This is not a goodbye post. I love Chicago and I’d like to return someday. This is a “so long for now” post.

The last year and a half has been great in so many ways. I’ve had some incredible times. I’ve learned a lot. I’ve certainly been disappointed and had my heart broken a few times but I think the lessons were worth it. I know I covered that already in my announcement post. But I’m leaving feeling satisfied.

My bucket list has been mostly fulfilled. I did end up making it to the Violet Hour and the Field Museum. I’ll definitely be back to see the Bulls play and to make it to Second City and to see Wrigley Field at least once, no matter how much I am NOT a Cubs fan. And of course, I hope to make it back for a few Blackhawks games.

Thank you to everyone who did their best to make my time in Chicago great. I truly appreciated it. I love you all and I can’t wait to come back and visit (and, of course, if you need a place to stay in Kansas City…). I made some great friends here and had two of the greatest co-workers on the planet. I won’t forget.

So, that’s it. So long, Chicago. I hope to see you soon.

My favorite show is back for the final season. Not only is it my favorite show because it is so awesome, it is my favorite show because it brings my friends together. Friends, Tacos and Lost, it will not get better than that.

/cheesy

I am currently in a long distance relationship from Chicago to Kansas City that has lasted close to seven months.

I guess I don’t talk about it very often on here because, well, I’d like for it to last and I just want to keep it private. As much as I enjoy this relationship and as much as I’ve learned and grown in the past seven months, it is one of the hardest things I have ever done. I think it is completely worth it but it sucks a lot and there are a lot of days when he wants to drop out of school and move here or I want to quit my job and move there. The good news is there aren’t a lot of days that we want to give up on it.

The only reason that I mention it is because of the conversation I had yesterday:

Person: What’d you do for Halloween?
Self: [relay occurrences of the evening]
Person: Did you talk to any cute boys?
Self: Why would I talk to cute boys? I’m dating someone.
Person: Well….I guess? I mean, how long are you REEEEALLY expecting that to last?

Normally, I would brush this off but SERIOUSLY this “Person” is the sixth with whom I’ve had this conversation (or similar). I know that I’m an overly sensitive person but I am starting to get really frustrated. Thankfully, most of my friends and family have been extremely supportive and I really appreciate it. I just want everyone to know that we’re both in this for the long haul and being in an LDR (as a few of my friends know) is difficult enough without a snide remark like the one above.

Thank you for your support, whether loud or quiet.

I feel a little obnoxious now, so I’m going to hide. That’s all I will (hopefully) say on the matter. Thanks for tolerating my mini-rant.