[Panic Attack] or My First Medill Post

I start journalism school next week as many of you who read this blog know. I've drained all meaning out of the word "excited" because, although I'm technically supposed to be some sort of wordsmith, I have a very hard time explaining how incredibly excited I am to take my life and passions to the next level. I felt like I was in suspended animation (another phrase I constantly repeated to anyone who asked) waiting for the day I left my job so I could start classes at Northwestern. Now that the day I've been so antsy about is mere days away, I am freaking the eff out.

My train of thought?

Oh-my-god-who-told-me-I-was-a-good-writer-why-would-they-lie-like-that-oh-my-god-I'm-going-to-be-in-debt-for-the-rest-of-my-natural-life-I'm-going-into-journalism-oh-my-god-there's-no-money-in-that-I-have-no-money-now-oh-my-god-everyone-but-me-seems-to-be-prepared-for-this-they've-already-bought-the-software-we-need-I-don't-have-any-money-for-any-of-that-I-barely-have-enough-left-in-my-savings-for-this-month's-rent-what-if-financial-aid-just-barely-covers-school-fees-and-I-have-to-take-out-another-loan-just-to-get-by-oh-my-god-I-think-I-forgot-how-to-write-what-if-I've-been-wrong-for-the-past 14-years-maybe-I'm-not-supposed-to-be-a-journalist-what-if-I-suck-oh-my-god-oh-my-god-oh-my-god [mental flatline]

So, the rest of this weekend will be devoted to me creating the kind of mental preparedness and physical comfort I need to even approach getting over this panic attack. Meaning, I'll be cleaning my apartment (because when I'm freaking the eff out, messes just make me feel more ill at ease), creating To-Do lists (because I love making lists and crossing things off said lists means I'm doing something right), planning and mapping my daily schedule so I won't feel completely lost when I'm on campus, and doing Lamaze-style breathing to keep myself afloat and from throwing myself into a full out fit.

So far I've gotten my class schedule...

2009 Winter Schedule Class Schedule JOUR 400-1-20 LEC (32661) WeThFr 9:00AM - 10:30AM Fisk Hall 311 JOUR 400-1-60 LAB (33945) Tu 6:00PM - 9:00PM Fisk Hall 306 WeThFr 10:30AM - 5:00PM Fisk Hall 306 JOUR 400-2-22 LEC (32666) Tu 1:00PM - 4:00PM Fisk Hall 308 JOUR 400-3-20 LEC (32631) Mo 9:00AM - 12:00PM Fisk Hall 311 JOUR 401-0-20 LEC (32668) Mo 1:00PM - 4:00PM Fisk Hall 311

Oh-my-god-they-weren't-kidding-this-IS-like-journalism-boot-camp-oh-my-god-am-I-ever-going-to-see-my-boyfriend-and-friends-again?

...I've applied for Medill Business Cards, called my parents about Immunization records, and uploaded a bio and picture for Medill Winter 2009 MSJ's Face Book called "Who's Who"...

During her undergraduate years at the University of Chicago, Anthonia discovered her love for journalism as a writer for the Chicago Weekly. Soon after becoming the Weekly's managing editor her third year, Anthonia helped transform the paper from unfocused student life articles to an arts and entertainment publication focusing on the often overlooked South Side of Chicago. After interning for the Urban Flavor and UR Chicago (and currently freelancing for Venus Zine and Honey Mag online), Anthonia hopes to explore other mediums and topics outside of lifestyle and entertainment reporting.

Oh-my-god-I-look-hideous-the-picture-is-too-dark-everyone-else-looks-better-oh-my-god-I-went-over-the-word-limit-my-bio-is-longer-than-everyone's-oh-my-god-I-look-like-I-think-my-experience-is-better-than-theirs-ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Ahem. I really hope this hyperventilating voice inside my head won't be following me around for the next year.

See What Develops

I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays! My boyfriend and I returned to a very wet and warm Chicago late last night after spending a few days with his family in Absolute Delight, a cabin in Maryland. I always love spending time with Derek's family and enjoy sharing in their love of storytelling and tradition.

Now that we're back in our apartment, we've settled into our routines: me sprawled out on the sofa, checking out my favorite blogs and sites; Derek at our desk, turning around every so often to update me about something ridiculous (i.e. a website where you can download free B movies like "JC," a tale of teenaged Jesus Christ reincarnate who rebels against his extreme Southern Baptist father and leads an LSD fueled pilgrimage out west); NPR streaming from his laptop. I've jumped from one emotional extreme to the next these past two weeks, so it's nice to have things moving at a familiar and happy medium.

Speaking of familiar and happy mediums, Polaroids are making a comeback despite the company's decision to discontinue the technology beloved by model casters, party photographers, and hipsters alike. A program called Poladroid takes JPEG images from online or from your digital camera and creates the iconic high contrast images surrounded by a white box. PC users can now download the program, and below you'll find some of my pictures from the past two weeks.

Lights on the Plaza in Kansas City, MO.

Little brothers, Ladi (19) and Tunde (13).

Stockings! (I forgot to bring one for myself so Derek and I made do with a pair of my thick winter stockings.)

Derek learning how to knit.

Cousin Tim with the cutest puppy ever, Nora. I want a puppy.

Squeal! Little Gracie snuggling on the floor with the puppy.

Procrastination before my Vacation

I'm going back home to Kansas City today from December 14 - 23. I haven't been home in awhile, so I'm pretty excited to see my parents, younger brothers, and my two good friends (along with the satellite friends from high school who are fun to catch up with). This weekend has been amazing: my boyfriend walked in his graduation ceremony and we celebrated the momentous occasion with great food, laughs, toasts, tears, and drinks. I'll put pictures of that up on a later date; I really should start packing.


I <3 Dresses from katie sokoler on Vimeo.

(This random video sums up my feelings about dresses. I wish I had that many...)

Good Morning

My boyfriend is graduating from the University of Chicago tomorrow afternoon. I'm beyond proud of him, considering the extreme circumstances he had to overcome to reach this day. What once seemed distant and unattainable is well within his grasp and I'm pretty sure I'm going to be the happiest significant other at Rockefeller Chapel tomorrow.

Congraduations Derek from Me and Kanye West:



(Pst: I'll make sure you get there on time and that the Delorian will start)

It Starts

Holiday sales and complimentary drinks to celebrate the season!

Pay Pal

(photo credit: New York Times, Tim Boyle/Getty Images)

Corruption in Chicago politics is as much a part of the city's history as the Great Chicago Fire or the remnants of stockyards in the Southwest side. But today the inside joke has made national headlines: Governor Rod Blagojevich has been arrested on federal corruption charges for planning to sell now President-elect Obama's senator seat to the highest bidder. The Governor had been under investigation prior to his arrest for his relationship with political fundraiser Tony Rezco.

Many are pushing for his resignation. I'm just processing all of this myself, but here are links to articles about the scandal in the Chicago Tribune and the New York Times. The entire front page of the Tribune is devoted to coverage as it breaks.

Holiday Gift Guide #2

I Am Chicago's second holiday gift guide is dedicated to mothers. I feel as though whether the mom on your gift list is a new mother or an empty nester, comfort is key when considering what gift to buy.





This large patterned cape from Urban Outfitters screams stylish comfort. Mom can wrap it over her shoulders and enjoy a cup of tea during her downtime or use it as a layering piece during these cooler months. It'll up your mom's cool quotient too if you tell her its from Urban Outfitters.



Patterned Cape, $24.99, Urban Outfitters.








Nothing is more relaxing then luxuriating in a tub after a long day. Get rid of the Walgreen's brand body soap and treat your mom to the good stuff: Fresh's triple milled pure vegetable soaps. The oval bars are packed with moisturizing shea butter (which is definitely necessary during the winter to keep sky from drying out from harsh weather) and smell delicious. Each is wrapped in lovely Chinoiserie paper and comes in a reusable box.

Oval Soap Trio II, $42, Fresh.







Who doesn't love cashmere? Treat your mom to a nice cashmere blend that will accentuate any outfit or act as a very fancy scarf.


Refined Silk-Cashmere Wrap, $75, J Crew








My mom works at a nursing home in Kansas City, MO. While I was driving her to work one day, she looked down at her hands and exclaimed, "My hands look like that of a farmer's wife!" She immediately reached into her work bag for lotion and worked it into her hands. To keep mom's hands from "farmer's wife" territory, get her this enriched hand cream made with rosewater and glycerin. An added bonus for environmentally conscious moms? The cream is free of animal byproducts and wasn't tested on any creatures, either. And it diminishes the appearance of sun damage. What's not to love?

Dr. Hunter Hand Creme, $12, Caswell-Masey

It's A Good Thing I'm Going to Journalism School

See how you fare with the New York Times "After the Deadline" Quiz.

Michelle O

(photo credit: WWD, Christian Lacroix sketch for Michelle Obama)

The fashion world has been abuzz thanks to the promise of a fashion-forward First Lady in the White House. Michelle Obama has already been compared to Our Lady Jackie O and top designers are clamoring for a chance to dress her. The Fashion Bomb just posted an entry on WWD's (Women's Wear Daily) collection of designers' sketches for Michelle's Inaugural gown. The slideshow contains a who's who of designers like Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, Karl Lagerfeld, and Diane von Furstenburg. Whatever she decides, I'm sure she'll look gorgeous.

Should Just Remember This...

Sia's performance of her single "Soon We'll Be Found" from her latest album "Some People Have Real Problems" was posted on Kanye West blog this morning. Her voice is so rich and mournful: I immediately felt a lump in my throat and tears sprang to my eyes. Music has a way of translating exactly how one feels without the messy business of actually articulating oneself. I should just play songs to explain myself.

Come along it is the break of day
Surely now, you'll have some things to say
It's not the time for telling tales on me

So come along, it wont be long
'Til we return happy
Shut your eyes, there are no lies
In this world we call sleep
Let's desert this day of hurt
Tomorrow we'll be free

Let's not fight I'm tired can't we just sleep tonight
Don't Turn away it's just there's nothing left here to say
Turn around I know we're lost but soon we'll be found

Well it's been rough but we'll be just fine
Work it out yeah we'll survive
You mustn't let a few bad times dictate

So come along, it wont be long
'Til we return happy
Shut your eyes, there are no lies
In this world we call sleep
Let's desert this day of work
Tomorrow we'll be free

Let's not fight I'm tired can't we just sleep tonight
Don't turn away it's just there's nothing left here to say
Turn around I know we're lost but soon we'll be found

Holiday Gift Guide

Many of my favorite blogs and websites offer holiday gift guides for their readers. One of the things I've noticed recently about these guides is that in today's economic they either range from the wildly expensive ("Dahling, what recession," sniffs Neiman Marcus) to the just plain, old bad (I hope no one gifts me a paper bag vase). With this in mind, I present to you a new series: I Am Chicago's Holiday Gift Guide '08.

Gift Guide #1: For Dad


AMC's hit drama Mad Men continues to win fans with its riveting depiction of American life during the early 60s. Critics and fans alike swoon over the attention to detail and gripping plot lines (not to mention Jon Hamm's portrayal of handsome yet distant ad man Don Draper) Get your father hooked on the series with Season One on DVD.




Mad Men, Season One, $27.49, Amazon.com




The iPod has become synonymous with the MP3 player since its launch in 2001. The wee iPod Shuffle doesn't pack as big of a punch as the Nano or Classic versions, but at $49 and with space for up to 500 songs it should be more than enough to keep your music loving pops happy on the treadmill, while mowing, or reading the paper. You can also engrave a special message for free when you order on Apple.com. The user friendly iPod and iTunes interface will also make any tech weary dad feel like a pro--and keep you from having to play IT guru over the phone.


iPod Shuffle (comes in 5 colors), $49, Apple.com




If your dad is anything like mine, his record collection is a thing worthy of awe. Vinyl collecting dust in stacks or haphazardly stacked away for a rainy day have been forgotten by the continuing wave of new technology, but ol' dad still remembers them fondly. Help him make the transition to today with this USB Vinyl Archiver from Fred Flare. The EZ Vinyl Converter automatically uploads songs to your iTunes library, which he can then transfer to his iPod. Dad will thank you for bringing back the music of his youth, and Mom will be happy those records won't be taking up any more space in the garage.

USB vinyl archiver, $129 (originally $150), Fredflare.com

Double Team

The Obamas will grace the covers of the January 2009 edition of Essence Magazine.

Cyber Monday, Party Wednesday

(image courtesy of SHE Boutique: for more information on pieces click here)

High end shopping has taken a hit as Americans reevaluate their shopping habits, but the ladies behind SHE boutique (an acronym for "She Has Everything") aren't batting a mascaraed eyelash. The shop continues to offer brand name designer threads to women at their Lincoln Park (1024 W. Armitage) and Highland Park (483 Central) locations. To help the fashion, yet budget conscious of us, SHE boutique has a promotional sale going on their website in honor of Cyber Monday—the biggest online shopping day of the year. Just type cybermonday on the coupon code field when it's time to check out and enjoy 50% off your selection.

SHE is also putting together a winter fashion show in conjunction with GenArt this Wednesday. With today's first big snow in Chicago, Chicagoans will definitely be looking for inspiration to stay fierce while beleaguered in layers. The event will take place at Vertigo Sky Lounge at Dana Hotel (600 N. State), a new bar that has the Gold Coast buzzing. With savings today and partying Wednesday, SHE has you covered—just remember to RSVP for the party today at rsvpchicago@genart.org.

The Three Cs

The Midwest and the Cinema with a capital C are very rarely said in the same sentence. Cinema and Culture has been claimed by the coasts for years, but another C word has claimed the nation's attention: Chicago. With the nation's eyes trained on the Second City as President-Elect Obama shapes our future from here, Chicago's cultural wealth is finally being acknowledged by the masses.

For those of us that didn't need an Obama presidency to know what a vibrant city Chicago is, the Midwest Independent Film Festival continues to be a cultural boon. Their first Tuesday screenings at the Landscape Century Cinema Theatre remains high on the must-do lists of newspapers and lifestyle websites like Going. Tomorrow the Midwest Independent Film Festival will host their first fundraising gala: the 2008 Best of the Midwest Awards, a ceremony to "recognize the premier films and filmmakers" screened during this year's first Tuesday film festival screenings.

Taking place at Rockit Bar and Grill (22 W. Hubbard) from 6-9, the night promises to excite. Limited tickets are still available and with delicious appetizers provided by Rockit, a cocktail reception hosted by Effen Vodka and Corona, and all proceeds going towards the nonprofit organization's 2009 budget, $50 sounds like a steal. Buy tickets here.