Whirlwind

I flew to Chicago in hopes that I would make a decision about where I want to go to grad school, move and continue my life.  My romantic interest was a bust, I still wanted to come out to the city and this trip was everything I wanted it to be.  When I landed, alone in the Midway airport I got lost a few times trying to find the access to the train.  Finally on the "L" I was heading into the heart of Chicago.  I was oddly reminded of London: the sounds, people and feel.  It was a city, not a 30,000 person town in the middle of nowhere US.  Once off at the right stop my hotel was literally right in front of the train station exit.  13 floors up, settled in, I went to catch a train to see Lauren.  That night in the suburbs was so fun! It had been months since seeing Lauren, I got to meet her family and spend an amazing time out in Rose Mont. Coming in the next morning I listened to music, relaxed and thought about life.  Mostly staying in my hotel room, I just destressed. I had time to sort through files, life things and pay some bills instead of constantly worrying about work. So I headed to bed, to wake up the next morning and meet Kylene to explore Downtown Chicago and it was amazing!!!! 

Hancock Observatory overlooking all of the city, Tribune Tower with artifacts from all around the world, Navy Pier, Millennium Park... I was falling in love.  The city captivated me, in so many ways. Just wandering around in the cold and getting lost was amazing.  There were exhibits and shows, people and shopping... I felt excited and energized.  Restored.  After Kylene left I met Neal, hung out and just relaxed the night away. 

The next morning was visit time.  I walked 10 blocks in blowing cold snow, in a suit, to Loyola Water Tower Campus to meet Mariana, an enrollment advisor for Loyola University Chicago in order to get some questions asked about applications and admission to their Student Affairs program.  It was amazing and reassuring that this is one of the best schools for Student Affairs in the country and that Chicago is an amazing city for your professionals. I'm seriously falling for this city.  I just want a few years of adventure.  I'll still return to the West when I'm ready... find a place to settle down.  For now, I want excitement and energy, passion and novelty. Wyoming can't offer me that.  In the end, if I'm not in a master's program by Summer I'm moving. I need a change and I have all the support I need to do it. It's only a matter of making it happen.