The Siberian American: One Year Since Our Move Home from Chicago: Reflections and Confessions

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

One Year Since Our Move Home from Chicago: Reflections and Confessions

This time of year always makes me a little nostalgic. The beginning of the Medical New Year is July 1, so over the last few years we have gone through a lot of changes around this time. Last year, we moved back to Texas from Chicago around this time. It was a strange move. I felt like I was in limbo, dealing with serious pain and just waiting for our insurance to start, so I could schedule a doctor’s visit and a surgery date. It’s crazy to me how much has happened in the last year since our move home: I had surgery, spent a few hard months recovering, and then got pregnant! Today, I just wanted to spend a little time reflecting on the past year and our time in Chicago now that we’re a year removed from the experience.


I honestly thought I would miss Chicago more. I definitely miss the city and our friends, but not in an I hate it here and want to move back to Chicago way. One of the sayings mentioned a lot in our doctors’ wives community is grow where you’re planted, and we’ve really been able to take that to heart in this move. It helps that Chris works with a great group of residents, and we love getting together with them and their significant others. It’s also been wonderful to be able to be a part of family events again and to spend time with old friends. That said, I really wouldn’t mind moving away for fellowship or for his attending job. One thing living in Chicago has taught me is there are a lot of places in the United States left to explore, and I am willing to be flexible.

Summer does make me Chicago a little bit more, though. We’re just at the beginning of our months of intense heat here in Texas, and I definitely wouldn’t mind a walk to Lake Michigan right about now! I also miss summer nights on the patio (I promise I’ll get my Chicago restaurant guide finished soon!), boat rides, and being in driving distance to a lot of great hikes.

I’ve been asked a lot lately if I could see us moving back to Chicago for fellowship or when Chris is done with training. Like I mentioned above, I am open to a lot of possibilities. Still, I think our time in Chicago was so special because of where we were in our lives at that time. Intern year was crazy, but I worked from home and was able to adjust my schedule to fit the time off Chris did get. That’s not really the case anymore, especially with a little one on the way! If we were to move back, I think we would more likely move to the suburbs or even to Wisconsin or Michigan, depending on the job opportunity, but for now we will enjoy our next three years in Texas!

16 comments:

  1. That's such a great way to look at your time in Chicago, that it was a time for y'all to grow! And I definitely hear you on the dreading the heat in Texas! It just feels like it gets hotter and hotter each and every year!

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  2. You definitely experienced so much in such a short time! I love the idea of growing where you're planting & making the most with what you have/where you are.

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  3. I think you're right about it being special because of the time you spent there. I think that affects so much when you spend time living in a lot of places.

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  4. I hear you, lady! It's been a year since our move too and this post is helping are realize I need to write one of my own.

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  5. There is so much to be said for growing where you are planted. Finding things to love about wherever you are! We never intended to stay in Memphis (came for graduate school straight out of college), but we ended up falling in love with the city so we stayed. Good luck with that Texas heat while pregnant! It has been hot here in West TN too! Thankfully I've spent a lot of time in the pool. ;)

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  6. You have such a wonderful outlook, Olya! I'm glad the past year has continued to get better and better for you!! I think these next three years in Texas will be filled with fun and family and happy, new experiences!

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  7. I can't believe it's already been a year!! Still plenty of time left to enjoy texas!! xo, Biana

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  8. I'm glad you're adjusting! It's amazing how quickly time passes!

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  9. So much really has changed in a year!

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  10. I have very similar feelings for DC. Definitely miss certain friends and having seasons and fewer sweltering hot days, but something about Texas makes me happy we are here plus we are so happy to be closer to family. We talk all the time about how it would be fun to live in various other cities, but we are happy to be here right now!

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  11. Love your outlook on being open to living anywhere, even if it means back in Chicago or the suburbs. I love seeing people make big moves and try something new. One of my favorite quotes is "Life is not meant to be lived in one place". We moved from CT to FL back in 2010, and aside from it being the best decision we ever made it's opened our eyes to so many new things and of course people and friendships that are absolutely priceless. I can't wait to see what this next year brings you, and all things baby <3
    Green Fashionista

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  12. Oh I would LOVE to live near the great lakes. I can't wait to see where things take you. We haven't had opportunities like that, because our jobs keep us here for now. It's a blessing and a curse. I'd like to know what it's like to live elsewhere, but don't have a "reason" to move. Hugs. XO - Alexandra

    Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things

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  13. I love that you have such a supportive community in the doctor's wives community. The heat has been so tough lately - I can't imagine how it must be while pregnant!! I can't wait to see where y'all end up. I'm sure it's stressful, but what an adventure. ;)

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  14. I can't believe it's been a year already! Wisconsin is so beautiful if you ever do choose there.

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  15. That year flew by girl! Btw congrats on the babe. Ive been reading :)

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  16. Oh, congrats by the way. A baby on the way is exciting.
    Glad you're blooming where you're planted so to speak. Enjoy!

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