the reality of the situation: there were no wet bandits, no pimple-faced pizza delivery guy that would be fooled into believing he was being shot, and no eight year old genius. Don’t get me wrong, having a flashback of my youth, even if for just a moment was remarkable, but the descent back to earth was intense.

After gathering my thoughts I decided I desperately needed a photo of myself standing in front of this house. As I stood there contemplating a witty pose for my picture, it didn’t at all occur to me that placing my hands on my cheeks as if I had just applied Brut aftershave would be quite possibly the most unoriginal idea imaginable, so that’s what I went with. Google Images later informed me that I was in fact not the first or even fiftieth goober to make that face in front of the actual Home Alone house…oh well.

After the Home Alone adventure, I was pretty sure things couldn’t get any better, that was before my friends and I realized we were only a few miles from one of the houses where Ferris Bueller’s Day Off was filmed! It was the house and garage where Cameron’s dad’s Ferrari smashed through the window and plummeted to its death. This was another surreal moment that almost overloaded my brain, especially since it happened the same day. This certainly makes me cool, right?

As we approached the house, we noticed it was for sale…for $1.65 million! So naturally, we decided it would be best to explore as if we were interested buyers. While browsing the property I started to chuckle about the price because the house itself was in questionable shape and severely dated, with some sort of Asian-themed, exposed crawl-space base sitting on stilts. The real magic, though, was the garage. I was standing in front of another landmark where cinematic excellence took place. What stupid picture should I take this time? I decided to keep my goofy face out of it and just snap the scenery…good choice for sure. But then again, the picture itself only serves as a way to prove I was actually there. The true value comes from my personal recollection of being there. I suppose I can chalk this day up as a win.

CAT 30: Don’t let the fat go to your head

This is an article I wrote for my company’s newsletter that pertains to the temptations that come with life on the road…

CAT 30

Starting a new job can be fun, exciting, and highly beneficial, but also offers a series of challenging trials. The number one challenge I’ve been confronted with thus far is something called the “Cat 30.” What is the Cat 30? Initially, one might assume it is the appropriate time to indulge in your favorite Cat Stevens album, or perhaps the point in time to set aside for a feline companion, but according to nearly every seasoned Catastrophe Team veteran, it is the likelihood that most CAT trainees will gain at least 30 pounds during the course of training, due to the exposure to new and unfamiliar restaurants. Of course, being a new member of the Cat Team and hearing this news concerned me, but as they say, “knowing is half the battle.”

After being warned of the probable bodily transformation, I decided immediately that I should take control of this situation rather than visa versa, but how? How can a recent college graduate with a previously minimal budget be able to control himself around a seemingly unlimited exposure to thrilling new foods and environments? Well, so far it’s a process rather than a single decision. Everyday is a new battle riddled with temptation and the ever-prevalent thought that, “Well I’m in a new town and I’ve never tried a hot dog stuffed pizza with caramel and chocolate drizzled crust, plus this restaurant was on the Food Channel so I pretty much have to check it out just once.” Due to the degree of travel, these “just once” occasions slowly evolve into a common occurrence throughout deployments. Two deployments of this mentality were enough to coax me towards a new strategy.

The first plan of attack was to buy groceries every week, and ration my meals. Depending on the hotel, one can create a full “home” cooked meal within the comfort of the room, not to mention save time and money. Plus, grocery shopping provides a much needed moment of reflection to consider what to purchase. This approach helps avoid the last second meal shift. You know the scenario: sitting in the restaurant booth, completely set on the grilled salmon salad, but just as the waiter asks for your order, a flash of indecision and doubt directs you into ordering the double bacon, ham, and beef stuffed oink burger with a side of cholesterol battered fries. Halfway through the meal you realize this was a mistake, but by then it’s too late, the comfort once found in consuming this monster of a meal is replaced with regret. This may not be the case for everyone because individual self control plays a huge part in meal selection. I’ve discovered, though, that I’m the type of person who likes to be rewarded; the goal is to protect myself from myself.

I won’t go into what should be purchased at the grocery store or how to ration meals because most everyone knows what they like and has a general idea whether it’s healthy or not. Instead I will briefly express the importance of exercise. I say briefly because Anthony Headland’s “On the Go” article from February’s newsletter has already given great insight to an effective workout routine. Following his weekly agenda will undoubtedly improve physical health. The biggest challenge, though, is finding the motivation. After a long day in the field, it is so easy to kick back in the hotel room and get caught up watching SportsCenter, Oprah, or the news. I would much rather relax after a full day of work rather than burn more energy on a 45 minute workout, therefore I must trick myself into exercising. My method for this is pre workout supplements. The best I’ve tried yet is a powder called Jack3d. The aim is to consume a glass of Jack3d approximately 30 minutes before beginning exercise. Because one of the active ingredients is caffeine, a boost of energy and desire to work out is a likely result. Also, it is filled with other ingredients that help with muscle recovery and extended energy. Jack3d can be purchased at GNC, and its generic brand cousin, Ignition, is sold at Walmart. Best of all, these products have very few calories and are relatively inexpensive.

 

The suggestions I have provided above are just that, suggestions. Some Cat members have undoubtedly never had problems with controlling hunger or self motivation in regards to exercise. Needless to say, this article is not for you. I can’t guarantee that these suggestions are the best approach for everyone, but they have worked for me so far, so I figured I’d share my insight from a rookie’s perspective. In regards to meal selection, I’ll end with a reminder that, “curiosity killed the CAT” so choose wisely (consider that my first and final lame CAT joke). As for exercise, do what you can when you can, don’t be afraid to borrow energy, and consider the cartoon doctor.

Snow Covered Flats

It wasn’t too long after the flight in that I realized my southern bones weren’t built for this northern of a climate. I had no idea how to shop for this type of weather so I probably look silly in my puffy camouflage hunting jacket walking the wind tunnel valleys made of skyscapers in downtown Chicago. Kidding, I’ll leave it to my fellow Georgians to be the unprepared tourists (shout out to Snake Brown). Instead I ended up with a randomly selected, make shift pea/trench  coat bought in a rush the day before. Haven’t wilted yet so I’ll chalk it as a win! Usually someone of my geographic orientation would be thrilled to see snow covered land, but the snow here isn’t draped over any exciting scenery, or accompanied by crisp air and a blue sky. Rather, it’s more reminiscent of a Gothem City setting, but considerably less depressing.

All complaining aside, surprisingly I have  enjoyed Chicago thus far. After that statement, one would generally dive right into praising the otherwordly pleasure received from sampling some of the local eateries, but I’ll start with the city itself. About a 30 minute Ford Fiesta rental car ride away from the Hampton Suites in South Barrington sits downtown Chicago. From a distance, the lights and skyline are comparable to Atlanta and Houston, but from within the grid system of this monstrosity occured the realization that I am much smaller than previously perceived. While looking down or straight ahead it’s not so overwhelming, but when gazing above I caught myself losing a great deal of balance trying to view the top of certain buildings.

No worries, here’s the food portion. The first night here, my team and I tried Giordano’s deep dish pizza. The seemingly modest order of two large deep dish pizzas (one supreme, one pepperoni) would surely be a sufficient amount for six grown men. Wrong! After two slices apiece, we all cramped up and tried to settle the stomach storm with a house beer on tap. That too was an illconceived notion, as it only made the bloating worse. But before the subsequent struggle, consuming the pizza itself was phenomenal. It was assembled with a thin bottom layer of dough, topped by level of uniquely delicious cheeses and meat fixings, and topped by another layer of dough and house marinara sauce; all encircled by a ring of crisp crust. It’s all good though because I’m told it’s a healthy treat as long as you’re a visitor.

Throughout my deployment I was constantly given suggestions of where to go, what to do and how to do it. I’m pleased to say that I did not receive one suggestion that did not exceed my expectations! I indulged in some of the best pizza, sushi, and beer to date. Some locations that really stand out as a must try are Giordano’s and Lou Malnatis for pizza, Nozumi and Big Bowl for Asian food, and Lucky Monk and Rock Bottom Brewery of course for beer. The best all around spot had to be the Lucky Monk, due to its all around atmosphere. A staggering two minute drive from the hotel allowed access to great food, beer and fellowship, all for a reasonable price. The Lucky Monk is a local brewery and restaurant that derives its brewing techniques from Trappist monks, its decor from seventeenth century France intertwined with upscale America (but without the accompanying tense feel), and its food from a variety of places that have all ultimately become considered American food. Everything about this place was consistent with my preferences: great food at a fair price, small crowd, unique beer, and conveniently near location. It’s nice when one stop can fulfill all your needs!

I said I wouldn’t mention the job itself that much, but I feel the need to touch on it briefly. I’ve only been in training for a few days but already I couldn’t be more pleased with the program. Everyone is accomodating and eagar to help, the format is organized and thorough, and most importantly I am enjoying the subject matter. Unfortunately I haven’t seen Mayhem yet, but I am confident our paths will cross soon. All things considered I enjoyed my stay and I’m hungry for more travels!