I'm back!
It's been a year since my last post and in that time, my life has changed completely. This time last year, I was working at Office Depot in Pensacola. In January, I decided I wanted something better. I moved back to Chicago in February and stayed with my aunt and uncle in Downers Grove, a suburb of Chicago, for a few months while I looked for a job. Office Depot had transferred me to a store down the street from my uncle's house where I continued to work until I found something better. In May, I interviewed for a position at the Art Institute of Chicago and so began my new life.
It's been a year since my last post and in that time, my life has changed completely. This time last year, I was working at Office Depot in Pensacola. In January, I decided I wanted something better. I moved back to Chicago in February and stayed with my aunt and uncle in Downers Grove, a suburb of Chicago, for a few months while I looked for a job. Office Depot had transferred me to a store down the street from my uncle's house where I continued to work until I found something better. In May, I interviewed for a position at the Art Institute of Chicago and so began my new life.
The difference between suburb and city life is tremendous. I found an apartment about a mile north of Wrigley Field. I would have liked to be closer to downtown but time was a factor so I chose a studio in the Buena Park neighborhood. I sold my car and now use public transportation to get around. The "El" is my new best friend. I hop on the red line and I'm downtown in minutes. It takes a fraction of the time to get to work now than it did when I lived in the burbs.
Working at the AIC, I've met some of the most amazing, creative, hip people I've ever known. Everyone is an artist, from painters to actors to designers. I was a little nervous about finding people to hang out with when I first moved back. It seems to get harder to make friends as you get older. Everyone I knew before I left has either moved away or lost touch. As it turns out, my fears were unfounded. I've made many new friends and though I haven't known them long, I already feel close to them. Because they've lived in Chicago for years, they seem to know all the city's secrets. They've turned me on to the best unknown restaurants and bars. I've been to art galleries I didn't know existed and some of the cutest boutiques and cafes I've ever seen.
There's never a dull moment in the city, especially in the summer. Every time I turn around, there's a new gallery, restaurant, bar, filming, festival, or sporting event happening. It's impossible to be bored around here. Also, the Cubs are doing well which is making this Northside girl very happy.
Life is pretty good these days. I have to say I've never been this happy with my work or where I live. I miss everyone back home but I'm doing well here. I'm finally living the life I've always wanted: living and working in the big city. And it just keeps getting better.
So now I'm back. Not just back in Chicago but back in the blogging world. I've revamped my site, Thoughts of Chic into Hey Jen!, a lifestyle blog. Stay tuned for posts on city life and discoveries. I learn something new everyday and I can't wait to share it with you!
xoxo,
