Red Letter Haze

I’ve officially been a resident of Chicago, IL for a little over a week now. Finally. I made it. It wasn’t without a few hiccups along the way, mostly not being packed 2 days before the move and enlisting the help of my aunt and grandmother. Then there was the wonderful 9 hour journey that really should’ve only taken 7. Groan. Chris spent the better part of the week claiming to be recovering from post uhaul stress syndrome. 

Anyway, we’re finally settling in and the place is coming together nicely. Its a gorgeous condo in the South Loop a few blocks from everything basically. Unfortunately my USB cable for my camera decided to go missing after we started to unpack so no pictures to share yet. 

I’ve had 2 interviews since I got here. I’m still really hoping to get the one but I’d be excited if I got hired for either of them. I still have my fingers crossed that I get the job in Evanston even though its a bit far. 

The transition from long-distance relationship to living together has been much smoother than I anticipated. Both of us seem to be adapting well, and I know I’m happy and he seems to be too. I learned from the last time I lived with someone that communication is very important so its been something to work on but so much easier this time around. 

I still know very few people around here so I’m homesick for all my PA friends but I’m sure that will come with time. Chris takes me out with his friends but I usually feel awkward. I get the impression I’m intruding into their group. Fortunately, my old roommate Adam lives here and a few twitter friends do too, so that helps me feel less alone. 

And to wrap it all up, five things I’ve done/learned since I moved here:

1. I cannot cook lo mein noodles. EPIC FAIL on that one. I will be attempting to again though.
2. 1/2 mile is not that far to walk, UNLESS you are wearing flip flops. Then it feels eternal.
3. I am now licensed to drive in the state of IL. My car is in PA. I prefer the CTA anyway.
4. It really is windy here. This is not good for hair, unless you prefer the windblown look.
5. Life goes on without cable TV, except during hockey season. Other than that, I rarely miss it.  

I miss a few things about Pittsburgh (namely some food, friends, and of course the ability to watch the Pens kick the Flyers ass), but I noticed that there have been a higher ratio of days happy to days unhappy since I moved here. I don’t think thats a coincidence.