Today is my fourth day in Chicago, and the first day I am officially on my own. I arrived, excited and full of hope for all the great experiences that awaited me and the beautiful city that I was about to become a resident of. I was greeted by two friendly and welcoming room mates, Roger and Anthony, who I already feel like I've known forever. We all hit it off immediately and have over the span of four days had many good laughs and as of today a few cries too!
The first two days in my new city were spent unpacking, shopping for odds and ends, and making my new house feel like my home. My parents and I spent many hours exploring, getting comfortable with the bus and train systems and also getting a feel for the neighborhoods that I would be visiting on a regular basis. We also got a chance to go into my new office and meet my new co-workers, who became more like an instant family than anything. On a whole I was feeling surprisingly comfortable and settled.
About four hours ago, that excitement took on a whole new look. Six o'clock was quickly approaching which meant it was almost time for my parents to say goodbye. It seems like from the start we've all been on auto pilot. Acting calm and cool, as if this would be no big deal. So tonight as we walked to the the corner to help catch them a cab, my stomach turned and my heart was in my throat. As the cab driver loaded their bags, I stood there awkwardly, not wanting to utter the "goodbye" word. I kissed my dad first both of us trying not to make eye contact for fear of loosing it. As he got in the cab, I faced my mom and we both grabbed on tight... the tears began to flow and reality set in. The reality that this was not a vacation, and I was not going back with them to Sacramento. It felt so final. For those of you that know me, you know how tight and close I am with my parents. They are both my best friends and for the past year, my room-mates. I never went away to college, I never lived to far away. The longest time I have been away from home was little vacations, summer camp, or when I went to Italy.
BIG difference.
As we said goodbye tonight I started to realize how much of an adjustment I was really in for. Roger my new room mate shut the door to the cab, assuring them that he would take good care of me, and then kindly walked me back to the house as I tried hard to gather myself, and hold back the sobbing. Fast forward four or five hours and a box of tissues, and
I am doing much better. Mom and Dad should be touching down in Sacramento any minute, and life will go on!
Now, I promise this was not intended to be a sad blog, nor will it be sad in the future... this story does have a happy ending, and that is this:
Many people leave home to start over, to run away or escape something... for me, I am only able to leave home because I am running from nothing. The two people I said goodbye to tonight, have given me such a strong foundation of love and support, and have made me feel like I can conquer anything, and for that I am so thankful. Although we were sad to say goodbye to each other, I know deep down we are all more excited and looking forward to all of the adventures ahead of me.
And thus begins my journey... After four short days I already love, love, love the city of Chicago. It is big and welcoming, and full of life. I am car-less and will rely on the train, bus and a good pair of walking shoes (non stileto that is.) The building that I'll be working in is right in the heart of the city so I'll get to work in the hustle and bustle of downtown. My new house is big and clean and comfortable. Things fell into place better than I could have ever hoped for, and I'm excited to see what's in store.
More blogs and stories to come so stay tuned... but for now so long and farewell from the girl in the windy city.
The first two days in my new city were spent unpacking, shopping for odds and ends, and making my new house feel like my home. My parents and I spent many hours exploring, getting comfortable with the bus and train systems and also getting a feel for the neighborhoods that I would be visiting on a regular basis. We also got a chance to go into my new office and meet my new co-workers, who became more like an instant family than anything. On a whole I was feeling surprisingly comfortable and settled.
About four hours ago, that excitement took on a whole new look. Six o'clock was quickly approaching which meant it was almost time for my parents to say goodbye. It seems like from the start we've all been on auto pilot. Acting calm and cool, as if this would be no big deal. So tonight as we walked to the the corner to help catch them a cab, my stomach turned and my heart was in my throat. As the cab driver loaded their bags, I stood there awkwardly, not wanting to utter the "goodbye" word. I kissed my dad first both of us trying not to make eye contact for fear of loosing it. As he got in the cab, I faced my mom and we both grabbed on tight... the tears began to flow and reality set in. The reality that this was not a vacation, and I was not going back with them to Sacramento. It felt so final. For those of you that know me, you know how tight and close I am with my parents. They are both my best friends and for the past year, my room-mates. I never went away to college, I never lived to far away. The longest time I have been away from home was little vacations, summer camp, or when I went to Italy.
BIG difference.
As we said goodbye tonight I started to realize how much of an adjustment I was really in for. Roger my new room mate shut the door to the cab, assuring them that he would take good care of me, and then kindly walked me back to the house as I tried hard to gather myself, and hold back the sobbing. Fast forward four or five hours and a box of tissues, and
I am doing much better. Mom and Dad should be touching down in Sacramento any minute, and life will go on!Now, I promise this was not intended to be a sad blog, nor will it be sad in the future... this story does have a happy ending, and that is this:
Many people leave home to start over, to run away or escape something... for me, I am only able to leave home because I am running from nothing. The two people I said goodbye to tonight, have given me such a strong foundation of love and support, and have made me feel like I can conquer anything, and for that I am so thankful. Although we were sad to say goodbye to each other, I know deep down we are all more excited and looking forward to all of the adventures ahead of me.
And thus begins my journey... After four short days I already love, love, love the city of Chicago. It is big and welcoming, and full of life. I am car-less and will rely on the train, bus and a good pair of walking shoes (non stileto that is.) The building that I'll be working in is right in the heart of the city so I'll get to work in the hustle and bustle of downtown. My new house is big and clean and comfortable. Things fell into place better than I could have ever hoped for, and I'm excited to see what's in store.
More blogs and stories to come so stay tuned... but for now so long and farewell from the girl in the windy city.
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