Circle of friends

Me and L at one of her fabulous Book Clubs on her rooftop deck.

I had an emo-filled Saturday last weekend when L called and guess what! She and her hubby, A, had finally sold their place and that the new owners are moving in way earlier and that they are moving to North Carolina the day after The Prom* – June 12th, for crying out loud! That's right around the corner!!! So here I was, all alone in the Pulaski dog park (well, FurFur was there, too), fenced in, and racked with tears that the imminent eventuality of L & A moving away was suddenly here.

I knew it was coming, as A had been accepted into the UNC @ Chapel Hill's Fellowship program. Since one year ago when Fellowship matches were announced, I'd been dreading the time that would come when more than a handful of our closest Chicago friends (and/or significant others) would pack it on out for the next phase in their medical careers. I swear my dog left her happy place and ran over to console me as I bawled in the corner of the park.

I'm even more thankful than ever that I still have part of "the group" here. My friends are truly my support system here in Chicago, and nothing makes me sadder to lose part of that wonderful group dynamic that we cultivated over three years. Especially this last year, when we really grew to know each other over Book Club and Happy Hours. I'd be a bit lost without such a core group of friends.

Alas, we'll party it up in true farewell fashion with L & A, as they're moving into our spare bedroom during their transition week! Good times...

*It's not really a Prom, but this is how we all endearingly refer to the Northwestern Medical Residents's swanky, "We Made it Out Alive!" final fete before parting ways.

A day at the Brookfield Zoo with L & A in 2009.


At the Chinese New Year Parade in Chinatown after indulging in dim sum in 2009!