When I found out Michael wanted to go to graduate school in Chicago, my first thought was of pure excitement. I'd always wanted to get out of the south and experience life a different way. I thought it would be super easy to have a few transition years in the Midwest. Moving in the winter? Sure! Move 3 months into my marriage? Yes! Move without jobs? Why not!? My almost 3 and a half years in Chicago have been a lot of things, but easy isn't one of them. What started off challenging for sure, has ended up being life changing and transformative for both Michael and me. Chicago has been home for me longer than Shreveport was. It's true what they say, life passes by quicker the older you get.
So as my time here in Chi is coming to a close, I sit and reminisce on the times that have shaped my experience. From working with coworkers that challenge me and collaborate with me in a way that has transformed the kind of Hair Stylist I am today to learning to truly appreciate a dishwasher. I mean, who gets the chance to share a back porch with your best friend, have marathons of The Mindy Project over and over again with the gals, and have bffs that obsess over awards season with you (let's not speak of devils juice)? These are the things I will never have again and for that, I will be forever indebted to you, Chicago. I think about all the possibilities that our life in Houston holds, and it's hard to not dismiss leaving and ignore the goodbyes (because with my gals it will never be goodbye). But it's really a goodbye to a time in my life I will never return to. That being said, I'm ready to start our new life back in our sunny, warm, home: Texas.
So E-Town, even through all the cold, problems, and expenses, you will always represent the strange time in my life where I ordered Thai food whenever I wanted, made all my friends work with me, never had to pay my rent on time(or ever), ignored being an adult, and bought 2 buck chuck by the case. I will miss you Sweet Home Chicago, but we are ready for this next chapter. Texas, the Jarboe's are coming for you!
