Another Big Step
There are a lot of things in this world that make you realize you're growing up and becoming more responsible. Moving in with Jean was the first thing for me. She helped me get to a place in life that I wanted to be. She helped me get my resume going, find a better job, quit smoking, get back in school, and I also cut my hair (that really was more of my choice then hers though). She's done a lot to inspire and encourage me since I met her. Lots of big steps there. Lots I wanted to do but wouldn't have done on my own. I needed that push and support, and I got it. Then there was marriage. Having a spouse is a big deal, and makes you realize you're not alone anymore. Whether you like it or not there are two of you now. There's someone there to support and help you along, but you must do the same for them. I'll admit I sometimes feel like I'm more on the receiving end there even though my lovely wife insists it's not true. Then came the events of the day. I can sum it up in two words. "House hunting."
Today Jean and I went out to visit with a realtor who drove us around and showed us a half dozen or so houses in Chicago's Beverly neighborhood. That in itself made me a little reluctant. I was (for the most part) born and raised on the north side of Chicago, exactly 3 miles west of Wrigley Field. I bleed Cubbies red and blue, and for me to live in White Sox territory… well, the idea didn't appeal to me. I went along anyway because my wife asked me to, and have heard nothing but good things about Beverly. Turns out I like it. It's still in Chicago, but has a suburban feel to it. It was very nice and not too yuppified. I was very impressed. I even saw a house that was proudly displaying a Cubs flag in the front porch.
So here I am at 37 years old, married, trying to have a kid, back in school to get my degree, and now looking for a house to call a home. It's just another sign that I'm getting older and starting to become more responsible. Not such a bad one though. Having a place that's not as small as our little condo is gonna be pretty cool. We will miss Lakeview a lot once we leave, but we aren't planning to move until this fall, so we still have plenty of time to enjoy it. I'm also sure we'll be back for visits and stuff, and will enjoy our new place and new neighborhood just as much. So here's to another big step and another sign of age and responsibility. I'm that much closer to the dream now.