A newsy update

I'm still here! Over the past few months I've been working and playing a lot and getting into the swing of my new life. I'm not a student for the first time since, well, age four or so, and that's a pretty big change.

I live in a one-bedroom apartment in the Chicago suburbs, about ten miles from my job. Generally speaking, I'm not too keen on the suburbs. Living in Madison for two years spoiled me. I got  used to being around people my own age, taking the bus to work and class, and being generally busy all the time. The 40 hour week routine in a car-and-house-and-family focused suburban environment is a little different, and not really a place where I feel totally at home at this stage in my life.

But I can't complain. I like my job, and my boyfriend is a short 40 minute train ride away, which is totally better than the 4 hour bus ride we got to enjoy when I lived in Madison. Best of all, he lives right in Chicago, so I can run to the city for an adventure any time I want, like a Tuesday night Cubs game, or a weekend spent hanging out in Wicker Park or the beach. My next lease might find me a little closer to the city, too.

If you've been reading this blog for my sewing and cooking and crafting endeavors, don't worry- those are still on my radar (and I still use my tiffin for lunch, which has yielded many comments from my new coworkers). I did some shopping at Chicago's Textile Discount Outlet (a jam-packed three story warehouse that feels like a tremendous fire hazard and has amazing deals), and have a pile of fabric to work with. Like usual, I've got more "to do" than "done" projects, but I did make a blue jersey infinity dress, plus an iPad cover out of an old moleskine-like notebook and felt. I've just got to get over the after-work laziness and get more done!

Have tips for getting craft motivation? Suburban sympathies? Recommendations for Chicago hangouts? Let me know!