Where have I BEAN?

Today’s post is an ode to how my trip to Chicago came to be!

Where has Shanna bean?

The last few months have been, to say the least, crazy busy! Juggling a promotion, studying for the LSAT, and recovering from my earlier trip to Arizona was tough and the burnout was real. Somehow, this and that happened and here I am refreshed as can be after my trip to Chicago.

Originally, I wasn’t interested in going to Chicago…

Back in January, my work husband - as I affectionately call him, Liam went on a quick business trip to Chicago and raved about how awesome our coworkers in Chicago are. Around the same time, I reconnected with a coworker, Justin who is based in Chicago due to a change in my work portfolio. At first I thought nothing of it… but, as I worked more with Justin - I just knew I wanted to meet him (not creepy at all, I swear!).

In my new position I have been feeling a little glum as the team members I support are mainly based in Houston and DC now. As a person who thrives with human interaction, it’s been tough adjusting to working with primarily remote colleagues. After coming back from my DC trip to see the brilliant Kailey, I realized how important the face to face interaction was and wanted to make the same happen with Justin.

For the following months I sat on the idea and floated the idea of a possible visit to Chicago to Justin, my supervisors as well as my cousins who lived just outside Chicago. I was trying to remember the last time I saw my cousins in Chicago and their little girl, Isabella! Time just flies and she’s already six! All seemed happy to have me visit, but at the time I was more focused on getting my Arizona trip together. After the whirlwind of my Arizona trip, I seemed to be more exhausted than when I started the trip. I was not in the mindset to feed my adventure bug.

Don’t get me wrong, the Arizona trip was every bit as memorable, wonderful and crazy as I had hoped it to be. However; the pile of work I returned to was not fun at all. Not only that, but I had a few priorities to sort out and a routine to get back to. After that trip, I figured I was okay going through the motions for the coming months.

That was until I found out my portfolio was changing (again!) and my days working with Justin were numbered! What a bummer! But there is no better motivator than a ticking clock to get things moving. After a few fits and sly tricks, I am happy to say I got the approval to head over to Chicago and cause trouble in the Windy City within a few weeks!

The plan was to visit Chicago for six days - work in the Chicago office for a day and a half, visit my cousins up who live out in the suburbs and spend the rest of the time wandering around.

I am excited to share my Chicago trip with everyone as I am back and I have much that I want to share.

In the meantime, enjoy this wicked picture of the Cloud Gate more commonly known as The Bean!

Cloud Gate

Chicago, Illinois

Millennium Park

Also known as “The Bean”