[prophecy_grrl]

polly - we've been with wamu for a little over a year and have been pretty happy with it. Of course, they just got bought out by Chase, so I don't know what that will be like in the future. Anecdotally, I've heard positive things about Chase and I do know that they have the most branches of any bank in the Chicago area (wamu was 2nd or 3rd, so now that they're combining, that's even more branches and ATMs). I don't know anything about Chase's account options, but wamu's free checking does not require direct deposit. Banks view paper checks as a liability - they have to wait for the check to clear and there's the possibility that it may bounce, whereas direct deposit is an EFT, so the money is there instantly. Our best banking experience ever has been with a credit union, though they tend to be inconvenient in terms of branches and ATMs, but if you or leboy have access to one and it's not a hassle to bank there, that would be my recommendation.

Haven't stopped by this thread in a while, so a belated thanks to turbo for hosting another lovely bustie gathering. It was great to see everyone!

[pollystyrene]

I need some Chicago Bustie advice- LeBoy and I want to switch banks. We are with LaSalle, which became Bank of America. I got a letter saying that in October, they're going to require a $750 daily minimum balance and they're going to charge me a maintenance fee for not having my paychecks set up on direct deposit (I'll have to check with my cousin/boss on the reason, but I don't think that's an option at my job)....anyway, it's f-ing ridiculous, I hate BoA. To make matters worse, our mortgage is/was through Countrywide and they're also being bought by BoA.

So, we are looking for a new bank and wondering if anyone could recommend one. My requirements are that they have lots of locations so there's one near our house and in between home and work for both of us (I can do the legwork on looking for that), they have a free checking program with no minimum balance and hopefully no fee for lack of direct deposit. Also, I'd like to hear that they haven't had any major fuck-ups with your money. And if there's any banks you wouldn't recommend, let me know!

I don't understand why they'd charge money for having to manually deposit your paycheck. If I were getting paid on a daily basis, I can see where that would get excessive. But I get 2, maybe 3 checks a month, and isn't that their job, to let me deposit my checks?

[turbojenn]

Excellent, polly!

Well, I had two blisters on my hands when I woke up yesterday (and a headache and bellyache), but this morning, I've got about 15 blisters - d'oh! Little buggers itch like crazy, too! Oh well, it was worth it. And now, I'm off to go do the North Shore Century ride (though I'm doing the metric ride - 62 miles). That should burn all of that nasty wheat out of my system!

[pollystyrene]

Oh, I actually think I have some of that in the fridge! I've only used it in stir frys though. I'll have to do chicken next time!

[humanist77]

I had a great time last night! Thanks for all the tasty grub, ladies!
Are your hands okay from the wheat, Turbo?
I took some to work today and everyone was in wuv with me : )

[turbojenn]

Polly, you will LOVE this marinade recipe - it comes from a bottle! hahaha! Its "Soy Vay Island Teryaki" - I get it at Whole Foods, but I've seen it at Dominick's too, as well as TJ's. Good stuff. Can't go wrong. Its really best when you let the chicken marinade for 8 hours, but in a pinch, an hour will do. Its really good stir fried with veggies over brown rice, too.

Thanks for coming over last night, everybustie! As usual, it was a wonderful evening, and I needed an evening of relaxing company! And it is SO fabulous to have Star back home!!!

[pollystyrene]

Ooo, free pie. Too bad I have to work

Yes, it was a delightful evening- Turbo, you wouldn't mind sharing the recipe for the chicken marinade? It was really good. It really reminded me of the marinade they put on the chicken at the Ginza Festival. The secret ingredient in that is actually Mogen David- who'da guessed?

[stargazer]

it was so great to see all of you yesterday!! those oreo balls were fantastic, humanist.

[kittenb]

Thanks Ladies! I had such a great time last night. The food was soooo good. Although I think I ate too many as my stomach was less than pleased today. Ah well, totally worth it.

So, is anyone free to join me on Wednesday morning for the Pushing Daisies Touch of Wonder Tour? There will be free pie!

[humanist77]

mmm these Oreo balls are turning out even better than I expected. The first batch is more like Oreo "lumps", but they're still friggin tasty! I took polly's suggestion in softening the cream cheese a little first, but that just made the mixture way too soft-so definitely leave the cream cheese cold. I highly suggest just consistently having around the house a mixture of Oreos and cream cheese. blended smoothly in a food processor. It's good to just eat with a spoon, like cookie dough. I promise I'm not eating from the batch with a spoon though

[turbojenn]

Mmmm....I remember your taco salad, star. It is gooooooooood. I'm so glad everyone will be able to make it! YAY! I was gonna grill up some chicken, star, so don't feel like you have to bring 2 things.

[stargazer]

prophecy, shindig is at 7pm.

[prophecy_grrl]

the guy and I will be there. did we settle on a time? we may be doubled booked that evening but our other plans will likely be after 9pm.

don't know what I'm bringing - maybe something sweet. I certainly can't compete with humanist's balls, though.

ETA: I see now that it was already clearly stated - 7pm - sorry for flakiness (mmm - makes me think of pastry)

[stargazer]

I'll text you kitten to help remind you!

humanist, just make sure to bring your balls!

i think i'm going to make a taco salad and bring some chicken. i'm stuck on chicken for some reason. ask crazyoldcatlady. i was having dreams in montreal about chicken. don't ask me why?

[humanist77]

herrrumph...I might not be getting to the party until after 8, as I guess my coworker wasn't able to switch shifts with me. Not sure if he decided not to do me a favor, or if he had a previous obligation, but I thought I had given him enough time to decide....anyway, I might still be able to get off earlier if there are no late appt's.

*crossing fingers*

at least there won't be anything stopping me from making Oreo balls.

*knock on wood*

[turbojenn]

(((((kitten))))) I hope we'll see you Friday - some soothing sangria would certainly help a frazzled brain.

No turbomann this time - he's decided to go play with his BFF in MI and go camping.

[kittenb]

Sorry. I have had a hard time pulling my shit together these days and keeping all of my plans straight.
Yes, I plan on coming on Friday as long as I remember it. It keeps slipping my mind. Please don't take it personaly. I think grad school adjustment is taking its toll on me.
I don't know what I am bringing.

[pollystyrene]

Can we get a headcount for Friday? I need to know how many bottles of wine.

I know it will be me & LeBoy, turbo (and turboman?), stargazer, prophecy (& guy?), humanist (& the boy?)...kitten, are you coming? No princess_dander, right? What about Jane? And I think Ava's in Texas. Sidecar will be in Wisconsin for Cheese Days. What about missladyj? She was there for your bon voyage; maybe she'll make it to the welcome home!

I guess with as many people as there are, I'll just get 2 bottles.

[turbojenn]

I'll be there! heh. No idea what I'm making yet...

I'm bummed at the moment that this farking rain won't stop! Our favorite band ever is headlining Celtic Fest in 1 hour, and while the rain is now slowing down...there's more on the way. Fuuuuuuck. No Great Big Sea for us. I'm consoling myself that they will be on the cruise ship again this winter, and I'll get to see them multiple times, and crush on the lead singer all I want.

So instead, I'm going to make BBQ pulled pork for dinner and roasted potatoes...

[stargazer]

there is a dessert called oreo balls? omg, humanist. make 'em. at least for the name alone.

who's coming to the shindig too??