I neglect my blog.

WOW. It's been some months since I even thought about updating this, but I'm laying here in bed and just read a friend's entire blog - yes, the whole thing. I haven't seen her in many many moons, but Facebook very kindly reminded me that today is her day of birth and after congratulating her on that occasion, I decided to snoop around her profile. She recently delivered a human into existence, which I find completely unbeleiveable because most of the time I still feel like we should be hanging out in her bedroom in Kennewick plotting our global domination in pop-star form. (Meaning although I'm in my mid-twenties, I still don't feel like we're old enough to be grown-ups)

All that aside, she posted an entry from her mother's journal from 1977 when she was first starting her relationship with who turned out to be the love of her life and her faithful and loving husband. What makes this so special is that her mother passed away when we were in high school after a courageous fight with breast cancer. (Have I mentioned how much I HATE cancer lately?) So I decided I should probably get back in the habit of writing down my thoughts, events and emotions because someday I'm going to have some little nuggets of my own and if something were to ever happen to me, I'd want them to have some pieces of my brain and heart in word-form.

I'll skip the long "this is everything I've been up to" post and hit a few key points. I now work for a National Laboratory - said goodbye to the Nuclear plant on March 12th. I REALLY love it so far - especially the 7-minute commute and being able to wear open-toed shoes! Hockey season is winding down - or up, depending how you look at it. The Ams are in the Western Conference Finals against the Vancouver Giants (we'll NOT talk about the actual hockey played last night in the Game 1 loss, but I did get conned into being in the Human Hamster Ball race by Miss Erin West... Running around an entire rink in a big plastic ball with no fresh oxygen is a bad idea, kids!) and the Sharks are tied 1-1 with the Avalanche in the first round of the Stanley Cup. I'm leaving for Las Vegas next Thursday for Jessi and Greg's wedding. Who knew when I met Bill almost 3 months ago that I'd be his roommate's Maid of Honor in such a short time? The four of us have a lot of fun here in TRI, so I'm pretty excited for the shenanigans that will be occurring in Sin City. (As long as I don't wake up to a tiger in the bathroom, I think things will be golden!)

In the past six months, I've also gotten back on track with my faith. Not that I ever lost it or doubted it, but it's come back to a more prominent place in my life. I guess the best way to describe it is that I have HOPE back. I have the knowledge that my plan for life may not be what is best for me. My "twin" Shannon (fantastic redheaded friend) sent me a devotional via email the day before yesterday that boiled down to this point:

Emotions are God-given, but when we let those emotions and other people's words and actions dictate how we feel and what we do, we become unstable. How we feel at any given moment probably has very little to do with what God is doing in our lives - He works behind the scenes. Our trust should be in Him that He is doing with us what He intends and our Hopes should be on fulfilling what He wants in our lives.

In other words, like my Facebook status said on Thursday, "Mer, Take a chill pill, I've got your back. Love, Jesus"

See you in September...

The dust has settled, the tears have subsided and the profanities have been replaced with words appropriate for McNephew to repeat like the tiny parrot he is.

Monday was a bad day. Mama had surgery, McMan announced his trip to Calgary (sans McP) and my Sharkies were ousted from the playoffs by Finny's QuackQuack Ducks. She phoned me after the game amidst the celebration at Honda Center to hear me having an emotional breakdown. I know, I know, it sounds like I'm way too invested in my team - but let's face it, everything compounded, I deserved a good cry (not to mention a stiff drink and some sort of refrigerated baked-good dough).

My opinion of the season:
WOW. What a team. There was a reason they won the President's Trophy. They had great communication on the ice, the team was playing cohesively, and the scoring came from every line. Nabby and Bouche were great in net and made the big saves when they needed to.

My opinion of the post-season:
Brief, yes, but filled with passion (shitting the bed in game 4 aside). The Getzlaf line did exactly what they needed to shut down Big Joe, Cap'n Patty and the Guch. The fight between Getzlaf and Thornton was a BEAUTY (even though i only got to see it in higlights - effing Versus...) - Just when I think I can't possibly love that big man any more, he goes and feeds lefts to Getzy like he's asking, "Please, sir, may I have some mo'?"

Anyone who knows my love of goalies is perplexed when they are with me while watching a Sharks game. I realize that Nabokov is a good goalie, but I lack confidence in him for some reason. My cries of "I LOVE MY GOALIE!!!!" at WHL games turn into "I love my goalie?" watching Nabby. It's a love/hate relationship. I think after the two losses at home, and especially during game 4, Boucher should've been in net - if for nothing else than to send a message to the team. When that man is hot in net, the thing becomes inpenetrable. Would it have made a difference in the series? Maybe, maybe not. Jonas Hiller took on the role of the Jaws-killing "Brody" like Johnny Depp took on the role of Jack Sparrow - it was scary.

My thoughts on changes to be made within the team:
The cry all around, "Trade Joe Thornton because he doesn't produce during playoffs!"
I call bullshit on that. Like I said earlier, Game 4 aside, this was a battle against Hiller and the team in front of him knew exactly who to shut down to help their goalie on his superstar streak.
Sure some off-season changes will be made, that's going to happen anywhere, but I don't think trading Thornton is the answer. He's the assist-king. He's a passer that shoots when he has the opportunity (and those are usually in the back of the net).

To tell you the truth, I'm not a coach or a gm (don't look so shocked! lol) and I don't know what's going on inside the locker room, but it seems to me that with a season like this one, those HUGE trades would only break the chemistry down.

My inner-struggle with who to root for now:
I'm torn. While I don't want to root for the team who made mine look like their red-headed step-child (i can say that - i am one), one of the fibers woven into my being is the one that is Coach Carr from Mean Girls repeating in my ear "If you cheer for the Red Wings, you will get pregnant and die". (Seriously, it was almost a deal-breaker when first dating McMan)
Advantage: Quacks
Plus, if they win the whole thing, it makes the sting of losing to them in the first round not quite as bad.

My parting words for the Sharks 2008-2009 Season:
After the home-and-home to end the regular season, I was afraid of meeting the Ducks in the first round. They're a good team and they fought hard to win in the Shark Tank and got the job done. Had it been any other team, I'm fairly certain I'd still be rocking my Roenick jersey, rushing to the car to turn on my XM on my way home to plop myself in front of the HD feed, cheering my team on. It wasn't the Sharks' year, yet again. Maybe being an Ams fan through the good, the bad, and now back to the good has prepared me for this.

I ♥ my team. See you next season, Sharkies.

Night night WHL playoffs...

Well, it’s over. Spring and Summer are my favorite seasons. It’s almost ironic that my favorite sport, my “social life” and the place I feel most at home is someplace I only get to spend the Fall and Winter.

I wasn’t sure if I was going to make this entry or not, but after putting the sign up in my office that reads, “Yes, the Americans lost. Yes, the season is over. No, I don’t want to talk about it.” I figured I should get a few feelings out so that I didn’t flip out on the Corporate Express delivery guy when he will inevitably ask me how I’m doing with the outcome of the season despite the sign.

So the Rockets did some damage. Ok, a lot of damage. This time it was to the boys on the ice – not me. “Que?” you ask? Well, last time these two teams faced off in round 2 (2004) I got hit in the foot with an errant puck during OT. Bruised the bone – luckily I was wearing boots that night instead of my standard flip-flops. About two weeks later, I dot to gracefully walk onto the Miss TC stage for my audition with a lovely moon boot (aka walking cast). They beat us a few days later at home. Easter Sunday, as it were. Hmm... Maybe Jesus hearts Kelowna on his resurrection day?

It’s bittersweet, really. So many young men poured their heart and soul into this season, some veterans, some rookies. It’s going to be strange not to see a few faces on the ice next year.

Taylor Procsychen – I remember when that kid was a tiny, carrot-topped rookie taking photos with Wendy, Tawnie and I at post-game skates. Always more than willing to stop and say hi to fans big and small and offer a blessing over the meal and attendees at the Booster Club’s annual Christmas party.
You gave your very best effort on the ice to us for five years and led the team in so many ways. Please be very proud of yourself and the man you’ve become - we are. Let the Lord guide you in your future endeavors and please come back and visit whenever possible.

Jason Reese – It’s hard to even think that he once wore a Giants uniform. All I can think of now is the vocal forward in red, white and blue. As close as we’ve gotten to a “local boy” in a few years, it was great hearing his mom scream his full given name when he would drop the gloves and seeing his proud little sister always wearing his button and becoming a familiar face around the rink.
Thanks for helping me choose the quesadilla that night at Applebee’s – I’ll think of you every time I order it now – especially with a “Brewtus” sized beer!

Mitch Fadden – The other half of this year’s “Red Headed Wonder Twins”. I’m not gonna lie, I’ve been a fan of this kid since he played for the Thunderbirds (shut up, we all know I’m a traitorous whore). I’ve never seen an Am with better puck handling AND a great personality. When he asked McNephew for “knucks” after a post-game skate, he had my Auntie-heart on a platter. Now, whenever he has his finger up his two-year-old nose, we giggle and tell him to stop giving the “Mitch Fadden Salute”.
Good luck in your promising career, Mitch, and even though you only spent 52 games here, please don’t forget how much we love and appreciate how hard you worked for our team.

Chet Pickard – This one hurts. He’s most likely played his last game in an Ams sweater, and while I’m excited for him to move on and for his professional career to flourish, it’s hard for me to celebrate him not returning to us. One look at him skating back and forth after being scored on or up to the stands when Dan was in town to get feedback (via the famous hand signals) tells you how committed he was to playing well for the Ams. The same held true about his celebrations when a game had gone well. Possibly one of the most down-to-earth people I’ve ever met with his level of talent. That’s not surprising after meeting and becoming friends with his family.
Chet, you have no idea how much joy you brought to your little buddy, GoCamGo. Getting to skate with you is something he still talks about. There aren’t many little boys who can say that they took their first lap around the rink with a first round draft pick when they weren’t even two yet.
To the Pickard family – Thank you for sharing your son (and brother) with us and for sharing yourselves as well. I can’t wait to see you next year even though you’ll be cheering for the TBirds – Especially you, Kelly – I know this is supposed to be about your brother, but you’re one of the most fun people I’ve met in a long time and know I can always count on you for a laugh when I need one the most. I wish I had a hot, single brother for you to marry so you could be in my crazy-ass family.

I’m not going to speculate on which 19-year-olds will be back next year as it hurts my heart too much. Needless to say, with my “son” Jarrett being one of them, the 20 y/o deadline will be a nail biter for me.

To those returning to camp in August to earn their jobs back, have a good summer, but please be safe. There is so much talent brewing in each of you! I have a whole different perspective of the young boys this year for some reason this year. Maybe it’s because it has been three years since I’ve shared a house (and bathroom) with a rookie and have finally let go of the hurt that a certain player caused after leaving the team. Play hard, work out harder, do things that make you a little bit uncomfortable to broaden your comfort zone and do something nice for someone once in a while. (And Spencer, spend some time with your little sister – You’ll be gone from home for good in a few years and it really will mean more to her than you could imagine).

So, night-night, 2008-2009 Tri-City Americans. Thank you for an amazing year and another US Division Championship.

Oh yes, one more thing. GO GIANTS! BEAT THOSE DIRTY CHIEFS!

Hey, Spokane..

Ams lock up U.S. title with win in Kent

We're having a great time in Kent. So far, Kelly has biffed it out of the hotel shuttle, got to meet Calvin's superfan, got a quick tour of the Tbirds locker room (pretty sick, not gonna lie), and narrowly escaped seeing a naked man in the hall of the hotel. Oh yes, and lots of alcohol has been consumed.

Good times are being had by all... well, all Ams fans, that is.

UnClassy Spokane 2.0

After talking with MaMcP who got the lowdown on the happs after the cameras quit rolling from the billet bro, I now have a couple other things to say:

1. I heart Bob Tory's passion for the game and his team.
   
2. I effing can't stand Tokarski and would tell him exactly how classless and immature he comes off to his face in an effort to help the young man not be a douchebag.
3. Mitch Wahl can lick my proverbial left nut. You're an 18 year old young man, which means you're an ADULT. You are someone that young players from the States look up to as a member of Team USA. Take the high-road. Pointing at your Mem Cup ring as you're walking by the bus holding a fellow member of the 2008 Draft class who YOUR TEAMMATE attacked is immature and unnecessary.
   

As a fan, my rivalry with the Chiefs used to end once they stepped off the ice. I had a billet brother who became a CHief in a trade and enjoyed his time there. I appreciate the Chiefs organization for offering free tickets to my parents for every game TRI played up there one year after they had a HORRIBLE experience in the stands (they turned it down and have only been back on rooter busses since) AND for what a great show they put on in that arena. That rivalry has changed. As those kids represent that organization as leaders, I now will be adopting the motto of my fellow Maple Leaf Mafia member, Hammer, "Spokanistan. This is war."

We'll see what all the suspensions and fines end up being after last night. I'm sure the Ams will get whats coming to them as well, but REALLY,Spokane?! Really?! No need to goon it up OFF the ice, too.

Completely UN-Classy, Spokane.

In tonight's match up between the Tri-City Americans and the Spokane Chiefs at the Spokane Memorial Veterans Arena, things got a little out of hand. With the Ams clearly in the lead, goaltender Chet Pickard made a save on a Spokane shot and a clear 2+ second later, was hit in the head with an elbow by the Chiefs' Letts (commonly referred to by McBroInLaw as "that asshat monkey bitch"). This shot to the head ended the game for Chet, the Predator's first round pick from 2008. Letts got a 5 minute major and a game misconduct.

Now, I'm not saying that after this the Ams were angelic, but the game went downhill at 90mph after that. I don't have the energy to comment on everything we swore at in the basement at McMan's house, but I will say this:

1) I never thought I'd say this, but I want the screaming kids back - the new snowboarding, stoner, "song writing" neighbors that moved into the other half of McMan's duplex earlier this week are giving an impromtu concert in the basement tonight. Um, it's almost 11 - can we go unplugged? OMGsh - be careful what you wish for - they've busted out the effing bongos. Where's Matthew McConaughey?

2)You may or may not know that I'm not exactly a fan of Dustin Tokarski, but after tonight, that is an understatement. He could've taken the high road and stayed patiently in his crease toward the end of the game while Mitch McColm was being escorted to the locker room after having a "tender moment" with a Chief. Instead he skated to the blue line and beaked the known-fighter. Then, to beak the Ams as they're leaving the ice after the game? Pipe down, Tik. You were a little bit of a sieve tonight - it's all good, it's one game, every goalie has that night. You're already signed by the team that drafted you, skate off, go have a milkshake - hell, even a beer - and get over it. Tomorrow is another day.

For real. Bongos AND guitar now. Awesome. *rolls eyes*

ANYWAY - like I said to Tokarski, tomorrow is another day. We'll see what the league has to say about the suspension they should be handing to Mr. Letts, and we'll see if Chet is still seeing stars before the Ams face the Winterhawks at home tomorrow night. I know all the Ams fans are hoping McNephew was right when he was pacing in front of the TV saying, "My buddy Chet OK. My buddy Chet OK."

Weekend Updates

Spent the weekend scrapbooking and relaxing with my Doodle and 'lil man while her hubby was duck hunting and McMan was finishing up his tour of Western Canada. Got almost all of the DisneyWorld 2007 scrapbook done! YESSS!!!

Ams did well last night... Can't say the same for Friday, but it was the end of a long road trip.

McMan is home!!!

After work tomorrow, I'll stop by my place to get the blueberry pie I just baked on the way to Ma's for Thanksgiving(CAN) dinner!!! I'm so stoked. I'm contemplating skipping lunch. Ma's invited some boys whose billets aren't celebrating.. Should be interesting.

Sharkies won again tonight. 1-0. Boucher in goal - nice to see the former American doing well and getting some ice time in the shadow of Nabby. 15th career shut-out for Mr. Brian Boucher.

THIS little nugget made me giggle... I try to keep my political views private, but since so many people are assuming I'm a Palin fan because we're both former Miss America Organization participants, I have to say, there's no way I want my Vice President dropping the puck and waving to the crowd like she should have something sparkly on her head or saying that her favorite theme of a pageant was "Amer-I Can!".

Hockey season?!

I'll update on the Ams and Sharkies as soon as I don't want to punch myself in the face with a flaming blocker.

It's really annoying how much I miss McMan as he is on his Eastern Swing adventure, taking in more hockey in 11 days than should be allowed in October. Especially without one's smokin' hot g/f... Who happens to have a Bestie in Saskatoon who she hasn't seen in approximately 5 years.

I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'.

Hammer has Inspired me...

I'm not gonna lie, before this weekend I had thought of blogging, but hadn't done it. Mostly because I was busy with my cousin's wedding last weekend (free wine - don't abuse the system - you will end up leaving the 2 bottles of wine that you ingested on someone's driveway - and I don't mean in the bottles.....), had to get Casa McP ready for the Mafia's visit this weekend, prepare for McMan's birthday (yesterday) and tend to my aching knee - which apparently has decided to to TU right before hockey season and the big gear-up for our huge evaluation at work. Joy of joys.

HOWEVER - In having Hammer and VonHammer here the past two nights and hearing of Hammers tales of blogging buddies, comment-fests and posts galore, I am re-energized.

Quick updates:
* My knee effing hurts. The Toyota center needs to invest in some hand rails so getting up and down the stairs can be done safely and with less pain to those joint-ily challenged like me. Or they need to allow flying monkies to enter the building - stupid no pets rules...

* I heart my goalie. I heart that my goalie is going to Nashville for camp. I, however, do not heart that we'll be without him for a time, leaving me with little confidence in who will be here in his stead. I know not everyone can be Chet Pickard... but at least when Carey was away, we had Chetter to fall back on.

* I need to get my Dish fixed. Damnit.

* *NSYNC's "Pop" came on the stereo in Hammer's car this night as we were leaving the rink. I can neither confirm nor deny that I almost put a McP-shaped hole in the roof of her car and squeeled like a ... well, let's face it, like a 19 year-old McP. I miss them. Sometimes I feel like I'm the only one who still listens to them on a regular basis.... or plays their songs on the piano when she's feeling low and/or blue.... I mean, I'm just sayin...

* Hammer's comment on the mix cd I have playing right now, "This CD is filled with songs I had forgotten existed."

* The shoe check we witnessed tonight was flinking amazing.

* It's HOCKEY SEASON, BITCHES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Coming out of the dark...

As the immortal Gloria Estefan, I am returning from a hiatus. The flying monkeys and I have had quite the spring. I started a new day-job... one that doesn't allow me hours upon hours for mindless searching on the intermanet and time to ponder and blog it. But it does pay really well.

People have been clamoring for my thoughts on a few things:

McP, your thoughts on the Spokane Chiefs Captain Chris Bruton drops the Memorial Cup?
Since the Ams were the last team to beat the Chiefs this year and they are the Highway 395 rivals, I do admit, I jumped up and down while watching it happen on YouTube with McMan at the lake. How embarrassing to have the whole arena booing you for a hardware malfunction! But they deserved the cup - they were determined and worked as a team throughout the playoffs.

How much did you love the touring company of RENT?
Oh holy night... For real, people, the flying monkeys had to carry me out to the car after the show. I can neither confirm nor deny that I wore my "Measure in Love" t-shirt with my character name of "Maureen" on the back. I can, however, confirm that 'Mark', 'Roger', 'Mimi' & 'Maureen' all smiled at me when I was singing at the top of my lungs during the finale. I mean... what?

What about the Red Wings winning the Stanley Cup?
The what? Who? I completely have no idea what you're talking about.
Note from the monkeys: McP is still in a bit of denial, if you couldn't tell.

How's the new Casa McP?
WONDERFUL! I've just got a few things left to get done in the guest bedroom and to get a dining table to be completely happy with everything.

Excited about the Draft?
YES! Especially the goalies... Everything is better with Chetter.

What are your plans for Canada Day?
I'm heading south to the MLM-Milton branch for a WONDERFUL afternoon/evening of NHL monopoly, fun, games, prizes and dairy-free food! YESSSS!!!!

Speaking of the Mafia, any news there?
YES! I'm very proud to say that Hammer has not only been accepted into the wonderful sisterhood of HLOG, but has also been linked frequently by some bigtime bloggers in the blogosphere! YAY for famousness!

Shouldn't you be sleeping?
yeah, considering I'm now usually AT work between 6 and 630 (yes, that's am), I will very shortly be returning to sleepytown.

game notes 1-27

So, through the almost 8 inches of snow, McMan and I ventured to the ams game.
The other members of the MLM, for safety reasons, went home early after staying the night at a billet house. All got home safely.
Ma also stayed home. Not feeling too hot. I sat in her seat.

• First of all, the game was BORING. I couldn't pay attention.
• Secondly, Shawn Vey is going to drive me to drink. heavily. Birch could've had the third goal had Shawn not been skating in his sleep.
• Tyler Schmidt needs to calm the eff down. Every time we're about to get a PP, Tyler has to be the tough guy and gets penalized, taking that PP away. There was once tonight where I'm sure Kirk (don't EVEN get me started on this guy......) warned him about it.
• Birchy needs to play more if he's going to reach his potential as a goalie. Right now, he's ascribing to the Hasek School of Goal Keeping - aka, flopping like a fish. There were many times where (forget Chetters) there were some twinkies in MY pants at the close calls in net.
• That said, the D was... well, missing. Toll had some good plays, Mestery was giving his all every shift he was out and Werbs .. umm... well, he was trying. TJ took a bunch of BS penalties (the one for elbowing was phantom, but still... ) and I didn't notice him at all on the ice besides his parade to the box.
• Radek's goal was killer. Great for him against his former team and second in 2 nights.
• Seattle's 2nd goal was PRETTY, not gonna lie. Knocked Birch's water bottle 1.5 feet in the air before returning to the same spot he'd placed it.
• Well, that's about all i have to say about tonight's game. They cancelled the skate - probably would've been 10 of us and the ams out there. Not a bad thing, but I'm glad I started home when I did.

It's been a LONG time since I've said this, but I'm glad this weekend is over.... Hopefully this week will be happy times.

Attempt #2

So I went to the Dr this morning - Bronchitis. Ick. Feeling much better, though.

#1 - WHOO HOO!!!! Chetters playing in the Prospects Game!
#2 - WHOO HOO!!!! Donny to coach one of the teams! (Promotion back to the E, A or N!??!!? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?)

made Coconut Shrimps for McMan and I for dinner. YUM! Washed it down with some Buckley's. YUK!

Brooks Laich scored the first goal for Washington tonight. havng a career year with this, his 8th goal. That's his total for all of last season. Go Brooksie, Go!

Olie kicks ass. In so many ways. And is beautiful. And a goalie. Enough said.

Hannan... Whenever I look at him i want to pinch the underside of his arm... REALLY hard! I'm still bitter he's not in Teal.

Watching the Dallas feed of games makes me want to light my face on fire when they play that Muzak during commercial breaks. But will I change it to the Chicago feed? No way. Then I'd swear at Jonathan Towes, or anyone who said his name, very loudly.

Everett scored first and second. Um.. Boys? Just because we're first in the league in PK doesn't mean you can take those shifts off. K thx.

PS - Hammer, your pancake made me angry.

First intermission recap comes on and they re-play the goal... McMan, who is sitting in the big puffy chair cheeered and raised his hands. I looked at him totally deadpan and said, "It's the re-cap."

"Wow. You are on Fuckin fire tonight, buddy." - McMan on the foxsports intermission report on the radio. (Heavy sarcasm implied)

Brent Seabrook. Remember when the (Lethbridge) Hurricanes had Seabrook bobble head night? I do. I was pissed it wasn't Firstborn bobble head night. Then again, I'm a little biased. Whatever, who cares if brent is in the NHL and Firstborn is in the English Elite league ;)

Stars win... Marty Turco is a freakin stud! Teddy bear, mickey fickey!

Ams: Jason misses the open net twice, Yellow misses the open net... How many times are we going to give Merrick a heart attack tonight?

McMan: "Notice Schmidt wasn't ranked."
McP: "Imagine that."

The girls on Deal or No Deal are hot. Especially in beaded cocktail dresses and leis.

Beach goes for High Sticking... Mestery refains from retaliation. THAT is why I heart #7.

McMan: You have a man voice right now.
McP: Does that turn you on?
McMan: NO! Thank God!

Goal tending change for Everett... Irving pulled with 2:46 left in the 2nd... maybe he has to poop? "Maybe they just traded him." - McMan

NO!!!!!! MY SON!!!!!!!! I don't like hearing that he's flat on his face after Bauer left his feet to check him from behind, but i LOVE hearing that Chetters almost went after Bauer. JEEBUS. My son is already more susceptible to concussion b/c of his broken jaw last year. 5 and a Game for Bauer - hopefully a suspension.

For real? did the rest of the league get together and decide that we were too good and to make us a team of conkies? Joseph, Abraham and Moses.

Oh yeah, classy, Everett fans... Boo the call.

Irving only out 37 seconds... Not enough time to poop... maybe just pee?

MY SON IS BACK ON THE BENCH!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you Jesus!!!

Sidebar- met Midel this morning. Pretty cool kid. As long as he stays out of the box.

Everett takes another stupid penalty and Yellow scores from Reese and my son on the 5-on-3! THANK YOU! Tied the game at 2:05 with a minute to go on the penalty from hit on my son!

Oh great... Another hook behind the play while we're tied at 7:55 left in Regulation. Jason Reece, I'm looking at you.

Oh, Tyler Keifer.... Retaliation is bad, mmkay? Wait a minute, we got the PP, good boy.

HAMMER! NO MORE PANCAKES! NONE!

HONESTLY?! 5-on-3 at the end of a tied game?! For crying out loud there is 2:12 left in regulation and our top goal-scorer is in the flinking box.

OT... i hate OT with everett... i hate SO's even more..

Westie just jinxed Midel. Stop doing that, Westie!

Jeebus... on to the shootout.

AND we lose.

I feel the urge to not blog anymore tonight. grrr... Son of a Beach.

Casa McP...Nuevo!

Ok, so I've got everything in and the old apt clean and empty.

Thursday I worked a full day and went straight to the office to sign my new lease. Turns out my new apt is disabled accesible, so to compensate for the large bathroom, I've got a teeny closet and all my counters and drawers and cabnets are lower. But that's ok, because I'm short :) and I got rid of a lot of clothes and i'll be getting rid of more, I'm sure. I'm rotating my clothes out by season. It'll be all good. ANYWHOOZLE, I moved and cleaned and unpacked for 7 hours. (Ma, McMan and Rabbi herschel helped out). I was crippled by the time i threw myself into bed.

Friday, the movers came at 9 and were done by 10. ma and I decided that next time, they're moving EVERYTHING. Rabbi Herschel came over and helped me move all my clothes over. Waited ALL FREAKING DAY for an a-hole of a dish guy and ended up having to go buy my own damn tripod (i moved from an upstairs apt to floor-level) because he could only find them at RV places for $60 +tax and i called the satelite place down the street from me and got it for $27.08. Went to the Ams home opener.... freakin great game - won in OT. Wish I could've enjoyed the game more, just too preoccupied and stressed, despite the beers.

Saturday McMan wasn't feeling well so we opted out of his co-worker's wedding... i got a lot of stuff done at the new place, a couple loads from the old place and then we ate dinner, listened to the Ams win in a shootout in Spoke and then slept... kitteh even slept between our pillows all night! i guess we played too much with that peskey string.

This morning I got up and started working more on getting things put away - MissRoomie came over and helped me get most of the stuff out of our old apt and then cleaned it. We didn't think we ewere going to have to do much, but when we lifted the rug in what was her bathroom and then was Bonnie & Clyde's bathroom, the rubber backing was left behind on the floor. Spent a good amount of time scraping it off of the floor. GRRRRR... they must've spilled beer on it or somthing. McMan came over after a while and helped get the rest of the stuff that wouldn't fit in my car. He was so sweet - as he was leaving he said, "Can you be a little less stressed now that you're totally out of there?" yes. yes I can. I got most everything in it's place... well, all that i can get somewhere right now... because Hammer is coming over for Thanksgiving dinner. YAY!!!

oh, I LOVE living on my own so far. :)

Alumni Update

Well, it seems that hockey season is fast approaching. YAY! As I said when CapsChick and I were chatting it up, "If the off-season was any longer, I'd call my brother and ask him to send me an old glove to sniff."

Which brings me to the updates:

• It seems that the Houston Aeros are now the Houston "McPhizzle has a humorous anecdote about me"s... Not only do they have Clayton Stoner (former Am and good friend) and Coach Kevin Constantine (former coach of the Everett Silvertips), but they have also signed goalie (and former Spokane Chief) Barry Brust and (former Golden Gopher) Troy Riddle.
• Big Bro is now going to be playing in Europe... Something he's wanted to do for a couple years now. He's going to be playing in the UK for the Hull Stingrays and oddly enough, one of his teammates is Nikolai Ladygin (another former Am)

really? for real?

Tuesday... not usually a BAD day, per se, but this one didn't start out too hot...

I woke up late. On purpose, but late. Left the house at about 8:20 to stop in quickly at Dr. S's office and get a persecription for something to make what I thought was bronchitis go away. Get into the parking lot, slow down and stop behind a minivan that is about to park and all of a sudden, her reverse lights go on.... she starts backing up.... she ignores the sound of my blaring horn and all I hear is *crunch* well, before I said, "fucking shit" and put my car in park. No damage... And oddly enough, she was wearing one of the breast cancer awareness Ams shirts. Hmm.. Like I told McMan, "I decided not to comment on it in the fear that I'd tell her she didn't deserve to don the logo of MY team if she's going to back into me."

So, after she parks the van and i go down the few more offices and park in front of my dr's office, I go in, see the doctor and he tells me I don't have bronchitis or a sinus infection. I have asthma. Oh. Joy. And please please please tell me why it takes 20 minutes to put an inhaler together... I'm assuming they had to hand craft the plastic holder there in the pharmacy at Walgreens.

Yeah. It was an awesome morning.... and to think, I was all ready to wirte a hockey post about training camp so far.... SO i'm just going to post photos from the annual Todd Klassen Memorial Classic game, which was held at the buttcrack of dawn on Sunday. (photos by MLM photographer VonHammer)



Me singing the anthems after running around the arena... i thought they were going to re-zam the ice. oops.


Thrilling hockey action = painting the nails in the stands

*le sigh*

Let's catch up on a few things:

• Casa McP will be changing a bit... MissRoomie is moving in with the Director of the pageant and so Roomie2 will be moving in at the end of the month. She's nice and cute and likes wine - it's all good to me! :) We'll be replacing a few things and rearranging. MissRoomie is still going to come over for slumber parties, etc. Honestly, I'm pretty devistated about it, but having a positive outlook. New life experiences.
• the McMan and I made it official on Monday night - therefore, he is the McB/F. I'm sure as hockey season starts some of his comments and observations will show up here and at the HLOG. Oh, and he's getting dish so we can watch hockey in HD. YESSSSSSSS! There's nothing like being with someone who understands the love of the sport!
• Went to the Martina McBride concert on Tuesday. OH. My. DUDE! She was amazing. She is now on my list of "Fem Boners" with Christina Aguilera and Idina Menzel.
• The Canucks aquired a player from St Louis... I'm pretty sure his name starts with a "Z" and ends with an "ack Fitzgerald." HA!
• The Bruins don't disappoint - they signed Zach Hammill (the player we love to hate from Everett) and (former Am) Sean Curry. Upon informing Hammer of the sitch, she said, "Wow! The tips might not be #1 this year! Wait, neither will the Ams, :("
• Throwing a baby shower on Saturday for Prego Mego! SO stoked! YAY! Baby will be here in about 3 weeks!
• I need a nap.
• Finally got Quickbooks for the office - my life is SO much easier!
• I was caller #11 this morning for Nickelback tickets - they were looking for #12. I sent the flying monkeys to throw some poo.

Do you know how hard it is to type with no opposable thumbs?!

This update on our dear McPhizzle is brought to you by the flying monkeys here at the Musings.

Our radical redhead has been a non-blogger the past couple weeks, so we thought we'd let you know what she's been doing.

#1) McP has a McMan. First time in a couple years that this has gone on, so she's pretty excited about it. We've met him. He's smart, funny, nice, cute, he's a huge hockey fan, he treats her like a princess and puts up with her Radical Redheaded-ness. And he's got the cutest (and smallest) cat in the world, Cika - she likes to attack McP's hair. We know the feeling, little feline!

#2) McP has left year 23 and started year 24. So far, VERY good. Then again, this year couldn't be any worse than last, that's for sure. Sister didn't make it up to visit from Vega$ b/c she flew over the handlebars of a Vespa and broke her wrist, but that's OK. McP, the McMan and his McFriends are planning a trip down there in November, so the family reunion is still going to happen... eventually. We're going to hide in her luggage and try our hand at the slots. "Big money, no whammies!!"

#3) Roomie won the pageant!!!!! She will be competing for Miss WA next July - then on to Miss America in January! (Yes, we know we're getting ahead of ourselves there, but we're confident monkeys). McP is absolutely elated for her. Actually, when they announced her as the winner, McP jumped up, screamed and started crying - much like if she had won herself. Don't let Roomie know, but when neither of them are home, we fly around Casa McP with the crown on. A monkey's gotta look good, you know? McP has also been inspired to lose a few more pounds, get back into "Physical Fitness in Swimwear" shape and run for Miss WA USA... She's got a few months til she wants to apply - we're rooting her on.

#4) The weather here has been... well, McP calls it awesome, we call it FREAKIN HOT! Highs in the upper 90's (F) and even up to 110! The McMan has a pool in his back yard and LURVES to BBQ, so McP is benefitting from the chance to be a little fishie without the screaming, splashing urchins at the pool at Casa McP and the deliciousness that is the McMan's grilling prowess. She said it's like having her very own Bobby Flay. We're just glad that he doesn't say, "Who's your daddy?!" when he's patting the hamburger patties into shape.

#5) She's a little battered and bruised right now. She and the McMan went out on the river with some of his McFriends on Sunday and whilst inner-tubing behind the boat, she was thrown off and according to the McMan, she did about 4 flips in the air before hitting the water. Her right leg is pretty bruised up... And the back of her left leg... and her right arm. But other than that and a stiff neck, she's ok - thanks to her trusty life-jacket! Boat smart, boat safe, kiddies!

That is it for now. We're sure she'll be back to her blogging self in no time at all. Less than 30 days 'til Ams Camp starts!

Our Jungle Love (oh-wee-oh-wee-oh),
The Flying Monkies

"A Whole New Teeeeaaaammmmm!"

Imagine me singing that on the flying carpet ride at WDW....

In all seriousness, though, TraderBob has pulled another trick out of his bag-o-trades and traded Chris Inglis (aka "Heeead!") to the Lethrbidge Hurricanes for a 17 y/o Defenseman. (article)

New kid is big - 6'2" 205#... He'll be reporting to training camp in August.

We'll miss you and your huge noggin, Christopher! (and your mom and dad, they're a kick in the pants!)

End of the Season...

As I sit in my office, listening to my iPod, Justin, Chris, Joey, Lance(ten) and JC are reminding me that the hockey season is, in fact, "Gone."

While I'm trying my best to "be a man and be strong, the truth remains" that I'm totally bummed.

Jordi has asked us all at HLOG to do a little analysis of our teams' season and the UFA's... I don't know if I can do that yet - that makes it official that it's *gulp* the off-season.

I hung out with my little buddy LilRed#1 at the Volunteer Picnic last night. She applied for a job with the Ams Office. She said that her mom had suggested that if she got the job she'd be able to ask one of the players to Homecoming if it wasn't on a game night and that she replied, "From what I've heard and what Boogie said to LilRed#2, that's not something I want to even consider." I felt like a proud Mama! She said she'd learned from my mistakes... GOOD! I'm glad all the preaching I did in Sunday School and on the concourse actually sank in. Stay a fan, babygirl, stay a fan.

On the LilRed topic, #1 said #2 was dealing with MattyGate pretty well... Poor thing... I remember The Great Trade of 2002 and the ickiness I felt for weeks. Maybe I'll send her a sympathy card or bring her cupcakes and a mix cd or something. Rainbow Chip Frosting and peppy pop songs cure EVERYTHING.

Hammer posted an article from canada.com today over at the Maple Leaf Mafia blog about the asshat #1 mentioned. It still baffles me that with how he played this season that he got a contract. He's got great speed and has flashes of brilliance with the puck, but those flashes were few and far-between. Maybe now that he's actually going to have to fight for a place on the roster (instead of being handed the roll of the enforcer on a silver platter) he'll be more consistant. If he hadn't have been completely inappropriate with one of my students, I might've wished him the best.

Wow... already 1340... day is going fast... that's good times - unless my body doesn't stop being angry with me about my latté splurge before I need to hit the road...

Sure! Pile it on! I can take it...

I can't believe I forgot.

Tonight, I will be face-to-face with TraderBob at the Thank You Picnic for the Ams.

I've got a crapton to do before I can leave on my Emerald City Excursion, but am I going to pass up the chance for free food and possibly chatting with Stu Barnes and Olie Kolzig? Negatory. No woman in their right mind would.

Maybe I'll jut cross vacuuming off my list... humph.