I feel brand new.

Sometimes it takes moving 1,160 miles away from home before a little girl can finally grow up into a strong woman. When I first journeyed to Chicago, I thought I was pretty damn smart. I thought I was prepared for life and I knew more than my elders. It's ironic how two years can change a person. I think about the twenty-one year old, fresh eyed and naive little girl I was when I arrived in Chicago, and I am in awe that I didn't get mugged the first day. No, that took two years in this concrete jungle. :)

The fact of the matter is, being far away from those I have always relied on has taught me to trust in my own judgment and to rely on others. It's a blessing to be brought up with such a big and supportive family, but it's also makes moving away hard. I have never yearned and missed for anything like I've missed my family these past two years. However, living in Chicago has taught me to trust others and build my own community and circle of friends-family in Chicago. I guess that's a lesson I really needed to learn: family is amazing, but friends can be just as nurturing, loving and giving as my own flesh and blood.

This past week my mom came into town and it was just wonderful. We laughed, talked, organized kitchen drawers I'd been avoiding, shopped, went to shows and just relaxed. It was an extremely healing experience. I was able to just enjoy my life here in Chicago with my mom and really value the little things I love about Chicago - the hustle and bustle, the pace, the liveliness, the culture and the music.

My mom and I went to a performance at the Briar Street Theater by the Blue Man Group one night and it was absolutely amazing and so much fun. I highly recommend the Blue Man Group to everyone. It's such a unique group experience. We also went to the Red Headed Piano Bar and listened to music one night and drank martinis. Later that night we ended up heading to the movie theater and seeing a movie. We shopped at all our favorite discount chains, gave each other facials and manicures and dined like queens.

 My mom and me at the Chicago Theater

My mom and me riding the bus to Whole Foods

My cousin, Morgan, also was in Chicago at the time, so she spent a day with us. We went for sushi and shopped with her while taking iconic Chicago photos. We posed in front of famous landmarks and attracted the attention of other tourists - even though I can't be a tourist in my own city! However, Chicago is so huge, sometimes I feel like a tourist in my own city! :)

Morgan and me with the refrigerator art in Chicago, 

much like the guitars in Austin

Morgan and me with Tuna Tartare at Oysy

I guess that's just it. We conquered the city. My city. My home. And in that moment I realized I love this city. I have gone through some rough times in this city, but I have conquered so much and grown as a result of my conquests because of this city. How can I not cherish the city that has taught me so much about myself?

My sometimes unbearable uphill climb in Chicago has taught me to really appreciate and love who I am, where I came from and where I am going. I'm a very different person than I was when I first arrived in Chicago and I am thankful to Chicago for allowing me to use its magnificent cityscape as a nest for me to spread my wings.

Alicia Keys said it best about New York, but I think the same philosophy applies to Chicago: "These streets will makes you feel brand new, big lights will inspire you." Do you feel it? Because I feel brand new and so inspired.