Feels good to be back...

Here I am. I'm back in my safe outlet. After not writing for a few days, I started to crave it. But of all the things I could be addicted to, I'd say writing my blog is fairly harmless. I am perched on the newest addition to my home in the sky; a leather loveseat (passed down from my grandparents). It fits perfectly in the nook by my middle window, and gives my space even more of a home-y feeling. I didn't realize how convenient and comfortable having a piece of furniture to sit on would be. After having nothing but my bed and a couple stools for nearly 4 months, it's nice to have a couch. Sitting next to me is a mug of hot tea and a box of tissues. An angry head cold snuck up on me yesterday and is still lingering today. I can't remember the last time I was "sick". I think it was over 2 years ago when I was hit by the flu; but no traces of anything serious since then. I guess that makes me pretty lucky. I am more lucky that I don't have class today, allowing time for my body to rest. Maybe I deserve this combination of a sore throat, stuffy nose, and achy muscles, though. It's almost as if it's my punishment for taking 3 days off to spend time with my parents. Which was amazing, by the way. 

They hadn't been in the city for almost 4 months, since I moved in. Although they prefer their small-town lifestyle, they love experiencing the big city for a few days. And I love showing them my city. Four months ago it was a world of unknown. But now, I feel like I have a good grip on what's going on around me. I feel less like a tourist and more like a local. I know the tourist in me will never completely go away, though. And I'm not sure I would ever want it to. We did a lot of walking, which is never a bad way to get around the city. And we did hail a cab or two somewhere along the way. We tried a couple new restaurants, I took them to my favorite bar down the street, and introduced them to "my" Starbucks. We all agreed that although it is a busy city, there is a fresh calming feeling you get while you're here. Walking the streets of Chicago gives you that excitement that comes with a big city, without being too overwhelming. Of all the ground we covered, though, their favorite spot was the same as mine: the view from the middle window in my apartment. Something about being up here, above all the action, is enough to make you feel completely relaxed. 

And that's how I feel right now, completely relaxed. Maybe it's the cold medication causing this feeling, or maybe it's me getting my writing fix. Let's assume it's a combination of the two. Regardless, I promised myself I will not go this long without writing again. And I don't break promises, especially when they're to myself.

Please enjoy this random snapshot of us in the cab. Apparently it was impossible to get all 3 of us in the picture!