Poor Bears

One of the biggest games in Bears history definitely didn't live up to the hype for Chicagoans, but it sure was interesting. I was really feeling like I should fork out the cash for the "cheap" seats from Craig's List, just to have the experience of going to the game. Wisely, we decided against that and watched from the comfort of our sofa. 

Before the game, we bundled up, including Brizzie in her boots, and ventured out into the cold for a walk along the lakefront. Four to five inches of new snow had fallen, so it was quite a trek, coupled with the wind off the lake. We walked down the lakefront, through Grant Park and over to Michigan Ave. Bears fans were everywhere making their way to Soldier Field, sporting jerseys over their huge coats and carrying extra blankets. 

frozen, snow covered marina

justin & the brizz

think I could walk on that?....

bears fans walking up the lakefront

That was quite a walk for the Brizz, but she loves playing in the snow, so she was a happy puppy! Her furry chin was caked in snow and people were taking pictures of her in her boots...such a cutie! Dogs in boots are a frequent site at the dog park, but I guess not so much on Michigan Ave!

I had heard about the Lions outside the Art Institute wearing Bears gear, so I had to check it out. Think I may have to get Brizz her own Bears gear for next season!

he must be wearing Peppers' helmet

now, that scarf might keep me warm!

We got back just in time for the opening events and heard the jets fly over as we watched them on TV. It was just like being there, but a tad warmer! I have to say, I loved the Chicago version of the national anthem, where all the fans sing along at the top of their lungs. I tried to imagine that same scene at a Panthers game, and just couldn't do it. I think the "wine and cheese" crowd in Charlotte needs to take a few lessons from Bears fans.

However, I did feel like I was watching the cardiac cats as the game went on. I can't believe the 3rd string quarterback ended up playing in the NFC championship game...and almost pulling the Bears through! Of course all week, everyone in Chicago has been talking about Jay Cutler and the seriousness of his injury....or non-injury. Then of course, there's his general attitude and disinterest from the sideline. I have no idea what his deal is, but from what I can tell on the local news, the city seems pretty split. I'm thinking though, that most people were just disappointed in the game in general. Have to hand it to ex-Panther and Tarheel, Julius Peppers, for putting a huge hit on Aaron Rodgers...he looked pretty shaken up.  I hate to see anyone get hurt though, and Peppers can do some damage for sure! I think, if it wasn't for that, the game could have been much worse. Riding the elevator in our building last Sunday night, a guy got out and didn't say the customary, "good night" or "see ya", but instead, "Poor Bears," shaking his head. That was a really tough way to end the season, but I think there are high hopes for the Bears next year.

I'll be pulling for the Packers in the Super Bowl....you'll never hear me rooting for Pittsburgh.  Guess I'm a Bears fan now....unless they're playing the Panthers. :)

Where Am I???

The last week has been a bit of a blur. I have to check my trusty iPhone to see what my week consisted of. I guess that's what happens when you don't really have a daily schedule...not such a good thing. I've been looking for a job, but haven't had any luck. I've also been trying to get to the Groupon yoga classes I bought....again without luck. I've done a bit more driving in circles while people honk at me. Brizzie and I have done a lot of walking along the lakefront trail, which has been so nice with the brisk 60 and 70 degree (real Fall) weather! Oh, and we got a new roommate on Thursday....my brother-in-law Andrew has taken up residence with us for a while. We put him on the Brizz rotation already! :) We all had a great time over the weekend introducing Andrew to the city and showing him the ropes....the ropes we know, anyway.


I have tried twice now to get to the yoga classes in Lincoln Park. The first time, I didn't realize my yoga mat was in my Jeep, which Justin had driven to work so I could use the Honda GPS to get to my yoga class. Today, I left in the Jeep with my mat, but forgot the smartphone, so once I found a parking space about 4 blocks from the yoga studio, I didn't know how to get there.....ugh! I walked around aimlessly for a while until it was too late to get to class. Third time's a charm??


We discovered that Dominick's (grocery store) has a free parking deck. So, today, Andrew and I decided to attempt driving there so we could load up on groceries. Andrew brought a Garmin from home, which we have discovered is about as helpful than the Honda GPS. Once again, the crazy stacked streets of Chicago foiled our plans. We did ok getting to Dominick's, but drove in circles getting back. At one point we drove under the L (eLevated train), which kinda freaked me out.

photo courtesy of Andrew Lichty

After one of my driving adventures, I can always count on a walk along the lakefront trail with the Brizz dog to cheer me up. The weather has been fabulous! It's only been in the 90's (low 90's) 3 days since I've been here, and I am loving it! This is what Fall is supposed to be like! Now, hopefully we won't have snow on halloween.....that's just not right. Anyway, Brizz and I have taken to the lakefront trail quite a few times now. It's all good until we hit the goose poop, and then it's all I can do to keep her away from it....yuck. "Leave it!" just doesn't work when it comes to goose poop. Other than that, it's a great place for an afternoon stroll.

 

brizz checking out the boats

It's great having Andrew here. He's cooking, cleaning, carrying my groceries, taking Brizz to the dog park....what more could I ask for in a brother-in-law/roomie? We're both on the job hunt, so it's also nice to have a person here during the day. I get tired of speaking only "woof" and "meow". To get Andrew acquainted with Chicago, we took him to one of the best spots for  Chicago style pizza in town, Lou Malnati's. It was packed of course, but we didn't mind waiting for the yummy deep dish deliciousness. Afterwards, we ended up at another Chicago legend, Harry Caray's, for drinks. I was pleased to spot a NC license plate used as decoration behind the bar saying:  C U B S M A N

We couldn't sleep in long Saturday morning, because we had tickets to the Cubs/Cardinals game! Andrew is a die hard Cardinals fan. So of course he was completely offended when I mentioned that I needed a cubs t-shirt for the game. I ended up needing a sweatshirt because it was soooooo cold! The wind is just brutal.....they weren't kidding about the wind here!!! Despite the wind, we had a great time riding the L and experiencing Wrigley Field. Cubs fan or not, that's a special place to be. We had awesome seats, which greatly surprised us, considering it's easy to have a view of nothing but a metal column in that place. I of course had to splurge on not only the Cubs hoodie, but also the $8.50 infamous Italian meat sandwich from concessions.....might be better than the pizza....might be. 

Awesome seat: $60

Cozy Cubs hoodie: $50

Italian meat sandwich: $8.50

Watching Andrew freeze in his Cardinals t-shirt because he "refuses to buy a long sleeve shirt and support the Cubs":  priceless

Final score:  Cubs - 7, Cardinals - 3

 

Now it's time to watch some Monday Night Football:  Packers vs. Bears at Soldier Field!

Luckily Justin left work early today and isn't sitting in traffic on Lakeshore Dr.

D A  B E A R S.

(I must be in Chicago)