Two years ago this July, I moved to Chicago with a job offer in a hand, a friend who talked her family into letting me leave my U-Haul trailer in their driveway, and another friend who let me crash at her apartment in Hyde Park. I had served with AmeriCorps for two years, earning a living wage and doing intense work that was emotionally straining, but incredibly rewarding. In Chicago, the opportunity to make about 3 times the amount I was making with AmeriCorps awaited me, as well as an entire city to explore and discover. I’ve grown professionally and personally, making great friendships with co-workers and colleagues, and of course learning that just because there is more money in the check on Friday, things aren’t exactly easier to manage.
But here I am, two years later, thinking it is time to break from the path and start something new. I’ll be staying in Chicago, but that is about the only constant in my life right now. Alexis brought to my attention that she learned from Sex In The City that people are always looking for three things: a new apartment, a new job, and a new romantic interest, and never does a person find all three at once. Apparently, I’m an anomaly (and of course, an inspiration). Maybe I should be watching shows like Sex In The City so I can learn to avoid this trifecta of stress.
I am excited though – excited for the new challenge that awaits and the possibility of future cookouts in my backyard. This whole having a girlfriend thing is going great, regardless of how long it took me to get around to it. Now I just need some help moving… if you help move, you get invited to the huge April 20th shindig… and I’ll probably cover pizza and a round of drinks Saturday or Sunday night. Let me know when I can expect to see you…
