Not So Suburban Legends
Friends! Apologies for the long time no write, but despite my last entry, it turns out moving is still hard work. I feel like because I’m from around here, it adds a whole new layer of constantly packing and unpacking that didn’t really exist in Seattle because I had one home base. Here, I am constantly bringing in new things and just when you think my apartment can’t fit much more, you experience hoarding to a whole new level.
Anyways, I was thinking recently about the uniqueness of this move, and realized that the majority of the people reading this can relate to moving out of the Chicago suburbs and into the “big city”. As people who likely spent our entire lives telling people in college that we were from “Chicago” – because you tell me where the hell Buffalo Grove is located-it feels weird to “sort of” move 40 minutes away from your roots.
I’ve felt that kind of weirdness and permanence with this move way more than the one to Seattle because with Seattle, even though it was miles away, I always knew I was coming right back here. But here in Chicago, while I may move apartments and neighborhoods, there is an extra layer of security that also comes with the shock that I may live here for the next decade or so.
For us Suburb transplants, or thanks to Taylor, I’m calling it “Suburban Legends” I think there a couple culture shocks of sorts I’ve picked up on. The first is activities. I don’t think I realized how many tourist traps I engrained into my Seattle lifestyle until I came here, decided to write down a similar bucket list, and realized … I’ve already done everything? I mean the Sears tower (its correct name), Navy Pier, deep dish Pizza spots (Giordanos is the right option, Lous fans), baseball games, and beach – I’ve done it all on day trips from the suburbs before. I was on the phone with a friend complaining about not having anything new to try and she reminded me that the things I just laid out are tourist traps at the core, the equivalent of the empire state building or London eye of Chicago. There are still tons of things to do, and I’ve grown accustomed to the discovering of these activities. Just a few things I’ve done since moving here exactly a month ago include watching Second City improv shows, walking around the 606 trail, visiting food hubs like Margee’s candies and Schneider’s deli, visiting Snakes and Lattes (a unique board game café), checking out cool bars in River North, and so forth.
Another thing I’ve noticed is just how easy it is to get comfortable and stay comfortable. In Seattle, I definitely forced myself to get on the apps and Facebook groups a lot sooner, and a lot of that is due to how homely its been in a city I’m familiar with where I live with my best friend and have coworkers I’m close with. Having a strong support system is a great thing, but I can imagine there’s also an element of desire to push oneself out of the comfort zone during it, which is what I’ve been trying to do. I encourage all Chicago suburb transplants to challenge themselves and try new things, because that’s how you grow and isn’t that the whole reason people move in the first place?
Finally, I think us suburban legends spend a lot of time playing networking geography. And yes, I ripped this off from Jewish geography, but the basic idea is trying to aimlessly reconnect with people we should know from the suburbs or “used to know” through mutual friend groups back in high school. Hey, I’m super guilty of this too, because I know people who know people who live here too. And sometimes, that’s the best way to make new connections. But I challenge you all, like I challenge myself, to always be ready to expand the who you know to make way for someone new.
There’s always more to say, but the gist is that to get comfortable with any place, you need to work hard at creating habits and friendships that make the place feel special. That’s what I hope to work hard at as I start month two. I’ll be back soon… with cat tips… because oh that’s right, my roommate got a cat! I will be sure to share some cute pics of little Ziggy on my Instagram @SincerelySharon__. Stay tuned lovebugs, talk soon!
Sincerely,
Sharon