Sunday, May 18, 2014

My First Year in Chicago [Photos Galore!]


My very last fortune cookie message in San Antonio.  You can say that again, Universe!  

On this day last year, I packed up everything I owned, threw it into a U-Haul (which we aptly named "Holly", because we're weird and name our rental vehicles), and began my journey to becoming a Chicagoan.  Harry had flown down the night before to help me move up; I'm not sure what I would've done without him.  At this point in our relationship, we had seen each other once a month, for about five days at a time, for roughly five months.  We obviously hadn't been on a road trip longer than a couple of hours together, let alone ~25 hours in a 17' U-Haul and trailing my Jeep.






We drove from San Antonio straight to Dallas to crash with my parents.  It was on the way to the Chi, and I got to say bye to some of my kin.  I was thankful to get some good rest and a tummy full of good noms before leaving my state.  My Momma had packed us some Rudy's BBQ, snacks, and games for us to play during the trip.  She's awesome.  :)

 

We got up the next morning and hit the road.  We had covered a good chunk of the total distance by just going from SA to Dallas.  Hustling at a blazing-fast speed of 50 mph (MAX...with the gas pedal all the way to the floor; I'm shocked that the Kid didn't get calf cramps because of it) Harry and I got through Oklahoma and a bit of Missouri before having to stop for the night.


 

I'd like to keep this post completely positive, so I won't go into details regarding the motel we stayed in for the night in Cuba, Missouri.  :D  We had a couple of frosty beverages and relaxed for the evening.

We were up early the next day to hit the road.  I didn't take many pictures through the rest of Missouri.  *le shrug*  I did take about a thousand pictures once we hit the STL!


And one as we were entering my brand new state.


And one very special one when we got to the Chi!


Harry had a very special dinner in mind:  The best of both worlds for me!  Giordano's stuffed pizza and Shiner Bock.


Since this day, I have become even more enamored by this city and have fallen in love with every aspect of it.  Harry's family welcomed me with open arms and hearts, which made life even better.  Sophia and I have connected like two puzzle pieces, and that's one of the best feelings ever!

One of my most favorite things about this city is that there is ALWAYS something to do.  We are busy nearly every weekend, whether it's a race, an event, activities with Sophs, or just meandering.







Training plans went way more smoothly than I had thought.  This city is so runner and cyclist friendly (or at least more than San Antonio).  There is a 50-meter pool at the park a mile away from my house.  I MEAN WHAT?!



The summer brought cool temps and fun times!  We were outside all of the time.  


Fall came suddenly.




And so did winter!


One of the worst winters Chicago has ever seen!  I keep saying that it just wanted to show off.  :D


I got to see the "A Christmas Story" house in the Cleve, and Harry and I ran a 10K there.  FUNSIES!



More winter came...







Which meant more snuggling...



I celebrated my first Paczki Day!



Training still happened, but mostly indoors. 





The snow finally melted and we could run outside again (without fear of falling down).  





I've really made a real family here, and established friendships with some truly remarkable people.  And babies.









All in all, a pretty good frickin' year!





Here's to many more blessed years in this fantastic place, living a truly wonderful life!  

10 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. It's the best!

      Side note: Come run with us this week. ;)

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  2. This is awesome. We came to Chicago at almost the exact same time! Our One Year Chicago-iversary is in a few days. We Uhauled (with me following in my car) from Charlottesville. What a year it has been. These are fantastic pictures, truly a yearbook filled with memories (and brrrrrr cold weather :D )

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    Replies
    1. Oh my gooses, I can't wait to read about your adventures here! I need to trackback a lot on your bloggie. <3

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  3. Love all the pics! Too funny with the fortune cookie. You're braver than I to run a 10k in snow! Very cool! Yes--pun intended. ;) quite the adventure you've had in a year!

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    Replies
    1. Isn't it lovely? I ran a half marathon on the lakefront trail in January. Everyone thought I was nuts, haha! <3

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  4. Awesome post! I just packed up all my stuff and moved from PA to Alaska and this post made me feel really excited for the next year! Moving was tough but I'm so excited to see where we are 1 year from now. It looks like you're having a blast in Chicago. I love that city and I'm so jealous you get to run on the lakefront trail all the time!

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    Replies
    1. Wonderful! I hope you get to explore so much up there! Or over there...My compass is still set to "Texas". :)

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  5. Wow a year already?
    Btw: I've been to Missouri. We're not missing anything with the pictures. ;)

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    Replies
    1. YES! It has gone by so fast, right?!

      And no joke. I wasn't that impressed with that state. Like at all. Lol <3

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