Adventures in Dating in Chicago

Hey,

So everyone is hitting me up on facebook, myspace, email, all confounded because they have no idea what to do as far as a date. In the previous blog, where you can skim here, I broke down the different types of dates, so that you don't try a first date activity on a romantic date. As I've also said, I live in Chicago, so some of my ideas will be Chicago based, but I will try to make them as universal as possible. With that, here are some of my ideas with the category it can fall into. If you try them, I'm pretty sure they'll succeed and get you serious cool points. 

The idea of a date is to let someone into your head a little. If you show them the basic dinner/movie combo, while it works, it's boring. We have all done the dinner/movie date. There are ways to tweak that idea a little, a lot and eliminate it entirely. Here are some suggestions:

Instead of going to dinner, why not learn to cook a meal together? Places like Parties that Cook have options that give couples a chance to cook a menu from appetizer to dessert. However, you should not do this as a first date, because you need to know the person is interested in cooking. Also, it can be a little pricey, but there are cheaper alternatives. They also offer singles events, so you might learn a few recipes, then find a date there to share it with. This kind of date is perfect for second or third dates, because it allows you to get to know the other person and the activity allows for many goofy awkward moments, giving you both things to laugh about later. Google "date night cooking class (your city)" to find plenty of options, some that just teach one part of a meal, or the whole thing. It'll depend on you and your budget. Some are free, some charge small fees for the materials. If you google "cooking class (your city)" you can find less expensive options.

After cooking a meal and sharing it, why not park your car (or take the bus/train) in a neighborhood like Lincoln Park or Oak Park and walk around. All those calories will make you feel stuffed, and walking will get that bloated feeling out of you. I recommend anywhere full of interesting shops, people and cafes. After walking around for a while, you can get a drink (whether it is coffee or a shot of Patron) at any place that looks interesting. Open yourself up...the possibilities are endless. 

For example, a city like NY, where parking is out of control, take the subway to the Lower East Side and try coffee at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, one of my favorite hangouts when I'm in town. There's always someone on the mic with spoken word, and it is full of various types of folk, the yuppie, the internet blogger, the student, the hippie, the weedhead, the 'ignit' spectator, the next Miguel Pinero. (if you don't know who that is, look him up here). 

Google "poetry cafe (your city)" to find a place near you that offers up poetry nights. You might go a step further and get on the microphone yourself...but I say go for it if you're brave. Don't do it just to impress your date, if its not genuine it'll more than likely backfire. This also can be done as an independent outing and even a first date if you know the other person likes poetry. However, do a little research and make sure the place is not so loud that you can't hear the other person if they say something. The last thing you want is to not talk to the person, especially on the first date.

Another good date idea is to take your date to a local museum, art exhibit, or aquarium. Chicago, and many other main cities have these. Chicago, and probably other cities, offers something called the CitiPass. The great thing about this CitiPass is that it is valid for nine days, offers admissions to five of the city's great tourist and museum attractions and is cheaper than trying to buy each ticket seperately. Read more about  and even buy the CitiPass here. This can be a two or three day date, and will allow you both to learn more about the culture of the city and while it is 59 dollars, it is less expensive than trying to pay for all those places individually. The Pass also has discounts and maps to restaurants, shopping and other locations that can allow you to see the city with fresh eyes. To add another level of fun, pretend as if you are tourists and don't know your way around. You can ask for directions and maybe even get recommendations to places you'd never have visited unless you asked. 

If you are looking for a more romantic idea, try taking a boat tour of the city of Chicago. Granted, some cities not on bodies of water are conducive to this idea, but in those cases, a train or city bus tour can work just as well. In the case of Chicago, check out Shoreline Sightseeing Cruises. These affordable boat tours of the city allow you to see Chicago in all its beauty, but also because of their docking at Navy Pier, allow you to enjoy the sights of that facility as well, including the perfect first kiss spot, on the famed Ferris Wheel. Shoreline offers sunset cruises, that also serve as a nice first kiss spot as well. They are one of many companies that dock at different sites within the city, so rest assured that there is no monopoly of the waters of Chicago. Wendella offers wine tastings in addition to their tours, and Chicagoline works with the Chicago History Museum for their background information on the buildings of Chicago. Prices can vary and depend on your budget, what you are looking for, and length of time on the boat. 

If laughter is your thing, try going to a comedy show. Not the standard open mic night at the around the way comedy club, but a real comedy show. For under $15 per ticket, you can check out a show at the Improv Olympic Theater that will leave you in stitches. While it isn't an ideal first date activity, it is one that they probably won't forget. I've been to see Felt twice, and both times, I was very happy, and for $5, able to enjoy drinks at any of the local pubs after my show without feeling the burn in my pockets. It is a refreshing outing, something to create a good conversation after, and something to do any day of the week. For shows like Felt, try to buy your tickets in advance or arrive early, because they will sell out. This theater is one of many, but others are available. Don't be afraid to use google, citysearch or any other online resource to find a place you like if improv isn't your thing. 

These are just some ideas to get the brain working and the mojo flowing! I have not been solicited by any of these companies to feature them in my blog, just using them as examples. Do not expect the "Ashley Robin" discount, because hey, there's isn't one. I just want love and life to happen naturally. Speaking of which, next week, I will be hosting an internet radio show from 7pm to 9pm (Central Time). Visit the link for the station here, then click "Listen Live" and be connected. I will try to blog as soon as I end the show, and will post the topic of what I'm talking about, as well as how to call in once I make up my mind as to what that topic will be and if I'll be asking for guests. As soon as I do, I'll post all that info here. I'm so excited to be back in the booth again! 

*Ashley Robin*

PS- Big ups to one of my good friends since childhood, and fellow blogger, Zack, for featuring my blog as his "Spotlight Blog Roller". His blog can be found here, read it, it's refreshing, funny and honest. I read it all the time. 

vote in 2008!

The Definition of the Types of Dates

Hey All,

Okay, now that I've done my civic duty to discuss the world events, back to the less serious things that I seem to talk about in this blog. I got an email a few days ago from a blog reader asking me about date ideas, because as we all know, there are many more things to do other than the old dinner/movie combination. So, I sat down with my pen and pad and started to think. Since there are so many different facets to dating, I've broken down my ideas into sections. Take from which section that fits your goal/aim with the person. Since I reside in Chicago, any examples I use to elaborate on them will be based on Chicago.  But before I give my date ideas, I figured I should use this blog to define the criteria in which I've classified them. The initials next to the type of date it is are those I will use in future reference.

First Date: FD

The first date is the date where you typically get to know someone. If you have not had a chance to get to know this person well enough to decide if you're attracted to them, then this date is the opportunity to do just that. Usually when I'm iffy about a person, I'll do the movie/dinner route, mainly because the movie is entertainment and having dinner after gives us something to talk about. However, while the movie/dinner, dinner/movie is very easy and can be fun, depending on both the movie and the company, it is the regular. Here are some of my suggestions to get to know someone at the introductory "I think I might like you but I'm not really sure yet" stage. Granted, there are different types of first dates, but these are specifically for those who maybe met their date through a friend and don't know them well.

Familiar Date: FAMD

Like first dates, but different in that the people know each other. Maybe they are friends, associates or work together. These dates can be just as awkward, if not more so than first dates, because if they go badly, unlike a date where the participants don't know each other, these two will be around each other again, because of their prior relationship. Unless they are friends and end it right there. (Which is not the desired result).

Second Date: SD

Obviously there was a first date and there was enough chemistry to warrant a second. Hopefully, there are feelings developing, but this date should want to amplify them. This date should be more casual than the first, but also allowing the people to connect on a deeper level.

Group Dates: GD

Not my personal favorite type of date, mainly because there are other people around, and if this is the first outing for anyone, there can be general awkwardness for everyone invovled. Bad group dates usually mean the people who know each other talk all through it, leaving the other two out of the conversation. If that happens, prepare for an excruciatingly boring evening.

Romantic Dates: RD

These are the dates you'd take if you want someone to make a move, such as taking things to the next step, physically. That may be a kiss or having sex, or anything in between. Usually occur somewhere between the third and the eighth date. I only say eighth because if the average couple goes on a date once a week, then after two months, if nothing physical has happened...it more than likely won't. If it's less than once a week, it DEFINITELY won't.

Short Term Relationship Dates: STRD

Dates for couples that are exclusive, but have not been together for more than a year. At that point in a relationship, there should still be some things you have not experienced, and memories are left to be created. There should be little to no problem in finding and creating passion, only just that there may be the feeling of being in a 'rut' because the people in the relationship feel as if their outings are the same things, over and over.

Long Term Relationship Dates: LTRD

Dates for couples that are exclusive, and have been together more than a year. Like most human connections, at this point love is in the equation or at least, a deep appreciation and respect. There may be problems in finding new ways to connect, and there may be ruts and other issues. The couple may or may not live together, creating a need for personal space. These dates should be a combination of romance, rekindling and reconnecting. If there are no problems, these dates are the chance for the couple to connect even further. 

Who is Sarah Palin?

Hey Everyone,

I'm deeply convinced that Barack Obama and Joe Biden have just won the 2008 Election. One of the reasons why, is on Friday, the day after Obama's speech in which he officially accepted the nomination to be the representative of the Democratic Party in the 2008 election for the Office of President of the United States of America, John McCain decided to name a woman pictured to the left as his vice presidential nominee. Her name is Sarah Palin, and she is the current Governor of Alaska. She is a staunch conservative, probably even more so than John McCain, and is said to be a maverick like McCain, and has taken on the oil companies and won. However, when examining her record, it is obvious she is not prepared to be Vice President, and if something were to befall a Senator McCain, become President. Some people are questioning the reasons why he chose the 44-year old Governor, whose experience is limited. Republicans argue that she has experience working as the Chairperson of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (which was only a one year term), and as Governor of Alaska, Mayor of Wasilla, Alaska and as a Council Member of Wasilla, Alaska. On paper, it sounds great, but when you break it down like I have, it means that the McCain/Palin campaign comes up short against an Obama/Biden ticket. 

Here's the breakdown:

Wasilla, Alaska is a town about an hour away from Anchorage, Alaska (the largest city in the entire state), and has a current population (according to the city website) of 6,715. 85% of that town is white, 5% Native American.  The entire town is about 12 miles big, and almost 1 mile of that is water. This is the very town that Governor Palin was elected mayor, twice, once in 1996 and again in 1999. Her political career actually started as a council member of this same town, and she came into that office in 1992, and served there until her first run for mayor in 1996. 

The entire state budget for Alaska is 5 million dollars, whereas the state budget of Illinois, Barack Obama's home state, is about 65 BILLION! Delaware, Joe Biden's home state, has a budget of 28 BILLION! So, even Delaware's budget is 5600 times bigger than that of Alaska. Now granted, the senate only gets a piece of that budget, and the governor oversees all of it, but it is reasonable to assume that the part of the budget going to Obama and Biden is significantly larger than that of Palin's entire budget. 

The other issue is the obvious idea behind McCain's choice...to appeal to the female conservative base, and those who want a woman on the ticket, specifically Hillary Clinton supporters. However, if you look at Palin's record, she is against abortion, even in cases of rape, incest or where the fetus could potenially harm the mother, and she is pro-gun rights. These are two staunch positions of the Republican party, and two areas that John McCain considers to be cornerstone positions of his "Pro-Life, Pro-Family" Republican Presidential ticket. Governor Sarah Palin is considered a strong nod to the social conservatives that are unsure about McCain. However, by adding her to his ticket, he can no longer make the argument about lack of experience that he has been saying for months, because despite Obama's lack of government tenure, 18 million plus people chose him over anyone else to lead the Democratic  Party as its Presidential nominee regardless of his time in the Senate, whereas Sarah Palin was not the result of a vote, but simply the choice of one man: John McCain. 

Another thing that seems to bother voters in my own research, is that Palin and McCain met only once before Friday's announcement, whereas Obama and Biden served together on the same Senate committee for years, and they also campaigned together for President, and again when Biden endorsed Obama. Palin and McCain barely know one another, unlike Obama and Biden, and while people do not expect candidates to be bosom buddies, but to at least know the location of the other's home...to be able to speak on the strength and witness of the person that they are campaigning with, and to be able to attest to their strengths and weaknesses.

A political commentator said that the Democrats had a great convention, and with this pick, they received an early Christmas present. We will find out in 66 days.

Fu*k Hillary and Bill Clinton!

Hey,

Saturday was a great and terrible day for me and I'll tell you why. My morning started off like any other weekend morning, hanging with my mom, playing with my babies (the two cats) and watching CNN while drinking my tea. (Constant Comment with plenty of Silk Very Vanilla Soymilk, honey and a dash of lemon). I had predicted early on, as soon as Biden's name was mentioned as a possibly Vice Presidential Candidate, that he would not only be vetted, but that he would be the man Barack picked. My dark horse pick (or my long shot pick) was New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, but I pretty much assumed it was Biden's time, partly in due to gut instinct and partly because of the fact that a guy like Biden, known for flapping his gums at reporters was very quiet. He's many things, but quiet is not one of them.

Later, before the official speech by Senator Obama to officially introduce Biden as his running mate, my best friend came over to hang out and talk about other things going on around us. However, partly into our conversation, the speech came on. While I felt it was a good speech, I felt that Obama should have been a bit more bulldogish in it, and by that, I mean aggressive in his stance that John McCain is the same as George W. Bush. He did a good job getting the crowd riled up, and was able to given Biden a warm welcome. Then Biden took the stage, and talked. He did not talk for as long as I thought he would, but he was very smart in his disccusion, and HE was the attack bulldog I've been waiting for Barack Obama to be. He was funny, eloquent, insightful, candid and real...and if you have followed Biden's Senate career like I have, you know that it was not an act...that's simply how he is. After being so relieved that the VP stakes are over (for Barack at least, I'm pretty sure McCain is going to pick Romney despite them not liking each other), my disappointment in mass media made my day terrible.

I have one question- When did it become Democratic procedure to "run things past the Clintons"? About half the analysts on CNN were saying "Barack should have vetted Hillary", "Barack doesn't do enough to help her pay down her campaign debt", "Barack should have picked Hillary", blah, blah, blah. I am so sick of hearing this woman's name in connection with both the Obama campaign and the Vice Presidential Nominee, I think I'm going to vomit. Now, I know I am an Obama supporter, through and through, but if the situation would have been reversed, you think they'd be telling Hillary to pick Obama? NO! You think Hillary would have vetted Obama? NO! HELL NO! 

Just so everyone knows, being 'vetted' simply means you have met with the committee helping the nominee pick a Vice Presidential candidate, as well as submit financial and medical documents, as well as interview with them. In this in-depth interview, it is said that potential candidates are thoroughly questioned about their stance on different matters like abortion, gun rights, clemency, racial disparity, etc. - I got about six emails asking me what "vetted" means, so I figured I'd clarify. 

In my short life, I've never heard this much ribble rabble about a candidate, who basically, couldn't cut it. I don't mean to be mean, or sound mean, I'm not, and as a woman I am very proud of her making it as far as she did, but realistically and objectively, this woman, while having a great place in American history is essentially a known liar. She lied about being under sniper fire, she lied about one of her campaign stories and she was known to exaggerate the truth. People say the media is preferential to Barack Obama, but all the gaffs that Hillary Clinton made and was not called out on, amazed me. 

Political commentators keep saying "Barack didn't do this for Hillary" and "Barack didn't do that for Hillary" but no one is mentioning the fact that neither Bill (who is pretty much on my shit list for his comments against Barack after it was clear he was going to be the presumptive nominee) or Hillary is doing any heavy campaigning for Barack. The commentators say that a good number of Hillary supporters are either going to vote for McCain, write Hillary in or abstain from the vote...and no one is asking why Hillary or Bill is not trying to actively do anything about that. One or two stumping speeches isn't enough! Every blog, article or write up about Hillary or Barack has a comment by someone saying "Well, she didn't win so I'm abstaining". That's shameful! Disgraceful! Terrible! Personally, I'm smart enough to not vote for John McCain...ever. Three words. Roe Versus Wade. McCain wants it gone. And while I'm not a believer in abortion for myself, I believe people have the right to choose what is done with their bodies and should be allowed to seek treatment openly and legally without having to risk their life. 

So, my question to these commentators is why all the focus on Hillary and Bill? This race isn't theirs, it's Barack's. So either stand with him or get the hell out of his way! Quit whining about campaign debt that YOU made, suck it up and do what's best for the nation! Barack will look out for you, but he cannot be expected to stop and consult with the Former First Lady every two seconds...he has other focuses, like I don't know... maybe, um... HIS CAMPAIGN!

So I have five words:

F**K Hillary AND Bill Clinton!

*Ashley Robin*

Who is Joe Biden?

Hi All,

This post is a bit of a departure from my tales of misadventures. I am a supporter of Barack Obama and his run for president. So I am very excited to see that he has selected Joe Biden. There was some speculation that he'd pick Evan Bayh, former Governor and now junior senator from the state of Indiana, current Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, current Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, New Mexico Governor Tim Richardson and even Senator Hillary Clinton of New York, his main rival in the Democratic Presidential Primary.As somewhat of a political nerd, I'm known for reading up on people and translating political lingo to my friends and family, I thought I'd answer the question that I'm bound to get, and that question is 

Who is Joe Biden?

Joe Biden is currently serving as a sixth-term senator from the tiny state of Delaware. Senators have a term of six years, so yeah, he's been in the Senate longer than I've been alive. He has been in the Senate since Barack has been ELEVEN years old. The guy has more Foreign Relations experience than anyone in the Senate. And, as a coincidence, he is the current Chairman of the Senate's Foreign Relations Committee. This committee is mainly responsible for giving aid to foreign countries, oversees the selection of nominees to the office of the Secretary of State position in the Executive Office Cabinet, and works to create legislation that determines how the U.S. handles matters relating to foreign countries (also known as foreign policy). Just to give you an example, they were directly involved, if not the mastermind behind the purchase of the land that would become the state of Alaska in 1867, as well as the creation of the United Nations in 1945. This committee is one of the most influential in the Senate, and if selected to be a member of this committee, it pretty much means you are the ish. (Just a note: Barack Obama serves on this committee along with Biden, and the two have worked together on legislative matters related to the aims of the committee.) It is a well known 'rumor' that Hillary Clinton tried to get on this committee when she came into the Senate, but the seat went to Barack Obama. 

In addition to being Chairman (or Top Dawg) of the Foreign Relations Committee, he's also Chairman of the Sub-Committee on Crime and Drugs, and Co-Chairman of the Caucus on International Narcotics Control. See, what most people don't realize is that the Senate is not just 100 people in a room squabbling about issues. Most senators serve on at least two committees. These Committees often are so big that they have sub-committees that serves as branches of the large group. Senior Senators who have served longer than the other Senator from their state, ones like Biden, have a pick of which committees they serve on due to seniority, (as a way of showing respect, it is not a rule). Obviously committees like Foreign Relations, Judiciary (which helps confirm prospective Supreme Court judges) and Finance (which deal with money that the government gives to programs like Medicare, Social Security, as well as dealing with the National Debt) are the most glamorous because they get plenty of press, but also because they are the most influential. So because Biden serves on these committees, and others, he's a pretty busy guy. 

Junior Senators, ones that don't have much time served in the Senate as the other Senator from their state, are either appointed to a committee or selected by members of a committee based on their strengths, popularity and/or record. These committee members meet and deal with new bills or ideas that affect their committee and often will present their findings to the Senate when a vote arises. This is why people think Senators do nothing, but in fact, they are constantly meeting with one another, lobbyists for or against a bill and talking to industries affected by their committee ruling. 

Biden has strong opinions, is not without controversy, but is intelligent, honest and straight-forward. If he's posed a question that he does not know the answer to, which is rare, he will say, "I don't know." He's candid, open and friendly. I had the opportunity to hear him speak at a Senate hearing in my ventures in DC, and he was prepped so hard for that topic, it was ridiculous. He had notes, cards, and knew his subject backwards and forwards. He also had studied the topic so well that it was obvious he'd figured out what questions might be asked, and researched the ways to answer them. While that could be attributed to a good staff, it is a good sign that whomever McCain picks as his running mate will have to be on their toes in order to face off against Biden in a debate. 

He's run for President three times, in 1988, in 2004 and again in 2008. If you watched any of the Democratic debates earlier this year, you can remember him being the one pretty much acknowledged by all the other candidates, including Mike Gravel, for being the go-to guy on Foreign Relations matters. He was in the news recently for going abroad to Georgia, on President George Bush's insistence, to assist in coming up with a solution to the Russian/Georgian conflict that has been splattered all over headlines. He's 65 years old, so he's got the age and experience that the conservatives look for, but he's also unafraid to speak his mind and go against the grain, which is perfect for Obama's message of 'Change In Washington'. 

He's also a fighter. Biden lost his first wife and child in a car accident not too long after he won his Senate seat for the first time, in 1972. His other two sons were injured, but were able to recover, and Biden would travel over an hour from his home in Delaware to Washington D.C., something he continues to do, even today.  He also suffered from two brain aneurysms back in 1988 that almost killed him but after 7 months of recovery, he was back and serving in the Senate. 

I don't know about you, but I think this campaign has just gotten even more interesting. 

I can't wait to see what happens next.

*Ashley Robin*

It's Nice to be Concise (At 4 in the Morning!)

Hey All,

Just wanted to post and say hi. Hi! Lol. I hope you guys like the new background, for all the male readers, I am crossing my fingers in that you don't think it's too girly...and my female readers, that you don't think it's too...mannish and dark. There's a orange bar that has the link to where I got it, so if you're looking to spruce your own blog up, feel free. Keep sending me the links to the blogs, I love reading what's in your minds...lets me know that I'm not completely crazy.

So, today's misadventure...wasn't really a misadventure. I know, I know...it's a FIRST. Long story short, I went out on a pseudo-date with a guy I've known for a while but never looked at like that...and it has been a while, that I can remember spending so much time laughing. I didn't realize I could laugh that long in that short a period. I'm still laughing at some of the stuff that happened..not just what happened, but the reactions to it as well.  Anyway, I'm not into calling things before they happen or breaking down all the details of the evening, but just know, I had a nice evening. I will try my hardest to share my misadventures along the way, and do not plan on losing any of my skepticism and cynicism toward the males, at least for now. And even though I don't get too many comments, I do appreciate all the emails I get, which are more than I'd ever expected to get with this venture. You can email all of them to ashleyrobin@mac.com, and I'll be sure to reply if you are asking for one. (Usually they are just thoughts and don't require a response). 

I am off to bed, and will talk more later.

Today's question: Can someone find the possibility of love in the most unexpected places? And can what your opinion of a person be THAT radically different from what they really are? (that question was inspired by something my mom said to me)

*Ashley Robin*

This Time Next Week/The Way Things Happen/Solo Explorations

I'll be school. Starting next week, I will be a senior in college. Last year of undergrad has finally arrived. Part of me is very conflicted, but the other part is relieved to be that much closer to law school. That's the goal, to go to law school. Everything I do now, in terms of my academics, is related to that. It is not a joke studying for this LSAT though, and I've decided to go on and admit that I need outside help. If I can't get into a class in time for the October test, I'll definitely get in one in time for the December test.  This cartoon is definitely on the money, as far as the time needed to study, it feels like 15 years! LOL...but in the meanwhile, I'll be getting everything together..just didn't realize there are so many fees involved! There's registration fees, LSDAS fees, application fees, document copy fees, transcript fees, and the list goes on and on. I just hope that I score high enough on the test to get into the law school of good financial aid programs (scholarship, anyone) and of my choosing. When I have more of a list of the schools I plan to apply to, I will share it, but now I'm just doing a lot of research into it.

So, a while ago, I was kind of discussing my lack of love life. All of a sudden, it seems as if I've got contenders in the ring showing interest to date me. It's weird how just when you start to think that the possibility of a love life is temporarily M.I.A., you find that you were wrong. And from the most unlikely people as well...people you figure either didn't notice you for one reason or another, or just didn't picture yourself with. By no means does that say I'm on the verge of finding my Mr. Robin, not at all, BUT there are guys who are interested in me and have made that interest known and that's what I wanted...just to feel..wanted. :-) Now, I do, so I feel like there's hope for the MisAdventures to actually become real adventures after all. I just hope that it doesn't cause me to have to change the blog or myself too much, because my misadventures are what keep people coming back to read and read. Even though hardly anyone comments, trust, I get plenty of emails in regards to this blog, so I know that someone out there (including you, Reader X) are currently enjoying reading about my goofy exploits and observations in love and life.

I've also happened to discover that there's some sort of a weird stigma about a woman doing things alone. I don't get that, maybe someone out there can make it clear to me. Just yesterday evening, I was telling a guy friend of mine, a friend who I know wants to be more than a friend,  about my desire to go to Great America before the summer is over, and I won't be able to enjoy any of the rides, especially the addition of a new roller coaster designed after the newest Batman movie, The Dark Knight.  For those of you not from the Chicagoland area, Great America is a nearby theme park full of roller coasters, water rides, etc, similar to Great Adventure or Disneyland, but with Bugs Bunny instead of Mickey Mouse. Well, lo and behold, he starts hemming and hawing, like he was assuming and therefore expecting me to just ask him to take me. Personally, I don't know if I can stand certain people that long, including him. He's kind of boring. But, before it even got to that, I cut him off by saying that I planned on going by myself. Do you know what this S.O.B. did? He LAUGHED. As if that was funny. For some reason, I was slightly pissed. Not only did this guy proceed to say that he thought it funny because women need someone to go with to such a "big place" but also that he'd never think I would actually do it, because I'm "too afraid to be alone". I was shocked, because while this guy is a friend, I realized he doesn't know me too well. 

So it begs the question: Are women really too chicken to do things alone? Or are they just afraid of what others will think?

I'm not. I haven't really delved too into my history before writing this blog, because lord know who reads it, but I spent almost 3 years living on my own in Washington D.C. I lived in the dorms of Howard University for a year, and then I moved out and got my own place for two years after. I worked a full-time job, went to school and socialized, all on my own. I had no escort from the train to my job or from the bus to my job or anywhere else I went. If I went to a club, (which I spent about 50% of my time there doing), I was going solo, sometimes to meet folks, sometimes not. When I was too drunk to even see straight, I called cabs. Hell, I even puked in the backseat of one. (I gave that guy a $40 tip on a $10 fare for that one). And when I went to Adams Morgan for late night pizza and beer, and was hit on by guys from American, Georgetown, George Washington and Catholic, I was solo. So, it kind of hurt my heart that this guy thought I was that dependent on company, specifically male company to escort me on my adventures of an outing. 

So, I've decided, as soon as my car is ready, I'm taking myself to Great America for the day. Alone. Even though now, it seems like there are plenty of guys willing to take me. How's that for irony?

*Ashley Robin*

The MisAdventures of a Cripple

Hey,

So as I mentioned a few entries back, specifically in the entry I named "The Weird Day" that I got into a car accident. You can read about that here. Anyway, resulting from the car accident, I find that I am not totally unharmed as I thought. I am known for getting into crazy incidents and surviving totally unharmed, and as such, earned the nickname "SuperWoman". Not this time. 

Can you believe that I, me, fractured my wrist in the course of the accident? Ever so slightly, but more than a hairline. It was discovered a few days after, and I didn't even want to blog about it because I'm a little depressed. No car, no rental (because my insurance company, specifically my agent is a total b**chass) and now, little use of my right hand. And yes, I'm right-handed. Upon going to the hospital, I was told my wrist was fractured and a cast was put on. However, I hated that thing and immediately had it taken off, as soon as I discussed the matter with my doctor. He gave me a bunch of ace bandages, a brace (which I'll never wear in public because it looks like a medieval torture device), and a prescription for vicodin (for extreme pain and even then I'm supposed to take half a pill) as well as tylenol 3. It's summertime, and I'm totally bummed out. The pic is me and my injury. I feel even sorrier for myself just looking at it.

Scrapping that, today's mis-adventure. Why the hell do I have so many crazy people in my life?! I've got a friend, who I love truly, but let's face it, the guy is one syllable away from being placed into a mental institution. If you think I'm elaborating or embellishing...I'm not. If you think I'm just messing with you, I'm not.  

Now, I think the guy is bipolar with a dash of manic depression and some paranoia thrown in for sh**s and giggles...but I'm no psychotherapist. This guy, my friend, says he goes to see a therapist, but I doubt it...because if this dude came into my practice, he'd be in a straitjacket. He goes from happy to sad in one second, recalls conversations and events that did not occur by any means, and forgets things that happened moments before. He'll deny he said or did something less than 5 minutes after he said it. I feel bad for the guy, he's been through enough in his life, but some in-patient therapy could seriously help him. I get scared because I think he's liable to off himself. He's talked about it before, no joke. The only reason why I haven't just totally thought he was going to do it is due to the fact that he has a job, has a career and lives his life, so he's just functionally insane. And while it's alarming to know someone who is functionally insane, it's fairly common in today's world. So, while today's entry isn't really funny, it's just me asking out loud:

What can I do to help this guy? Or is it even my responsibility?

Let me just say-to add some humor-washing your own ass with a brace on your wrist...is REALLY HARD! The nurse gave me these bag things that look like massive shower caps, and I just stick my arm into it, and it's like a shower cap for my brace, wrist and arm up to the elbow. Because one hand is encased in plastic, you are essentially washing your self with one hand, because the bagged hand just freaks me the hell out, reminds me of some porno-esque scene out of a B-movie horror film ...and forget washing your hair. It just takes wayy too long, even though my hair is short..I've got a huge head. The first time I used the ziploc baggie, I was in the shower about an hour. Used all the hot water and had to rinse myself off to the sounds of my own moaning and teeth chattering from the icy water that was left in the reservoir. Yesterday, I almost didn't want to shower because it was so awkward, but I finally broke down and asked my mom to help me. She obliged, of course, and even asked me if I needed help today, but it and this whole 'crippled' experience has made me realize that I really, really, really need a boyfriend. He'd wash my ass for me, no problem. Hell, even a good f**k buddy would! (I hope..)

*Ashley Robin*

Updates/Strange Evenings.

Hey,

So I've updated the blog to include some blogs that I regularly read. The writers are friends, so show your support! Also, if you want me to read your blog, or add it to the list, send me the link in an e-mail. I've also added a photo of myself, and this picture to the left is of me as well, since I have been asked to do that by the readers who don't know me personally. I'm debating on starting a photo album, just because I don't know if I want other people in my life "out there", but we'll see.

In other news, I had yet another odd outing. Now, I know the subject of this blog is my mis-adventures, so today's mis-adventure is based on dating. I met someone, be it an unconventional way, and we were supposed to go downtown. Well, I had a bunch of errands to run and whatnot, so I was pushing the rental car. Well, one of my errands was to get this tattoo of mine touched up, and the shop was in the burbs. So, I drove to pick up the guy, and then drove to the tattoo shop, figuring that we could talk in the meanwhile. Well, I'm no prude, but I believe if you ask someone to have a meal with you, you should be prepared to pay for said meal. Especially if you know the other person is unemployed. 

So, imagine my surprise when this dude wants a ride back to his house in my car, which is all out of my way, after not paying the bill at the dinner. Mind you, we weren't at some fancy place, we went to Schoops! The average tab of a person at Schoops, a midwestern burger joint, is $10! Yeah, I'm just lucky I had the money. I especially made it clear I was unemployed, while this guy works, and also made it clear I don't believe in paying for a meal that you were invited to. I paid my half, and took him home, and deleted his number out of my phone. If he calls, which I'm pretty sure he won't, I'll tell him not to call me again. Some could say I'm tripping, but let's not forget HE invited me out. HE wanted to eat. HE knew I was unemployed. HE knew I was broke. Bastard. So now I wonder, is chivalry dead? Or is it alive and well?

Thoughts?

*Ashley Robin*

The Things We Do For Love

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The Pale Truth

Hey,

Yes, another post again....all during my Saw marathon. I love horror films, and like I have promised, I am working on a post about my view of the horror genre, since I've seen pretty much every film from Carrie to Pumpkinhead to Nightmare on Elm Street to Terror Train to Halloween to Prom Night to The Living Dead. I'm a horror fan, and the Saw series is definitely at the top of the list. 

Anyway, before I get into that, I got an email from one of the readers of my blog, asking me my opinion of the "Beyonce" controversy. Okay, so ordinarily, I don't really get caught up in celebrity drama, mainly because their drama is doing nothing to help my broke ass, LOL, but I had no idea what the reader was talking about. So, like I hope anyone would do when they didn't know something, I got online and looked it up.  In my 'research', I found out that Beyonce has been signed as a model for L'Oreal products since 2001. Now, in 2001, Beyonce was not Beyonce, she was still a member of Destiny's Child and while they were big, they had yet to crossover to mainstream music audiences. Now, some people say that her signing with L'Oreal came later, in 2003, but I'm not sure. Either way, she wasn't the superstar that she is now.

So why the blog about it? Well, because in the new picture that people are saying has been altered to make her skin look lighter, her skin tone resembles mine. And I know from seeing Beyonce in person that her skin tone is nowhere near mine. So, I do believe it was altered, unless the day I saw her, as well as days afterward, she had one helluva tan! It's sad that in 2008, with a African-American man running for the highest office in the land, with so many interracial couples of the world and babies being adopted into homes regardless of race, that companies feel that they have to go to such extremes just in order for someone to purchase their products. I mean, I like the colors of the L'Oreal HiP line, and I even own some. I think it was a waste of time trying to edit her skin to make it look lighter..people know who she is, she's Beyonce! Everyone knows she's black, it's not some huge secret. It should be embraced, and not mocked. I wonder what people would be saying if they made her darker. Would people be as shocked, even more shocked or asking to boycott L'Oreal. Rev. Al Sharpton would probably be talking about the "Beyonce Blackface" ad campaign...I can almost see it now. 

This picture to the left is a 'montage' of the ads that Beyonce has done for L'Oreal, from the earliest to the latest, left to right. There is a noticeable difference in her skin tone, that is undeniable. It seems as if as time passed and her popularity boomed, the skin tone in the ads got lighter. I want to know your thoughts about this though. Either comment here or mail me ashleyrobin@mac.com, and let me know. Saw I is almost at its infamous climax, so I gotta go watch that. Also if you want me to blog about something specific, contact me that way too. 

Love, Peace and Chicken Grease,

*Ashley Robin*

What is in the Water?

Hey everybody,

So I've named this blog "What is in the Water?" because I look up and over the course of the weekend, three people have died. The fact that people die is normal, but so many people and so quickly...it's baffling. There's gotta be something in the water..something that is taking these men before their time...and it is very sad. Now, I'm in Chicago, so I knew of Bernie Mac before he became Bernie Mac, I'd seen some of his live performances at local clubs and heard about him from older friends. From that, and being in the City of Wind, I knew a lot of people were so happy that he'd become something, were proud of his accomplishments and his sense of humility was so strong that he'd go hang out in the projects, on the street corner, all that. He'd told someone in a store that he didn't need security because even though he was in movies, he'd still f**k a n***a up if they came at him wrong. Which of course sent everyone into laughter. Chicago is truly mourning this guy, their hometown hero, and someone who gave them the idea that if he could succeed, so could they. It's sad because he was a young man, since 50 is the new 30, and was in his prime. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family, friends and those who truly loved him. Not his movies, but the father, the son and the true individual that he was outside of the tv shows, movies and radio spots. 

Now Issac Hayes. Damn! I just found out he had passed a few minutes ago, in between playing with the cats and watching Saw on the SciFi Channel. I'm always sad to hear of the passing of a musician, especially one of Hayes' stature. At this time, there is no known cause of his death, but he was found by a treadmill in his home. I would venture a guess and say with his age, 65, in combination with maybe not so great health, he could have had a heart attack or stroke. I am not a doctor, but it's a guess. 

The two men knew each other and were friendly, and now have each other to spend time with in heaven. I truly hope that they are in a better place, keeping an eye on all of us down here on earth. My condolences to their families, loved ones, children and other kinfolk. It's a sad thing to lose a loved one...especially way before their time, as was the case in both of these gentlemen.

Soul Men, you will be missed. Rest in Peace.

Bernard Jeffrey McCullough aka "Bernie Mac" (October 5, 1957-August 9, 2008)

Isaac Lee Hayes Jr. (August 20, 1942-August 10, 2008)

Subscribe if you Wanna, If You Wanna...

Hey,

So I've received the 20th good comment about my blog. Thanks to everyone who reads and laughs, cries or just plain ol' feels sorry for me. LOL...if I read this and I wasn't me, I'd feel bad for me....because things are pretty sh**ty right about now...however, they'll get better. Just so everyone knows so I don't have to answer them over and over again, I've posted the 10 most asked questions I've received about this little venture of mine, and the answers I've given to them.

Why have you decided to blog now, with all this stuff you have going on in your life? Aren't you supposed to keep the personal things, well...personal?

A regular and sane person probably would keep things that happen in their life to themselves, however, if you have read my blogs or know me personally, you'd know that I am neither regular or sane. The honest truth is, I'm not doing it looking to get a million hits or anything like that, but I have all this stuff rolling around in my head and it drives me crazy not being able to somehow get it out of me. For me, writing this blog to "nobody and everybody" is a way for me to release it. I also like hearing what people have to say about my drama, sometimes another opinion helps me see things better. And, if I am able to help another person resolve their issues, which I have; read about it here, then it's a great thing and will make me feel less sorry for myself and less inclined to drink.

Does this stuff really happen to you, or are you just making it up?

I promise that every word that happens is true. I tell the events as they happen, and I try to not embellish too many things or change too many details, and if I did, it only is to protect the identities of those involved. Honestly, my life is crazy, chaotic and really random, that's why I named it the MisAdventures of Ashley Robin, not the Wonderful Happenstances of Ashley Robin. 

When are you gonna talk more about your childhood?

I had no idea people even wanted to know what I was like when I was a kid, but I'll slowly bring up my childhood, which was just as strange as my life now, if not stranger...

How often do you plan on posting entries? Is there a way to request you to talk about certain things?

Well, it's easy for me to post regularly now because I'm not as busy, but during the school year, I'll try to post at least 2x a week. They may not be super long, or they may expand into videos so that those who don't know me can finally see what I really look like! Leave me a comment if you want something in particular discussed, and as long as I have an intelligent and blogworthy view on the subject, I'll blog it.

How do you feel when someone writes something negative about you?

Honestly, there's so much negative crap going on right now, nothing some internet thug could say would rattle me too much. I'm sure as my life gets more positive, there will be the one hater in the midst, and they'll be free to hate, because honestly...it keeps me going!

So, do you have a boyfriend? If not, can I take you out?

Wait, you read all my psycho babble and weird issues and you're still attracted and interested in me? WOW...well, meet me at a local sushi bar and I'm all yours. Don't like sushi? Well, then I'm not game. Because the bottom line, if you're a lame, a psycho, a nerd, a stalker, a jealous ex or just dumb, at least I'll have gotten some good maki out of it. I can deal with anything if there's maki on the table.

What do you look like?

I'm me. Nameless to those who don't know me...and Ashley to those who do. Apparently a lot of people in Japan read my blog and are curious. For them, I'll post a picture of myself soon.

Are you going to try to parlay this blog-writing into a living?

I don't really know. I say that because if I was trying to, I'd be busting my ass to get more and more hits, have ads all over and whatnot...and that's not really the kind of blog I'm interested in having. I think if I had thousands of people reading this a day, and knew about it, the entries might become edited just because I'd know that the phrase "blogging to nobody and everybody" would become just blogging to everyone. And while I love people, some of my business has to stay just mine. Plus, since half the stuff takes place because I am seeking higher education, it might become a little boring if I just sat on my laptop all the time.

What kind of laptop are you using to blog?

I'm currently on a 15-inch Macbook Pro with Windows Vista loaded onto it as well. I like the interface of Mac OS better than Wndows, but let's face it, the world is Windows-based...for now. (You guys are seeing the beginnings of an evil plan forming...haha)

Any advice to someone looking to write a blog?

Well, I'm no Perez, getting a few hits a day does not make me an expert, but I'd say be yourself. It shouldn't matter if anyone reads it or not, because let's face it, everyone blogs, so they probably won't....but if you are 100% true to yourself, then at least you can have one fan. 

So those are the questions I've received and my answers. If you ask me any of these after my posting this, you will get a note or im with this link and a swift kick in the ass. 

That is all.

PS- Just so you know, I will be blogging more about things going on, I'm just getting my thoughts together about what I want to say. There is some physical damage with the accident, but I am okay, thanks to modern medicine. That's another entry though. Thanks for the concern. 

Live Life Like It's the Fourth Quarter and 90 seconds left in the game,

Ashley Robin