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Back To School

Last week it was back to reality for us adults, but this week it is back to school for the kids in Palm Beach County.  It feels like they’ve been off from school forever even though its only been a couple of weeks.  With the kids heading back to school, life will truly feel like its back to normal.  Well, back to normal or a couple of days until we head to Chicago for a tournament.

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As a kid, the harbinger that school was near was always the Minnesota State Fair.  If you’re looking for great fried food on a stick of all varieties, this is the place for you.  One of our last trips to the fair, we enjoyed a fried candy bar on a stick.  Albeit it may have had at least a million calories, it was worth every one of them.  Other great eats include the Sweet Martha’s Cookies, cheese curds, funnel cake and Fresh French Fries.  They too are worth every calories.

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In contrast, for our kids, a return to the rink is the forerunner to school’s imminent return.  In fact, it serves as the signal both in August and in January.  Nonetheless, it doesn’t make it easier for the kids to get back into their school routines.  Who wants to get up early and go to bed earlier? None of the children in my house that’s who.

Speaking of hockey, the Mayor and Hubby headed over to Estero (west coast) for two games today.  Since we all went yesterday, I stayed home to finish the grocery shopping and wrap up preparations for our forthcoming Chicago trip.  Over the years, we’ve amassed quite of bit of winter wear, however, these pesky kids keep growing.  Now I’m trying to figure out what I need to buy for each.  Thankfully, Amazon Prime will have them here by Wednesday!

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I cannot wait to go to Chicago!  We used to go there several times a year when we were still living in Minneapolis.  The Hubby’s grandfather used to live in Oaklawn while my Aunt and Uncle lived in Northbrook.  Moreover, my bestie from high school now lives in suburban Chicago, which means I get to see her and her family this weekend.  Did I mention I can’t wait?

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As for the Mayor’s games today…  Unfortunately, the highlight of their day was lunch at Twin Peaks which says it all.   There’s no doubt my Mayor had to be tired as he had a pretty quick turn around from our Orlando trip.  While we got home at 10:45 pm last night, he had to leave again for the west coast at 6:45 am.  You’ll be shocked to know he fell asleep on the couch a good fifty minutes ago.

Tonight’s song performed by Dropkick Murphy’s is one of the Mayor’s favorite hockey songs.  The song of the evening is “I’m Shipping Up To Boston.”

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Win Some, Tie Some

You win some, tie some.. Oh, wait the phrase is you so Some, you lose some. Whoops! The good news for Goalielocks and his squad is they won their first game and tied the second game. Unequivocally, it would have been nice to grab a second with, but it wasn’t in the cards.

I have to say we’re spoiled in Florida hockey. When you leave a rink in a Florida, you warm up almost instantaneously. Unfortunately, with temperatures in the 40s today that simply isn’t possible.

As I write this, I’m still cold as we ride home in the Bachman party bus. It will take a while to un-thaw, but it’s a small price to pay for spending quality time with the boys and our friends.

Between games we were able to catch lunch at my favorite local restaurant Cafe Murano. It’s a great, reasonably price restaurant that’s relatively close to the rink. I enjoyed an exceptionally delicious bowl of spaghetti Bolognese. The food came out quickly and was amazing. Truly, the did great accommodating our group of 30 people.

We headed back to the second game to freeze are arses off again. Even my Starbucks was quickly cooled as I sat in the box waiting for the puck to drop. Fortunately, I was significantly less busy in the box than the first game. Unfortunately, I was significantly colder during the second game.

Goalielocks had a great game as did his partner in crime. Neither faced a significant number of shots, but both came up with some huge saves when they needed them. Naturally, I was super happy for Goalielocks. I loved seeing his winsome smile as he skated off the rink today.

Now we head home in the party bus, only to venture over to the West Coast for the Mayor’s games. It’s another day on the road and another day at the rink. Of course, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Today’s song performed by the Beatles is “Don’t Let Me Down.”

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My Favorite Night

My favorite night of hockey season without question is the night we hold our annual Parent-Kid Hockey game.  I was a bit torn earlier in the week about sending the kids to practice tonight as the Wild played the Panther’s this evening.   However, when I found out the parent-kid game was taking place, the choice was easy.  Tonight was the night us parents took on our mighty peewees.   The parents came ready to play, beer buckets in hand, and motivated to win the night’s contest.   Some hit the ice with a bit of trepidation, but quickly found their stride.

As for me, it’s been a year since the last parent-kid game (and I’m retired from beer league), so a 60 minute skate against kids that are in shape wore me out.  Fortunately, I was able to connect on a pass from Coach P and bury one.  It only took 3,000 attempts, but I got it.

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There are so many reasons to love the parent-kid game, but let me walk you through just a few.  First, the bravery of the parents that have never played suiting up to take on their kids is nothing short of heroic.  If you’ve ever hit the ice with a bunch of kids, you know exactly what I mean.  Secondly, there’s no better way to build camaraderie on a team than competing against your parents.  It turns out kids really hate to lose to the old people….  Consequently, our boys were talking a lot and moving the puck quite well.  Bravo!

Honestly, you can’t beat the cardio that comes from 60 minutes of ice hockey.  In addition to the cardio, your core, legs and back muscles are engaged at every moment.  Yes parents that means tomorrow we’ll be nursing our wounds in Epsom salt baths with cocktails of Aleve.

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Hockey Moms on the Bench

In addition to the great workout, the parent-kid game is a great reality check.  It is so easy to shout instructions from behind the glass.  If you’ve ever been in a rink, I’m sure you’ve heard it.  Things like “keep your stick on the ice” or “get up goalie.”  I mean not for nothing, but if I had fallen in tonight’s game, I can’t promise you that I would have gotten up and I wasn’t the goalie.  Also, it turns out keeping your stick on the ice is easier said than done.  As it turns out, even with my stick on the ice, the likelihood of me connecting on a one-timer is still 1 in 3,000.

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Finally, there’s no better way to bond with your kid then in a lively game of hockey.  Tonight there were three of us moms out there and you could tell the boys were proud to have their moms on the ice.  Well at least at the beginning of the game. Its quite possible that by the end of the game the Mayor may have disavowed knowing me due to my poor performance (damn 1:3,000.)

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This is also the 6th year I’ve played in the parent kid game against the Mayor.  Being on the ice tonight was a great opportunity to personally experience the evolution of  his game. It makes me appreciate the hard work that he has put in, but also the hard work all of his coaches have put into making him better.  My Mayor can totally skate circles around me, but I would never give up an opportunity to be on that ice with him.  Above all the parent-kid game is about having fun and loving the game of hockey.  It doesn’t get better than that!

I’m off to bed.   Here’s hoping the soreness from tonight’s hockey game doesn’t hit until after tomorrow’s classes at Burn.  Otherwise tomorrow morning’s classes are going to suck!  Tonight’s song performed by Bush is “Machinehead.”  I chose this song as it is one of my favorite pump up hockey songs.

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Norway is Calling

Norway is calling (so is my bed p.s.) me back.  There’s no way around it and the kids feel the same way.  As a family, we cannot wait to go back and explore it some more.  For my kids, the city of Bergen was particularly memorable.  They’ve even started planning how they can study their in college or move their as adults.  I’d say the city left quite the impression on them.

The Mayor overlooking Bergen

The most beautiful part of Norway, and there were so many, for me was being able to spend time with my family.  There were no distractions of work, school or hockey.  It was just us enjoying our time together as we discovered our Scandinavian roots.  In addition, it was even more special because my entire family was there together.

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As we approach the holidays and I put out the Christmas decorations I bought in Norway, I long to go back.  One of my goals is to spend Christmas in Norway to enjoy the Scandinavian customs and celebrations.    It would be nice to enjoy a white, snowy Christmas versus our tropical Christmas.  Additionally, I’d like to explore the Christmas markets in Germany some time.

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Oh the serenity of my house was broken as the boys returned from hockey practice.  Goalielocks some how managed to knock a grocery bag with my brie baker off the table.  Consequently, my nice pampered chef brie pan has seen its last day.  Ugh… This is why I can’t have nice things.

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I leave you tonight with some of my favorite pictures from 2017.  There were many memorable moments this year, so picking my favorites was quite difficult.  Nonetheless, I think you’ll find a theme in my pictures.  Hint, hint my favorite moments are all about my family and friends that have become family.

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Tonight’s song performed by Offspring is “The Kids Aren’t Alright.”  I know, I know it is a departure from the Christmas music.  However, I was jamming out on my way to Barre tonight to this song, so I thought I’d share it.  Plus, it seems to fit with the brie, football/invisible hand calamity.

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Monday Night Mayhem

It was Monday night Mayhem when I received an urgent call from my Hubby as I drove to the rink for his and Jake’s game.   Unfortunately, their team’s goalie wasn’t going to to miss tonight’s game.  They wanted Goalielocks to suit up and play for them in the championship.  Never mind the fact that Goalielocks at 14 isn’t old enough for adult league.  But from a maturity stand point I’m not sure most beer league players are old enough to play in adult league, so Goalielocks would likely fit in perfectly.

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He was not to keen on the idea of being pummeled with pucks from beer leagurers living out their childhood fantasies of playing in the NHL.  However, the Hubby and Uncle Jon convinced him that nobody on the ice could shoot as fast or hard as anyone on his current team.  It took some convincing, but he eventually acquiesced as we drove back to grab his gear.

They held the game for us and our gear.  Consequently, Goalielocks quickly got dressed and took to the ice.  For Goalielocks, the game was a much slower pace than what he’s use to, but he was busy from start to finish.  He played phenomenally.  I’m pretty sure he’s the only goalie in beer league that can do the split.  This nice little trick caught the other team by surprise a couple of times.

Unfortunately, they pulled him with 5 minutes left in the 2nd when an adult goalie replacement was available.  Apparently, you have to be an adult (chronologically speaking) to play adult league.  While they’ve made exceptions for goalies before (in a pinch), it’s better from a liability standpoint to have an adult goalie in net.   He came off the ice smiling, but was still bummed he didn’t get to play the whole game.

Goalielocks walked into the locker room to get undressed and with a smile said, “they owe me a lot.”  And he would be right, he was kept very busy in net tonight.  Fortunately, he gave their team an opportunity to win.  In the end, he watched the third period from the stands with the rest of us fan.  Unfortunately, the goods guys lost 3-1.

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While he didn’t play the whole game, I could see that he enjoyed the opportunity to play with his family.  Likewise, judging from their reaction, they enjoyed the chance to have him in their net.  Of course the best part of the night, for my boys, was the free pizza, wings and beer post game.

Sometimes all compasses, all roads, and all maps lead us back to the same place.  For my family, our compass apparently only points us in the direction of the rink.  Moreover, forget the compass for a second, when I got leave to work or my house, my iPhone tells me how long it will take to get to the rink.  Such is life as a hockey mom and I wouldn’t change it for the world!

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P.S. Goalielocks also gets bonus points for making his mom dinner.  He made me awesome scrambled eggs and waffles!  The waffles were amazing!  Finally, the scrambled eggs were divine.

Tonight’s song is Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful) performed by Celine Dion.  I love this song.

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Split Saturday

It was a split Saturday for our crew, as I stayed home w/ the Mayor and his squad while the Hubby traveled with Goalielocks’ to Clearwater for his games.  Fortunately, hubby was able to watch most of the Mayor’s  morning game before hitting the road.  The drive to Clearwater is tedious, long and boring.  In the winter, it’s much better as any rain on state road 60 makes for a hellacious drive.

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The Mayor’s team won decisively this morning with a 9-0 final score.  He played well and contributed a goal.  I really enjoy watching the Mayor play as he’s always grinding.   Moreover, his team works hard together and it shows.  Since I got to the game late, I got to watch the game w/ Hubby.   Although I enjoyed watching the game with Hubby, I did miss the good music at stoppages.

I had hoped to go to aerial yoga in between games, but by the time I could register that class had already been cancelled.  Insert sad face here….  Instead of yoga, I ended up going to Massage Envy for an assisted stretch session.   While my upper body is quite flexible, my legs especially my hamstrings, IT band, and quads are exceptionally tight.  I had hoped to run today, but the hip pain has been vexing.  Nevertheless, I took a rest day today after a good run (2.5 miles) last night.

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Since I’ve never did an assisted stretch session before, I opted for the 30 minute session in case I didn’t like it.  I should have booked the hour because it was amazeballs.  My therapist Teodora was outstanding and instantly recognized the tightness in my leg muscles.  I’ll be getting an assisted stretch at least once a week.  This should help my hip and knee pain on the left side.

After a productive afternoon of watching the Mayor play Assasin’s Creed, laundry and baking, the Mayor and I headed back to the rink.  His team’s second game was going to be a tough contest.  This team, Panther’s Gold, beat our squad (literally and figuratively) 9-0 last Sunday.  Ouch!  Today’s contest was much closer.

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Our squad came out strong.  We didn’t let the embarrassment or sting of last week’s defeat define our play.  While the Panther’s went up early, our squad responded with goal early in the second period.  Fortunately, the Mayor’s team never gave up even when they were down.  I was so proud of them.  In fact, at one point during the game we were tied at 2-2.  We actually should have had another goal when our forward was tripped into the net with the puck, but the ref disagreed with our assessment.

We went into the third period with a tight contest.  In the beginning of the third, the Panther’s opened up the game by scoring two goals.  While our team could have given up, they didn’t.  We ended up putting another one in making for a 4-3 game with 30 seconds left on the clock.  Unfortunately, we came close to tying the game, but simply couldn’t bury the puck.   Nonetheless, I’d chalk that game up as a victory for our squad.  Tonight they showed they could compete with the number one team in their division.

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We headed home post game and The Mayor was begging to go to Sushi Yama, but I wanted him to shower first.  Fortunately, when we were home in between the game and dinner, we were able to see Santa as he came through the neighborhood on the firetruck.  Admittedly, I was a bit worried that the Mayor wasn’t going to be interested in it, but he ran outside with me to wave.

Our dinner date at Sushi Yama was fabulous!   The Mayor caught the waitresses eye and we got VIP service for our dinner.  Consequently, our waters were never empty and our food came out fast and fabulous.  My dinner companion was simply the best.  It doesn’t get better than spending some one on one with one of my kids.  We had a great conversation about his team and the games today.  I love how much he respects and adores his teammates.  Meanwhile in Tampa, Goalielocks met up with his BFF Scrub for dinner.

Now we’re binge watching Family Guy before it leaves NetFlix in March. (Why Netflix? Why?)  I may bake the Christmas cookies tonight since the dough I made Wednesday is already gone.  That’s right the dough is gone and not one cookie has been baked.  Yep., living with boys is a tough gig.  You have to be quick or they’ll eat everything!  While it’s not the most exciting Saturday night you could imagine, to me its the perfect Saturday night.

Tonight’s song performed by Andre Rieu is Silent Night.  P.S.A.  You want to know what’s not silent, pissed off hockey moms!

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Wintry Weekend

Our wintry weekend was cool, quick and quite jolly thanks to our hockey family.  Last night, we headed over to Finland’s house for Goalielocks’ team party.  As expected, the party did not disappoint.  All of us had a marvelous and jolly time from start to finish.  Heck, we would have stayed later if the Mayor wasn’t obsessed with getting enough rest for his games today.

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Wintry Weekend

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The food was exquisite and unending.  We brought chili cheese dip and a baked brie.  Unfortunately, the hubby worked late, so we were about an hour late.  As I was getting dressed, our dog Maya stole the bake brie out of its pan and devoured it quickly.  Fortunately, she didn’t break my brie pan and it wasn’t cooked yet, so she didn’t burn herself.  As I waited for the Hubby, I headed up to Publix to buy another wheel of brie.

We brought beer, ciroc and LaCRoix as beverages to accompany our food selections. As always, Peach Ciroc mixed with Peach Pear LaCroix was a solid beverage choice.  This drink, which is both low calorie and low carb was truly magnificent.  The best part, however, was the lack of hangover this morning.  I’ll have to buy another bottle before our next party!

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Like I said, we could have stayed at the party all night.  These people are our family and time flies when you’re hanging out with them.  Unfortunately, the Mayor had games this morning, so we had to be somewhat responsible with our night.  I love that my Mayor is so diligent about getting enough sleep before he plays!

This morning’s game was pretty good.  We ended up winning 2-0, but could have easily been much 6-0.  Their goalie was on fire that game!  Unfortunately, as well as the morning game went, the evening game was disastrous.  The sin bin was busy including a visit from the Mayor.  Of course, as he entered the box, he plead his innocence.  Truth be told, the Mayor had the hit of the game.  Unfortunately, there’s no checking at peewee. Doh!

As we left the rink, Air Force One was taxiing off to take off from PBI.   We drove down Southern until we found a spot just North of the road to watch the jet take off.  My kid’s are aviation fanatics, so this a takeoff we simply couldn’t miss.  No sooner had we pulled over when Air Force One started barreling down the runway.  While Hubby and the Mayor videotaped it, I face-timed Goalielocks so he could watch it live.  When I tell you they’re into aviation, I cannot emphasize enough how much they love it.

Air Force One took of into the sunset.  It was a beautiful, resplendent sunset as the world’s most advanced jumbo jet climbed into the sky.  The Mayor was beyond thrilled to have watched the big, beautiful bird leave PBI.  Now we’re home trying to unthaw as we cook fajitas!  The air temperatures are only in the 50s here in South Florida, which by are standards is quite cold.  Consequently, unthawing from a day at the rink is a bit harder tonight!

Finally, I wanted to again share the link for a family that is in dire need of our support during an imaginably difficult time.  If you are able to, please consider helping this family.  Here is the link: Youcaring

Tonight’s song is “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” as performed by Michael Buble.

 

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Hockey Mom Holiday Goals

I’ve been thinking about the holidays for a couple of weeks now and thought it might be time to make a list of my hockey mom holiday goals.   Hockey moms, given our crazy schedule, take a little bit of a different approach to the holidays.  As much as I’d love to go crazy decorating the house, I have neither the time nor the money.  After all, Goalielocks already needs a new set of leg pads.

Here’s my list:

  1. Put the Christmas tree up before Christmas and take it down before Valentine’s Day.   So we’ll definitely get the tree up by Christmas, but Valentine’s Day feels a bit aspirational given our January/February schedule.  The oddsmakers have the odds at 25:1 for tree removal before Valentine’s Day.  Coincidentally, the Mayor will be taking bets….                                                                           images (34)
  2. Try not to gain the holiday 10 on top of the hockey 5.  This one will be tough with holiday parties, hockey games, cookies and drinks galore.  But, hey at least I have goals.                                 e4bef8c4247a68cf899b9d503ba10787
  3. I will try to bake Christmas cookies before Christmas and hide them so we have cookies through Christmas.   At least, I’ll have some awesome cookies from BG to tide me over until I can bake mine! 10._SugarCookie
  4. Spend less money on things and more on experiences.  There isn’t a gift in the world that can compare to the fun we had as a family in Norway.  Truly our Norway trip was the best gift we ever gave ourselves and our kids.  I’d go back any day to see that beautiful place and the beautiful patina on its statues and metal work.  Of course for the cost of Goalielocks’ leg pads, I could buy a ticket to Oslo… (I’m only kidding Goalielocks.)IMG_0274
  5. My goal is to stay in the gym, on the running path and on my mat throughout the holidays, so I can stay sane.  Yes dear hubby, this one’s for you.  This should also help with goal number 2.
  6. This year my goal is to create a Christmas card on Shutterfly and order it in time for Christmas.  However, there is a slight chance here that your Christmas card may be delivered with your Valentine’s day card.  Christmas cards
  7. My last goal for this holiday season is to enjoy the time I have with my family and friends.  These are the people that make my world go round and I couldn’t imagine life without them.

Tonight’s song in keeping with the holiday theme is “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey.

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Beach Training Day

Today the Mayor’s team held their beach training day at Phipp’s Park in Palm Beach with Coach Mike and their Coach Preston.  It was a remarkable day on the water with temperatures in the low 80s and nary a cloud in the sky over us.  The water temps were a bit cool for me at 78, but my son quickly reminded me how spoiled I’ve become.

For their training day, they did almost 90 minutes of off ice training in the sand and water.  Chiefly, Coach Mike put them through the paces with a number of exercises that you might see in a circuit class or at the gym.   Since I’m usually the one at the gym, it was nice watching the Mayor be put through paces.  Truthfully, some of those exercises are tough enough in the gym, so  I can’t imagine how much harder they would be in the hot Florida sand.

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Some the exercises, like the wheelbarrow race, relied on teamwork as they raced uphill in the sand.  It was quite fun watching these kids navigate the exercises together.  In between different modules, the kids would break for water, reapplication of sunscreen and then hit the waves for a bit.  Unfortunately, one kid did have a run in with a jelly fish as we started the day, so they didn’t go in too deep.  Fortunately, the jelly fish only slowed him down for a spell and he went on his way through the exercises.

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As their time on the beach winded down, they ran a race on the sand in the surf.  Once they finished their laps, they set up for their final exercises.  This exercise hails from Navy Seal training.   The kids sit  linked arms in the surf and have to stay connected.  Since there was jelly fish in the water, they sat right where the waves broke.  In the face of the surf, they had to stay strong and connected as a unit.  Truly, it was awesome to watch.  I look forward to Goalielocks’ team’s day at the beach.

Consequently, the sinuses are starting to feel a bit better.  My stomach still does not appreciate the antibiotics, but hopefully some yogurt will help that situation.  Fortunately, the beach is one of the best places to be when your sinuses are running afoul.  The salinity in the air is therapeutic and brought relief to my sinuses.  I do, however, look forward to finishing my course of antibiotics.   Once we got home from the beach, we went about the course of our day.  I wished I could hang the towels from a clothes line with some tenderhooks, but since I don’t have clothing line my shower will have to do.

Tonight’s song in honor of the “cold” water and the cold rink where we live is “Cold, Cold, Cold” by Caged the Elephant.  Enjoy!

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Snippet of My Saturday

Here’s a little snippet of my Saturday so far.  We started our morning off at the rink bright and early, which is always fun.  My stomach was not loving the antibiotics, so that was fun.  I hate that nauseous feeling, however, my sinuses and head are feeling much better this today.  Moreover, since the antibiotics are doing there job and I’ll just have to deal with the nausea.

I had quite a few visitors to the box, which made for an interesting third period.  In the end, the boys came up with the W in a solid team effort.  The beautiful thing about youth hockey/youth sports is that life lessons abound.  Things aren’t always as they seem.  Someday I’ll  expand on this is in much greater detail.  Nonetheless, one of the reasons we love hockey is that it teaches lessons that will last them ages.

Post-hockey the Mayor headed to paint ball birthday party.  Thankfully, my friend AL (funny right) is keeping an eye on the Mayor so I can keep out of the sun.  Apparently the antibiotics make my skin more sensitive to the sun, which is amazing because I’m already inclined to burn.  It looks like they’re having a great time from the pics she just sent me.  If I was feeling better, I definitely would have been out on those fields playing paintball with my boy.

As we move towards the evening hours, we’ll be headed back to the rink for another game.  Unfortunately, we’ll be down a man as we lost a guy to a broken clavicle this morning.  Please keep him and his recovery in your thoughts and prayers.  We’re definitely sending our well wishes his way.   I hope you enjoy your Saturday, I’ll probably check in after Goalielocks’ second game.

Today’s song is “One” by Metallica.