How did the third largest city in the United States become part flyover country? This is a question I've pondered quite a bit during my first year living on the East Coast. Here are ten very real questions I have been asked from some curious East Coasters:

1. “Woah, you live in a different time zone? There’s actually a Central Time Zone? No way!”

Yes, I live an hour behind you. That's why I always had to skip dinner in order to watch the newest episode of Hannah Montana, while you got to sit with a full belly in your pajamas to watch it. (No, I'm not still bitter)

2. “Hold up, you don’t have a bagel store in your town? You really have to buy your bagels from Panera? Gross!”

Alright, East Coast, you win this one. No, the Midwest does not have an abundance of delicious little bakeries dedicated solely to churning out amazing bagels. To be fair, though, I personally believe you guys might overly obsessive a tad bit about your doughy circles of goodness. Please don't hate me.

3. “Okay really, be honest, do you live in a cornfield?”

No, I am not a farmer who lives on acres of crops. Yes, you can drive about 15 minutes from my house and find a cornfield. It's the Midwest! We're the breadbasket of the world! By the way, you're welcome for all the wheat, corn, soybean, beef and pork you consume.

4. "What do you mean you can drive for 6 hours and still be in one state?"

Unlike you, who can drive through five tiny pieces of land you call states and three major cities in under four hours, I am forced to look at miles upon miles of corn before the thought of crossing the state line even enters my mind. And after you actually get into the next state? Yep, you guessed it. More corn.

5. “Why do you talk about Portillo's so much?”

Why do I talk about it so much? Because I'm from Chicago and it's God's greatest gift to mankind. Put your best hoagies or grinders or whatever you call them against Portillo's Italian beef. I dare you.

6. “Wow, you must be used to this freezing wind and terrible snow, huh?”

Unfortunately, this is a pretty valid question. I am used to subzero temperatures and 30 mph winds whipping my hair and freezing my eyelids closed. But I've got news for you, Philadelphia. Three measly inches of snow does NOT constitute a snow day. Buy a parka, some salt for the roads, hot chocolate, and you'll be fine. Trust me.

7. "Does J. Crew have stores in the Midwest?"

This question, asked to me in all seriousness, is my favorite ever. I know you East Coasters pride yourselves on your preppiness, and rightfully so. But to simply answer your question, yes, J.Crew does have stores out here in the "farmlands."

8. “You really think there’s better pizza than New York style?”

Absolutely I do! While I'll admit that New York style pizza is delicious, I still firmly believe that Chicago deep dish is the best pizza ever created.

9. “Have you ever seen the Atlantic Ocean?”

Yes, I have seen the great Atlantic Ocean. I've been to Florida. No, I've never been to the Shore or the Cape. Unfortunately, us Midwesterners grow up without having the luxury of a beach house on the ocean only an hour away. Tragic, I know.

10. "What's that western state that starts with the letter 'M'? Oh, I know! Michigan!"

I listed Montana, Minnesota, and even Mississippi before Michigan was revealed to be the state in question. I had to break it to the asker that Michigan was, in fact, not a "western" state, and actually mostly resides in the Eastern Time Zone.

So East Coasters, I hope this answered some of you questions about the mysterious Midwest! And to be fair, I can't name the six states that make up New England and I still haven't been to the Shore. I look forward to discovering more about the East Coast and happily anticipate answering any other questions you might have about the cornfield land I call home. And if you ever venture out "west" to Chicago, hit me up! Your first deep dish pizza will be on me!