it has been a year

A year ago I spent my last night in the city of Chicago. The elevators weren't working. The city was super muggy and hot. It literally felt like rain. We weren't finished putting everything that needed to go into storage, and time was ticking.

We were surrounded by boxes that seemed to multiply. They needed to be broken down and hauled to the trash room half a city block down the hall.

We met a friend for dinner at Subway. It was down the block and quick. I hadn't eaten at Subway the entire two years we were in Chicago - except for that last night.

I felt bad considering that it didn't help us meet our deadline. We should have gone some place cool. Some place totally Chicago.

But everyone was tired and hot. And my nerves were shot. I still don't know how we got everything done.

The plan had been to leave that evening. But since we still have two loads of stuff to bring to storage it didn't happen. I talked to the front desk and he told us not to worry about staying until morning. The only thing we needed to do was deal with parking. Essentially we just had to pay to keep in the lot after midnight.

We literally slept on the floor. All the blankets had been packed. The only thing we had were two pillows. B stepped on my glasses. Thankfully he didn't break them. They just don't close right.

We turned in the keys literally seconds before the crazy building manager arrived for the day. I was so anxious I nearly threw up.

I still remember sitting in the car, pulling out of the loading zone and heading towards the great unknown. I can't believe it has been a year! I never thought things would still be up in the air like this. I miss my bed.

But tonight I snapped zinnias in the park to remind me that I am still here. have talent. I can still focus on the hidden beauty. We still have each other. And if I know nothing else, that is what matters most.

on the night stand :: The Gravedigger's Daughter