Wolverine Weekend

So I drove up to Chicago yesterday to hang out with my family and to attend the Michigan vs. Northwestern football game. Jimmy and Carter didn't make the trip and instead stayed home for a boys' weekend. The drive to Chicago really isn't that bad. It took me about 2.5 hours to hit city limits and then another 15-20 minutes to make it through the Dan Ryan traffic and to find parking (more on parking later). I arrived in time to join everyone at the movies to see Ides of March, the political drama starring George Clooney and Ryan Gossling. I liked the movie but there really wasn't anything compelling about it. Without giving the story away, it basically showed how corrupt politics can be. Nothing new. Nevertheless, the performances were good with supporting cast members Paul Giamatti, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, and Jeffery Wright doing what they do.

After the movie we hopped on the train in downtown Chicago and headed to Evanston for the game. I think that was the longest train ride of my life. Michigan fans sure do know how to show up. The trains were packed with the unmistakeable "maize and blue" that I love. The non-Michigan folk were upset at our takeover. The train was so packed, I felt like I was in China. Anyway, we made it to the stadium unsheathed. The Northwestern Stadium is small compared to the Big House but the good thing about that is there really isn't a bad seat. What was even better was that there were just as many Michigan fans as Northwestern fans and often times we out chanted them. Although the first half was shakey, with Denard throwing 3 interceptions and our defense looking pitiful, we ended up with a convincing win.  After taking the long train ride back to the city, we headed to Smith and Wolensky for a late night bite. I ordered the truffle mac & cheese and crab cake which hit the spot and by the time we got back to the hotel at 12:30 am we all passed out.

We woke up this morning to the cheers of the Chicago Marathon which started at 7 am. We had a great view from our hotel window of the starting herd rounding the corner on Michigan Ave and for a minute I was a little nostalgic about running. That feeling quickly dissipated as I climbed back in bed for a little while longer. A little later we had breakfast at West Egg on Fairbanks and Ontario. It was so good. A must visit if you're in the area and a block from Garrett's Popcorn which is always a great way to cure a sweet tooth. I recommend the Huevos Rancheros or the pancakes.

After breakfast we headed back to the hotel to pack up. Now, back to the parking. I avoided parking at the hotel because my dad told me it was $48 per night. Instead, I found a nearby lot that advertised $13 per day on Saturdays and Sundays. Score! Even if that price didn't apply for overnight parking the cost for 24 hours was $35 which was still a $13 savings. When I get to my car this morning and put in the ticket in the pay machine the screen showed that my total was $44. "What! How is this possible" you ask. Not only was the $13 no good for overnight but I was there for 24 hours and 5 minutes and the extra 5 minutes cost me an extra $9. So $35 +$9 got my bill to $44. I felt played. It always sucks when you think you're getting a deal only to find out later that you've been had. That exactly how I felt. I guess I should have checked my time stamp a little closer. It won't happen again.

I'm back home now typing in the comfort of my bed. All in all, it was a great trip. I love hanging with the fam. Can't wait until Carter is old enough to hang with us.