Dear Illinois: Here’s Why We Have A Love/Hate Relationship

I gotta hand it to you, Illinois—you really know how to keep things interesting, more than my previous relationships.

Living in a state where we have all the seasons is a blessing and a curse.  You give us everything from snow, sleet, rain, and sunny days.  But then, you give me the gift of allergies.  It sucks.  That's why I hate you.

Dear Illinois: Here's Why We Have A Love/Hate Relationship

One day, I'm geared up for winter, next I'm enjoying the sun and free vitamin D in the summer, but springtime brings out a rollercoaster of sinus problems.  It's the worst feeling to constantly mouth breathe because my allergies are clogging up my nasal passages.  C'mon now!

Living in the Midwest isn't ideal for anyone with allergies.  Period.  The only place I've really been able to find relief is when I'm hiking at Devil's Lake or Starved Rock State Park.  Any hiking trails that have a high elevation are KEY to alleviating all my allergies.  I can breathe, my airways open up, and I never want the moment to end.

Unfortunately, I go back to reality and then I'm all stuffed up again.  Helpless, inflammation under my eyes, and downright exhausted.  It's not a fun time!  So, why do I still live in Illinois if I'm struggling so much to breathe?

Good question.  I still ask myself that daily.

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It's really all I know.  I can't imagine living in an only sunny state and not getting the full "Midwest" experience of unpredictable weather.  I guess I'd take a stuffy nose any day.

Don't get a big head, though.  It's still a love/hate relationship, Illinois.