I haven’t written a whole lot about my life here as I’ve been settling into Chicago but well, that’s because I’ve been busy settling into my life in Chicago. The past thirty-something days (not that we’re counting) have been a whirlwind of unpacking boxes and tripping over boxes, holidays and holiday prep, getting acquainted with my smaller-than-the-old-one kitchen and a quick round trip to Pennsylvania for Christmas with my family.

I am still getting there – I need waterproof boots that will keep my feet warm on the constantly-snow-coated Chicago sidewalks and my cookbooks are still homeless in a box in the bottom of a closet somewhere. I have a desk that I’ve moved three times because I don’t really like it anywhere and I hung four pictures on my wall on my own. Major accomplishment.

How is it different here than it was in New York? In every way possible. I am incredibly lucky in that I moved here with an amazing network of blog friends who quickly became real life friends making my transition to the Windy City practically seamless. Since I’ve been here I laugh more. I drink more wine. And I sleep in layers. I forget where I put my keys every single morning and I’ve locked myself out of the apartment (but then, so has my mom).

My freezer is already packed with scones and foccacia bread and I’ve found a Thai take-out place that Iets you order online – perfect for phone-phobics like myself. I’m eagerly anticipating a trip to The Spice House with Jackie and I’ve hit the Chicago French Market (and for the most part was wholly unimpressed but that was just me).

I feel like I’ve turned a page – not to get too proverbial but this was the new start I was looking for, the change I needed to shake things up and begin anew. A different time zone, a more affordable apartment and a Starbucks on the corner.

Things are looking up.