Taking “That Left Turn at Albuquerque.”

I recently moved to Arizona.  Not even a month ago.  I’d called Chicago “home” after graduate school and there I stayed.  Beautiful city, delicious food, easy public transportation, a vast number of options in my industry (advertising/marketing) and friendly people.  I was told their niceness was camaraderie (the winters were so horrible, that everyone felt like they’d got through ‘something rough’ together).  While I deeply hated the cold weather, the positives made it easy to stay.  But in 2018, I headed to San Diego – it was on a bit of a whim (running from weather) and never felt like home – so back to Chicago in 2019.

Soon after, lots of changes happened worldwide and Chicago came out the other side with a different vibe. Plus, those winters…

 

Separately, years ago I’d convinced my mom to meet me in Arizona for a spa/hiking trip.  We started visiting annually (different spas, different areas) and each time I wanted the experience to last longer.  It only took 18 years to realize that instead of being sad to leave my vacation spot, I could just become a resident!

Now, I’m 3 ½ weeks in.  Trying to remember to drink more water.  Finally acquiring a vehicle, after not needing/wanting one since 2007 – an adorable yellow Jeep I’ve named “Sunny”.  Navigating my new environment while the temps have already hit low triple digits.  Definitely not in Chicago anymore!  But I’m loving it – sunshine… mountains… walking by the same bunny (or his twin) on my strolls (#wildlife).

 

The journey continues…