In the movie Pumping Iron, Franco Columbu describes the phrase "go to California" as an equivalent to "go to Hell", because where he came from California was a place you never make it to. For the last couple of years, Chicago has been our California. It has been a place that seemed like we would never make it to -- there were too many obstacles -- selling the house, landing a job, downsizing from a 4 bedroom house to a much smaller apartment, finding an apartment. There were a lot of reasons to stay in Omaha, but there was something inside us that said we needed to make the move. And we finally did it - we made it! We've been here about two and a half weeks at this point, and right now we're very happy.
Every day and every errand is a new adventure. We're learning how to buy groceries - we no longer drive our car and pack the trunk full of a weeks worth of groceries. Instead, we walk to the store and buy a few items at a time. Even if we could carry more groceries back, our small apartment kitchen doesn't have the storage for them. We're learning how to take public transportation and walk - anywhere we can. To me it's fun, and a big reason I wanted to move to the city. I enjoy taking the trains and buses - although I've learned that certain times are less enjoyable (morning rush hour to downtown). And it's pretty cool how many places you can get to just by walking. We've found the library and got library cards. We've found a gym to exercise at. The kids are doing well in school - Brooklyn is helping out with the school musical doing microphones and makeup and Marlie was named student of the month already.
So far both Pearl and I feel we made the right decision. It's still new and exciting, so our opinion may change after 6 or 12 months - but right now - we're happy.