Red Wings WIN THE CUP
Wednesday, June 4th, 2008YEAH!!!!!! The Detriot Red Wings have won their 11th cup! WAY TO GO BOYS!!!!!!!
Archive for the ‘Hockey’ Category
Chatching Up and Another Essay
Saturday, January 26th, 2008Well it has been quite some time since my last post. Part of this was due to a hosting change and just life being crazy for those who have assisted me in running this page (thank you Scott and David for all your help….. I owe you guys a beer next time I am in town!) and things being a little crazy in my life. But since my last post a few holidays have past, I turned another year older (i’m now 27), a new year has started, my new niece was born on January 14th and she is a cutie, I found out that I have another nephew on the way, school ended and has started again and life seems to be getting back to normal (whatever that means). I was very happy when my last class ended. I did enjoy the class but the final paper posed a challenge and I was tied to my laptop and desktop computers for about four weeks working on it. But before that essay we did a descriptive essay. We had to write about a memory, person, place or experience. We had done a journal entry just before this essay to get us ready for it. I had just gone to a hockey game and decided to write about my “first” hockey experience. I really don’t even remember my first hockey game so I kinda made it into more of a “story” for me to write. Well with out further ado here is what I wrote.
Hockey Experience
I remember watching hockey games on television with my dad and brothers when I was growing up. We were definitely a “hockey family”. Then one day my dad told me that he and I would be attending a game in person. I was so happy and excited, I just couldn’t wait to go. My first hockey game was an experience that I will never forget.
I remember walking out of Cobo Arena and into the cold dark night. The sky was clear and a swift cool breeze was blowing off of the river. We began to walk the bumpy sidewalk that was or path from Cobo to Joe Louis Arena. As we walked I could see gray steps looming up ahead of us. There seemed to be hundreds of them and I felt my knees go weak just at the mere though of having to climb them all. We finally reached the steps and my hand touched the smooth cool metal of the handrail as we began our journey upward. When we finally reached the top of the stairs we stood in line to give our tickets to the ushers just inside the huge orange doors that would allow us access to the Joe. I remember turning around while waiting in line and I could see that the Detroit River looked as black as the night sky. The Ambassador Bridge stood tall and proud in the distance. Thousands of lights were shining off the bridge and I could see the white headlights and red taillights of cars crossing over the dark river.
We finally got to the usher and gave him our tickets. The sounds and smells that hit me almost knocked me over. I could smell pizza fresh from the oven, beer fresh from the tap and nacho cheese hanging in the air. I could hear hundreds of conversations as we passed groups of people trying to find our section. I was afraid that I was going to be swallowed by the masses of people and never be able to find my dad. But he kept a firm grip on my sleeve and always made sure that there was enough room between people for both him and me. We finally reached our section. I felt as if we had walked miles to get there. Then to my horror and surprise I saw more stairs. The good news was that we would be walking down this set of stairs. We got to our row and I was never so happy to see a cushion covered in red torn leather in all my life. It was then that I realized that we were only a few rows away from the glass that separated us from the ice and the hockey players. Being so close to ice there was a cool breeze blowing causing the hairs on the back of my neck stand on edge. I then noticed just how big the players were up close and personal. It was like I was watching giants out on the ice. That was when the music began to play. I could feel the vibrations in my chest and it seemed as if the music was coming from inside of me. The ground shook from the shear force of the music.
The players finished their warm ups and the zambonis hit the ice. They looked like enormous ice eating monsters. I didn’t know how anyone could keep something that large under control on such a slippery surface as the ice. My dad and I sat back in our seats and waited for the game to begin. I began looking around the area. I saw the banners of pervious championships hanging from the rafters and got a certain feeling of pride. Though I wasn’t alive when those championships were won it was still a proud moment for a Red Wings fan. I could also smell the popcorn that the couple a few seats down was eating. I began to wonder what I could get my dad to buy for me to eat. But that thought didn’t get too far when the Wings came back onto the ice and the crowd erupted in a loud cheer. Then an announcer, which I still don’t know where he is in the building, told everyone to stand for the national anthem. A singer appeared on the ice and began to sing. I could faintly hear fans singing along with her. It was quite an experience to have all of those people singing along to such a special song. Then it was time for the game to begin.
Hockey is a fast paced game but is seems ten times faster when you are in the arena. I had a very hard time following the little black puck on the ice. I began to think that it was much easier to follow things at home when the sports announcers were telling you what was going on and where the puck was moving on the ice. But after a few minute I picked it up and got to enjoy the game. Then just as I settled in two players crashed into the glass which seemed like just feet away from my face. I jumped out of my seat as the thin pane of glass shuddered and made a rumbling noise. I heard my dad chuckle to himself at my reaction. Hey I was new to this and didn’t know what to expect when two of the large men came skating toward me.
Soon the first period was over and my stomach was rumbling almost so loud I thought the people sitting next to me could hear it over the commotion in the arena. I turned toward my dad and gave my best puppy dog eyed look. He took me to the concourse to see what we could find to eat. I had already had dinner and really wanted ice cream. We walked over to the ice stand and my dad ordered me a superman filled waffle cone. My eyes grew big when he handed me the large waffle cone stuffed full of superman ice cream. It was the first time I had to eat ice cream out of a cone with a spoon. We walked back to our seats and it took me until the end of the second period to finish my ice cream.
Once the third period started I was beginning to feel a little sleepy. Hockey games didn’t seem to last that long while watching it on TV. I was almost so tired I could have fallen asleep even with the crowd of thousands creating a ton of noise around me. Though I did manage to stay awake. The blow horn going off when the Wings scored was enough to raise the dead.
Finally the game was over and it was time to go back home. Again my dad and I walked through the masses of people that were in red and white of some sort. Then we walked out the orange doors and down the long flight of stairs. Then we slowly made our way back along the cracked and bumpy side walk that led to Cobo.
I will never forget my first experience of watching a hockey game at Joe Louis Arena. It was a special time with my dad. The Wings won the game and all seemed right in the world.
The Answers
Wednesday, August 22nd, 2007Here are the answers to the questions people asked me. This are only my opinions and I do not mean to offend anyone.
My friend Cris asked…
1. Why is orange your favorite color?
I’m not really sure when it really started but shortly after high school (which my school colors were orange and black) I was just drawn toward orange colored things. Then it helped that when I became a NASCAR fan I started to lean toward Tony Stewart. Also orange goes well with the other colors I really like which are blue and purple.
2. What is your favorite 80’s or classic rock song right now?
I would have to say that my favorite classic rock song right now is Fooling by Def Leppard. Though in a close second would be Carrying On My Wayward Son by Kansas and Renegade by Styx.
3. Out of all the concerts we have seen together what one is your favorite?
I would have to say that it is a tie between the John Mayer concert (even though we ended up leaving early due to Sheryl Crow) and the Styx/Def Leppard concert.
4. Why did you choose multi-media for you major and public relations for you minor?
Well that really isn’t the case. The multi-media program is kind of a stepping stone to the public relations program. Though I will not be going into the public relations program. I have decided to go more into the media and communication arts. The next degree I will be going for is heavily base in photography.
5. When do you think you are going to graduate college with your first degree?
I am hopping to be done with this degree no later than the fall semester of the 2008, which means I am hopping to be done in one or two more semesters.
6. What game is your favorite to play?
Well my favorite board game would be monopoly, my favorite computer game would be rocket mania or secrets of olympus.
My brother Scott asked (and there are a lot of questions)…
1. Who will win the 2008 Daytona 500?
Ok just to be crazy I will say JJ Yeley.
2. I asked you this last time, but maybe your answered has changed) Who will win the Winston/Nextel/Sprint Cup in 2008?
I believe that I said Reed Sorenson and I am going to stick with it. I really see him as an up and coming star of NASCAR
3. How do you think the Red Wings will fair in the next season?
Well I am not really sure. It is no secret that I am not happy about the goalie situation. I think the wings need to get a few big rough guys to go with the finesse of Zetterberg and Datsyuk. I am hopping that they make it thru at least the second round of the playoffs.
4. Early yet, but who do you think will win the Stanley Cup in 2008?
Of course I want to say the wings but I am going to say Nashville.
5. How many pairs of jeans do you own and why that number?
I have 10 pairs of jeans. I have four that I wear most of the time plus a few that are different sizes (which is a woman thing I guess).
6. Have you ever bought men’s clothing for yourself to wear?
Yes. Most, if not all, of my sweatshirts are men’s. That way the are bigger and cozier. I also have some long sleeve t-shirts and short sleeve t-shirts that are men’s.
7. What are your top five albums currently? (I know this answer probably changes from month to month, that why I added “currently”)
#1 Fall Out Boy - Infinity on High
#2 Maroon 5 - It Won’t Be Soon Before Long
#3 Fergie - The Dutchess
#4 Def Leppard - Rock of Ages (mostly disc 1)
#5 John Mayer Trio - Try
8. What are you top five movies currently?
#1 Time to Kill
#2 1776
#3 Lion King
#4 Toy Story
#5 House of Wax
9. Who is your favorite actor?
Well there are a lot of actors that I really like and looks have a lot to do with it. But as far as who I think is a good actor I would have to stick with some of the oldie but goodies such as Tom Hanks, George Clooney and Matthew McConaughey.
10. Who is your favorite actress?
Sandra Bullock, Reese Witherspoon and Amanda Bynes.
11. Do you have a favorite TV show that is currently on the air?
Yes…Supernatural, Heroes, CSI:NY and America’s Next Top Model
12. Is there a TV show that is off the air and that you really miss?
This will be the first season without it but I will greatly miss Gilmore Girls. I also miss Will and Grace.
13. Do you think the Tigers can make it back to the World Series?
Given their recent slump I have a fear that they may not. But if this years team is anything like last year they will pull a few surprises once the playoff start.
14. Are you holding out hope that you won’t find out if Harry Potter lives or dies in the last book so you can see the movies without knowing the ending, or do you just not care?
I don’t really care. I never got into the Harry Potter thing. I haven’t read any of the books or seen any of the movies.
15. What was the last book of fiction you read?
Twelve Sharp by Janet Evanovich. I am currently reading Mary Mary by James Patterson.
16. Was there a book that you had to read for school that turned out being something you really enjoyed?
I can’t think of one. Though I watched 1776 in seventh grade and it is one of my favorite movies to this day.
17. If you played on a sports team and had any choice of uniform number, what would it be and why?
I would pick 7 or 8. I am not sure why but these numbers seem to be lucky and happen to pop up a lot in my life.
18. If you could change you first name, what would you change it to?
I have always wanted a more unique name. After being in my fifth grade class room where there were five Jennifers in the room. I am not sure what I would change it to… maybe something like Bailey or Avery.
19. Do you like the idea of couples naming a son after the husband (meaning a junior or further down the line if applicable?)
I am undecided on this issue. I understand a father wanting his son to carry on not only the family name but also his name. Then on the other hand I think the child should have his own identity. One thing I don’t understand is when parents have one son and give him some name then name their second son after the father.
20. What was the last movie you saw in the theater?
I think the last movie I saw in the theater was Step Up like forever ago.
21. Is there a movie that is currently playing that you just absolutely MUST see?
There isn’t one that I absolutely HAVE to see, but there are a few that I would like to see… The Bourne Ultimatum, I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, Oceans Thirteen, and Knocked Up.
22. What is your general opinion of Barry Bonds?
I don’t really have an opinion of him. Let him have it for the few years he will have the title. But then A-Rod will pass him and his light will go out. We will never really know what happened through out his career and people will talk about it until the end of time (Pete Rose anyone?).
23. Why is the sky blue, the leaves of trees green, and chicken feathers white? OK, just kidding. Well, not really, why do are these things the color they are?
This has to do with light waves and how much of a light wave an object absorbs or reflects. Or something along those line.
24. Are things between you and Jeremy getting close again?
No we are just going to be friends. Due to distance and other things it is just too hard to have a relationship so we have decided to just be friends.
My Mom asked…
1. Did you consider any one particular teacher a big influence in your life?
I don’t think any teacher was really and influence. No one made me say “wow that is what I want to do with my life”. However, there are some teachers that made a impact on my life that I will always remember. Those teachers would be Mrs. Cain, Mr. DeFusco, Mr. Errante, and Mr. Cross.
2. What one place in the world would you want to visit for three months, other than the USA?
I would really like to go to England. That is one place I would like to spend some time at and not just a quick vacation. A second choice would be Poland.
3. If you could live any where in the USA other than Michigan, where would it be?
Well I haven’t been too many places in the US to really know of a place I would like to live. Though I wouldn’t mind trying out the east coast. If it wasn’t so expensive to live in New York City I think that would be pretty cool.
4. What is your idea of the perfect way to spend ONE DAY, if all expenses were paid?
I would wake up in a hotel suite in New York City (maybe the penthouse suite at On the Avenue Hotel) and have breakfast in bed. Of course Abby would be with me. Then we would go down and take a walk though Central Park. After getting back to the hotel I would drop Abby off at the dog spa (which I don’t think the hotel has but hey this is my day). Then I would go and do plenty of shopping and grab lunch along the way at the Hard Rock. Then I would go see some of the sites (getting souvenirs along the way). After all of that I would get dinner at some nice restaurant then go see a play. After that I would go back to the suite and Abby would be there waiting for me. We would curl up in bed watch some TV then fall asleep and wake up back in our bed in Michigan.
5. Is there any politician, past or present, that you especially admire?
Well I have been fond of John Adams. We truly have him to thank for our independence.
Pronger Must Go
Saturday, June 2nd, 2007Before reading this next post just keep in mind that this is a space for me to put down my thoughts and feelings and an area for me to rant about things that are bugging me. I don’t intend to offend anyone, this is just how I am feeling right now.
Chris Pronger, who plays for the Anaheim Ducks has to go. He had a dirty hit on Tomas Holmstrom during the Detroit series and he just had another dirty hit to an Ottawa player. Plus he is just a whiny player that the NHL could do without. I have never been a fan of his and he is only making his case worse. Even if the Red Wings had a major lapse in judgment (and I do mean MAJOR) and brought him to our team I would still feel this way about him. I don’t think that the punishment he got for the Holmstrom hit was enough. Now the NHL needs to take a good look at this hit and come up with a better punishment. I think the NHL really needs to get a lot more aggressive against repeat offenders. I think I may start a petition to have Pronger removed from the NHL (and if the Ducks win the cup I would like to see if we could get the NHL to not put his name on it). I know I have a few people on my side like my mom.
Friday Ramblings
Friday, May 25th, 2007Traveling…
In a few hours I will be heading across the state to go visit my friend Cris for the weekend. I am sure we are going to have a lot of fun… we usually do. I will try to post about the weekend as it goes or when I get back home.
School Update…
I went and spoke to a counselor the other day. She was able to help me with information regarding going for my next degree but was unable to assist me with the two classes that I have been having issues with. I did get the contact information of the directors for the program that I am in. I have to contact them regarding the classes to see what steps I have to take to receive the right amount of credits. I also have to decide what specialty I want to go into next so I can get locked into the program in case the school makes any changes. I have it narrowed down to two but will try to make my decision this weekend.
Sports…
Well my wingers are out of the playoffs and I am not sure whom I want to cheer for to win the cup. Part of me said to go for the Ducks since they beat the wings but then the other part says to pull for the Sens. I just don’t know. But I am cheering for our Pistons. I hope they can bring home another championship and then the address for the Palace will have to change to 6 Championship Drive.
The Start of the Playoffs!
Thursday, April 12th, 2007Well the playoffs start tonight for the Red Wings. I have a lot of faith in my wings this year. This time of year can be pretty stressful for me. But for those that know me and my traditions… I have a stock of Twizzlers and know where I can get more. I also took the CD of what I call “hockey” music to work to put on my computer!
MSU are the NCAA Champions!!!
Saturday, April 7th, 2007Well MSU just won the NCAA hockey championship. They came back from being down one nothing to win three to one. It was a very exciting game and I am so happy for these guys. They were considered the underdogs and no one thought that they would have been able to win the whole thing but they showed everyone that hard work pays off. I have seen MSU win the GLI but never anything like this. GO GREEN!!!!
Thanks
Saturday, April 7th, 2007Just wanted to thank my big brother Scott for reminding me about MSU in the NCAA championship. I knew they were in the finals but I didn’t know when and that they were on TV. As of right now MSU is down 1-0 to Boston College with 1 minute left in the second. GO GREEN!!!!
Still Breathing
Tuesday, February 27th, 2007Catching Up…
Well for those who may have though I fell off the face of the earth, you can rest easy. The last two weeks were spent getting back to real life after my vacation. Having to get back into work and school wasn’t fun. I miss being on vacation. But now I think I am back into my everyday life and will hopefully be around here more. I think I am going to take a few pages from my brother Scott’s blog and post more about the music I am listening to and books that I may get to read. I will try to help make this a more interesting site for people to visit.
Sad News…
Well I got some sad news this morning before I left for work. The Detroit Red Wings traded my favorite player, Jason Williams, to the Chicago Blackhawks. I guess I will have to keep track of three teams… the wings, the blackhawks and the thrashers. But I hope that Jason will be able to have a good career in Chicago. He is one that I will follow no matter where he ends up.
School…
I have been in my marketing class for a few weeks now and I have to say that I really like the class. And I am doing pretty well in the class. We had a test a few weeks ago and I got 49 out of 50 and got 30 out of 30 on a take home test. This class has really made we want to do more in advertising or marketing.
This Weekend…
My friend, Cris, was in town for the weekend. She helped me get some stuff done. I had a few projects that I needed help with. Now I have a bunch of lists that I have to get into the computer and then try to keep them updated so it doesn’t get this bad again. Thank you for your help Cris.
Favorite Color…
For those that don’t know my favorite color is orange. I am chatting with Cris right now and she just sent me some info about my favorite color. I thought this was kind of interesting and though I would share it.
Did you know that when you like the color Orange what it represents: OK, orange is not exactly the easiest color to wear and it’s not the most common favorite color, but guess what? Orange is as sexy as it gets. Orange is a mellowed red—and it takes primal, lusty urges and mellows them with a softer vibe. Orange is the color of early attractions, emotional responses, and inner magnetism. Oh, and one other thing: Orange is also close to gold, the color of success and wealth. Understanding people who love it: Someone who likes orange is alive with feelings, the ability to nurture, and can intuit a path to success. If your favorite color is orange, you don’t have an “off” switch when it comes to passion. This is all good stuff, but there’s nothing casual about the connections this kind of person usually forges.
I think some of this is true about me.