Windy Seductions

Geez Louise...I've been thinking about you way too often. I don't know what's gotten into me. Every other week, taking the subway to and from work, I catch myself fantasizing about you - those great, wonderful moments we had back in May and this past August. How you showed me things that I never thought I would like. How you made me open up my horizons, and forced me to think about new possibilities for my future...

But I'm not so sure it's such a good idea to be thinking about you. It honestly worries me, because I really do enjoy my current living situation. In fact, I'm very comfortable with it and I wouldn't like it to change. The life that I currently have brings me acceptance and a sense of security - like a warm blanket. You, on the other hand, bring risk - yet also a tantalizing allure.

Okay - I'll admit it, here and now. I became smitten with you the minute I laid eyes on you - you totally caught me by surprise! How was I supposed to know that you'd be so wonderful and accommodating? And how did you know that I would be receptive to what you had to offer me?

Back in May, I only wanted to try things out. That's all - nothing more. But the more days I spent time with you, the more I realized that I wasn't going to be able to stop visiting you. You had already made me rethink certain decisions, and I quite simply couldn't shake you off.

Seriously...what the hell makes you so appealing, CHICAGO!?

Is it the genial Midwestern charm of your people? The youthful, vibrant activity that is palpably seen and felt in & around Wicker Park/ Bucktown? Or is it the exuberance that exudes out of the different facets of your city life, whether it's politics (Rahm Emanuel as the no-nonsense leader), art (Hopper's Nighthawks), sports (daaaa Bears) or films (Bueller...Bueller)? In fact, all of these factors contribute to making you a very appealing city, indeed - and one that makes me reconsider how places and environments can bring out the best (or worst) in people.

If I lived there - would I feel as happy as when I've visited you? Or would I feel duped or cheated at having fallen for the illusion of a better, more laid-back lifestyle?

On first glance, to me you seem picture-perfect. Your breezy evenings are engulfed with lively music and attractive company, while your days carry a geniality to them easily manifested in people's demeanor. On a professional front, however, you don't have much to offer me just yet. All of the facets that make me love and enjoy my job are very much endemic to my living situation here in New York, and I don't see myself extricating myself from this city anytime soon.

Still...what lies deeper than that? Can we plant our roots anywhere and be able to find a strong identity of our own? Or are there just a few places in the world that truly speak to us, and make us better people because of what they provide on an emotional level?

While countries like Italy, Mexico and Switzerland have undoubtedly wooed me when I've visited them, Chicago is the only American city that has dispelled the notion that NYC is exclusive to a fruitful and culturally-rich lifestyle. It exudes an allure that I never really noticed until earlier this year, and in doing so, it brought to light a refreshing attitude that I hope to keep in mind for years to come: that places do not define us, but rather, prompt us to discover untapped aspects of ourselves.

Now, if only I could get those delicious pancakes from Bongo Room out of my mind...