Finally Here!

Wow, I haven't written anything here in a couple weeks.  Things got a little crazy at work, and then I actually made the move!  I am living in Chicago now.  Got my things moved into my apartment today.  That was an interesting adventure.

The day began with us driving downtown during rush hour traffic, which turned out to be moving fairly quickly.  Bear in mind that "fairly quickly" still took us over an hour.  We stopped by bf's office to pick up a furniture dolly, and I stayed with the car on Lower Wacker (think Batman Begins) while watching fish and flower delivery trucks ride by.  We had quite a little trek around the downtown area, and I was able to see just how much hustle and bustle there is.  It's amazing!  SO many little restaurants, shops, florists...since I pointed out all of the latter, I expect to be getting many flowers. ;)

Once we found the apartments, we had to go turn around so that we'd be going the right direction for the trailer.  I've always heard that Chicago traffic is the worst, but we had really had such an easy drive so far, I was starting to be lulled into complacency.  Well, my hopes of easy driving were dashed.  Went up one block, and even though there were no signs, a utility company was blocking the entire road.  Everyone had to turn around.  Turning around in a long truck with a trailer attached is VERY difficult, I've discovered.  I spent about an hour telling people to back up and shouting directions and making wild hand gestures just to try to get us backed down the street.  Bf did such a great job.  We were both a little rattled after that experience, but the next part made it all worth it.

We finally got to the apartment and I took a look around after signing the lease,  I was very pleased with what I saw.  The building is really lovely.  It bills itself as "Luxury Lake Front Apartments" and it's really true.  There are dog treats and coffee in the lobby!   Just walk out the front door, turn to the left, and there's the lake. I was so close to the lake that I could feel the spray whenever the wind blows!  The apartment is small, no doubt, but not as small as I had envisioned.  All the doors, fixtures, appliances, and surfaces are very nice, and a box fan in the window should solve the stuffiness issue.  Pics to come later today.

A freight elevator helped us with our stuff (only took about 30 trips in the elevator).  But let me just say, an elevator with a manual door that has to be held while the dolly gets wheeled in and out is almost just as difficult as carrying boxes!  By the time we were done, we were absolutely exhausted.  But I am thrilled with my new neighborhood.  Within 30 steps of my building there are no fewer than 4 mani/pedi places!  What am I going to do!?!  Leo will also be very happy.  Less than half a mile from our building is a dog beach.  We'll probably head down there today.

All in all, very exciting and successful day.  A bit of sunburn, VERY tired, but very happy.  More to come...