Hello Peoria!
I know I said the last post would be the final post on this blog, but I thought I'd put up an update here for the hell of it. I don't know how many people will see it, because the numbers are down because everyone thinks I've put this blog to rest, but what the hell, here's an update. I've only been in Peoria a week and already I've got an apartment, a car and a job. I'll post more about the car and a little about the blog on my new blog when that's up and running (probably sometime between mid November and the first week of December), but here's a few shots of my apartment. My stuff just got here yesterday and I'm starting to unpack and try to put this place together. It's a really nice little studio apartment on the north side of Peoria, here's a few shots of it. I may have another update or two before I start the new blog, so stay tuned and have a great weekend!
This is the back area of my new pad, my bed is behind the futon which has been imported from my New York apartment.
Here's the front area of the place, there's boxes and shit everywhere, I'm hoping to have it all put together in a week or two.
Many stacks of books and I still have about ten boxes to unpack.
More leaning towers of books. I think I'm going to have to invest in a couple of cheap-ass bookcases to put all these in.
Here's the kitchen area and yes, Virginia, there is an actual stove! I'm anxious to start cooking some creations on that. And of course I need to fill the refrigerator up with regular (Budweiser.)
This is the bathroom area and more boxes of books to unload. Although I do have to admit, it's easier unpacking than packing.
Obligatory bathroom mirror shot!
Huh, what's that in the shower?
Aaaahhhhhhhh!
Further Reading: Wikipedia, Peoria Journal Star and Peoria River Front.
Cardboard Box Man, Peoria, apartment Posted on Friday, October 26, 2012 at 12:10PM
Reader Comments (53)
Yay ! Marty lives !
Yeah! Marty is back! Get that blog goin and let's rock this joint!
Congrats on the job; make that bank, and then bring back Fishwrap!!
Hey Hey Marty! Glad to know you made it safe and sound! Now go fill that fridge !
Looking at a map - you could get a boat - and go to Chicago ! .... you'll wind up at the Loop !
Very cool! And nearby bars you can drop in, more or less often? Have one on me and put it on my tab ;)
@GENE: I'm aliiiiive!
@Professor Dungpie: I'm taking a road trip to Milwaukee this spring, get ready Motherfucker!
@JAZ: Thanks, I start on November 5th and while I don't blog about where I work, it's a night job and it's going to be a great schedule for blogging!
@RayRay: Thanks! All is well and the fridge will be filled tonight!
@GENE: Ha! A three hour tour! I think down the road, I'll take the train into Chicago after I start the new blog. That would be a fun adventure!
@Mykola Mick Dementiuk: Lots of bars here, I'll start reporting about them on my new blog. Cheers!
Glad things are moving along well! I can't quite tell, but looks like some nice "reading material" in the bathroom!
uh oh, does the town of peoria know that the dreaded cardboard box man has moved to the area? your apartment looks nice, cant wait to see it all finished. and congratulations on landing a job already!
Not to worry, Marty - those of us who follow you on FaceBook saw this new post and rejoiced!
Hey Prof. Dungpie, where in Milwaukee are you from? I grew up on the sout' side myself, hey?
Huh! I never knew Peoria was on a river. I like that bridge. And I also like your new place! Clean carpet, nice bathroom (although it's going to be pretty, pretty, pretty hard to tear down THAT shower curtain), "blank canvas" walls, and a full kitchen, to boot! I can't wait to see what wonderful gastronomic creations you come up with! And the best part of it all? INSULATION!!! What will you do with a shiverless winter? I guess we'll see!! Congrats on the move and the job. Talk with you soon.
Make sure you post some pics of your new (old) hot rod Marty, the last car I owned was an '89 Plymouth Fury used police interceptor. Went like a bat out of hell when I could get it to start...
@Spike: The reading material is Rolling Stone with Taylor Swift on the cover. The internet pretty much killed printed porn for me, but now as I write this, I kind of miss it!
@Bobby D: Nobody knows the terror that followed me here...yet! Thanks for the good wishes on the job, I think it's going to be exactly what I want, I start November 5th.
@Katrink: Good to hear from you, I think we should all meet Professor Dungpie in the spring, are you in?
@Bifferoonie: I hear you about the shower curtain! Maybe my bathroom jinx will be lifted now that I've moved! Let's condiment soon!
@Jaws: I'll definitely post some pictures when I start my new blog, I'll be able to take road trips and blog about them, looking forward to that!
I think I am going to be helping out at the bar the the Halloweeen Party tonight, definately working on Sunday afternoon. I think you're in my end of town, couple of good bars on Willow Knolls.
This is wonderful news Marty. I'm really happy for you. I'll have to send you some recipes I know now that you have a proper stove.
Looks great Marty. No more lofted night terrors.
Good for you! Congratulations. Looks like a pretty decent pad. Hope you're liking the job.
@MikeyC: Send me an email, I'm still settling in and waiting for my Social Security card in the mail so I can get a driver's license. I am on Willow Knolls Road, are we neighbors?
@Jason: Thanks and please send the recipes, I'll do a blog on it!
@csp: Thanks, yep, no more falling off the ladder. From here on in, I'm only falling off of wagons.
@BabyDave: Thank you! I haven't started the job, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to like it, it's not in the awful pre-press world!
Dam Marty, You have a real kitchen. How about Top Chef, Peoria? I got an Idea, go to a local bar, find a girl, any girl. Ask her if she cooks, if she says yes, drag her back home & make her cook up her special dish, only like the TV show chopped you give her the secret ingredient, Budweiser. She has to make a great meal with Budweiser as the secret season. Have a great time in your New, er Old home, D.
@dannythefreelancer: Ha ha ha! Great idea, once I get my license and I'm mobile, I'll give it a try! Thanks for the nice wishes, everything's going great so far! Come and visit some time!
They opened in Peoria
Wishing you great stuff of adventure in Peoria. Thanks so much for being a sharing story guy. If the stove isn't working all the time, I learned they were opening a Chick-fil-A very near in Peoria, IL. Apparently, very good Chicken. It would be great to have you blog it. All the best trips, Marty.
@Bruce in Windsor: Thanks for the nice wishes! I doubt I'll be stopping at Chick-fil-A, it's a chain and I prefer to spend money in locally owned businesses. I know it's a franchise and probably has a local person running it, but it's still a corporate chain and I don't like to spend money in those places, most of them are run by evil people. But thanks for chiming in!
I see your copy of "Balsamic Dreams". Good book, rather humorous account of trying to figure out how the Hippie/Woodstock generation lost its way and ended up working at Crate and Barrel or Linen n Things,,,kind of like what's happening not only in NY but everywhere.
@Al: Too cool you noticed the Joe Queenan book! He's a great writer and I interviewed him for fishwrap. Speaking of fishwrap interviews, I found a box of cassettes with interviews from Joe Queenan, Jane Pratt, Legs McNeil and more. I found a way to turn cassettes into MP3's, so I'll be posting them on my upcoming blog.
GO Marty! Our Frankenstorm will not be the same without you.
Hey Marty,
Great to hear that you already found a job! Best of luck to you!!
Marty!!!!
After weeks of 12hr ass days it was soooo great to see you up and running!!!! wow!!! a job car apartment!!!! WOW!!! it's ... its... it's like NY in the 70's!!!!!!
can't wait for more!
@Grade A Karen: I'm sorry to be missing out on the Frankenstorm, please go to McSorley's afterwards and have about 12 for me!
@Peter: Thanks! I start the job Nov. 5th and I think I'm really going to like it!
@co: Thanks for the good wishes and you know what? It is kind of like New York in the '70s here! Stay tuned for more!
One of your best bathroom shots :) That tiny kitchen must seem downright HUGE to you after NYC.
Box Man seems somehow more relaxed and pleasant ... must be that Mid-Western air ... it's taking some of the stabby-murderer out of him.
You timed this right Daddio, with that big ass storm ripping up the East Coast!
Congrats on the new digs!
A Stove! AND a larger 'Refridgideezer!'
Not to mention no shower curtains to be 'falling down'.
Wheels and a job!
Looking forward to the new blog. This one was fun.
What are the odds on you become Peoria's own 'Chillmaster'?
Good talking to you the other evening.
Why do I get the feeling that the Good Witch of High Colesterol Sausage Heaven may be haunting you this Halloween and Christmas?
Old joke ; So, what's Peoria like?
Like Springfield, but with a big fuckin' bridge.
And I'll bet it's tough being in the land of milk-fed female pulchritude........ahhh, the fair maidens of the Midwest........LUCKY boy!!
How long did it take your lungs to adjust? You almost look........???.........cleaner..........pure-er..........are yoiu SURE you're drinkin' enough?
Enjoy the MANSION !
It ALL looks good on 'ya! Sip Ahoy!
@"Boris": I'll try and live up to the Chillmaster's rep here in Peoria! Good talking with you the other night, Daddio, looking forward to a Pontiac road trip once I get a driver's license! Scout out a good place to meet!
@DrBOP: Ha ha ha! Good Peoria joke, I've never heard that one! I'm feeling good and drinking plenty! It's weird, it kind of feels like I never left here...I was in New York for 19 years, right? SIP AHOY!
If you look at a NJ map, Belford/Middletown is the town that will be hit directly by Sandy, which is my hometown, YIKES! Evacuations have be ordered. You better make room for me in Peoria cause I'll be there very, very soon. Just open the kegs of the beer, guzzle guzzle guzzle...
Glad to see you're settling in. Good luck with new adventures!
Woooooo Hooooo, Marty!! Welcome home!!
Thank you for posting this update and you better let me know the URL for the new blog as soon as it's up and running. I am so happy things are already going so well for you!
XOXOXO
Awesome. But dude, you got an apartment and a job and all we got was this lousy hurricane.
@Mykola Mick Dementiuk: I’ve put in an extra supply of booze for yous, come on down!
@onemorefoldedsunset: Thanks! So far all has gone great, I think I made the right decision in moving back.
@Meleah: Thanks and you will definitely know when the new blog goes up, I’m guessing it’ll be the first week of December.
@Fat Al: Stay safe and I hope you don't lose power!
I am glad you're back in town, Marty! Not sure exactly where you are on Willow Knolls, but you can't be far from us...we're in Idylbrook. Would love to imbibe with you soon at one of the nearby local joints...we could both limp home if we stay close. K of C Club is my favorite nearby bar. You'd know lots of folks there, too. It's a regular hangout for aging Catholics about our age. Wednesday and Thursday are the best nites there. Just send me an email when you're ready. I'll drive.
@Kitty Ryan: Good to hear from you! Let's definitely get together soon, I'll send you an email tonight!
do you live at 1313 Mockingbird lane
@tehennessey: That's the place, stop by for some Munster cheese!
I came over to check how you did in the storm, guess I got behind a bit! Glad you're somewhere safe though and hopefully everyone back in NY is hanging in dealing with the crazy storm. If it wasn't for your blogs I'm not sure when I would have made it to NYC, so for that I thank you. It's been fun learning about the city and the amazing people in it through your blogs. Look forward to your next adventure, even if my visits tend to have too much time in between them. Wish you all the best Marty!
@kari: I'm safe and dry in the midwest. I'm hoping everyone in NYC is doing fine and that all my friends are safe. Thanks for the good wishes kari and the new blogging adventures will begin in December, stay tuned!
I apologize as I have been traveling extensively, a few weeks ago I was in DC, then California, then back to Vegas, but I am so happy to see that you have setted in so beautifully in Peoria.
Wow Marty! Congratulations on the new place and may I please say that it looks much bigger than your apartment in NYC and you have a full kitchen and everything, nice sized living room. Sweet! Love the BBQ grills!
Also I am so thrilled that you have found a new job already....whew that was fast! Way to go!! I am so very happy for you and I am looking forward to hearing more about your job and new car as well.
@Tiki Bar Susie: I made it out of New York in the nick of time. I'm hoping all my friends are safe and that power returns there soon. Thanks for the good wishes and let's talk soon!
You are driving a car now? Where do I turn in my license?;)!
@Marco: That's right, I'm on the road again, run and hide!
good luck marty,
i will think of you whenever i hear turk murphy sing about peoria -- maybe even more often.
@chills: Thanks, I appreciate that! I'm going to check out your blog now!
Cool, a stove! Its always a good thing to have an alternative way to ice yourself should you not be able to get your hands on any phenobarbitals,if need be.