Good morning, Chicago!

Ok, so maybe it isn't morning anymore, but it feels like it, so that is all that matters, right?

It's official. I have been living in Chicago for 5 days (and 6 nights). Today is the first day I woke up in my new apartment. I'll paint you a picture. I am sitting on my (rented) couch, staring out my sliding glass door into the city filled with sky scrapers, blue sky, and sunlight (which is so deceiving), listening to the sirens and horns from passing vehicles, typing on the only computer available to me at the moment (thanks Boeing), which is resting on my (rented) coffee table, using WiFi from my cell phone (thanks T-Mobile 4G MyTouch). I am sipping Starbuck's Via coffee (Cinnamon Spice, which I highly recommend as it tastes so good I don't require sugar or creamer!) out of my newly acquired "Chicago" Starbuck's mug. I just finished my breakfast of scrambled eggs, which I ate on a paper plate with a plastic fork. Even better, I had to run out this morning to purchase a spatula to make said eggs in one of the pans I purchased last night in anticipation of breakfast (which wasn't far, thanks to the conveniently located Bed, Bath, & Beyond downstairs). How is that picture?

The reason for camping in my new apartment? My things haven't arrived yet. I am (un)patiently awaiting the arrival of my goods via the moving company. I am making due. I was wise enough to schedule the rental furniture before I arrived, and pack my favorite pillow and a few towels into my overstuffed luggage (71.8 lbs of overstuffed!). Anyhow, I was told my things should arrive on Tuesday, so I am optimistically pessimistic (yes, it's possible!). Cross your fingers and toes!

So -- enough about me already! In case you are wondering, I love my new apartment. Yes, it could be higher up, and yes, it could be a little fancier, but the location is great, and the space is, actually, better than I expected! All things considered (sight unseen), I think I did a pretty good job!

As for this town, I love it! There are a lot of nice people (reminds me of Seattle), but it seems a bit classier. The cars people drive around these streets can get pretty pricey! I saw a Maserati parked outside the other day, which may have been a fluke. (Smmeh. Not used to seeing so many people with nice cars. Us Seattlites are proud of our 50mpg 1992 Hondas!) Also, people actually have and wear fur coats! Really? (So not OK in liberal Seattle.)

Some other differences I have noticed: everyone wears boots (even without snow), usually over skinny jeans or leggings (although I think that is more of a trend right now); I don't see as many homeless people (is it too cold?), and even the ones I do see are nice -- go figure; Chicago is expensive! -- ok, so maybe just certain things at certain places, but Walgreens wanted $9.99 for a bottle of Dove body wash (usually around $5 back home), and it was labeled "best buy"; and finally, they sell liquor in the grocery store! Hah! That's new for me. I know CA does it, but I didn't think IL would be into that. (Although, I haven't seen a Four Loko, yet. They must be banned here, too.)

So, that's my update! I have walked all over this city in the past 5 days. I have made it a point to use these days to explore. I have been to Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Dominick's, the Jewel downstairs, Walgreens, CVS, and Bed, Bath, & Beyond (countless times). I have taken a few rides on the bus. Had my watch sized, dropped off my heels at the Cobbler, started physical therapy at the Athletico closest to work, set up an appointment a local CrossFit box (Atlas CrossFit), signed up for ZipCar, scouted out the closest Costco, and spent most of this period's pay check. So, all in all, I think I have adjusted well. Work starts on Monday, so that will be a whole new adventure. I will keep y'all posted on how that goes!

In closing, I just want to say: Go Seahawks! Go Bears! Please win, and play in Chicago. I want to go to a playoff game to see them duke it out! (Oh, and don't worry, pictures will be posted as soon as my computer arrives off the moving truck!)