February in Chicago!

It’s hard to believe it’s already February in Chicago! February marks the midpoint of my year with Lutheran Volunteer Corps. Pretty incredible. So in honor of 6 months, I thought I’d come up with a few things I’ve learned…
-Living with four women in a 3-bedroom apartment is not as scary as it may seem. Especially when they become your friends.
-Chicago drivers/parking are ridiculous. This has not changed. What I have learned is that parallel parking isn’t horrifying.
-5 women with 5 desks working in 1 small room can be both a blessing and a curse.
-What people want is not so complicated: to be treated with respect and as though what they say and feel matters.
-A few food items are essential long-term in my life: good coffee, good orange juice, and gorgonzola/blue cheese. The first of which I have a plentiful supply of thanks to several different gifts ;).
-Not as many things are essential as I thought.
-Small children will never stop being adorable to me.
-Small children change a lot in 6 months, and to get to witness that on whatever level is an honor.
-Big cities have something to offer even an open-space/outdoors loving girl like me.
-I really lucked out: with my placement, the women I live with, this city: all pretty great.


That's all I've got for now...Happy February!