A Husky fan's trip to Notre Dame

This past weekend, a friend and I headed followed the UW Husky football team to South Bend, IN via Chicago. With the way the Dawgs have been playing the past couple weeks, my expectations were a mixed bag. Since beating USC, I know we have the skills and abilities to pull out a victory, but after our loss to Stanford last week, I did not have complete confidence that we would win. The outstanding question in my mind was which Husky football team was going to show up in Indiana. The only way to answer that question was to wait and see.

But first, a quick thought about Chi-town. Although I've been to the Windy City before, I've never really looked around. This time arounds we did get to spend a few hours on foot tromping around the downtown core Friday morning. In addition, we were able to catch a Cubs game at historic Wrigley Field as well. The city is great for photography. Perhaps it's because there seems to be so much around to see -- elevated trains, public art, old and new architecture freckle the cityscape. I would love to go back and spend a few dedicated days to exploring the city and surrounding areas. It's a fun city with vibrant energy.

I wonder what flavor this jelly bean is?

Next stop: Notre Dame

As for South Bend, we didn't really see a lot of it. We took an eastbound train from Chicago to the airport in South Bend. From there we proceeded to the Notre Dame campus.

Notre Dame Football. Love 'em, hate 'em, don't care... whatever your stance on the football program may be, you have to go. It is the embodiment of history and tradition. Everywhere you go on campus you are surrounded with the legacy and legend that is Notre Dame Football. From watching the players come out of Mass, to visiting the Grotto, to seeing Touchdown Jesus with his arms outstretched -- it is all part of the Notre Dame experience.

As for the game... well many Dawg fans' hearts were broken that day. But aside from the loss, WHAT A GAME. Duking it out through the wind and rain, thru four quarters and an overtime. Multiple lead changes and many defensive stops. And what of the question I had prior to the game? Well, the Huskies weren't perfect, but the team that defeated USC were the ones that showed up. They fought hard and with heart. It was all we could ask for.

Come and meet Jesus... Touchdown Jesus.

Inside the golden dome on campus.

Welcome to Notre Dame Stadium.

To see more pictures from the weekend, please go to http://picasaweb.google.com/photography.spencerchan/UWNDGame2009.

What a Game!

I know it's Monday and it's been two days since the Epic Upset occurred at Husky Stadium. But I felt that it was my duty to at least put a little post up for the victory. Our beloved (but unranked) Washington Huskies defeated the third ranked University of Southern California Trojans. And what a game it was... I haven't heard the Ol' stadium that loud, that raucous, that excited in years.

After Eric Folk kicked the winning field goal with three seconds in regulation, B & I ran down three levels of stairs and ramps to "rush" the fields with 5000 other estactic fans. Here's a scene from the second level...


The first level...

Along with the horde of students there were some notable people on the field... Here is Coach Romar (the head coach of our basketball team) celebrating with some fans.

And of course, us... (Plus, check out the final tally on the score board!)

All in all, it was one of the biggest wins I've ever seen at Montlake. Although it is still early in the season, this team, these players, these coaches are re-energizing Husky Nation. And we are loving it! GO HUSKIES!

An Antidote for NW Dreariness

For many of us here in Seattle, winter/ early spring can be a serious problem. The drab monotone of grey skies, the moodiness of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), the subtle sogginess of drizzle -- it is enough to push you over the edge. But there is a cure. Take 2 parts sunshine, 1 part vitamin D, and a splash of UV, and you'll get a life-restoring cocktail of Spring.

People who live in sun-soaked regions, such as San Diego, Arizona, and Florida can take the sunshine for granted. However, we Seattle-ites crave it. Give us a day of sun (especially when temps rise over 65), and we will be outside, soaking in the warmth. The layers of fleece and gore-tex peel off, and soon the pale skin of winter is exposed. It refracts the light at first, but then quickly absorbs it, and turns into a nice shade of burn. Well, at least it does for most of my Caucasian friends.

Anyway, this weekend was a sun filled escape for those of us who haven't been able to flock to warmer areas. Personally, B & I headed to the UW campus, to soak in the rays and enjoy the blooming cherry blossoms. Apparently though, we were not the only ones to have this idea. The Quad, where the trees are located, was saturated with people. But we were able to find a spot, throw down a blanket and people-watch as we picnic'ed. It was marvelous.

The blossoms did not disappoint either. The flower laden trees line three sides of the quad, adding a softness to the brick exteriors of the buildings. Rumor has it that if you get a bird's-eye view from the air, the cherry trees form a "W". But I've never been able to confirm this. So I guess I'll just have to write it off as urban myth...

Anyways, I hope that wherever you are, the sun is shining bright upon you as well. If not, hopefully, the photos below will help a little. (Not that you probably care, but the first couple pics are via my iPhone, and the last 3 blossom are from my DSLR which I added later. Oh, and I'm messing around with borders, hence the various sizes. - SKC)