This weekend Chicago and I are celebrating our four year anniversary.
I can’t believe it’s only been four years. It feels like I’ve been here for ten, but on the other hand it also feels like I’ve been here for no time at all. It’s weird how that works.
Four years ago we left the town of Topeka, Kansas and I did not look back. Actually I may have looked back just once to flip off the Westboro protesters we passed on the way out, but that was it. I’d like to state here that Chris and I only had a brief stint in Topeka for seven months and it was hell. I’m sure if you grew up there it’s probably a great place, but it wasn’t for us. So we hightailed it out of Kansas and left the city that smelled like beer farts behind us.
I remember pulling into Chicago, a place I had only visited on vacation a handful of times, and as we sat in our U-Haul in bumper to bumper traffic I thought oh shit, what have we just done… But these two weren’t worried, so I pretended not to be either.
I took this pic the night we drove in, trucker Chris driving the big rig and his trusty sidekick Harlow, riding shotgun. It’s forever my favorite photo of them. Their smiles say it all. Harlow had no idea he was about to become a city dog, but he was clearly on board for whatever we had in store for him.
When we left Topeka a few people asked us if Harlow was coming along. And I remember wondering if it’s a common thing for people to leave behind their children when they move to a big city? But that’s a post for another day.
The first year in Chicago was hard. It was fun and exciting but different. And sometimes different is uncomfortable. Like having to walk to get groceries? What? Hell no. And not having a garage or a second bathroom or any space at all for that matter…
I remember secretly hoping Chris would find a job in Omaha so we could move back. I had a million reasons why Nebraska was probably a better place for us, but almost all of them were rooted in fear and laziness. What it came down to was the fact that Nebraska was easier. And it was familiar.
Four years later almost everything I despised about city living in the beginning have become my favorite things. I love not getting in my car. I love walking or riding my bike to do everything single errand. I love how close everything is. When we go back to Omaha it kills me how spread out that city is. However I will say it does make me green with envy when I see my friends’ mansions and know that my entire apartment could fit in one corner of their basement (and the fact they have basements just for extra space!) And their backyards. Don’t get me started on the luxurious backyards in Nebraska.
But I digress. Our neighborhood isn’t half bad either.
That just sounded so smug. Sorry, summertime in Chicago often turns me into a smug bastard. It’s just so great here. It has to be, or the Chicago winters would cause everyone to get the hell out.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that everyone should move to Chicago. Get here quick while it’s still summer! Cool? Cool.
I remember you talking about the abundance of rats once, and it has almost made me not want to even visit.
But Chicago style pizza.
Celebrated my 4 year in February! I know exactly how you feel. However, I always LOVE Chicago right about now, but I'll consider moving back to Oklahoma come January.. ha. Going from small town to urban city is just such a life adjustment!
Congratulations on your anniversary with Chicago. I always loved taking trips to Chicago and had high aspirations to move there for college, but I never moved from the west coast. Enjoy your city life and know that I am only slightly jealous of you walking everywhere.
Your pup is sooo cute! I totally agree with that. If someone asked if our dogs were coming with us when we moved I'd just tilt my head to one side, make a confused face, and walk away. It's crazy how some people think dogs are disposable! They're family just as much as a human child. I love living in downtown Seattle, but I agree with you, I'm so envious of anyone who lives in a giant house (or even a giant apartment) and pays like $3/month when I'm over here in my tiny, overflowing apartment paying a ton. Your neighborhood IS beautiful!
1. That picture of Chris and Harlow is adorable! (Errr what's the manly way to say adorable?? Sorry guys …)
2. Topeka does suck! Sorry, not sorry. But if you still lived there we could be friends and our pups could have play dates. Maybe Harlow could teach my girls the fine art of acting "normal". LOL But I would kindly ask that we met somewhere other than Topeka. π
That's such a great pic of Chris and Harlow! Must be framed (if it's not)!
And Omaha keeps stretching further and further out. It's crazy. I work in what used to be known as "West" Omaha, but now, it's getting closer to being "Midtown," just because they keep building developments further west. Crazytown Bananapants. (I work in the 120th and Maple area).
That picture of Harlow and Chris is amazing. my how things change in 4 years! Happy anniversary!
Stop it. You're making me regret not moving there. I'm happy that you guys did it though and took the chance π love that place
I have never wanted to live in a city for all the same reasons you feared it but maybe it would grow on me with time!
I'm so glad we moved here in late March and will be experiencing the summer first. Hopefully the memories will carry us through winter …
I envy that you picked up and moved to a whole new state and city, especially so much different than topeka! I live in northeast Oklahoma not too far from Tulsa and I always wonder what it would be like to just pack my bags and move, not forever but for a few years to see what the rest of the US has to offer!
I'm coming up on my four-year anniversary of being in San Diego, and it's really kind of crazy. I can't believe it's been 4 years! I never imagined myself staying here this long and now it just really feels like home, more than any other place I've ever lived. Also your neighborhood IS really freaking adorable! Congrats on your milestone, Tay!
Happy Chicago anniversary! Sounds like you guys are very happy there!
Man, I really identify with this. In less than 2 weeks I am packing up and moving to Chicago after living in Columbus my entire life. Thanks for the reassurance that once I get past the inevitable discomfort I am sure to love it. π
Harlow looks so happy in this picture! We're in DC this summer and it's my first time living in a city. I've been to Chicago so many times, but I've never been in a city for an extended period of time. I'm sitting getting used to all the traffic – I've pretty much given up on driving the car. Congrats on your anniversary!
Sarah
Midwest Darling
How humid is it there? After this week I can't say I'm looking forward to another brutal New York City summer. But really, I know that feeling, I felt that way when I started my job. Suddenly anything with normal hours sounded awesome, the further away from my desired field the better. Happy you got over that quickly and live in a place you love. Happy four years!
Yay Chicago! It's such a wonderful place. Why doesn't everyone love here?
Yup, I gotta get down there for a visit SO bad. You are really getting me to want to come visit again. I loved Chicago the couple of times I have visited. π
Mandie ~ http://badbrewpack.blogspot.com/
Just Beautiful! Happy Anniversary!!!
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