An Alchemist’s Journey

It’s the wee hours of the morning and I’m sitting on my bed with a laptop.  An old compilation of some of my favorite songs is playing in the CD drive.  The last time I did this was when I was still in Chicago.  My onshore assignment there was a truly happy experience.  For my first attempt at blogging, I’d like to remember the things I loved most about my stay at the Windy City.

The first thing that comes to mind is that it was in Chicago that I had my first taste of independence.  I live a rather sheltered life and always feared that I couldn’t possibly live apart from my family.  Living in Chicago to do my own chores proved me wrong.  I did my own laundry, cooked my own food, washed dishes, and brought out the trash.  I had no complaints; sometimes, I even enjoyed it.

I love, and sorely miss, Chicago springtime.  I arrived in Chicago just after winter.  The weather was cool and everything was in bloom.  I suddenly remember the Botanical Garden.  There were flowers of every color, trees with leaves of every imaginable shape and texture, and plants that gave out fragrant scents.  It was a wonderful treat to the senses!

Last on this list, but probably the most enjoyable, is the work and life balance I experienced during my two-month assignment.  This balance is not easy to come by if you work at A.  I had my usual load of work but had plenty of time to unwind.  I had fun spending time with friends in parties, inuman sessions, movie marathons and sightseeing trips.  Sigh.  Happy memories…

So there, that’s Chicago remembered.  It’s an experience that I won’t soon forget and will make me look forward to more adventures ahead.