So, I've officially been living in Chicago for 27 days. I know I haven't posted, but I've been busy wrapping my head around a new apartment, a new job, a new cat, a new car....there have been a LOT of changes for me. But I've been taking every thing in stride and processing things one at a time, so it's been pretty great.
To start: my apartment. I love it! Megan finally moves in this weekend, and I'm very excited to have a roommate (besides my cat). The apartment is nice. It's on the first floor, which I was initially very skeptical (and kind of freaked) about, but it's certainly worked in my favor as it's been super hot and I have no air conditioning. The living space is big, although the ceilings are high, so it makes it seem bigger than it is. I'm all moved in and unpacked and I've done as much decorating as I'm going to do by myself; now it's time for Megan to get here so we can make this place OURS. Admittedly, I will need to clean up and put some of my stuff away from the general living space so she can have some of the apartment, too.
What's next? Let's go with the new job. This job has been a snap to reality. For those of you who don't know, I'm working as a line therapist for kids who have a diagnosis on the autism spectrum. I had never truly worked with autistic children before, so I didn't know what to expect. I've learned a LOT, but I would have to say the best thing I've learned is that you can't treat autistic kids according to their age; it really is an arbitrary number in regards to their development (except maybe physically; height and weight and such). I'm personally working with three children, none of which are verbal, so a lot of what I do focuses on verbal and oral motor immitation. A lot of "say oooh" and "say ahhh"'s come out of my mouth. I have an 8-year-old who is very low functioning, but he's really a sweetheart, and while he does challenge me every day I love the moments where he says "hi alli" or sings songs to me...like when he started singing Bruno Mar's "Just the Way You Are" to me the other day. I had a very hard time not laughing, since we're not supposed to react to "inappropriate" behavior, but I figured I'd rather him singing that than yelling or not responding to my prompts at all. Plus, it was adorable! I have to drive a lot, and I've got a few less hours than I would prefer, but I figure it's all in due time and I'm new to the company. Plus I don't want to swallow more than I can chew, and sometimes working with these kids can be stressful and very emotionally draining. Regardless, it's very rewarding, and I'm loving it!
Apartment, job...let's talk about my cat! I LOVE my cat. Her name is Madison (named after the greatest city known to man), and I tend to call her Maddie. Or Mads. Or Madcat. I adopted her from a local shelter which shall go unnamed because I am about to rip them a new one. She is 2-years-old, light orange medium hair, and was a rescue from the Oklahoma City tornados that happened earlier this year. When I adopted her I was told she was a 3-month-old kitten in perfect health....which seemed great! However, I took her to the vet (per the shelter's suggestion, mind you), and was informed that my tiny kitten was actually at LEAST 2-years-old. Not only that, but she has severe gingivitis and will probably need all of her teeth extracted. She also had an upper respiratory infection, an eye infection, and parasites. She's currently on three different medications, but she's responding great, and she has her surgery for her mouth on the 18th. I am so thankful that I adopted Maddie, despite her shortcomings, because I can't imagine what could have come of her if I hadn't taken her! She's a sweetheart who doesn't particularly like strangers, but considering she was probably practically sucked up in a giant funnel of doom, I don't really blame her. I'm taking her home for labor day weekend and I'm sure it'll be a trip seeing her in the same house as two other cats (one who is notoriously bitchy) and a giant german shepherd.
New car! 2010 Honda Civic, two-door and light blue. It's great. It has great air conditioning, a gas tank that is fully attached to the car, a gas tank that doesn't spit gas out at me as I'm pumping, a transmission that down shifts (notable improvement)...not to mention an automatic lockey keychain button thing, a 21st century dash board, and it's just friggen adorable. Plus I think my mom sleeps better at night knowing I'm not facing impeding doom on the Chicago freeways. We got a great deal on it and it only has 13,000 miles on it, and I can afford the monthly payment obviously, so all is terrific!
Other than that, life has been going well. I'm starting to really set into my work schedule so I've started looking and signing for extra-curricular activities. I'm starting an indoor volleyball league on September 11th, and I am SO excited to be playing again. There are various levels you can sign up for, ranging from recreational, beginner, intermediate, intermediate/advanced, and competitive. I probably could have swung intermediate/advanced, but since I haven't played competitively since high school I signed up for the intermediate level. I think it will be a great way to meet new people, plus I've been DYING to get out on a court.
I also discovered this FRIGGEN SWEET THING. So there's a NTC (Nike Training Club) in Lincoln Park, and it's basically a nike store that's directed towards women. All women merchandise. But the best part about it is that this store has a studio on the second floor where they offer FREE, yes FREE, fitness classes 4-5 times a day, and any given person can attend up to four classes a week....for FREE. Tonight I went to my first class, and it was a run + NTC class. We went on a 12ish minute run and then had a group class for 30 minutes. The class was based on Nike's NTC app, available on the iPhone, and it kicked my ass. But it kicked my ass for FREE so I walked away feeling great. Doubt if I'll be able to walk without a limp tomorrow, but whatever.
So essentially, I'm making my way. It's been interesting and fun and lonely and great all at the same time, but I really think these are all emotions that are necessary in growing up. I'm excited for the next few months, now that I've gotten into a routine, and to make new friends and start really living my life down here.
I wish you all the best end to the summer, start to school year, or just a good rest of your night.
Ta-ta for now!
