The Big City

Just got back from 5 days in Chicago, to take my boards, but mostly to take a vacation. It was my first real foray into public transportation (World Youth Day in Toronto didn't really count, because there were 60 of us and it was free with registration, so we were just herded around and tried to always be with an adult) and except for one brief episode of wandering Saturday night, we successfully navigated the El, the buses, and even hailed our first taxi. Laura and Hilary, plus one. Although, I have to say, getting back into my own car, on familiar roads, without the incessant honking and hundreds of pedestrians was a welcome change.



Cubs fans are awesome. We went to the game on Saturday and got to experience the whole of Wrigley Field, Chicago dogs, and Cubs mania. I told Hilary that I never even stood up and cheered that much at a Rockies game. It must be infectious. And with thousands of people sticking around after the game to sing "Go Cubs go-o-o", how can it not be? As we tried to take a self-portrait of us with the field behind us, we had multiple people grab the camera and offer to take the picture for us. And all afternoon/evening/night, people saw our Cubs gear and stopped us on the street: "Cubs win?" "Go Cubs" and the occasional instigating "Go Sox." Even at Mass, during the sign of peace, Hilary got a "God bless you. Go Cubs." On our way out of the stadium, we passed Mullen's Bar and went in to see if they had t-shirts. Not only did they, but the bartender bought Hilary a beer as she pointed out her last name on the credit card. Hooray.

We got to see a heck of a lot of Chicago. Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, Millenium Park, Buckingham Fountain, Soldier Field, Hyde Park, Lake Michigan, the River Walk. Danced to one of the saxophone players on the street, hit up a White Castle, and one of the dozens of Baskin Robbins for late night ice cream, chatted with cops and bus drivers and random people on the street, and got to watch Abby Wambach score two goals against the Red Stars.

I maintain the fact that I don't think I could live in Chicago, what with the commuting and the amount of people, but it's a great place to visit.

Milestones

Congrats to Abby Wambach for her 100th career international goal (And Heather Mitts for her 100th cap), joining the ranks of Mia Hamm (who, incidentally also scored her 100th in Rochester), Kristine Lilly, Michelle Akers, and Tiffany Milbrett. Supported by family and friends in her hometown, she had multiple chances throughout the match, as her teammates did their best to help her knock one in. "I don't think they were passing it to anyone else."

Although I actually missed seeing the goal, being the lone member of my family able to cheer on the youngest Zapapi in softball greatness this afternoon, I did enjoy screaming my way through the first half, enjoying the chance to shout "HAO", watch Julie Foudy be the only respectable women commentator on ESPN, or at all for that matter, and see Abby muscle her way through the box. I told my friend Lisa, "You remind me of Abby Wambach, if you were 5'11" and a beast." She wasn't quite sure if it was a compliment or not. It was. Or at least neutral; they just look alike. Also got me REAL excited to see all the stars in person in a week. Prepare for some major yelling.

And watch the next friendly, Wednesday 8 pm EST, on Fox Soccer Channel (or via Match Tracker on ussoccer.com)

God Lives Here

Reasons I love Colorado (in no particular order, and by no means comprehensive, especially since I really need to get back to studying):

-view from the top of the mountain--there is absolutely nothing like this in the world
-best state flower. Hands down.
-coffee shops with signs on the door saying "please take your crampons off before coming inside"
-people in the parades throw dog biscuits in addition to candy
-the "Hey Baby" song at the Rockies games
-all the parks, and the people who use them
-It goes without saying, but 300 days of sunshine...please.
-Fittest state in the nation, many years running
-a large percentage of my favorite people live here
-Bonnie Brae ice cream
-our patron is St. Francis of Assisi
-KYGO
-The Children's Hospital (I mean, seriously, if I didn't have high hopes of staying here for residency and loving it, it would put a serious damper on things)
-apparently home of the best "Small Town in America" (Louisville)
-home of Chipotle.
-Breckenridge Brewery, New Belgium, Boulder Beer, Great Divide--most breweries per capita of any state--means you can always find a good microbrew on tap

feel free to add your own...

Do you like reggae?

All's right with the world. Survived my Sub-I. The whole family together, stuffing my face with Buttermilk Spice muffins, a Colorado sunset, and Firefly. Plus I get one more day of slacking off before studying kicks me in the head. "Knee to the head! Knee to the head! Knee to the head!" So, for the next 3 weeks, plan on not seeing me. Plan on me studying. Maybe if enough people think good thoughts, it will actually happen. Only 2993 practice questions to go.

And 9100 situps. Laura, Jon, Eric, and I are doing the 10,000 Challenge. That many situps (crunches, reverse crunches, any kind of abdominal contraction, besides labor really) in the month of July. So pretty much by the end of the month, my brain and my belly will be exhausted but tuned up, and the rest of me...well, whatever. With 150 practice questions and 333 situps a day, who has time to do anything else?