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…