Monday, December 1, 2008

I'm Outta Here!

As I write this, I am on the couch of my Hampton Inn hotel room in DuBois, PA (obvi with the TV on because the Britney Spears documentary starts in a half hour and I want to hear her excuses for why she a) married K. Fed, b) dated that paparazzi dude, and c) went crazy and chopped off her hair). 

So, today has been a helluva day. I woke up early this morning, walked to Jersey City to pick up my U-Haul, had my movers come to put my shit in said U-Haul, drove (almost) halfway to Chicago in a rainstorm, got stuck in traffic, and have finally stopped off for the night in a pretty nice hotel room (which is most likely the size of my new apartment). 

And I can't help but get this ohmygoshthisisreallyhappening feeling in the pit of my stomach every time I pass a sign that says "50 miles to [insert town name here]". It has finally hit me that the moment is here. I am moving to Chicago and there is no stopping me. 

It's a bittersweet feeling. Because of course I'm excited, but this past week I had to say goodbye to a lot of things that I'm going to miss. I had to say goodbye to my friends - the girls (and guys) who have been there for me for the past six years. WG1 planned a fab going-away partay which included a beautiful dinner at Jane, lots of hardcore drinking, and of course lots of dance-offs. I may or may not have even pushed good looking males off the dance floor so WG1 and our friend K, could do a super rendition of "Womanizer" for the whole bar. Two of my friends even came into NYC from Boston and Hartford for the occasion!  I can't say anything about these girls without getting teary-eyed because they supported me, listened to me, and loved me when I needed it the most. For that I will always be grateful and that weekend meant a lot to me.

And of course I'm going to miss NYC. Who wouldn't? It's a mecca of all things amazing - nightlife, fashion, Broadway, food! I'm going to miss it all. I'll miss my favorite bars like Swig, Wicker Park, and Joshua Tree. I will of course my favorite lunchtime meals at places like Blue 9 Burger, Barbounia and Mozzarelli's. I'll even miss Hoboken - how most of the people in my neighborhood knew me and would wave and smile each morning on my walk to the PATH (though I will not miss the PDA on my morning commute). 

And since this is a blog about working, how can I not mention my former job? My last day was last week and it was sad to say goodbye. My going away happy hour was the bomb and my company even paid for all the drinks and appetizers! Yay! And though I have complained endlessly on this blog, I am going to miss my job. Maybe I'm not going to miss a lot of the aspects of it but I am going to miss my core work friends, the comfort levels I had with all my co-workers, and the daily camaraderie. 

But while I'm sad to leave things behind, I'm also looking forward to all the new things in my life. New job, newfound relationships with my family and old friends, new city, new restaurants, new bars! So it's bittersweet. I can't wait for the new, but I'm going to miss the old. 

All right, time to lay down my weary and tired head. I have a long day of driving to accomplish tomorrow! Not to mention moving in, setting up cable, and of course a trip to Target

P.S. I know some readers were worried that since I was leaving behind the Big Apple that I would stop blogging. Have no fear, I will continue to regale you with my Working Girl stories - they will just have a different setting and new faces. I'm addicted to you guys so it would be pretty impossible to stop blogging now. Unfortunately, you are stuck with me for a little while longer :) 

24 comments:

Skywalker said...

Well congrats! Hopefully this will be a good transition. I'm new to the blog so these posts are so useful!!!

Maki said...

I'm sending you the positive vibe!!!

Good luck with all your new adventure in the Windy City - You'll be happy there!!

Anonymous said...

Well welcome to Chicago! Yay! First order of business - converting to deep dish pizza. Chicagoans are pretty intense about this. Hit up Giordano's for some authentic Chicago pizza and you'll be a believe in no time :) Also, it's the Cubs. Always the Cubs, never the White Sox. Ever. And lastly, if you're not already in love with the city, head to Michigan Ave or State Street to check out the lights and window displays. Game over :)

Anonymous said...

I hope you made it OK with all of the snow! Today has not been so great in terms of attempting to drive in Chicago.

Alison Joy said...

Best of Luck! I'm proud of you!

Anonymous said...

Well written.
Good luck on the move and look forward to hearing your new adventures!

Izzy said...

Congrats on this new chapter in your life -- how EXCITING!! Can't wait to hear about life in Chicago :-)

Egle Z. said...

Good luck with moving and new job! It's exciting but stressful time.
xxx

Bobbi said...

Congratulations on the move and the best of luck to you there!

alyssa said...

I hope the rest of the move goes well and good luck with the new job! Can't wait to read about your new adventures!

Franciose Mordecai said...

I moved to Chicago in July. It's truly amazing, it's not New York, but it's luxe with Midwest Love. Enjoy!

Rima said...

I can actually understand the moving part- we've moved to our new house this weekend. But we stayed in the same city, just another part of it. A part, which I absolutely don't know! I didn't even have time to take a walk and check the shops or anything, because of being busy. (Unpacking for the win!... and school.)

Anyway, I'll keep cheering for you! Moving is actually exciting. And so is a new job. (:

Far said...

congrats and enjoy settling into your new space :)

Lisa said...

It's nice to hear you're going to keep blogging! I look forward to hearing more of your Working Girl stories.

MY said...

Life is all about new and exciting ventures and experiences. I hope yours are full of surprises. Good luck in your new town!!!

Living Dees Life said...

i remember my move from arkansas to chicagoland... i'd been up this way many times on vacations and visiting my (former) friends that live up here...

(we'd still be friends if we hadn't been roomates --some folks aren't ment to live together)

i still can't believe i'm here!!!

Anonymous said...

Good luck!

Anonymous said...

I'm sure you're anxious, but excited at the same time. Good luck with the move! It'll be fun!

Raizza said...

began reading your blog today. i feel like nowadays, all is bittersweet...i'm in a similar situation -had to help my parents move and i also moved to a new apt last month. but don't you love the feeling of new beginnings, a fresh start in chicago?

ash said...

i just started a brand new job with no move involved and i feel the same way you do
pitter patter in my tummy
good luck! chicago will be GREAT

Sunny said...

I'm pald to be stuck with you for a little while longer :)

Mishi said...

I'm glad that you'll still be writing. I would have been soo sad if you weren't. Can't wait to here about your working adventures in Chicago!

Anonymous said...

Best of luck with the move and your new job! I'm a former Chicago girl dying for a slice of Lou Malnati's deep dish pizza (Lou's or Giordanos...THE BEST!) and an Italian Beef from Portillo's. Please go there so I can live virtually through you! LOL. Thanks for the updates, I really enjoy reading your blog!

Matt and Angelica said...

My best friend is moving to Chicago in January and I keep telling her - You're going to LOVE Chicago. Yeah, it's freezing. Yes traffic is the absolute pit of all pits, but nothing beats the people, the atmostphere and the many wonderful fun things to do. Be sure to check out skating at Millenium Park and Skate on State. And there's some awesome sales going on this weekend down on Michigan and State. Summers are fun with lot's of outdoor concerts and shows and events going on. Oh also, the Art Institue is quite fantastic. You'll love it!!