Parents’ move sparks nostalgia for home town

Written by Abi Humber Tuesday, 12 July 2011 15:45

I’ve known my family was moving for about six months, but up until two days ago, I have been pretty cavalier about the whole thing. Since I’ve already been gone for two years, I didn’t see myself missing Hillsboroites any more than I already had been—nothing so intense that a quick Skype video chat couldn’t fix!

I didn’t think this move would actually bring about any additional change for me. Sure, going home for Christmas break would be different. I’ll crash on the couch in a two-bedroom apartment instead of in my perfect bed in my giant Hillsboro room. But, again, that didn’t seem too bad and I didn’t think much of it.

A simple Sunday trip to Parkview Church completely changed my mind.

When I tell my Chicago...

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Gay parade did exude acceptance

Written by Abi Humber Tuesday, 28 June 2011 14:57

In a city where eye contact and human acknowledgement are typically nonexistent among passers-by, Sunday’s festivities brought 500,000 Chicagoland strangers together in friendly, boisterous community.

As the Gay Pride Parade snaked through the streets surrounding the Caribou Coffee where I work, I stood outside trying to soak in the unbelievable atmosphere. In a few words, I was in complete awe of my surroundings.

President Barack Obama has declared June “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month,” encouraging all Americans to “fight prejudice and discrimination in their own lives and everywhere it exists.”

In Chicago, hundreds of gay and allied individuals and community organizations host events throughout the...

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Parents look a whole lot smarter these days

Written by Abi Humber Tuesday, 07 June 2011 13:22

It turns out my parents were right. About everything.

It’s been about a month since I moved out of North Park’s dorms and into my very own, big-girl apartment. A glorious month, spent happily nesting and basking in my ever-increasing independence; a surprising month, spent wondering where all my money has gone and why my electric bill is so high.

Now that I have so many more responsibilities, everything my parents have ever told me about house life makes perfect sense.

“Life is expensive….”

“Flip off the lights as you head out!”

“Turn off your fan when you’re not in the room!”

“Rinse off your dishes before you put them in the dishwasher!” (Yes, I’m spoiled.)

“Don’t pour that bacon grease down the...

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Unsought conversation adds to life

Written by Abi Humber Tuesday, 03 May 2011 15:43

When I boarded the Minneapolis-Chicago Megabus last Satur­day, I was looking forward to hunkering down in my (slightly) itchy, (extremely) uncomfortable seat, popping in my noise-canceling headphones, and zoning out for a solid eight hours.

Although I do occasionally enjoy making light conversation with interesting and eclectic strangers, I just wasn’t in the mood. I was already feeling a bit stressed and overwhelmed, and wasn’t excited about the possibility of a potentially loquacious traveler invading my personal space.

Never one to arrive early (or on time, for that matter), I was among the last to board the bus. Few open seats remained, so I quickly scanned the passengers’ faces and decided to plop next to a quiet-looking...

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