dear chicago,

I regret to inform you that come next month I will be departing your lovely city and heading West. While I adore your charms...such as that magnificent lake that does look quite a bit like an ocean, your warm summer nights, your seven storied Macy's and of course...the parks...ahh, the parks, I've never been quite comfortable stuck in the middle. Therefore, I am returning from whence I came. Perhaps you've heard this song and dance before, but it's not you, it's me. You see I was born near an ocean...a real one, and despite the opportunities, I find I can't seem to stray very far from that particular large body of water. So what, you ask, holds such a claim on my heart? The beautiful Pacific Northwest, of course. Nothing quite compares to that delightful mix of trees, water, mountains and gloom. Grey is my favorite color after all. So, with every intention of keeping this missive short and sweet, I wanted to thank you for your patience. I have been a moody resident and you have dealt with me splendidly. I have nothing but praise for the windy city, and I will always feel a wee bit smug that I managed to survive your icy winter. So keep well Chicago...I hope that we remain friends.

Warm Regards,

france

Postscript: I just wanted to send a shout out to the New Yorker for warning me about the "big one," I've been living on one fault line or another my whole life so, while it wouldn't be ideal, it would be a fitting way for me to go!