The Last . . .
August 20, 2007
Every day from now on is the last of that day we’ll have here in Chicago. Our last Monday, my last ortho appointment. We’re packing in time with friends and family, and I think every night this week we’ll be busy doing something. Tonight I’m hoping to go out with a friend. Over the summer we’ve started going out together about once a month and just chatting. It’s been a lot of fun, and I’ll miss that.
I actually started making a list of things I’ll miss about Chicago but decided not to post it. It was interesting that for every item I listed, I knew there would be a replacement for it in Kansas City. Well, except for maybe Lou Malnati’s pepperoni and garlic deep dish pizza and Zippy’s cheesy beef on garlic. At least our breath will be better in KC! We’ll still get to see our White Sox when they come to town, and we’ll still be going back home once a year to see family. So it’s not goodbye for ever, just for several months.
But there are a number of Chicago things I am so ready to say goodbye to. Since we got back from our last trip to Kansas, we’ve had horrible traffic. There’s been a lot of construction in almost every direction I drive, and we’ve gotten stuck in traffic backups a few times. Makes you want to pull your hair out. Where we’re going in KC, there really won’t be traffic problems like this.
And Chicago cold. See ya! We had a handful of cold days last winter where you walked outside and the inside of your nose just froze right away. Hate that. The winters in KC won’t be as long or as cold as what’s typical here.
Housing prices–hah! I know that there are a few places in America that make Chicago housing look affordable, but our new town is soooo much cheaper than here. I love it. We’ve been crammed into an 860 square foot condo (I finally measured it) for seven years, and with two active kids running around, it’s been too small for about five of those years. Why God had us live there so long I can’t say I understand, but He did. And we found ways to make it work — most of the time.
But now we’ve found a beautiful and affordable new home that’s three times the size of our condo — plus we’ll have a small backyard. Space to stretch out! I’m really looking forward to that.
So I’m not going to think any more about the things I’ll miss here. I’m only going to think about the positives. I’m glad I’ve had so much time here in Chicago — I really have loved it (despite traffic). We’ve made friends here that I do hope will last a lifetime (and you all come visit now, okay???), but it’s time to move on, and we’re excited about where we’re headed. We can’t wait to see what God has in store.
So happy last Monday in Chicago. The rain has stopped, a few birds are chirping, and I get a night out with a friend.
It’s going to be a great day.
Comments
5 Responses to “The Last . . .”
I lived in Atlanta for years and adored it. A few years ago we moved back to my (much) smaller hometown. Now when I go to Atlanta and get stuck in the traffic and have to wait an hour and a half for a table at a restaurant, I really don’t miss it all that much! I’m sure you’ll be the same way. Lots to miss in a big city–but lots not to miss.
It’s always best to focus on the positives, isn’t it? And think of all that lovely, lovely barbeque, and how cheap you can get into Royal’s games, and apple cider donuts, and Jayhawk’s basketball.
Happy last Monday! True enough, Chicago pizza is awesome, but to have your own back yard and 3x the space more than makes up for cheese and pepperoni. God’s got great things in store!
Sally, I’m going to miss you so much. It’s been so much fun seeing you at the ACFW Chapter Meetings and following your writing career.
I really hope you can make it to this week’s meeting for your last ACFW Chicago Northwest Chapter meeting!
I’m excited for you and your husband, but sad you won’t be around here anymore. But I sure do hear you about the traffic LOL.
Love,
Pam
Hey, I just had an idea…. Dave and I could ship you pizzas from Lou’s!