I just moved to Chicago. I've been here for a little over one month now.

What I knew about Chicago before I came: big blues scene, Midwest culture, right next to Lake Michigan, their subway system is referred to as the "L," and O'Hare airport is a major stopover in trans-American flight patterns.

What I now know: Chicago Cubs fans rival my hometown Boston Red Sox fans for their team allegiance, Chicago has this crazy hotdog with all kinds of fixings and bright green relish that the city is famous for, Mayor Daley has pledged to make Chicago the "greenest city in the world," the city is set-up in a convenient grid framework, there are lots of distinct neighborhoods and you can easily live 'in the city' without being 'in the city' - meaning you can live in a family oriented, laid back area where running is easy and the people friendly.

I am so glad to be here.

I am here on a sort of assignment. I've been taken on as a writer/researcher intern for an amazing design firm called Firebelly Design (firebellydesign.com). We're a socially responsible/sustainable firm, and we're doing wonderful work here in Chicago. The community that I've been welcomed into is just that: welcoming. The city is overflowing with summer extravaganzas from farmers' markets to neighborhood parties and rowdy Cub games. Being an environmentally minded vegetarian, I have found Chicago incredibly easy to feel comfortable in. Restaurant menus always seem to have great vegetarian choices - plus there are numerous vegetarian-focused restaurants as well.

The downtown area is reminiscent of Ayn Rand's novel: Atlas Shrugged. You can feel that antique American railroad wealth here. Chicago is historically an architecturally beautiful and progressive city and you can feel that history as you walk around. In keeping with its forward thinking persona, Chicago is gleaning a reputation for actively seeking out a 'green' reputation. Chicago Mayor Daley has helped pass legislation that ensures every new building erected in Chicago will have a garden rooftop; such green roofs absorb sunlight/heat which drops the energy needed to cool buildings in the summer, as well as making the city a little less sterile and cozier for city wildlife like birds. Fast Company magazine has noted Chicago as the green leader for the world's "fastest cities:" http://www.fastcompany.com/cities/2.../index.html.

Chicago people are so active - natives tell me this is just summer; everyone is trying to make the most of it before the cold of winter sets in. Still...I am very impressed. The bike path is constantly in motion, youngsters, 30 somethings, and 50 year olds alike make the lakefront bike path one of the busiest places to be on a Saturday or Sunday.

Culturally, the music scene is: fun. Scenester kids rock the night away to intricate and old school spins and beats, and the blues scene that I had heard of is in full swing. If you're into live music, Chicago is a great place - almost every band you could want to see stops through Chicago when on tour. Beyond music, fashion is adventurous with a slight sense of competition that keeps girls and guys alike on their toes. Museums usually have one free night a week. Thursday nights the Chicago Art Institute opens it doors on all levels and welcomes downtown into its cool halls. Millennium Park has a great outdoor theatre venue as well as a huge piece of art known fondly as 'the bean.' Different and diverse heritages have left their marks on Chicago - Polish, Puerto Rican, and German influences are visible and cherished all over the city.

Lately we've been having intense thunderstorm weather here in Chi-town. Last week a tornado warning rang through the city. It seems to have calmed down for the time being, allowing me to capture this photo:

This Midwest town leaves me in wonder.

I'll say it again:
I am so happy to be here.