Growing up, I never thought I'd be living in Chicago. Like most people living in "Chicagoland", but outside the city, it just seemed too big, too much somehow, to actually live there. It was fun to visit, sure. Cubs games, museums, trips on the South Shore to eat at the Walnut Room at Marshall Field's. But to live there?? Not a chance.
In my twenties I had more opportunities to visit the city and found it wasn't really that bad after all. Culturally speaking, there were so many things to do and see that it seemed overwhelming at times. And I was able to view the city in sections, which helped make it more managable to comprehend.
When I reconnected with an old friend a couple years ago, he helped me see a side of Chicago that only residents of the City can see. The guidebooks only scratch the surface at just how many things there are to do and see here. I remember trying to cram a million things into one day in the city. I still revert to that mindset sometimes, but then I realize, I live here. I don't have to do everything all at once.
I ended up marrying that old friend and love him dearly. I can't imagine my life without him. And together we have moved to Chicago to start our life together. It was a bit scary at first thinking about leaving the only town I've ever lived in; leaving a job I'd been at for 12 years; leaving good friends and trying to make new ones. What's not scary is knowing the love of a good man who will help me make the transition and trusting in God that he will place me where I'm needed, both professionally and personally.
This blog will not only be about things I do and see in the City, but also trials, lessons learned, and thoughts about living here. I hope you enjoy it.
