I won't lie, this has been a long time coming. I was born and raised as someone from Dallas but I felt more like a gypsy since I did not fit the cookie-cutter southern belle. I mean, I did not have cowboy boots until I went to the most Texan school there is, Texas A&M University. The same can be said about two-stepping since I had never been since I went to Harry's in College Station. Some say that Dallas is basically not part of Texas which could be argued if my family was used since my parents are from the midwest. Now, I am a northerner too since I moved to Chicago.
I never felt fully Texan so I knew whenever I visited Chicago that it would be my future home. It fit me like the gloves that they all wear in their bitter winters. One of the best parts of this new move is definitely the weather since the summers are mild and never really reach into the nineties compared to Texas' awful 107 degrees days where you basically melt while walking to the car and burning your skin on the belt buckle. It is basically too hot to do anything but sit inside or go to the pool and swim.
Another pro to living in Chicago is the open-minded culture that comes along with the territory. Chicago is known for being polar opposite from the Texas mindset of the GOP. However, as someone that considers themself a moderate when it comes to politics, it can be very frustrating at times when there is an overwhelming difference in ideas. While Chicago is pretty extreme on the left side, they are more open to ideas that oppose theirs. For example, while I was downtown interviewing for jobs in June many of the stores where embracing Pride month by adding colorful decor to their display windows. Not only does this increase their sales but it also brightens the mood and encourages love.
However, there are many things that I will miss about Texas. The most mourned is the patty melt and spicy ketchup from Whataburger. Chicago may soon have the coveted restaurant chain now that one of their companies bought them out but for now it is gone but never forgotten. I will also miss ordering a vanilla diet Dr. Pepper from Sonic since they obviously have hands-down the best drinks on the planet, or at least in the south.
The friendly faces of the south are going to be hard to come by up here since there is not that southern charm. However, this move was exactly what I needed in my life. All of my external family is here and I feel more at home than Texas was for me for 23 years. So for now, farewell Texas you will be missed until I return for the occasional Aggie football game or to see my family. Peace out.
