AND SO IT BEGINS

Winter 2013 has officially moved into Chicago. Monday we had serious snow flurries for the first time. Last year it didn’t really snow until Christmas Day.

I have a feeling this winter (my second winter in Chicago) is going to be a whole different beast than last year.

Day 1 of Winter 2013 I fell. Not a cute slip. A feet in the air, purse flying, on my back fall. BLACK ICE: 1 LIZZIE: 0

But you know what’s crazy? I love it. I’m happy to see you winter!

if you’re lucky enough to enjoy winter in Chicago, you’re lucky enough

THE ITCH

Over the last few days, well maybe weeks, I have gotten anxious. I am really happy. I like my friends. I like my job. I like my apartment. I like my city. No, I love my city. I just have this vivid memory of the director of my program in college telling me “Lizzie, if you aren’t uncomfortable you aren’t learning.” And those words really hit me in the gut. I’ve tried, for the most part, to live by those words.

I think I am comfortable right now. And I’m craving a little bit of discomfort. Strange? Probably. I just want to make sure that I am always growing and always learning.

And so over the past couple of hours I’ve been searching through my photographs and remembering how lucky I am to be where I am. I won’t be in Chicago forever.

So while I am here, I am going to enjoy it. I am still growing and learning. I am learning to slow down and appreciate the now.

Someone really wise (Lao Tzu) once said, “If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, living in the future. If you are a peace you are living in the moment.”

And so I’m putting this down in words as a reminder to myself to live in the moment.