Sometimes, in Chicago, I really miss things like O2-saturated air and hills. On the flip side, there are certain peerless joys here, like the portion of my commute (if I choose to do it on bike) that takes me past Blommer's, which is consistently and tantalizingly aromatic.

The south side is really growing on me, friends. A number of work- and frisbee-related ventures have brought me down as far as 103rd (the 103rd street bus garage: exempt from my affections) this summer, though the usual destination is Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and 55th (Washington Park) for summertime ultimate.Blitzing down Michigan from 33rd is rapidly turning into one of my favorite bicycle stretches in the city; the traffic is sparse, the old growth is luscious, the loitering is plentiful, some of the houses are incredibly beautiful; in general, the vibe is cool. Blitzing back up north to Danielle's, where I'm staying now and for the next 2 weeks, is less enjoyable, especially when the trip comes with a coupling of (1) serious tornado-like activity in the vicinity & (2) torrential downpours. This sound along with some other eerie noises cut my ride tragically short on Monday, and I was forced to cower in a corner under the freeway on 26th until I felt safe enough to dart to the nearest bus. Bless the summer fun pass and quick-drying orange shorts!