Soliloquy

Ah, October. Sunny days with a chill edge to them, a time for outside fun, for rainy days spent re-reading Harry Potter. A time for old cats to act like kittens again as they chase imaginary foes.

Also a time for hockey, though with the NHL lockout fans are resorting to desperate measures.

My husband took the boys to Huntsville today to watch a UAH hockey game.

I'm here, resting and relaxing. And attempting to bake a cake, which isn't particularly restful but is not something I would have time to do on an ordinary day.

I'm fearful about "wasting" my time, that I'll have nothing to show for my time spent alone. And then I remember that I'll have that.....my time spent alone, time for my spirit to rest and feel renewed.

A lovely way to spend an October Sunday.

Items in My House Which Have Been Used as Hockey Sticks

1. Wooden Spoon
2. Shoehorn
3. Alphabet magnet of the letter "L"
4. Wooden puzzle pieces of numbers "1" and "7"
5. Plastic shovel
6. Plastic rake
7. Empty paper towel roll

And yes, Ian does have his very own plastic hockey sticks. Apparently we need one for each room.

My Little Hockey Man

My husband and I have created a monster. A hockey monster.

We took our little guy to several Predators games last year, but he was really too young to pay much attention to the action on the ice.

This year, however, seems to be a different story. Although I haven't been able to go to games with my guys, I've seen several pictures that show Ian clapping during player introductions or staring rapt at the ice.

I have been able to experience this new hockey mania in a few ways at home, though. My in-laws kindly bought us cable so I could watch Predators games while stuck in bed. Ian has gotten to watch part of a few games with me, and he's hooked.

I turned on the TV Thursday night to watch some pre-game, and as soon as Ian saw the ice he pointed excitedly at the television. However, when the pre-game coverage switched to player interviews, he insistently pointed to the remote control and then to the TV in a move I interpreted as "Put the hockey back on!" Apparently in-game footage is the only thing that will pacify my little monster.

Generally, Ian refuses any attempts at singing "Itsy Bitsy Spider" or "Wheel on the Bus" these days. Yes, the only thing he wants to hear is the "Let's Go Predators" chant, claps and all.

And when Daddy's hockey sweater comes out of the laundry, it is received with a point and an exclamation of "ha-eeee!" ("hockey").

I think my little boy has found his first love.

Sci Fi Night, Discounts, Coat Drive: Fun with the Preds

So this Saturday is Sci Fi night at the Preds game. A friend of mine will be there as a semi-professional costumed character. I'm trying to decide if I want to dress up.

I am a really big geek and have never done the dress up thing, so normally I already would have bought a fun geek chic costume. However, with Baby Ian on the way I really don't have the money or the figure for such things.

Plus, I'm trying to think of pregnant sci-fi characters. Padme from Star Wars, Vala from SG-1, Teyla from Atlantis....I don't know. Maybe I should be Jessica Artreides from Dune.

There supposedly is a contest for the costumes....I wonder what the prize is. $50, not dressing up. 37" TV, I am so there.

Speaking of being there, Paul and I can get you discounted tickets to Preds games! They started a new promo for season ticket holders that allows us to get discounts for our friends. Go to www.nashvillepredators.com/nicholson to view the list of games (they are in alphabetical order, not date order). Choose a game, then enter "predators" as your special offer code. The site will prompt you to login or create an account, and then you can buy tickets starting at $19.

Okay, one more cool Preds thing. I'm having a hard time finding info about it, but I saw posters about it at the Sommet Center last night. On Monday, December 15, the Preds are doing a "Skate with the Preds" coat drive at Southern Ice Arena. For $5 (skate rental included) you can skate at Southern Ice with some of the Preds. Participants are encouraged to bring coats to donate to the Community Resource Center Coat Drive. For more info, check out NowPlayingNashville -- the Preds site doesn't seem to mention it yet.

Expectations

I really do want to blog more, but I put so many expectations on myself for each post that am paralyzed by perfectionism.

I want to write a thoughtful rant (oxymoron?) about how the road can be shared among pedestrians, bikers, and drivers. So far, though, I haven't had the time and/or inclination to spend 20 minutes composing this amazing manifesto.

I kinda want to write about more baby questions, like should I register for everything I want and hit consignment sales to fill in the gaps, or should I start shopping consignment sales now? However, I don't want this blog to turn into all-baby, all-the-time.

I might write about ghia stuff. Right now I'm booking holiday parties at friends' houses, and that's exciting. I also had a product photo shoot with a friend today. Oh, and I'm looking around for a new fair trade clothing supplier, because my clothing supplier is unreliable. Unfortunately, their clothes are super-cool, and I haven't been able to find the same level of fabulousness in another company.

So I guess I can write about a little of everything and combine it into one decent blog post. That works.

I also have a way for people to get discounts on Preds tickets. Guess I'll save that for another post, though. Heh.

Preds Day at the Zoo, plus more fan fun

Tomorrow is Nashville Predators Day at the Nashville Zoo. From 1pm - 5pm there will be games and giveaways, including a giant obstacle course. Predators mascot Gnash will be there, and players Jordin Tootoo and Ryan Jones (new prospect/rookie) will meet fans from 2pm to 3pm.

Print out this coupon to receive $2 off admission price!

There will be more Preds festivities on Tuesday, September 23rd, when 104.5 the Zone will host a radio-thon to sell tickets followed by an Our Team Rally. Here's the schedule, lifted straight from the Preds' website:

Time	Activity
6 am	Arena Doors Open; Radio-thon begins
6 - 8 am	FREE breakfast at Sommet Center (provided by Dunkin' Donuts)
10 - 11 am	Hockey 101 Presentation with Pete & Terry (All-Incusive Zone)
11 am	Rookie Game: Nashville Predators vs. Atlanta Thrashers
2:30 pm	Predators Rookies autograph signing (Main Concourse)
4 pm	Youth Hockey Game (on Sommet Center ice)
5:45 pm	Plaza Concert featuring Beverley Mahood (Plaza)
6:30 pm	Our Team Plaza Rally begins (Plaza)
7:15 pm	Public Skate (on Sommet Center ice)
9 pm	Radio-thon ends

* All times listed are Central Time Zone; Schedule subject to change

Free donuts, free hockey games, free ice skating. Yeah, good stuff. Oh, but I haven't heard anything about skate rental at the Sommet Center, so you may need your own skates if you want to get out on the ice.

If all that isn't enough, remember that training camp starts next Saturday, Sept. 20, and many of the sessions are free and open to the public. Check the schedule here.

Tales from the Sportsplex, Part 2

So after last week's skating lesson I saw Six again.

Six: [skating up to me] Hey, you're wearing hockey skates! I'm wearing hockey skates, too.

Me: Yes, I think I met you last week. Tootoo is your favorite player, right?

Six: Yup! [skates off]

5 minutes later....

Six: [skating up to me again] Do you want to be my goalie?

Me: Um, sure! Do you have a puck?

Six: [shakes head]

Me: Oh, so I'm your imaginary goalie. Okay, I can do that.

Six proceeds to tell me to go to the crease. He then informs me that we are on the same team, so my main job is to watch him skate down to the other end of the ice, watch him score a goal against the other team's invisible goalie, and then cheer. Occasionally I have to pretend that I'm saving pucks shot by the opposing team.

After a few minutes of this, I wonder where Six's parents are and what they think of him playing with some strange adult.

Me: Hey, do you have a mom or dad or someone here with you? I think they might like to know who you are talking to. They might not want you talking to a stranger.

Six: Okay. [Takes me to his mom, who is sitting in the bleachers]

Six: [pointing to me] Mom, do you know why she is following me?

(Oh, great, now I really sound like a weirdo.)

Six: She said she wanted to meet you!

Me: Um, hi. Your son said he wanted me to be his pretend goalie, but I said I needed to meet you since you might not want him talking to strangers. So hi, I'm Christy.

Mom: Hi! I'm Mom, and this is Six. [smiles]

So apparently I avoided being arrested for kidnapping on that particular day, anyway.

But seriously, to you parents reading out there -- do you have a rule about not talking to strangers? I can't tell you how many children have started conversations with me at the rink with no parent in sight. It's uncomfortable for me, but it could be dangerous for your children. I'm glad these kids are so kind and friendly, but please, make sure they are safe, too!

Tales from the Sportsplex

So I was practicing at the Sportsplex tonight, and a little boy skates up to me.

Six-year-old skater: Do you cheer for the Predators?

Me: Yes, I do. Do you?

Six: Yeah, I like the Predators.

Me: Yeah, they're great.

Six: What number do you go for?

Me: Um, I like all of them. I guess Radulov's pretty good.

Six: I like Tootoo. He's the best.

Me: Yeah, he's a good guy.

Six: He scores all the goals. Like, a hundred.

Me: [*crickets*]

About those Preds....

So, are you planning to buy season tickets for the Predators next year? You were? Oh, good! Can you do me a favor?

If you are going to buy new season tickets next year, and the crazy hockey musings from Paul or me have inspired you, we would love it if you would give us a referral.

You see, if someone buys a partial season ticket package for next year, like a 13-game pack, we get $100 added to our Preds account! So, in theory, if we got 5 people to buy 13-game packs, that would more than cover the cost of our tickets. (We get $200 when someone buys a full season ticket package, and I think we get credit when someone buys group tickets.)

Pretty cool, eh?

I think this is an awesome thing to do for fans, and it's a great way for the Preds to increase their attendance.

Even if you aren't sure you can buy tickets next year, give our ticket rep a call and find out about the different packages available. You might be surprised by some of the affordable options available.

Here's our ticket rep's info:
Tiffany Vanek
770-2338

Our account number is 6032169. Be sure to tell them our account number so we get referral credit.

Okay, thanks for listening!

Team Player

An interesting side effect of my hockey fandom is an appreciation of team sports.

I never played sports when I was a kid unless forced into it by a mean gym teacher. My brother was quite good at several sports, and I wanted nothing to do with them after years of watching his games. The closest I ever got to a team was the girls in my grade-school dance class or my high school marching band. Maybe the fellow cast members of operas in college.

And now I find myself wishing for a team. I long for the physical exertion of a game, the striving together toward a common goal.

I know this area has community teams for adults, but my physical stamina and knowledge of rules are so lacking that I would be too embarrassed to join. I need someone to have a Soccer Workshop for Dummies, some sort of beginner seminar for adults who have never played a game in their lives.

I like the idea of the Nashville Women's Ice Hockey League, probably because hockey is so new to Tennessee that few ladies grew up knowing how to skate and shoot. I'm seriously thinking of taking some ice skating lessons so that I can perhaps crash a few of their practices and at least get some of the team feeling. Plus, Paul thinks I'd make a great goalie. :-)

Hockey Heartache

It's a frustrating time to be a Preds fan.

Hubby's work gave him free tickets to the game against the Capitals Tuesday night. Sigh. I don't think I've ever heard Preds fans boo their own team that much. The first period was really bad. They played better in the 2nd and 3rd periods, but it just wasn't enough.

Things overheard at the game Tuesday night:
"Maybe he'll shoot....no......maybe he'll shoot....no...."
"Tootoo looks like Admiral Ackbar." (I'm still trying to figure out that one.)

I'm at the Red Wings game right now. Ellis got pulled in the 2nd period after the Wings scored 2 goals on (I think) 13 shots. I don't think Trotz should have pulled him at that point. I know our goalies aren't great this year, but generally I think Trotz has been pulling them way too quickly. As I told Paul, it's like Trotz keeps switching checkout lanes at the grocery store to see which one will be faster. And the truth is, it really doesn't make that much of a difference.

I'm happy to see Cellblock 303 in good form tonight. They had been eerily silent at the previous games. I don't think they even had anyone holding up the signs. Fortunately, they're back to insulting everybody tonight.

At least there have been some good fights/scuffles during this game. If we're going to play poorly, in the interest of tickets sales we at least need to have some interesting fights. I think that will appeal to the people who go to NASCAR races for the wrecks.

For a Good Time, Call 770-PUCK

FREE FOOD:
So, do you have your tickets for the March 11 Preds game? That's free food night at the Sommet center, and all fans will receive a voucher for a free hot dog and soft drink. Plus, there will be popcorn through the first intermission. Hockey + free dinner makes for a great night of family fun.

FREE HOCKEY:
If Preds tickets aren't in the budget this year, consider checking out the public Predators practices at Centennial Sportsplex. It's great way to see your favorite players in action, and it's FREE! Practices are usually posted here, and you can also try calling Sportsplex to see when the next practice will be. If you're sticking around Nashville for spring break, this might be a great activity for your kids.

AND PRIZES!
This Friday, March 7, Beyond the Edge in East Nashville is hosting a Preds party at 8:30pm. There are always great prizes at these events, usually including tickets to a Predators home game. And if you happen to know Paul, be sure to stop by and wish him a happy birthday. (Beyond the Edge is 21 and up.)


Above: Sign at the Sommet Center. Radek Bonk's name has great pun potential.

Blah blah blah, me me me, blah blah me me me

Yes, I have been tagged for the "seven random facts" meme by nashbabe and My Time Wandering. Here goes:

Rules: Once you are tagged, link back to the person who tagged you. Post the rules on your blog. Post 7 random or weird facts about yourself on your blog. Tag 7 people and link to them. Comment on their blog to let them know they have been tagged.

1. I used to be deathly afraid of thunderstorms. It probably qualified as a phobia. I'm doing better with that now, though.

2. I have watched ridiculous amounts of television in my life. If you have a question about MacGyver, The Dick van Dyke Show, Stargate, or Get Smart, there's a good chance I can answer it for you.

3. I loooooooooooooooooove hockey. That is so weird to me, because I've never been a big sports fan. Last year I made "play-off packs" for all the Predator players, including candy and notes of encouragement. Considering the result of the 2007 play-offs, I'm not doing that this year.

4. I had pneumonia several times as a child. I remember one Halloween when my parents discovered I had a really high fever after I had been out trick or treating, and it turned out to be another round of pneumonia.

5. I really like copyediting. It's fun for me; it's like playing a game or sculpting a work of art.

6. I have never seen Titanic.

7. When I was in middle school, I wished I was British. I wanted to live in the land of Sherlock Holmes and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Sometimes I hoped someone would discover I was an Irish princess and restore my family to our castle and lands (my dad's family is Irish).


Okay, time for tags: Paul, The Musician, Ordnance, mcnickgirl, poison0ivy, Fred Jones Pt. 2, and ArmageddonKitty.

The Preds Are Pretty Good, and Other Things You Should Know

1. The Preds are pretty good right now. Yes, they have had some major rough spots this season, but right now they have a great shot at making the playoffs. (I believe this is because I took all the Preds off my fantasy NHL roster.) So if you go to a game, there's a good chance you'll get to see a win.

2. The Preds have not left town yet, and the franchise has no plans to leave in the immediate future. There seems to be some confusion on this point. A few of my husband's co-workers thought the Preds were already gone. Now, I'm not promising they'll be around in 5 years, but they're here for now. The new ownership plans to keep them here as long as possible.

3. Premium Plus Pricing is dead! Did you try to get tickets to a Preds game only to find that the tickets cost 50 bajillion dollars? Well, the 50 bajillion dollar prices have been axed. A few games still cost more than others, but the crazy-go-nuts prices are gone. (If you bought a ticket at the crazy-go-nuts prices, you can get an extra ticket for free...call the box office.)

4. Long live the Family Four Pack! The awesome deal is back by popular demand. For $99, you can get four tickets, four food and drink vouchers, and four coupons for a free afternoon at the Centennial Sportplex ice rink.

Happy FunDay to Me!

So, my birthday happened while I was on the cruise....I was in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico that day.

This past Saturday was good make-up birthday, though.

Ariana and I went to the Nashville Women's Ice Hockey League open house that afternoon. Ariana is a great friend for such adventures -- she is far more daring than I, so I try to enlist her to join me when I am doing something out of my comfort zone (on ice = out of my comfort zone).

The free event included mini-skating lessons, chances to take shots on the goal, and free refreshments. I was truly terrible on skates, but I had a ton of fun. The ladies gave me some tips for staying on my feet, and one player spent considerable time passing the puck back and forth with me. That was pretty cool.

I probably would have been decent at skating if I weren't so scared of falling. Eventually I figured out the basic movement, but I stayed so close to the boards that I couldn't develop momentum. I wish I had let go of my fears long enough to skate a couple of laps without grabbing the boards in a panic. (I think there's a Sam Davidson post in that paragraph somewhere.)

Anyway, later that night Paul and I celebrated my birthday with my parents. And guess what. They got me an ICE CREAM CAKE. That is love right there, folks. Well, maybe not exactly, but I really appreciated it. Mint chocolate chip with chocolate cake from Baskin Robbins. Happy happy.

The birthday festivities continue into next week. Coming soon: Fun times with the in-laws, H.M.S. Pinafore with Emily, and Mary Kay party.

Preds Rally Today at 11

The new ownership of the Nashville Predators is holding a rally and press conference at the Sommet Center this morning at 11am.

Paul McCann explains why you should go:
Rally!!! at HockeyBuzz.com

Thoughts for November

• Haven't been into blogging much lately. Not sure why. Just busy, I guess. When I get very busy and/or stressed, I often lose the introspection that makes for good blog posts.
  
  
• The Preds are winning again. Good stuff.
  
  
• I'm a bad kitty mom. I have a Kaboodle wishlist for Cameron and Loa, but so far I've added items only for Cameron. I don't think Loa wants much besides more food, more paper wads, and a house without a dog.
  
  
• Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is fabulous. I mean, it's this incredibly popular TV show based on helping people. I think what works about the show is its simplicity. Find people who need a house, and then build it. No competitions, just engaging back stories and happy endings.
  
  
• I love presents. My parents recently e-mailed me and requested my wishlist for this Christmas, and I clapped my hands like a little kid.
  
  
• I find this quote rather autobiographical:
  "There nearly always is method in madness. It's what drives men mad, being methodical."
  -GK Chesterton
  

Life Update

Right now I'm trying to lose some weight. I feel like I need to lose about 10 pounds to be healthy, about 30 to be the weight I would love to be. I haven't changed my eating habits much, but I am trying to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Mostly I am trying to get in shape by exercising for at least 30 minutes everyday. I've been successful on that count lately, which is exciting. I've always considered myself an undisciplined person who could never do anything consistently. Maybe the consistency only comes if my goal is truly important to me. Hm.

The Tennessean bugs me. I feel like they jump on any negative angle they can find about the whole Predators ownership deal. Of course, Preds marketing needs to step up, too, and give the local papers more positive things to report. The Preds players always seem to be doing great things for the community (see this recent article about J.P. Dumont visiting hospital patients), but the good stuff hardly ever makes the news.

If you have any extra money, buy some Preds tickets. If you don't want to go to the game, you can give the tickets to me. :-)

Likewise, if you still have extra money after you buy some Preds tickets, take a class at the Nashville Jazz Workshop. I took a class there this summer -- what a great experience! I received top quality instruction and got to sing with some incredible musicians. The classes are open to experienced singers and beginners. And once again, if you have the extra money but don't want to take a class, you can give the money to ME so I can take more classes and become a famous jazz singer. :-)

News reports are talking about "a big recall for chocolate lovers." This headline is referring to the recall of some white chocolate squares made for baking. Um, that is not chocolate. At least, it's not the type of chocolate that most chocolate lovers turn to in their times of need. Maybe "a big recall for bakers" or "a big recall for homemade candy enthusiasts," but not for chocolate lovers.

Upcoming Events, Random Thoughts, Linky-Dinks, etc.

Upcoming Events
BarCamp Nashville: Just registered today. Hoping to do a lot of networking and learning for ghia.

Tomato Art Fest: East Nashville's annual festival. You must go. We shall eat. We shall throw tomatoes. We shall dress in silly costumes. Much fun will be had. (And there will be a ghia booth, where you can buy stuff!)

Random Thoughts
Hurray! The Predators will (probably-almost-for-sure) be bought by the local group!

Why is my face breaking out right now? Gr.

Our SG-1 Season 10 boxed set arrived today. The behind-the-scenes feature on the 200th episode is awesome.

I just ordered more apparel for ghia, and I need models. Are any of you bloggers out there exceptionally photogenic? Other than my husband, whom I already drafted?

I can't decide which is weirder -- Prisoners doing the Thriller dance, or video game characters doing the Thriller dance.

Linky-Dinks
(not to be confused with Shrinky-Dinks)

Home-Ec 101: Natural, happy ways to clean the shower (must try this -- my current shower cleaner stuff practically burns my face off).

Harry Potter Obituaries (Thanks to MusicCityBloggers.com)
SPOILERS! Don't read if you haven't finished Deathly Hallows.

NASCAR Coach Reveals Secrets of Racing (Thanks to Josh Tinley)

Whee! Go Preds!

Just got back from the Preds rally. Tons of fun.

Over 7,000 people showed up. Lots of fun promotions -- free ice cream from Purity, free Pepsi (from Pepsi), prizes, etc. The pro shop had all merchandise at 50% off -- and 80% off for season ticket purchasers.

I was at the Sommet Center from 1 to 4pm, then again from 5:30 to 7:30. Watched quite a bit of the radio broadcast, and got to see Eklund, the anonymous hockey blogger.

Saw two mayoral candidates -- Karl Dean and David Briley. Extra points for them!

The rally was decent....there were a few moments at the beginning when we were just standing around, bobbing our heads to the techno, wondering what was supposed to be happening. That would have been a great time for the dancers to lead the crowd in some cheers....maybe remember that for next year, Preds peeps.

The rest of the rally was pretty good, though. The highlight for me was watching Willy Daunic hit a rogue Red Wings fan in the face with a pie. Goofy, yes, but it continued a Nashville tradition of torturing Red Wings fans.

As of 8pm, 704 season tickets have been sold today. Good job, Pred nation!

For more details and pictures, check out Paul's blog and Flickr account.