One Week and Counting

In less than one week’s time, we’ll be watching as all of our worldly possessions are loaded onto a truck and ready for transit back to Chicago.  All that will remain will be hailing a cab, wrangling up the cat, and occupying a 5 month old with songs and books.  We’ll pull up to LAX and about that time is when we’ll be flooded with emotions as we realize that one chapter is closing and another is opening.  The settings are familiar but by no means will the story be the same.

Los Angeles will be missed and I really do like this city.  When you strip it of all the distractions – the traffic, the quakes, the paparazzi, the Lakers – you have a fantastic city.  The diversity is amazing, the landscape is jaw-dropping, and the weather is just short of perfect.  I’m grateful that we’ve agreed to keep the business here and subsequently will be back frequently to visit.  Christine and I agree that Los Angeles is a city of youth; and that we probably would have enjoyed it more when we were younger.  A time where memories were fuzzy, scheduling of events always ended in -ish, and when we had so much more to prove.
But life is about change and the one thing that will be coming back with us to Chicago this time (in addition to Reily!) is a new found love affair with ‘change.’  An acceptance and embracing of a lack of permanence.  Recognizing that the only constant in our life is that it is inconsistent.  Our tastes change and we are now ok with that.  Our dreams are bigger; our expectations higher.  Our needs are less material and more experiential.  And we are hungrier than ever!

The cities are different; and that is good.  The people are unique – and that is an understatement for Los Angeles!

And we prepare.  Trading thongs (as in sandals!) for boots; swapping sunblock for scarves.  Gas expenses migrate to subway fares and shitty pizza gets replaced with gut-busting deep dish!  Greeting strangers with hugs is thankfully replaced with meaningful handshakes; and local pubs are within walking distance and don’t serve neon drinks.

But buyer beware.  A quick warning to the windy city – Reily is coming!  And he is almost mobile and completely fearless.  He has a furious appetite and an insatiable need to shove everything in his mouth – regardless if its still attached to you or not.  He is not concerned with clean and is a true hunter.  He is isn’t quiet and uses high-pitched shrills to confuse his opponents just before he attacks. You’ll know its him by his trademarked spit-drenched outfit and the disarming smile that is plastered across his face.  Don’t let this fool you.  Take heed Chicago – for he is coming and he will not be denied in his quest to conquer!

He arrives in one weeks time!

Reily is Ready