There’s No Place Like Home

Family is everything. Living 1,500 miles away from my parents for the past eight years has never been easy for me. However, at this point, I’ve made my life in Chicago and could never detach myself from it. I feel like I’m in a serious relationship with my city and I never want to break up with it. Despite the restaurants (mmm…), the theatre (better than Broadway), the Cubs (maybe this year?), the lake (a bit too cold), the beach (what could be better?) and all the beautiful nuances and quirks that Chicago possesses, there is always a small void that I – at least – feel. That’s the void of family. So…I’ve built my own family here, one chock-full-a friends, sisters, colleagues, neighbors and teachers. I could not be more grateful.

I recently had the opportunity to spend three weeks with my family family in West Palm Beach. In Chicago, I live the life of a madwoman. In WPB (which I affectionately refer to it as), I don’t do anything except relish in the fact that I don’t have to do anything (except working remotely on Cheeky all day). I don’t hang out with friends, I don’t drink, I don’t even really run errands. I go for 14-mile bike rides every morning, sit at the pool, go to the beach, visit Grandma Molly, cook dinner with my mom, play ping-pong with my dad and eat dinner every night as a family. Life is good.

Without fail, being with my family teaches me that it doesn’t take much in life to be/stay/become happy. I learned a lot on this trip home. I learned that Mom is an even better cook than I remember or could ever put into words. I think she’d give some of these Chi-town chefs a run for their money. I learned that Dad works too hard and plays too little. I learned that really long bike rides are an amazing way to clear your head. I learned that going to bed early makes way for a very productive next day. I learned that starting Primetime TV at 8 o’clock is a little too late. I learned that my dog can spend hours playing with a ping pong ball (oh – to be so easily entertained). I learned that 90-years-old is not too old to party on New Year’s Eve (thanks, Gramtastic). I learned how to make the Torsiello-family marinara sauce. I learned that the best steak can be found in a restaurant that I’ve been going to for 20 years. And, I learned that waking up to the sunshine every single morning is a damn good way to start the day.

What I’m trying to say is…I’m a very lucky girl. I have a family in Chicago that gives me a run for my money – they make me laugh, they make me cry, they make me dance and they make me very, very tired from all that laughing, crying and dancing. And…I have a family in Florida that makes me laugh, cry and dance, but in a very, very different way. I guess, most importantly, is that both of these families make me love.

Now that I’m back in Chicago with a new-found energy, a relaxed spirit, (a small void in my heart) and a definite tan, I’m ready for 2009. Bring it on, baby.