Honestly, part of me did not want to post today. I had imagined writing this post so many times before Match Day, and I thought I would be oozing with excitement. Over the past few days, the initial shock has turned into feeling overwhelmed. That being said, we know God has a plan for our future, and this is all a part of His plan.
Our hope had been to stay in Dallas for another year, which would have given us time to figure out a possible move and allow me to stay at my job while Chris was doing his intern year. Instead, we are moving to Chicago in two months for one year…and then moving back to Dallas for radiology residency.
I’m sure you can tell by now that these weren’t our top choices, but we are really looking forward to being in Dallas for residency. Even though it wasn’t our top choice, match is very regional (every single person picked for our top choice was from that state), so we knew it wasn’t likely. Chris is excited to be working for a top program in brand new hospitals. Plus, we will be close to both of our families, which is huge for us.
As thankful as we are to stay in Dallas for residency, when we opened the envelope on Friday, we barely glanced at the residency destination. Moving to Chicago for a year was a huge shock for us. Now that we have had time to process it, we are excited for the adventure. Even so, I am heartbroken to leave my job when we will be moving back to Dallas just a year later. I have no idea what I am going to do in Chicago for a year (because I don’t feel good about applying for jobs knowing I could only work there for a year). We have to figure out where we are living as soon as possible…and how much we are going to bring with us since we will be back.
On the other hand, I am excited to explore a new city and the area around it. I can’t wait to try new restaurants, and I am already coming up with road trips we could go on the few occasions Chris isn’t working 100 hours a week.
I am so thankful for our trip to California so we can take time to celebrate Christopher’s upcoming graduation before the madness starts! Thank you so much for your support during the Match Day process, friends, and I can’t wait to share our moving progress.
Awww, I'm sorry your initial feelings were shock and not excitement but once you get everything figured out for the move I'm sure you'll be able to enjoy it. It gives you a chance to live in a city you might not have otherwise moved to and try new things... good luck with everything!!! I've heard amaaaaazing things about Chicago. Never been, but I'd love to visit some time!!
ReplyDeleteGlad that the day has come and that you are able to stay in Dallas for residency. I can imagine the shock of moving for a year though, that is not expected. But, I think you should still look for jobs, even if they are smaller jobs just to have something to do while your husband is working.
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to visit Chicago and hear it's fabulous! Cheers to the knowing and best wishes for a quick and painless move.
Chicago will be so much fun! As stressful as the move can be, treat it like your next big adventure!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ashley! I am really excited to explore a new city! :)
DeleteI have heard so many fabulous things about Chicago - I'm sure it was a big shock, but cheers to a new adventure!
ReplyDeleteyou'll LOVE Chicago. It is seriously one of my favorite places. There is so much to do and see!
ReplyDeleteSarah
Midwest Darling
Glad to hear you love Chicago, Sarah! I have never been, so I am really excited for a new adventure. :)
DeleteThat is a big shock, but what an exciting adventure it will hold! Hopefully the year will fly by (like most do now), and you will be back in Dallas in no time. Till then, I'm with everyone on this, I've heard great things about Chicago and I bet you will have a wonderful time exploring it. Also a job might introduce you to some friends who can show you some of the fun things Chicago has to offer! Wishing your husband & you the best.
ReplyDeletePrelim years can be a difficult transition -- between starting his actual training, and adjusting to a new place just to move again after that initial training year. But I have no doubts that Chicago will be amazing, and will be a great year for both of you!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry - I was all excited for you, and I didn't even think that you didn't get your top choices or wouldn't be as excited. I can't imagine how overwhelming it is, especially because you are only going to go for one year. No chance that you can stay and work and do long distance? It is only for a year. I hope you're able to find a job even if it's something small and easy just to have something to do (and I don't mean that in a mean way). And I'm only 5 hours away, so I can come visit ;)
ReplyDeleteI am sorry that Match Day wasn't quite what you were hoping for. I'm a strong believer that things happen for a reason, so hopefully that will be the case for you two as well. Chicago is a wonderful city full of culture, great food, and a booming economy right now. Just think of it as a year long adventure? Sending you lots of warm thoughts today.
ReplyDeleteYou are being so strong and supportive! He is lucky to have you in this journey! Praying for peace for you and that it will be an adventure with the least amount of stress possible!
ReplyDeleteAt least it is just one year and Chicago is an amazing city. The uncertainty and displacement is never fun but the bright side is Chicago is full of wonderful opportunities! I hope you enjoy this time before it all begins and embrace the chaos :) and of course, congrats on the match, what a wonderful accomplishment!
ReplyDeleteI've heard such great things about Chicago so I'm sure it won't disappoint! It's a bit tough dealing with that uncertainty and it is hard to put down roots, but at least you can use this time to explore, embrace the new and have a wonderful, unforgettable adventure together! Wishing you all the best!
ReplyDeleteCarly xxo
I'm sorry you aren't SUPER EXCITED, but it's Chicago! You'll love it there! I mean, yeah, it's a bummer to have to leave for a year just to turn around and come right back, but a) you'll get the chance to live somewhere new for awhile and b) you know you get to go back to someplace you already love. So it's not ALL bad. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI know you are disappointed...I can feel it through your post. And, I'm sure you will get advice, insight, opinions from so many others...but I think it's great to look at it as an adventure. Chicago is known to be a fabulous city; I would've liked to have lived there for a year. Best of luck to the both of you through this time of transition!
ReplyDeleteHI! I've been following Match Day with you for a while and I'm so happy the adventure has finally begun! Even though the results were a tiny bit of a let down for you, I know from reading your posts and feeling your energy that you will make the most out of it. Keep up the food work, I'm rooting for you!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your encouragement, Zy! I am definitely trying to look on the bright side. I am hoping it's going to be a fun adventure! :)
DeleteSorry to hear you were initially disappointed in the results. I am glad that you have found a way to see the positives and are planning ways to make the best of it. Chicago sounds like an amazing place. I have always wanted to go there. Cheers to new adventures!
ReplyDeleteIm so sorry it wasn't what you guys wanted. You guys have a positive attitude about it though and ill tell you this ... Chicago is on my list of one of the top places in the US I want to visit. I mean I have been to LA and it was even higher than LA on my list. My cousin lived there and Ive heard nothing but great things! Glad you guys get to come back to Dallas eventually :)
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine all of the feelings you must be processing! It definitely sucks to leave, only to move back a year later. But I think you have the right spirit... Chicago will be a great adventure for the two of you and I can't wait to follow along!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Ashley! I keep telling myself it's only for a year, and then we will be home! Maybe I will like it so much, I will be sad to leave. ;)
DeleteWhat do you do for work? Any option of working from Chicago at your current job?
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