Bears and Magpies

I have to be honest - I can't remember the last time the Bears lost and the Magpies won in the same day. Usually they both lose - and somehow, the Cubs, Bulls, and Blackhawks also lose on the same day. That's just how my life goes. But today, keeping up their streak of clean sheets (almost 500 minutes now without conceding a goal), Newcastle United, looking very - refreshing? - in their custard and cream striped away kit, struck again to go top of the table in the Championship with a 2-point cushion. Mr. Soul Glow himself, Fabricio Coloccini scored his first goal as a Magpie to win the match 1-0. Today we beat a VERY good Cardiff side at their home ground, which I predicted to be our toughest match of the season. Speaking by the numbers, I was wrong - the toughest match is West Brom away - the only match we haven't taken maximum points from. So, these two matches (Cardiff and West Brom away) being in the books, I have to say that after just 6 matches, the most difficult part of our schedule is behind us, and no one would have expected the position we'd be in at the moment.

Now for the Bears. Unfortunately I'm writing this post at 10:54 CST, minutes after a crushing defeat to a Packers team that was, let's face it, just a lot better than we were. Cutler looked bad at first glance, but in truth it was his receivers that must shoulder most of the blame. We need to do something about that - but honestly, the game was had in every department, by the Packers. We weren't good enough in the secondary, our coaching staff called some howlers, Forte couldn't get going although he showed some good spots, obviously our receivers, even the LONG SNAPPER had an off day. Really the only good aspect of this game was our defensive line - if only Miranelli could do for our O-Line what he is doing for our D-Line, then we might have something going for us. To win this division - which I still think is possible - we need to really put some stuff together and get our minds in position to play at this level. Tonight we looked like a bunch of children on the field.

And we're BACK!

Sorry for the gap in posts, folks. I'm sure my enormous readership still exists after this 4-month hiatus.


So here's what's happening - I've been taking the ARE (Architectural Registration Exam), which includes a ridiculous amount of study/reading time, working a LOT since my office staff size has been cut in half, trying to figure out what the heck to do with our living/real estate situation. Public apologies go out to my good buddy Brett who, because of my confidence's magical disappearing act, was let down yet again by me backing out of a major cabinetry project. The Mrs and I have been indulging in quite a number of downloaded Japanese dramas which has been interesting, and are preparing for another trip to the Land of the Rising Sun. This time, Mrs. Architecture- footballandfood's cousin (more like a sister) is getting married (more specifically, she's having a wedding party after the real wedding - which happened to take place in Maldives. Must be nice!). Her cousin is marrying a fine fellow who I've grown quite close to - he's a businessman working in Tokyo, but has comtemplated going to business school in the US, so he came out for a week earlier this year to visit Northwestern and U of C. This trip culminated in the afore-mentioned most eventful day.


Hmmm lets see what else. I think in general, this is a catch-up post - letting all you loyal readers know that I'll do my best to perk this web-space back up. Onward!