So, to end Middle Kid's hockey season they held their home hockey tournament. They would have 3 games and the two teams with the highest point value would go to the championship. We tied our first game, lost the second one in a close match, and then won the third one BIG time. That was a big key. We had 8 1/2 points. Another team had 8 1/2 points. UH OH. They go to tie breakers. We tied that team. Uh Oh. We go to goal differential... YES... that was were are big win came into play. We had +4, the other team +1. So after some conferencing and checking score sheets it was announced. Our boys would be in the Championship.
The tournament was named after a young father who was a big part of the rink. He passed away unexpectedly at 44. I know his wife, his son, his sister, nephew...well you understand...hockey is a lot of the same people. The Championship game started with a brief story about this man and his love of hockey and his love of kids. Then we were reminded that his nephew would be officiating the game. A brief wave of emotion rolled. Then it was on to the National Anthem. The boys 32 all together stood there, with sticks in their left hands and right hands across their hearts. It was beautiful and peaceful.
And the puck dropped. Action packed this game was. We were up 1-0 at the end of the first. Down 2-1 at the end of the second. And at the end of regulation tied 2-2. Overtime it was. We didn't get too far into overtime before the other team had the puck and were on a breakaway. On of our forwards was trying to catch him. He had his stick between the kids legs and all was within the rules. And then... the other kid lost the puck he overskated it. But our forward didn't realize it. He hit the puck. He scored the winning goal in overtime for the other team. He dropped to his knees in tears. The other team rushed to the ice. They swarmed their player. Our team, dejected, skated out with their heads held low.
They properly shook hands and stood through awards. Quietly they got undressed and went to their parent's cars. Middle Kid sat down in the truck. Looked at Head Honcho and cried. He wanted this. He knew the season is over. He knew that that was the last time he will step on that ice with those kids. He loved playing with some of those kids. He had such a great year in so many ways. He also had so many issues and so many setbacks that now he is in limbo.
I didn't want this season to end because I didn't want to make the decisions we are being forced to make. However, I want to make the decisions and be done with it.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Yeah!!! Hockey season is over...
almost. And for a whole 2 weeks!! Wow...we need that break. We certainly deserve it. The season starts in October... first week usually. Goes strong until 2-3 weeks into March. The first week in April, we will experience clinics, tryouts and practices (hopefully). That will run us straight until next March.
Only to rinse, wash, repeat, love.
I know I complain about the busy schedule, the practices, the travel. But honestly the next few weeks not seeing Middle Kid out there smiling and doing what I know he loves and has a deep passion for will be long. Almost as long as the whole season. He will count the days until he can start clinics. He will ask a million times when are tryouts. He will re-live the last few games. He will smile when he thinks about the goals he scored and the assists he had. He will tell us endlessly how he wants to skate. In time Middle Kid, in time. Right now we need this break.
Only to rinse, wash, repeat, love.
I know I complain about the busy schedule, the practices, the travel. But honestly the next few weeks not seeing Middle Kid out there smiling and doing what I know he loves and has a deep passion for will be long. Almost as long as the whole season. He will count the days until he can start clinics. He will ask a million times when are tryouts. He will re-live the last few games. He will smile when he thinks about the goals he scored and the assists he had. He will tell us endlessly how he wants to skate. In time Middle Kid, in time. Right now we need this break.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Pink Eye...
No, not the disease. Pink Eye is a kid I know. He really isn't a kid. I think he is 22. He is a good kid. Mostly. He works with me and unlike most kids his age, he seems to genuinely care about how he does. I have known Pink Eye for 3 years or so. I think he was there when I came back from Maternity leave. He was going to college for culinary arts. He doesn't go to school anymore, but he should. Not because the Mom in me thinks every kid should go to college. Because he is a fantastic cook.
He takes on a leadership role at work 3-4 days a week. And people respect him. Grown men who have cooked for as many years as he has been alive take orders from him. And take them well. That is because he knows what he is doing. I have been in the restaurant business for10,15, a lot of years. And usually you don't see a kid running the show and the show running smoothly. When Pink Eye is in charge, it is a beautiful show.
He is a good kid in other ways too. He listens to people well and pays attention to what they are saying and what they need. Of course, he still is only 22 so there is a bit of immaturity and 'crinks' to work out, but mostly the kid is ok. So Pink Eye, don't change too much... keep working hard... you are a good kid, you are funny and most of all you know how to cook my burger medium rare. That my friend is the best trait you own.
He takes on a leadership role at work 3-4 days a week. And people respect him. Grown men who have cooked for as many years as he has been alive take orders from him. And take them well. That is because he knows what he is doing. I have been in the restaurant business for
He is a good kid in other ways too. He listens to people well and pays attention to what they are saying and what they need. Of course, he still is only 22 so there is a bit of immaturity and 'crinks' to work out, but mostly the kid is ok. So Pink Eye, don't change too much... keep working hard... you are a good kid, you are funny and most of all you know how to cook my burger medium rare. That my friend is the best trait you own.
Friday, March 11, 2011
I can still read a map!!
With all of the technology today, sometimes I wonder if simple skills are being lost. A clock...everyone can read a digital clock, but what about a 'hands' (that is what Middle Kid calls it)clock? A map? Who needs them? We have a GPS. If we get lost Darth Vader tells us he is reworking our trip to the dark side. (How come he only says that if we are headed to a hockey rink? He knows!!) So last night I had to take a trip. About an hour away. I am a fast driver. The GPS would have told me it was an hour and a half trip. I don't need that stupid machine!
Well, the Head Honcho needed the GPS as well, so someone somewhere was going to have to give in. Of course I did. I only had one stop. He had like 50. I still would need directions. I COULD have gone to a REAL map. But do those exist? Where do I get one? I am not sure the local Fastrac carries them. I have never seen them there. So I used technology anyways. I went to mapquest. Here is the thing with technology. They will plan your route and give you a few options. I chose the shortest distance but 4 minutes longer trip. What could go wrong.
I read the directions on my way out the door to familiarize myself. No biggie. It was like 3 turns. One hour 24 minutes. Door to door. I made it in One hour 4 minutes. I figure they must have thought I was going to stop at stop signs. (I kid, I kid) I took care of buisness and went to leave. I pulled out of the driveway and realized, one I never printed home directions (I am not an idiot, I will go in reverse) two...it is DARK. Add to that the driving rain and howling winds. I was doomed. Good news... Little Brother is working IN the city I am in. I call him quickly. He was busy with something (hopefully not that standoff thingy that was going on) but I told him where I was and where I needed to be. He gave me precise directions. Go to the intersection and turn right.
I did. I drove about 20 minutes and then realized, I wasn't seeing ANYTHING that looked familiar. I pulled over and turned around. Then things started to get familiar. But for a very WRONG reason. I was near a home I did a party at a few weeks ago. One that was farther out. Then it hit me. Turn right. Only I would turn left when someone specifically tells me to turn right. Thankfully, I did make it home. Thankfully, I didn't get hours out before I realized I was going the wrong way.
Thankfully I can read a map, just can't follow directions!
Well, the Head Honcho needed the GPS as well, so someone somewhere was going to have to give in. Of course I did. I only had one stop. He had like 50. I still would need directions. I COULD have gone to a REAL map. But do those exist? Where do I get one? I am not sure the local Fastrac carries them. I have never seen them there. So I used technology anyways. I went to mapquest. Here is the thing with technology. They will plan your route and give you a few options. I chose the shortest distance but 4 minutes longer trip. What could go wrong.
I read the directions on my way out the door to familiarize myself. No biggie. It was like 3 turns. One hour 24 minutes. Door to door. I made it in One hour 4 minutes. I figure they must have thought I was going to stop at stop signs. (I kid, I kid) I took care of buisness and went to leave. I pulled out of the driveway and realized, one I never printed home directions (I am not an idiot, I will go in reverse) two...it is DARK. Add to that the driving rain and howling winds. I was doomed. Good news... Little Brother is working IN the city I am in. I call him quickly. He was busy with something (hopefully not that standoff thingy that was going on) but I told him where I was and where I needed to be. He gave me precise directions. Go to the intersection and turn right.
I did. I drove about 20 minutes and then realized, I wasn't seeing ANYTHING that looked familiar. I pulled over and turned around. Then things started to get familiar. But for a very WRONG reason. I was near a home I did a party at a few weeks ago. One that was farther out. Then it hit me. Turn right. Only I would turn left when someone specifically tells me to turn right. Thankfully, I did make it home. Thankfully, I didn't get hours out before I realized I was going the wrong way.
Thankfully I can read a map, just can't follow directions!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Furniture shopping... so much FUN!
The Head Honcho and I have had the same furniture for roughly 15 years. It has moved cross country and back. It spent months in storage on both ends of those trips. It lasted cats (my mom's) and dogs (our own). It has been beaten by the kids. Scissors, markers, food, drink and bodily fluids have marked the cushions. There have been bodies tossed over and onto the backs and sides. It has been a good 15 years. But alas, it is time to go. This stuff is barely suitable for even the kid's basement fun room.
So we went out on an adventure. We have been to every local furniture store and I have even researched some not so close stores as well. We knew just what we wanted. And then went in store. And changed our minds. Then we knew what we wanted. And again changed our minds. I knew I didn't like anything with leather. And that is exactly what we picked.
We found a nice sectional with leather bottom and microsuede cushions and pillows for a back. It has a nice leather ottoman with storage and the best piece ever... a circular swivel chair!!! It is big enough for two! And it spins. Who doesn't want a circle swivel chair? We have a total and have to call and order it. But first, we need to repaint the walls. We need to do that before the stuff gets here. Of course to paint the living room needs to be clean and empty. Well, to empty it we need to clean the basement so the furniture can make it's way down there for now. It seems like a lot of work. It will be nice to have a nice living room set for us to sit on and enjoy a movie.
All of the work will be worth it. But we are taking bets... which kid will be the first to go through the front window after spinning on the swivel chair???
So we went out on an adventure. We have been to every local furniture store and I have even researched some not so close stores as well. We knew just what we wanted. And then went in store. And changed our minds. Then we knew what we wanted. And again changed our minds. I knew I didn't like anything with leather. And that is exactly what we picked.
We found a nice sectional with leather bottom and microsuede cushions and pillows for a back. It has a nice leather ottoman with storage and the best piece ever... a circular swivel chair!!! It is big enough for two! And it spins. Who doesn't want a circle swivel chair? We have a total and have to call and order it. But first, we need to repaint the walls. We need to do that before the stuff gets here. Of course to paint the living room needs to be clean and empty. Well, to empty it we need to clean the basement so the furniture can make it's way down there for now. It seems like a lot of work. It will be nice to have a nice living room set for us to sit on and enjoy a movie.
All of the work will be worth it. But we are taking bets... which kid will be the first to go through the front window after spinning on the swivel chair???
Sunday, March 6, 2011
We are the Champions!!!
So Middle Kid and Big Kid had their league tournaments this weekend. It could get ugly! Two kids, two schedules, Little Kid left hanging out and me again the idiot, wrote the wrong schedule for the weekend. So Head Honcho was on his own! Luckily we have some pretty cool friends that can help us out. We only needed help with the Big Kid on Saturday. He needed a ride to and from the game and someone there in case he was hurt or awesome. Luckily his buddy's mom happens to be a pretty cool chic and she filled that role. She is awesome and cool so I am glad she filled in for me. Makes me think I may just be as cool as her. He chose to play awesome (or so she says) so she didn't have to take responsibilty for any hospital bills or co-pays!
The Head Honcho took care of the other two littles while I worked. I was busy and ran for 11 hours straight, but I think I had it easy compared to what he had to put up with. Up to and including entertaining a 3 year old in a college town with nothing more to do than sit and wait for 6 hours! Oh the fun they must have had.
Today was the ideal day. The boys had a game at 8 am. Who doesn't dream of getting to a rink at 7:15 on a Sunday? A Sunday I may add that is raining. A lot. And then for funsies, let's park 15 million miles away (ok so not that far, but close... proably 14 million). They were in the cross-overs. In hockey lingo that means semifinals. But we don't like easy to understand terms. I am not one to be negative, but they had already lost to this team once. They had little to no chance to win.
Of course they won! They were down 2-0 and somehow pulled it out and scored 4 unanswered goals! Fantastic!! Championships here we come. Oh but wait...USAHockey rules state you have to have a break...of atleast 4 hours!! So we waited. A few went home (a 45 minute each way trip, no thank you) a few went to church, the rest of us we ATE!! We went to a breakfast buffet and killed a few hours. Then it was on like Donkey Kong.
The Championship game was everything it should be. Edge of your seat excitement. They scored one on us, we scored one. End of the first period tied 1-1. Second period ends 2-2. As the time winds down a tie looks possible. Then they score...3-2. We were down and didn't seem to have enough time to get 2 unanswered goals. The way this game was going... we could tie. And we did. 3-3. OY!! The stress. Time was winding down again... this time 3 minutes left and Middle Kid was out there. His linemate JudgeBoy pass his a sweet little pass between the defenses legs. And Middle Kid shot! And Middle Kid scored!!! I was hugged by JudgeBoy's dad. People were screaming. People were cheering. WE.HAD.THE.LEAD!!! 3 minutes lasted 15 at least. They held them off. They could not outlast our guys!!
The obligitory photo shoot ensued. And of course. I was not prepared. No camera. No battery left in my phone. Fantastic.
This is the best I got... a little blurry, but those who know who they are looking for...know who they are! This is what celebration looks like! This is what happy children look like. This...is why I keep taking them back to the rink. No money can buy those smiles, no money can buy these friendships and no money can buy them the lessons on winning and losing they have learned.
Some of the boys have played together for years, some started this year. Last year they won this league title but in a lower division. Keep working hard boys (and girls) you are awesome little players, friends, and kids! I am glad that Middle Kid got to play with you and know you. I know he looks forward to many more seasons with smiles like this!
The Head Honcho took care of the other two littles while I worked. I was busy and ran for 11 hours straight, but I think I had it easy compared to what he had to put up with. Up to and including entertaining a 3 year old in a college town with nothing more to do than sit and wait for 6 hours! Oh the fun they must have had.
Today was the ideal day. The boys had a game at 8 am. Who doesn't dream of getting to a rink at 7:15 on a Sunday? A Sunday I may add that is raining. A lot. And then for funsies, let's park 15 million miles away (ok so not that far, but close... proably 14 million). They were in the cross-overs. In hockey lingo that means semifinals. But we don't like easy to understand terms. I am not one to be negative, but they had already lost to this team once. They had little to no chance to win.
Of course they won! They were down 2-0 and somehow pulled it out and scored 4 unanswered goals! Fantastic!! Championships here we come. Oh but wait...USAHockey rules state you have to have a break...of atleast 4 hours!! So we waited. A few went home (a 45 minute each way trip, no thank you) a few went to church, the rest of us we ATE!! We went to a breakfast buffet and killed a few hours. Then it was on like Donkey Kong.
The Championship game was everything it should be. Edge of your seat excitement. They scored one on us, we scored one. End of the first period tied 1-1. Second period ends 2-2. As the time winds down a tie looks possible. Then they score...3-2. We were down and didn't seem to have enough time to get 2 unanswered goals. The way this game was going... we could tie. And we did. 3-3. OY!! The stress. Time was winding down again... this time 3 minutes left and Middle Kid was out there. His linemate JudgeBoy pass his a sweet little pass between the defenses legs. And Middle Kid shot! And Middle Kid scored!!! I was hugged by JudgeBoy's dad. People were screaming. People were cheering. WE.HAD.THE.LEAD!!! 3 minutes lasted 15 at least. They held them off. They could not outlast our guys!!
The obligitory photo shoot ensued. And of course. I was not prepared. No camera. No battery left in my phone. Fantastic.
This is the best I got... a little blurry, but those who know who they are looking for...know who they are! This is what celebration looks like! This is what happy children look like. This...is why I keep taking them back to the rink. No money can buy those smiles, no money can buy these friendships and no money can buy them the lessons on winning and losing they have learned.
Some of the boys have played together for years, some started this year. Last year they won this league title but in a lower division. Keep working hard boys (and girls) you are awesome little players, friends, and kids! I am glad that Middle Kid got to play with you and know you. I know he looks forward to many more seasons with smiles like this!
Excuse my hiatus, I am an idiot
I took a brief hiatus from blogging for a simple reason... hockey season... it has been crazy. Ok so that isn't it, it was due to the fact that I couldn't remeber my password. Brillant right? Worse is I not only forgot the password, but I used a different email and couldn't remeber that password to get a new password sent to me. See the circles I run in? They are small but they are circles.
I am now planning on bloggingeveryday, everyother day, as much as I can. I have so many stories to share. So many thoughts. So many well, ramblings... So at the request of my public, my mom...
I AM BACK!!!!
I am now planning on blogging
I AM BACK!!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)