This will be the first time that I will have lived in the same city for two years in a row since I was in high school.  I have packed and moved 10 times in five years with home in Ohio anchoring me down to at least one place on this earth.  I feel obligated to stay vegetarian for the next forty years to make up for environmental harm the number of airplanes flights I have racked up causes, but I can honestly say that I am excited to spend my second year in Chicago.

I have new friends, a job where I get hugs everyday, and a book club to amongst other social activities to keep me smiling and busy.  Ask me how to get anywhere in the windy city and I know that the best answer is ‘check google maps’.  Want to grab a beer or some awesome Thai food?- just invite me along.  However, none of that comfort or sense of place stops me from dreaming of new adventures.

In fact, that is part of why staying in the same city is okay with me.  I can dream on trips that I have taken in the past and figure out how to funnel all of that built up information into future fun.  I think the holidays are particularly fantastic for dreaming of the future, while enjoying the past.  For many, it is the one time of the year that we let go of work and relax with the people we love for days at a time.

Over Thanksgiving, my family was able to relax together and share in my cousin’s love and the new adventure she is embarking on with her lovely husband.  It made me a little anxious to think that she is growing up so quickly– getting married is a BIG deal– but I also felt lucky to participate in the next step of her life.

If she can get married, then I surely can stay in Chicago for at least two straight years (not including the obvious weekend trips, duh).  Plus, even though it is cold here, there are plenty of adventures just waiting to be had, particularly the ones that have yet to be planned…