2 years on Two years ago today I landed in Chicago with as much stuff as I could get into a couple of suitcases, a visa and an address on a piece of paper.

The move to the States was a long time in the making. I had interviewed with my new boss in the February of 2003 and spent a week here a month later. However for many reasons, mainly the time it took to get my visa, I did not actually get my arse on the plane until the 28th October.

It was something I always wanted to do and I nearly went to New York in 1997 but that never worked out. By the time I left the UK I had done a lot of thinking and a lot of preparation. I realised what I was leaving behind but felt I had to be selfish and do it for me. After my divorce I could have played someone I was not and plod on with my life or I could make myself an opportunity to pick myself up and start afresh.

The prospect of coming to America to live and work was one I couldn't resist but not a day goes by without me thinking of what I left behind.

Pre-What was the score? I kept a personal diary. The first entry was October 28th, 2003 and I wrote: "(my apartment) is nothing like home and the bloody plastic flowers have to go."

Well, Chicago is home now, in fact I have two homes. One here and one, well at home. You know what I mean. Oh and no plastic flowers perrlease.

I kept that diary up-to-date for quite a while and re-reading it I seemed to be equally excited, apprehensive, happy and sad. I also used to write lists entitled: Things that are pissing me off. Some of them still do and some of them I now don't notice.

Also since I've been here I have written a lot about America and the people that live in it. I have never posted these on here but I might just do that.

The second year has flown by whereas the first did not. I miss so many things about home (that home) but I guess I've replaced some things in my life with other things but there are certain things that I can never replace. My family, my son, my friends, my football club.

But I have fallen in love with Chicago, it has something very special about it. It, like London has a draw to it, and to my mind is America's best kept secret.

I would recommend anyone taking an opportunity to live abroad. It is enightening, fulfilling and a wonderful experience.

As someone once said, Regrets.... I've had a few, but then again too few to mention.  ¶ 02:05