I had a similar moved journey through Chicago and similar move out, although the timelines and reasons differ a tid. The "hit to [the] professional identity" thing is very real. Additionally Chicago runs on a different speed and energy than the lands North. The goodly news is that speed is closer to the speed of your husband, so you should already be used to it. I have had a hard time of it, but I am in more of a suburb. If you have to drive, we are at a good stopping point on the way.
Here is my unsolicited advice.
Purchase the following items:
A Fire Extinguisher,
Two Flashlights that plug into the wall so they are always charged.
The Ugliest lamp you have ever seen*
A set of Allen wrenches that are not connected together.
A good scraper
A multitool with pliers
a socket set
A toilet plunger with a T shaped handle.
A good rubber bucket.
A multi head screwdriver
A caulking gun
Got those? Great these belong to the two of you, not Paul. Now you can fix almost everything in your house that you have business fixing. Also the internet.
Love chuck and his late father who would give advice like this.
*This fixes nothing, but you will not feel bad when it breaks.
All sound advice -- and not covered in the marriage advice manual! Thanks Chuck. And, yes, I'm learning to operate at that slower speed and most of the time I even like it.
I'm excited for you and P! Congrats on home ownership. Nothing ever ends up being that far away, is what I learned the first time I moved, and again when I moved back. Sending good vibes and I hope I get to try this Waukegan pizza people talk about with y'all sometime.
So many big changes afoot! Congrats on finding your sweet house; I wish you ease on your moving and settling-in process! The love you hold for Chicago and your community there has always shone through in your writing…it’s the kind of community that will sustain you as you find your footing in your new environs. So excited for you!
What a beautiful tribute, Martha.🙏🏻 so happy for you — it’s evidence of a life well-lived to have such rich memories to cherish, and new ones to create.❤️
Ms. Martha,
I had a similar moved journey through Chicago and similar move out, although the timelines and reasons differ a tid. The "hit to [the] professional identity" thing is very real. Additionally Chicago runs on a different speed and energy than the lands North. The goodly news is that speed is closer to the speed of your husband, so you should already be used to it. I have had a hard time of it, but I am in more of a suburb. If you have to drive, we are at a good stopping point on the way.
Here is my unsolicited advice.
Purchase the following items:
A Fire Extinguisher,
Two Flashlights that plug into the wall so they are always charged.
The Ugliest lamp you have ever seen*
A set of Allen wrenches that are not connected together.
A good scraper
A multitool with pliers
a socket set
A toilet plunger with a T shaped handle.
A good rubber bucket.
A multi head screwdriver
A caulking gun
Got those? Great these belong to the two of you, not Paul. Now you can fix almost everything in your house that you have business fixing. Also the internet.
Love chuck and his late father who would give advice like this.
*This fixes nothing, but you will not feel bad when it breaks.
All sound advice -- and not covered in the marriage advice manual! Thanks Chuck. And, yes, I'm learning to operate at that slower speed and most of the time I even like it.
Loved reading this!! Happy for your new home, and appreciative of how your writing has given me an opportunity to reflect on “home.”
Thank youuuuuuuu
I just left San Francisco after living there my whole adult life. Saying goodbye was a heartbreak. Allow for mourning -- and for joy in new things!
It’s all connected right? Wishing you well wherever you land.
Gorgeously written piece, Martha. The Metra route to Waukegan is pretty convenient. Good luck in the new home!
It’s true! Thanks Jean.
Congratulations on homeownership….. and as always it seems to me, you write something I find poignant…
Thanks Burgi! Miss you all — but now I have a guest room!
I'm excited for you and P! Congrats on home ownership. Nothing ever ends up being that far away, is what I learned the first time I moved, and again when I moved back. Sending good vibes and I hope I get to try this Waukegan pizza people talk about with y'all sometime.
Thank you so much! C'mon up and go to the Quonset with us anytime :)
feel duty bound to mention that eiren, once in trouble, is publishing two books in the next 8 months :)
It's true! Community care isn't just a warm fuzzy vagary -- it helps people THRIVE.
Good luck, Martha. Health and happiness in your new home.
Thanks Dave!
Just beautiful! Wishing you much happiness in your lovely new home and all kinds of wonderful adventures and discoveries.
Thank you Rachel — it’s always so nice to hear from you.
Congrats on the new home, Martha. All the best for you in Waukegan. 💕
Thanks Sari!
So many big changes afoot! Congrats on finding your sweet house; I wish you ease on your moving and settling-in process! The love you hold for Chicago and your community there has always shone through in your writing…it’s the kind of community that will sustain you as you find your footing in your new environs. So excited for you!
Aw, thank you Kate. I really hope I get to see you again someday ;)
I'm so glad you signed on your house. Good luck with the move, and may you have many years of happiness in your new home.
Thanks so much!
Congratulations Martha. I wish you all the best in your new home.
Thanks Charlie! I hope all is well in your world
Congratulations, Martha! You will make magic wherever you go, I am sure of this.
Thanks Amy!
congrats!! This piece really made me miss Chicago so much, I hope you’re able to build community in Waukegan!
Thank you! Planning on it :)
What a beautiful tribute, Martha.🙏🏻 so happy for you — it’s evidence of a life well-lived to have such rich memories to cherish, and new ones to create.❤️
Thank you! Still swinging between excitement and fear of the unknown but it’s settling down a bit 🤗