Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Finding a New Balance

Every city has its own character and culture. Things that seperate it from other places and remind you exactly of where you are. Today, I visited one of those places for Chicago... I went grocery shopping at Jewel.

Jewel-Osco, owned by Albertson's, is not exclusive to Chicago. However as far as grocery stores go in this city, it's the only one that's worked it's way into our local lexicon. A proper Chicagoan does not say, "I went to the Jewel today." We say, "I went to da Jewels." The store has such a long standing relationship with this city that we've gifted it our most precious of accent markers by replacing 'the' with 'da' (aka, 'da Bears') and unecessarily pluralizing the name.  All the hallmarks of a Chicago icon.

Yes, I could've gone to Whole Foods and I still have my Mariano's club card... but for a woman on a budget, da Jewels is my best option. And it's the most 'local' I've felt since returning to the area six days ago. I have to admit, it's throwing me for a loop not to be shopping at a Safeway.

While I learn to re-embrace the characteristics of my hometown, I'm also pushing to include my new interests. As if it heard my thoughts, the universe provided me with balance by confirming my volunteer spot at the Chicago Improv Festival in late April. My schedule is not final, but I'll have the opportunity to immerse myself in Chicago's improv community - something I greatly miss after returning from Vancouver. 

I keep reminding myself that this is a process and to be patient as I find my footing again. ...I've never been very patient with myself. Even a six month vacation hasn't changed that. Wish me luck.

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