Chicago: Love-Hate

It's hard to hate Chicago when it's gorgeously autumnal outside, with leaves changing color, painting the city of concrete a whole different array of hues.

via Glut with Guts, with Neighbor J

But I know that soon, the dreaded winter is coming. When hibernation becomes a life-necessity, and being social during the weekday (at least for me) is a bottle of wine and movies on the telly. It's dreadful, really.

I hope that once that feeling sets in, I take a look at this video, and remember the great things this city has offered me, and the incomparable memories I've been blessed with here.

My favorite memories of  Chicago? They're so varied and blurred, but below are a few of my favorite ups and downs.

• My first clear Chicago memory is when my friend Miko and I traveled into the city to visit SAIC and DePaul. We were so lost and confused, and had a great adventure from being lost and confused.
• My first day of college, when my parents just dropped off my stuff on the curb and waved me goodbye (typical middle child treatment). It was the first time I've ever had to handle everything on my own, including schlepping my own stuff.
• My first boyfriend, and getting to see the city through giddy puppy love eyes.
• My first heartbreak, and seeing the city through lovelorn eyes.
• Leaving to study abroad in Morocco (and later Budapest), hugging my parents goodbye, and walking bleary-eyed through the grand international terminal in O'Hare.
• Returning from abroad and seeing my parents at the airport. It filled my heart with so much love, every time.
• My first corner office, with the view of Navy Pier and the lake's clear blue water.
• Getting that diploma

via Glut with Guts

Sitting here appreciative of the opportunities I've had, and looking forward to the many more ahead.

Thanks, Chicago. Sorry for the love-hate.