One week back in Ann Arbor

I've been back in town for a week now (minus two days I spent at home) and getting back adjusted to college life - sans the college. I've noted a couple of things.

• College houses are dirty, and all we watch is ESPN. I've watched more ESPN in the last week than I have all year.
• Booze is super cheap and it is awesome. WA is probably middle of the road in terms of booze prices but how can you pass this up?

At RUB BBQ where Packard Pub used to be. Which was MY IDEA.

• I've been trying to exercise a bit more now that I have a lot of time but it hasn't been working out very well due to a few of the following notes.
• I don't wake up until 11 each day which is great. It took my body 4 months to get used to the routine of waking up early and going to work. It took 3 days for me to start staying awake until 3 and waking up at 11.
• I've been gorging on AA food since I've been back. BTB, Bells, Za's, Sottini's, Noodles, Jimmy John's, Cottage Inn (but not a CIAYCELB), Heidelberg free wings. I was planning to do Blimpy Burger this week but didn't have any cash. That and a CIAYCELB are happening for sure next week.
• I've been walking around a lot enjoying Ann Arbor. It's weird walking by houses that I have so many memories in, but seeing other people on the porches. Sometimes I just want to go up and tell them how I went to a party there in 2008 and something crazy happened. Most of those crazy things I can't share with the blog until the statute of limitations expires in a few years. I have such fond memories of many of these houses and apartments.
• In sad news I have to report that Oriental Express has gone out of business. I will always miss their inexpensive, below average fare. I guess in a way their car get tow fast (not a typo, but fans of OE will get the joke).

So much blight on Packard.

• Next door I was unsurprised to see that the "Get Your Game On" storefront (old Sake Bombs for the older crowd) was empty. I knew that place wasn't going to last. That is until I was walking up State Street and saw that they actually moved the a BETTER storefront. It looks like they are actually doing well. Color me surprised.

People love games I guess.

• I found out that I have a much higher tolerance in Ann Arbor. A month before I left, I played Edward 40 Hands in Seattle and afterwards could barely drink anything. A few nights ago I polished off two 40's including a Mickey's ICE and then went to the bar that moved into Packard Pub and had 3 $1 PBRs. I'm a machine in A2. No plans for E7C yet.

Mickeys Ice - Built for results not for pleasure

• I went out last weekend and it was weird that the most popular bar on South U looked to be the Blue Lep. I met up with a buddy at the Jug and was surprised when I got a booth immediately. We then went to the Blue Lep which I wasn't too crazy about until I saw how many people were there. I had heard it was also the place to watch the final 4, so maybe there is a new king in town. It's still a shame that Mitch's closed but I have accepted that.
• I've been trying to keep busy, and so far I have been for the 6 hours between when I wake up and when the sun goes down. I wandered over to the wild bird shelter on Mary St. and I think I might volunteer there a bit this summer even though I don't really like birds. I've also been going to a lot of public meetings because usually they have free cookies.
• My proudest moment though is when I saw the new Landmark building was completed. If you recall from the blog that in 2008 I went before city council and shared my support for the building which was then ridiculed by the Student Assembly vice president. Also note my subsequent mention in The Chronicle. And now that it is complete and looks terrific I'm happy to know that it was built and has made the city better even though some people thought it wasn't a good idea. Victory!

Looking a bit better than U Towers.