As Susan and I drove in to Chicago, we were listening to a local radio station and the DJ must have said “fantastic” about three times in the span of five minutes. I have adopted it as my new word. Not only does it allow me to swing very easily into a broad “A” sound as I speak so I sound like a Chicagoan, it describes the experience of moving in to this new home. No, I’m not being facetious. It’s true. All things considered, I’ve had a fantastic move.
This weekend was full of wonderful experiences to introduce me to the area. On Friday, Susan and I went to a Cubs game. They were playing the SF Giants, which seemed like the perfect accompaniment to my own transition from the Bay Area to Chicago. The Cubs won. Fantastic.

My cousin fantastico (I’m not kidding, we’ve called each other this for more than 15 years) drove down from Wisconsin on Saturday. We three took a river cruise compliments of the Chicago Architecture Foundation and learned all about the amazing buildings downtown. We laughed at the nicknames for the famous architects (Mr. Curve? Really??) and strained our necks to look up at the new Trump tower that will house condos, hotels, restaurants, and offices some time next year. Afterward, we shopped on Michigan Ave. and got new handbags. Fantastic.

Today, after a hearty breakfast at a diner on Devon and Clark, we came back to the apartment and started unpacking my boxes. I found all the books I got to describe Chicago (fantastic!) and made piles to put on the shelves. We moved the couch, talked about where to set up my study station, and marveled at the dust that accumulated with the move. And then my two champions had to say goodbye – one heading north to her new job in WI and one heading back to CA. Fantastic.

Now I’m really on my own. So far, so good, in spite of a few fits of tears. I found a way to navigate home even though I didn’t have my city map in the car. I managed to locate a Trader Joe’s so I could grab some groceries and fill my fridge. Now I just have to lean forward a bit more so I can take that next step to make this place home. Before I do that, though, I think I’ll procrastinate a bit more and take a walk on the beach. Fantastic.

P.S. I named the spider Huge Helga.