i am in chicago. i really like my apartment and my neighborhood. there are all kinds of interesting places to eat and shop and walk. i've been out with dave and jen a couple times, and last night nate came over and we had a fantastic time. hope to see clint soon, and all the rest. and i can't wait to start exploring! for the past few days, though, i've just been settling in. keeping quiet. resting from last week and resting up for the next.

i guess frank broke up with me. by email. but i feel okay about that, since in the month he didn't call i managed to find someone special, someone who makes me really happy--J. it's too bad that i found him back in iowa, just as i was about to move, but i feel that he is such a stable and good person that it makes me happy just to know that he cares about me.

actually, in a way it's a relief, since i don't have to explain to frank that i've met someone here. but it makes me sad to think we won't be close anymore. maybe i'll write to him in a couple weeks.

i should have been blogging in those last couple weeks before i moved, but i was so caught up with J and packing and doing the social rounds and enjoying my last days at home. there would have been some very, very interesting posts. but i'll just say that it was fun. last days anywhere are always the same--no sleep, too much beer and too little food, seeing things for the last time.

anyway, i'll be back home soon enough. :)