Lawrence.com

Laura Watkins, Marketing and Communications Associate at a national non-profit, enjoys free-styling, losing things, watching The Sopranos

You just moved to Chicago. *pft* Baracky-come-lately. Is the entire city still hung-over from the election?

"I've never lived in a place where everyone was absolutely smitten by a politician. It's kind of nice. My office is in the Loop so we closed at 3:00 on Election Day. I walked over to Grant Park to see what the crowds were like-it was like Wakarusa Fest up in there! People were singing, some dude was playing guitar, and this was before he was officially elected. The best part was that people were selling really obnoxious Election Night t-shirts for $30, just like a sporting event. It really was an amazing feeling. Almost as amazing, and relevant, as being in Lawrence for the championship."

Chicago: Midwestern inferiority complex, big city stench? I kid-what do you like about Chicago and what drew you there?

"I had two great jobs, a bunch of great friends and stuff to do every night in Lawrence. One day I just sort of woke up and realized that if I didn't leave now, I would never leave. I love Lawrence so much, but besides two summers spent in Auburn, Alabama, I have never lived outside of Kansas. It was important for me to get out and experience other things, especially because I eventually want to come back. My priorities were to move to a place with public transportation, cold weather, friends, KU fans and a not-too-totally-terrifying cost of living. Chicago fit well with everything I wanted, and one of my best friends was thinking about moving to Chicago, so it ended up being perfect for me. That, and I'm stalking Drew Gooden's beard."

What do you miss most about Lawrence? It's okay-you can say the Old Chicago on Iowa. It's just more authentic than New Chicago.

"FYI, a friend texted me last week to find out if there are Old Chicagos in Chicago. Reporting back, there is one in Elk Grove, but I don't think that counts. Besides my places of work and all of my friends, I miss coffee the most. There is a crappy coffee shop on my corner and it's open six days a week and closes by 4:00 p.m. It's awful. My LPT-withdrawal symptoms rival Ewan McGregor's in 'Trainspotting.' I miss how close everything was in Lawrence. Whether I was walking or driving, it took me less than ten minutes to get where I needed to go and I forget that isn't the case here. Except for when I'm going to work, I am really late to everything here. I also really miss the saxophone guy on the corner of 7th and Mass."

What tips do you have for people considering the move from Lawrence to the Big Second Windy Shoulder City?

"For the love of god, ladies, make sure you get a tote bag to take to work if you are going to use public transportation. I have a large hobo-style purse that weighs as much as Latarian Milton and I regularly get the death stare whenever my train gets crowded. Don't text while walking downtown. If you are in Chicago in the middle of winter, no one cares what you look like so wear as many layers and stupid hats as you possibly can. Be aware that local and regional commercials are hideous, no matter where you are. Wash your hands all of the time. Worship Trader Joe's."

Is it true that if you put ketchup on a hot dog in Chicago Mike Ditka will kick you in the genitals?

"Apparently Ditka is Chicago's Chuck Norris. The good news for me is that I hate ketchup, so I don't really have to worry. I have heard that, if you use mustard, Mrs. O'Leary burns down your apartment, and if you use relish, Capone bakes you a cake."

So, how long before you succumb to Lawrence's irresistible gravitational pull and move back? You can't fight it!

"The plan is either to retire and move to Lawrence to open my own apiary, or to replace Bill Self whenever he decides to leave. I think I'd be good at both."