The list...

I'm still here, but in the last month a lot was going on, including visits from my family and a big move to Chicago, where I am now.

I love making lists, so here are two for you:

The WORST things to happen since I got to Chicago:

1. Matt left last Sunday night to go back to DC to finish his job. I have been living alone in this city for the past week and a half and have re-discovered that I don't do alone things.
2. I locked myself out of my apartment (remember - other key-owner is in DC).
3. I tripped up the circuit breaker - thrice.
4. My care was broken into and the STEREO WAS STOLEN and the back window was popped out. Skillful thief.
5. I then had to drive around a rental ugly PT Cruiser (no offense, PT lovers) for two days.
6. I had a small freak out about never getting a job in Chicago and visions of Matt and I being evicted and going hungry as a result (me? a drama queen?).
7. No internet in my house for a week and a half and having to reserve internet time at the library.
8. Attending a job fair at my one last great attempt to get a teaching job. Think standing for 5 hours and practically begging people, swearing up and down that you are the greatest educator to ever live. It sucks.

The BEST things to happen since I got to Chicago

1. I GOT A JOB!!!!!!!!!! I had an interview on Tuesday and will be teaching 6th grade social studies, pre-IB 6th grade and pre-IB 7th grade social studies at the best Elementary/Middle School in Chicago. I am so grateful, so relieved, and so excited. The 7th grade class I will also teach Language Arts, so I get to teach novels. My dream job!
2. I took a long run in the rain after my freak out.
3. After I found out about my car being broken into I went to the grocery store, bu forgot my apples on the bottom of the cart. I love my apples...and when I went back the customer service lady let me get them back for no charge. I almost started crying out of gratitude.
4. I bought a DVD player and Matt and I actually set up a TV in this apartment!
5. Going to the library has forced me out of my house and into my beautiful neighborhood. I think I'm going to like being a city-dweller and walking everywhere.
6. I really like my apartment with its all wood floors. I bought a Swiffer Sweeper and have deemed that thing AWESOME.
7. The realization that things are not as bad as they seem. I have been really blessed.
8. Going to the Aquarium downtown today with some friends - it felt so nice to play and not feel guilty about not looking for a job. Because I have one!

The verdict: The good things far outweigh the bad. I'm a lucky girl.