Real Life + BIG NEWS

I'm kind of obsessed with Kate's "real life" link-up idea. As a blogger, I get tempted to post just the happy, "shiny" things while leaving out the rougher parts of life. Her link-up is a great little reminder that we all have those rough "real life" moments.

Take this morning for example. I had an appointment at a fantastic clinic for Frank and I to learn how to use Natural Family Planning (required for our marriage in the Catholic Church). 

The appointment was amazing. I learned so much. Did you know that NaProTechnology, approved by the Church, treats infertility more effectively than IVF does? And helps women who have polycystic ovarian syndrome get pregnant, with a success rate of over 80 percent? This technology is truly incredible—and healthy and natural—yet for some reason we never hear about it. What's up with that? I've been pondering ways to spread the word.

But as we left, I realized we'd stayed a half hour too long (go figure, with me asking so many questions). Then we hit traffic—like really bad traffic, a bottleneck that had us crawling at a snail's pace—and then an overzealous cop pulled Frank over because one of his brake lights was out. When I finally made it to work, an hour after I said I'd get in, I realized I forgot my building access key at home, and the door guard had to buzz me up to my floor. Argghhhhh.

So it was one of those mornings. And to top it all off, I had to have a meeting with my boss...

... a meeting I was really nervous about and kind of dreading...

... a meeting to break the news that...

 WE ARE MOVING TO CHICAGO!!!!!!!!! 

AHHHHH! 

Ok, deep breaths!

I've been dying to tell you guys this news! Now that I've officially told my boss, I can make it public.

Here's the story: A law firm in Chicago offered Frank a great position. We weighed the pros and cons and decided we want to live near family as we begin welcoming children after our marriage. An opportunity like this doesn't come around every day. So Frank accepted, and he's moving to Chicago at the end of the month. I'll join him out there before the wedding in May.

Not gonna lie, part of me is terrified. I don't have a job lined up in Chicago and I love my job here. After struggling to find a job last summer and finally settling in to this job, I quail at the thought of doing it all over again in a new city. 

Then there's the social aspect. I haven't lived in Chicago since high school, and I was not the most mature person then. I don't think the people who knew me in high school are going to want to be BFFs, and I kind of don't blame them. Who am I going to be friends with? 

So I'm a little nervous and scared about the move, but I'm also pretty excited. I've always wanted to live near my parents and siblings, and raise my kids in the Midwest. I also know this is the best fit for Frank's career. As nervous as I am, I feel at peace about this decision. Confidence will come in time.

So there you go! My life is about to drastically change in yet another dramatic way. 

Does anyone have advice for making a big move across the country? Or any advice for job-searching in Chicago?

And most of all, will you still read my blog when it becomes "Book Smart in Chicago"? ;)