Things I miss and don't miss about Chicago
I noticed many things having to do with Culture Shock when I arrived back to Chicago this time around. I had a odd feeling when I got off the plane and collected my bags and went through customs. I was excited to see my Dad on the other side of the doors and I also felt a bit out of place. The roads were HUGE, the cars were HUGE and there was so much English everywhere. All normal things. Welcoming things. As we pulled through the drive thru of Wendy's to obtain my celebratory meal of a chicken sandwich with french fries and a frosty, I thought that would bring me back to feeling normal. Then when I got home and plopped myself in front of the TV with my Dad and watched the Nightly News with Brian Williams, I still was like "god that TV is HUGE" and I didn't feel right again. I very soon after stuffing my chicken sandwich and fries down my throat, I was soundly sleeping at around 6pm Chicago time, 1am Florence time. The next few weeks have been great being with my Addy and my family. I have only seen a few friends here and there. I have made a list of things that I miss and don't miss about being back in COLD Chi-town.
I Don't Miss:
I MISS:
That is one thing about growing up teaches you: the simple things, the family aspect and the constant support you have in life. All these things I have listed above make my journey worth it. Good or bad, I am happy with the direction my life is heading. Nothing can stop the passion, determination and perseverance this SUPERWOMAN has.
a presto amici!
I Don't Miss:
- The constant news channel: I don't miss the constant news on things I don't give two sh**s about. I used to love the Today Show but now I can't handle it. As well as the every half hour of news coverage on every station. (i.e ,I am SO sick of hearing about Tiger Woods. NOBODY CARES, really!)
- The Chicago Cold: I don't miss driving in the winter wonderland that is the Chicagoland area.
- *My huge room: I don't miss cleaning up my HUGE bedroom. In Florence my room is half the size and it is much easier to clean up and I know where things are.
- *The Coffee: I don't miss the coffee here.
- *The Abundance of Food: I don't miss the food. Overeating just cause I can. OH Thank God for granola bars, Chips Ahoy cookies and lunch meat that isn't expensive. I appreciate the lesser things and enjoy each piece of food I purchase.
- The Shopping: I don't miss driving from place to place to shop for the deals. I love my walks and rides through the city. It makes me appreciate my place of residence.
- The Gadget Must-Haves: I don't miss wanting or tempting myself to buy a gadget, phone or electronic device. I have all that I need. I don't a phone that does more than humans can do at a time. Crazy things people are creating today. Soon we won't have to do anything, just press a button.
I MISS:
- My Addy Baddy Monkeypants: She is my world and now that she talks constantly to me, I want to bring her back with me. "zi zi you want to play with me?"
She is my little buddy forever and ever!! - My HUGE room: I miss my HUGE room for the sole purpose of throwing my clothes around, doing BODYFLOW and sitting at my desk and listening to music.
- The HUGE kitchen: I miss moving around the kitchen as if I was dancing while cooking.
- The Coffee: Correction, I miss the flavored creamer that goes into my coffee. OH yummy yum yum!
- The Abundance of Food: I miss coming home and knowing there is something good to make in the house. We have a freezer *Correction* two freezers in the basement and one upstairs. Back in Florence there is only a small freezer, that fits absolutely not enough food for my hungry belly.
- The driving from place to place: No walking or riding my bike in the Chicago cold. There are cars here. An abundance of cars. Everyone has a car.
- My Family: I miss being around them. I miss my Mom's hugs and kisses, my Dad's constant "did you hear about this.." questions of trivia, my brother's philosophical view on life and the way he makes me laugh, my older sister's motherly personality, my younger sister's lack of speech and brother in law's hugs and interest in my life.
That is one thing about growing up teaches you: the simple things, the family aspect and the constant support you have in life. All these things I have listed above make my journey worth it. Good or bad, I am happy with the direction my life is heading. Nothing can stop the passion, determination and perseverance this SUPERWOMAN has.
a presto amici!
I always like reading lists like this from expats! Always interesting.
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OMG, my nephew calls me Zi Zi too! I love it. Being back home has it's pros and cons, but ultimately, living the simpler life is always so much more fulfilling for your soul! Enjoy your family!
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I grew up in Chicago-land and now live in Calabria.
I can relate to all you said except the coffee creamer. yikes. Well, I lived in Oregon before moving. They are as wierd on coffee as the Italians. I can add what I miss about chicago after not having been there for 40 years has been replaced by the testa dura of Calabrians. I miss the straight open talk of chicago people. calabrians are the same and I love it. If you don't like mellow, don't live in Oregon!
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