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Epic

To say the Team USA and Team Canada game was epic on Saturday night would be an understatement. It was the best hockey game I have watched in a very long time. The sheer level of talent on the ice at any given time was mind-blowing. I mean Team Canada’s roster features to generational talents in Crosby and McDavid. It doesn’t get better than that.

The start to the game was as epic as the game. The Tkachuk bots threw done and JT Miller joined the party. Three fights in nine seconds to start the game was incredible to watch. Obviously, the players in both teams were there to compete. There easily non of this bull shit All Star game nonsense where folks don’t try. This game, the first in nine years, as a big deal for the players. It was an emotional opportunity to represent their country.

Whoever came up with the Four Nations FaceOff idea at the NHL should be given a raise. I don’t like Gary Bettman, but I must give him his flowers for this concept. Okay, maybe I won’t send him a floral arrangement, but you get my drift. The compete level in every game of this tournament has been at the highest level. Honestly, the hockey has been so good, that I’ll be sad when it’s over.

This afternoon Team Canada handled Finland. Finland dug themselves into a hole during the first period and they couldn’t get out of it. They made a really aggressive push at the end, but Team Canada came away with a 5-3 win. I was hoping Finland would at least take them into overtime. Finland had to be riding high after defeating Sweden in overtime on Saturday afternoon. That game was also epic.

Tonight Team USA takes on Team Sweden, which will be another great game. Otter will be in the net giving Hellebuyck a well-deserved night off. Hellebucyk has been a difference-maker for Team USA this tournament. Charlie McAvoy and Matthew Tkachuk are out of the lineup today as well. Not sure what’s up with McAvoy, but Tkachuk sustained a lower-body injury Saturday night. Hopefully, Chucky is fine and they’re resting him out of an abundance of caution.

2025 Goal Tracker:

  • Run a 5K: in training
  • Complete Kayla Itsines program: in progress
  • No afternoon Starbucks (except for travel/vacations): I made it into February and haven’t buckled!
  • Top performer at work: on it!
  • Travel: working on it
  • Eat to lower inflammation: in progress
  • Read daily: in progress. I’m reading  The Eagle and The Hart by Helen Castor.
  • Get out of debt: in progress
  • Financial independence: in progress

Write about your approach to budgeting.

I have a monthly budget that I use as a guide for the household expenses. Unfortunately, I’m the only one that uses or tries to adhere to it.

Siri, play Freebird

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Happy Valentine’s Day

Happy Valentine’s Day from me to you. I’m not the biggest fan of this Hallmark holiday. Heck, I kind of forgot it existed until a guy at work started posting love songs in the team chat. I may post a breakup song in the chat just to mess with him. Plus, not everyone feels love on Valentine’s Day.

My Valentine’s gift to myself was watching the Bash Brothers, aka the Tkachuk brothers, playing for Team USA last night. The squad looked great! I loved that Matt Boldy and Brock Faber connected for the go ahead go. The Wild boys looked great. Team USA turned on the gas in the third, but I thought the Panther players on both teams crushed it.

Tomorrow Team Finland and Team Sweden have the matinee game, which will be amazing. There is no love lost between these two countries, so it will be an entertaining and passionate game. Team USA and Team Canada take the ice at 8:00 pm, which means I’ll be up past my bed time again. That should be another great game. So no red roses for me this Valentine’s Day, I’m happy to enjoy some great hockey with my sweethearts.

2025 Goal Tracker:

  • Run a 5K: in training
  • Complete Kayla Itsines program: in progress
  • No afternoon Starbucks (except for travel/vacations): I made it into February and haven’t buckled!
  • Top performer at work: on it!
  • Travel: working on it
  • Eat to lower inflammation: in progress
  • Read daily: in progress. I’m reading  The Eagle and The Hart by Helen Castor.
  • Get out of debt: in progress
  • Financial independence: in progress

If there were a biography about you, what would the title be?

The title of my very interesting biography would be All Aboard The Hot Mess Express. I think the title says it all.

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Four Nations

The Four Nations face-off started last night with Canada taking on Sweden in Montreal. It was apparent from the beginning that this was going to be great hockey. I have to say I absolutely love the concept. The Canadians scored early with Nate McKinnon scoring a power play goal assisted by Crosby and McDavid. It was a high-caliber hockey game. I cannot wait to watch Team USA take on Barkov and Team Finland tonight.

I hope no injuries come out of this tournament because this concept is far superior to the All-Star game. I’m sure the fan engagement numbers will prove to the NHL that this is the way to go. In fact, I can’t remember a time when the All-Star game was entertaining. The Mayor attended the All-Star game in 2023 at Amerant Arena. This is a kid who lives and breathes hockey and was bored out of his gourd by the All-Star game. In fact, the highlight of his All-Star Weekend was volunteering for the dress rehearsal and skating at Amerant Bank arena. Enjoy the Four Nations Face-Off!

2025 Goal Tracker:

  • Run a 5K: in training
  • Complete Kayla Itsines program: in progress
  • No afternoon Starbucks (except for travel/vacations): I made it into February and haven’t buckled!
  • Top performer at work: on it!
  • Travel: working on it
  • Eat to lower inflammation: in progress
  • Read daily: in progress. I’m reading  The Eagle and The Hart by Helen Castor.
  • Get out of debt: in progress
  • Financial independence: in progress

What were your parents doing at your age?

My parents were busy raising my brothers and me. My older brother and I would have been in high school already, while my garrulous little brother would have been in middle school. We definitely gave my folks a run for their money.