Off again, otherwise known as I hate good byes

For someone that leaves bits of her heart every time she has to say goodbye, you might think the lifestyle I lead is masochistic.

It's always bittersweet. Every. single. time I have to say goodbye to my husband, I am sad. I always have something lined up, somewhere with a loved one that follows, so I am also excited and happy. Saying goodbye to Nicholas, inevitably leads me to saying hello to someone else that I hold close to my heart.

The pattern continues. I then have to say goodbye to my other loves and have slight heart ache, but also joy that soon I will see Nicholas again.

A repetitive cycle that has at least defined this past year, if not the last two.

This time, I leave Chicago and some of my very best friends and family to go to NYC. Not only am I leaving my near and dear, but I am leaving a city that I have adored since my high school runs in Wisconsin that brought us here Thanksgiving weekend and then repeatedly, zillions of times, to visit Tony and all of my friends. The city I always said I would eventually move to, but haven't done yet. The city that has held my heart time and time again. Not because it has everything in the world to offer at all hours of the day with millions of new friends waiting to be met. Nope, that's New York. But because it has it's own special magic.

Chicago is a bit gritty and a bit edgy with amazing food and a skyline that all cities can envy with a slower, cooler pace than it's brother to the East full of midwestern charm.  Sometimes, I think it is more interesting than New York in the architecture and remnants of the past poking through the bridges, warehouses and pride. New York has gotten a bit mainstream.

I love Chicago and my people here. I will leave a piece of my heart when I board the plane this afternoon but I know I will find a piece of it when I land.

Morning Walks

Walking the streets of Chicago in the morning with Stacey to get coffee or breakfast is one of my favorite rituals while being here in the Windy. It's not an everyday thing. It's a once in a while, if I'm lucky thing. We have walked along the lake, through her neighborhood and the neighboring ones.

We talk about the future, the past, the present. Our goals, our dreams. The problems with the world. The good. Sometimes we just walk silently and listen to the crunch of the leaves.

Awesome

I saw this posted on LinkedIn. 

I love that Coke responded to the original ad on the left by just editing the title :) 

A different breed

Spending a few days in Chicago, and I can already tell that Chicagoans are a different breed. Yes, yesterday was a beautiful fall day- the sun was out and the leaves were wearing their most radiant gold, red, and brown hues. Yes, it was not extremely cold. I think it was in the low 50's. But there was still a chill in the air. I had my fall jacket and a scarf on with boots and jeans. Perfectly dressed, except maybe for the addition of a sweater. While walking outside, I saw others dressed as I was. Then, strange things started happening. People started to take their coats off... And they wore short sleeve shirts. Others, in just sweaters, discarded them. My friend sent me a message that we would be bringing ice cream to the dinner we were attending that evening... ICE CREAM. At the dinner, the windows were open to let in the "warm" air. I was chilly and thankful for the glass of red wine :)

BRRRR... Chicagoans are a tough breed. They have thick skin and very warm blood. I just need to invest in thicker coats and more layers. As the Russians say, there is no such thing as bad weather, just poor clothing.

In the Windy

Brrrr... Wow! It is chilly here.

So great to be back in Chicago and spend time with my family! I finally got to meet my niece and play with Carter! Such a blast.

I am also so lucky to be Stacey's guest! She is a breath of fresh air and just a wonderful gem of a friend.

I'm back!

Nicholas and I came back to NYC for at least the next couple of months. Nicholas will of course have to go back to SK once during this time, but it is great to actually be together!

I have enjoyed showing him more of the city that I love, even though we are now staying in Jersey. On the agenda, beyond eating delicious food at my favorite restaurants and long looong walks, is to take in a show or two, check out museums/galleries and different neighborhoods, and go to my favorite bars :)

And I'm off again!

I left in the middle of the night on a journey to take me to Germany for a reunion with those that were there when this whole thing started.

It was a last minute decision, but I booked my flight, packed for the next couple of months and boarded a flight all within hours. Now, as I am halfway there, I am reflecting on the past few months and years. I have logged more miles than I could have imagined, seen more of the world and met more interesting people than I knew possible. I almost passed up on this particular opportunity to be "responsible", but after telling a couple close friends and my parents, they all looked at me like I was a martian. I would give up a trip to see friends and go to an iconic event? Really? Was I feeling alright?

Well, you only live once. I'm off on my next adventure in Munich and beyond!