Spoon Theory

The Spoon Theory
by Christine Miserandino
www.butyoudontlooksick.com

My best friend and I were in the diner, talking. As usual, it was very late and we were eating French fries with gravy. Like normal girls our age, we spent a lot of time in the diner while in college, and most of the time we spent talking about boys, music or trivial things, that seemed very important at the time. We never got serious about anything in particular and spent most of our time laughing.

As I went to take some of my medicine with a snack as I usually did, she watched me with an awkward kind of stare, instead of continuing the conversation. She then asked me out of the blue what it felt like to have Lupus and be sick. I was shocked not only because she asked the random question, but also because I assumed she knew all there was to know about Lupus. She came to doctors with me, she saw me walk with a cane, and throw up in the bathroom. She had seen me cry in pain, what else was there to know?

I started to ramble on about pills, and aches and pains, but she kept pursuing, and didn't seem satisfied with my answers. I was a little surprised as being my roommate in college and friend for years; I thought she already knew the medical definition of Lupus. Then she looked at me with a face every sick person knows well, the face of pure curiosity about something no one healthy can truly understand. She asked what it felt like, not physically, but what it felt liketo be me, to be sick.

As I tried to gain my composure, I glanced around the table for help or guidance, or at least stall for time to think. I was trying to find the right words. How do I answer a question I never was able to answer for myself? How do I explain every detail of every day being effected, and give the emotions a sick person goes through with clarity. I could have given up, cracked a joke like I usually do, and changed the subject, but I remember thinking if I don’t try to explain this, how could I ever expect her to understand. If I can’t explain this to my best friend, how could I explain my world to anyone else? I had to at least try.

At that moment, the spoon theorywas born. I quickly grabbed every spoon on the table; hell I grabbed spoons off of the other tables. I looked at her in the eyes and said “Here you go, you have Lupus”. She looked at me slightly confused, as anyone would when they are being handed a bouquet of spoons. The cold metal spoons clanked in my hands, as I grouped them together and shoved them into her hands.

I explained that the difference in being sick and being healthy is having to make choices or to consciously think about things when the rest of the world doesn’t have to. The healthy have the luxury of a life without choices, a gift most people take for granted.

Most people start the day with unlimited amount of possibilities, and energy to do whatever they desire, especially young people. For the most part, they do not need to worry about the effects of their actions. So for my explanation, I used spoons to convey this point. I wanted something for her to actually hold, for me to then take away, since most people who get sick feel a “loss” of a life they once knew. If I was in control of taking away the spoons, then she would know what it feels like to have someone or something else, in this case Lupus, being in control.

She grabbed the spoons with excitement. She didn’t understand what I was doing, but she is always up for a good time, so I guess she thought I was cracking a joke of some kind like I usually do when talking about touchy topics. Little did she know how serious I would become?

I asked her to count her spoons. She asked why, and I explained that when you are healthy you expect to have a never- ending supply of "spoons". But when you have to now plan your day, you need to know exactly how many “spoons” you are starting with. It doesn’t guarantee that you might not lose some along the way, but at least it helps to know where you are starting. She counted out 12 spoons. She laughed and said she wanted more. I said no, and I knew right away that this little game would work, when she looked disappointed, and we hadn't even started yet. I’ve wanted more "spoons" for years and haven’t found a way yet to get more, why should she? I also told her to always be conscious of how many she had, and not to drop them because she can never forget she has Lupus.

I asked her to list off the tasks of her day, including the most simple. As, she rattled off daily chores, or just fun things to do; I explained how each one would cost her a spoon. When she jumped right into getting ready for work as her first task of the morning, I cut her off and took away a spoon. I practically jumped down her throat. I said " No! You don’t just get up. You have to crack open your eyes, and then realize you are late. You didn’t sleep well the night before. You have to crawl out of bed, and then you have to make your self something to eat before you can do anything else, because if you don’t, you can't take your medicine, and if you don’t take your medicine you might as well give up all your spoons for today and tomorrow too." I quickly took away a spoon and she realized she hasn’t even gotten dressed yet. Showering cost her spoon, just for washing her hair and shaving her legs. Reaching high and low that early in the morning could actually cost more than one spoon, but I figured I would give her a break; I didn’t want to scare her right away. Getting dressed was worth another spoon. I stopped her and broke down every task to show her how every little detail needs to be thought about. You cannot simply just throw clothes on when you are sick. I explained that I have to see what clothes I can physically put on, if my hands hurt that day buttons are out of the question. If I have bruises that day, I need to wear long sleeves, and if I have a fever I need a sweater to stay warm and so on. If my hair is falling out I need to spend more time to look presentable, and then you need to factor in another 5 minutes for feeling badly that it took you 2 hours to do all this.

I think she was starting to understand when she theoretically didn’t even get to work, and she was left with 6 spoons. I then explained to her that she needed to choose the rest of her day wisely, since when your “spoons” are gone, they are gone. Sometimes you can borrow against tomorrow’s "spoons", but just think how hard tomorrow will be with less "spoons". I also needed to explain that a person who is sick always lives with the looming thought that tomorrow may be the day that a cold comes, or an infection, or any number of things that could be very dangerous. So you do not want to run low on "spoons", because you never know when you truly will need them. I didn’t want to depress her, but I needed to be realistic, and unfortunately being prepared for the worst is part of a real day for me.

We went through the rest of the day, and she slowly learned that skipping lunch would cost her a spoon, as well as standing on a train, or even typing at her computer too long. She was forced to make choices and think about things differently. Hypothetically, she had to choose not to run errands, so that she could eat dinner that night.

When we got to the end of her pretend day, she said she was hungry. I summarized that she had to eat dinner but she only had one spoon left. If she cooked, she wouldn’t have enough energy to clean the pots. If she went out for dinner, she might be too tired to drive home safely. Then I also explained, that I didn’t even bother to add into this game, that she was so nauseous, that cooking was probably out of the question anyway. So she decided to make soup, it was easy. I then said it is only 7pm, you have the rest of the night but maybe end up with one spoon, so you can do something fun, or clean your apartment, or do chores, but you can’t do it all.

I rarely see her emotional, so when I saw her upset I knew maybe I was getting through to her. I didn’t want my friend to be upset, but at the same time I was happy to think finally maybe someone understood me a little bit. She had tears in her eyes and asked quietly “Christine, How do you do it? Do you really do this everyday?” I explained that some days were worse then others; some days I have more spoons then most. But I can never make it go away and I can’t forget about it, I always have to think about it. I handed her a spoon I had been holding in reserve. I said simply, “I have learned to live life with an extra spoon in my pocket, in reserve. You need to always be prepared” Its hard, the hardest thing I ever had to learn is to slow down, and not do everything. I fight this to this day. I hate feeling left out, having to choose to stay home, or to not get things done that I want to. I wanted her to feel that frustration. I wanted her to understand, that everything everyone else does comes so easy, but for me it is one hundred little jobs in one. I need to think about the weather, my temperature that day, and the whole day's plans before I can attack any one given thing. When other people can simply do things, I have to attack it and make a plan like I am strategizing a war. It is in that lifestyle, the difference between being sick and healthy. It is the beautiful ability to not think and just do. I miss that freedom. I miss never having to count "spoons".

After we were emotional and talked about this for a little while longer, I sensed she was sad. Maybe she finally understood. Maybe she realized that she never could truly and honestly say she understands. But at least now she might not complain so much when I can't go out for dinner some nights, or when I never seem to make it to her house and she always has to drive to mine. I gave her a hug when we walked out of the diner. I had the one spoon in my hand and I said “Don’t worry. I see this as ablessing. I have been forced to think abouteverything I do. Do you know how many spoons people waste everyday? I don’t have room for wasted time, or wasted “spoons” and I chose to spend this time with you.”

Ever since this night, I have used the spoon theory to explain my life to many people. In fact, my family and friends refer to spoons all the time. It has been a code word for what I can and cannot do. Once people understand the spoon theory they seem to understand me better, but I also think they live their life a little differently too. I think it isn’t just good for understanding Lupus, but anyone dealing with any disability or illness. Hopefully, they don’t take so much for granted or their life in general. I give a piece of myself, in every sense of the word when I do anything. It has become an inside joke. I have become famous for saying to people jokingly that they should feel special when I spend time with them, because they have one of my "spoons".

Prelim reports

Ondrej Pavelec is awake and alerts at the hospital. Thrashers are reporting that preliminary tests are negative. What tests those may be are unknown. However, Pony keeps asking the score, currently 4-2 Thrash with under 5:00 to go. That indicates good awareness and spirits. Love to everyone on Twitter for the #PrayersforPavs.

Feel free to follow me there if you're not already. I update there quicker than here (and you can read pointless tweets about my life): <b>krejcis_moxie</b>

Stay well, Pony! Just don't push to come back if you're not 100%.

Please be well Pavs

I'm not able to view the ga.e but am told Ondrej Pavelec jusat collapse on the ice. He waved a requwst to come off, and passed out on the ice. He was taken off on a stretcher and rushed to hospital. It's thought he may have regained consciousness on the gurney, but that is speculation.

Everyone, please keep Pavs in your thoughts and paryers. For someone so young to just collapse if horrifyin, regardless of any prior injuries. I'll keep you updated as best I can thought the boys at The Blueland Chronicle will surely have better information.

Please be well, Pony.

The most wonderful time of the year

Hello again friends and readers! Today's post is brought to you by my virgin mobile phone (unlimited web and texting - $25/mo!). So sadly, no amazing pictures for you. I just wanted to drop in and say hi, and tell you I haven't forgotten about you (or my blog) but with no internet acess it's hard to be on the cutting edge of the blogosphere. But it matters not, as time still marches on and teams are getting ready to drop the puck on the 2010-11 season. Not that I'll get to see much of it, as we don't have cable either. Believe me when I tell you I'm mourning the loss of these two 21st century necessities.

I do have a few little tidbits for you. As it's late September, Kari Lehtonen has stuck to schedule and again injured his groin in his first preseason game. As always, get well soon Karppa!

In light of my inability to maintain the timeliness of my blog, I invite you to visit BFF blog: http://wisdomoflaich.blogspot.com It has teh fnny!

Until next time.

Check out Kari!

Hey if you still carry your torch for Kari (and let's be real, if you read this blog, you probably do!), go visit stars.nhl.com! Be wowed by the background and its implications!

That is all.

Kari stuff

Hey, remember me? What's up? Long time no talk.

So I was surfing through random stuff today, and came across this article. I thought a few of you would be interested in the blurb below, especially considering Marty Turco's recent signing in Chicago:

His stellar performance over the final month of last season proved to the Stars that Lehtonen would be a worthy successor to Turco and earned him the contract extension, which will pay him $10.65 million ($3.55 million average per year) over the next three seasons.

Over the final 14 games, of which he started nine, Lehtonen sparkled, fashioning a 6-3-0 mark, including his 100th career victory, with a 2.44 goals-against average and .926 save percentage. 

“We’re moving forward with Kari,” Stars General Manager Joe Nieuwendyk said. “We’ve had a long tradition here of having premium goaltenders. Marty Turco has been a solid goaltender here for over a decade now and has done great things on and off the ice. But I just felt for the long-term success of our franchise, we needed to acquire Kari Lehtonen. I think the way he played in the last 10-12 games, his performance showed that with a good summer of training, we hope that he can be an elite goaltender once again like he was early in his career.”

Rock on, Karppa. I might even consider getting a Stars jersey and hopping that bandwagon (but staying on the Bruins' one at the same time!) .

All I've got for now. Lots of shit going on everywhere and it's too hard to keep up and do it all on a mobile phone (OMG I HAVE NO INTERNET AT HOME ANYMORE! OR TV! AND AM ABOUT TO LOSE HOME! HELLLLLLLP!).

Take 'er easy, friends and readers. Love yous guys.

Whoah, it's summer....

What's up, blog world? Welcome to summer, wherever in the real world you may be. I'm currently sporting sunburn (base tan?) #7 of the season, so clearly, it's been hot here for a while.

I know, I know, it's not OFFICIALLY summer until the SCF is over, but you know what? I honestly couldn't give a shit less about who wins it this year. I'm pissed off the Bruins fucked themselves out of their shot, and I'm happy it's not freakin' Detroit or Pittsburgh again. Other than that, I don't care.

A lot of bloggers are going through and grading the players on their season's performance. I'm not that kind of blogger. I mean, I'd be more than happy to give some grades, but I'm not gonna do any in-depth posting on why, nor giving an entire post to one player ('cept maybe Lucic. Or Krejci...). So here's my bare-bones thoughts on the tragic ending of a tragic season (at least it was consistent).

Marc Savard, was the veteran in the situation. Blaming Sobotka for the too-many-men penalty is bush league. He should be ashamed of himself. I'm not wearing his jersey again until November, unless he does some pretty spectacular shit in the opening month of the season. I'm not above hopping back on the Savvy bandwagon a little early.

The real Milan Lucic showed up in the playoffs. Where was he prior to that? Sure, playoffs give you the adrenaline and the push you need to do what needs to get done, but it would've been nice to see the beast in the regular season. Bring the playoffs-Looch back for next season. Not the injury-prone Looch.

The real David Krejci showed up with about 3 weeks left in the regular season. The Olympics brought out the best in him, and if he'd had the ability to pick up the entire Czech team and carry them to gold, he would have. But he can't be a goaltender, too. If he hadn't been injured, he would have added even more power to the team that won World's. Small consolation.

Dennis Wideman and Matt Hunwick, what the fuck? One of you is going to be gone next season. You only have yourselves to blame.

Johnny Boychuck, you are made of awesome. Am I the only person that's ever noticed that before every slapshot goal, he spins his stick in his hands? This, I believe, is the key to the goal. Not sure why, maybe it's the momentum. But for a journeyman everyone kept confusing with Zach Boychuk (maybe it was just me?), this guy's got the goods, and I demand he remain in Black and Gold for years to come.

Perhaps it is time for Zdeno Chara to step down as captain. Let Patrice Bergeron wear the C. I'm not necessarily talking shit about Z here, but he did not step up during playoffs, and aside from a soundbite after every game, there didn't appear to be a lot of captaining going on from #33.

Following that, Bergy, epitomizes the heart and soul of the Bruins. I can't fucking wait until next season to see what he's ready to do. Here's to hoping he has a team full of awesome to work with.

To all of the Bruins, Savvy excluded, I'm ashamed and hurt that so little was done in retaliation of Cooke's hit on Savard. Michael Ryder in particular.

Tuukka was the man for sure, but in this blogger's opinion, he was ridden a little too hard, too soon. Next season, I suggest doing what was done in 08-09, and splitting the games between he and Timmy. It's the logical solution.

Shawn Thornton, you keep being you.

Why couldn't Miro Satan play in the regular season like he did in the playoffs?

Vladimir Sobotka, welcome to the NHL. Keep on keeping on, but keep a closer eye on the line changes. If Vladi keeps playing the way he did this season, he should also be in the lineup for years to come. His points could come up, but he needs to consistently play centre for this to happen and not be stuck haphazardly on the wing every other game.

Marco Sturm's OT GWG in the Classic is all I really have to point to.

Dennis Seidenberg, we hardly knew ye. But what we saw was pretty tight. Bring back some more next season.

Mark Stuart and Marc Recchi, I love you both.

There were other guys on the team, but I can't remember who right now (hi, headache), so I'm wrapping up my summary now. Bruins' overall grade: C+ regular season, B+ playoffs.

The B's signed defenceman Yuri Alexandrov today to an entry level contract ($730k cap hit for next season). The only thing I can think of when I hear his name is this:

For full context, here's the video:

You're invited!

SPECIAL INVITATION
40th Anniversary Celebration of the 1970 Bruins Stanley Cup Victory
March 18, 2010 | Budweiser Legends Club, TD Garden | Post-game - 1:00 A.M.

On Thursday, March 18, 2010, the Boston Bruins will celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the 1970 Stanley Cup Championship.

As a Cybear member, we invite you to an exclusive post-game reception, where you will celebrate this special anniversary along side members of the 1970 Bruins Stanley Cup Team as well as the current Boston Bruins Roster.

Members of the 1970 team confirmed for this event include Bobby Orr, John Bucyk, Gary Doak, Ken Hodge, Eddie Johnston, Don Marcotte, John McKenzie, Derek Sanderson, Dallas Smith, Rick Smith, Fred Stanfield and Eddie Westfall in addition to coach Harry Sinden and trainer Dan Canney.

Tickets are available to you until March 1st at a discounted price of $250 per person. There is a 4 ticket maximum per order. Space for this special event is limited and orders will be fulfilled on a first come, first served basis. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Boston Bruins Charitable Foundation* and Boston Bruins Alumni Foundation.

CLICK HERE FOR VIP POST-GAME PARTY TICKETS

40th Anniversary Celebration Details:

Date: March 18, 2010
Time: Post-game - 1:00 A.M.
Place: Budweiser Legends Club, TD Garden
Dress Code: Jeans and sneakers are not permitted
Event Ticket: Ticket includes food, beverages and an exclusive gift. This ticket does not include admission into the game.

For Tickets for March 18 Pittsburgh vs. Bruins game, click one of the options below:
PURCHASE THROUGH TICKETMASTER | PURCHASE THROUGH TICKETEXCHANGE

Please note while you are encouraged to take photos, autographs will not be allowed.

For questions or more information contact Sarah Higgins by CLICKING HERE

* The Boston Bruins Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation whose mission is to assist charitable organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to enhancing the quality of life for children throughout New England. Since its inception in July 2003 by the Jacobs Family, it has raised more than $4 million dollars through a series of fundraising events. The Foundation, which provides grants to organizations that meet the standards of its mission, concentrates on athletics, academics, health, and community outreach programs that assist in helping enrich the lives of children throughout New England.

Lehtonen says the trade "was a big shock"

Found this on a blog called Defending Big D. I'm not surprised it was a shock to Kari that he'd been traded, particularly considering how GMs are more and more likely to treat their players as no more than commodities, not people. That said, the rest of his quotes were particularly positive, and here's to hoping he really does well in Dallas. Side note, he will not be appearing in the green and gold (green and black? I have no idea.) until after the Olympic break.

"It's a big opportunity for me. I had some rough times in Atlanta and some good times. Now I can start with a clean sheet and I just have to do well and play well. That's what I believe I can give."

"I had a feeling something might happen in Atlanta. I didn't know who of the three goalies in Atlanta it might be, but when it happened yesterday it was quite a big shock," he said. "I am really happy right now and I am grateful to the Stars that they want to give me a chance."

On the health of his back:
"It's been good. The last few weeks have been great and I didn't have any issues when I went on my conditioning stint in the minors. I had no issues with my back, so that made me very happy. It's a relief that it finally feels good."

"The last two years I've battling with this back issue and hopefully now it's behind me. It's something that I can't worry too much, because if I start thinking about if something is going to happen, I'm not focusing on the right things like stopping the puck."

Onnea, Kärppä, ja onnittelut. Minä rakastan sinua!

Lehtonen headed to the Big D... probably

According to ESPN and Bob McKenzie, the Stars are near to completing a deal that'll send Kari Lehtonen to Dallas for defenceman Ivan Vishnevsky and a 4th round pick in the 2010 draft.

So long and thanks for the memories, Atlanta.

Kovalchuk traded to Devils

Per USA Today, Ilya Kovalchuk and Anssi Salmela have been traded to the New Jersey Devils. This comes on the heels of Kovy turning down the Thrashers' $101m/12yr contract offer earlier today.

Atlanta received Johnny Oduya (D), Niclas Bergfors (RW), Team Canada U-20 Captain Patrice Cormier (F) (yes, THAT Patrice Cormier, he of the Peoples' Elbow on Mikael Tam (article/video #2)- interestingly enough, his 2nd major elbowing offence, the first occurring against Anton Rodin during the Canada/Sweden WJC game in December of 2009. ) and a 1st round pick in 2010. The teams will also swap their 2010 2nd round picks.

Good luck with that, Jersey. And good luck with the trap, Kovy.

I've been sick, things happened.

Yeah sorry about not updating since whenever. I've been pretty sick. The Bruins have been pretty laissez-faire. The Leafs, while I don't really give too much of a crap other than about Schenn, have been downright fucktacular. So what's there been to write about. Let's see, I think I can sum up every thing I've missed in a few bullet points.

• Milan Lucic came back from his high ankle sprain and it's taken him about 6 games to start rounding back into form, and took I think 5 for him to score. 
• Marc Savard came back from a tweaked MCL and it took him one game to set up Lucic, and to get the 17-91-81 line back together. Please note: I will never, ever, ever NOT find it hilarious that 17-91-81 is back together with SATAN on the 81 jersey. Irony is my favourite mistress. 
• Marco Sturm came back from something or the other and scored in his first game back.
• Patrice Bergeron came back from a broken thumb and scored in, I believe? His first game back. 
• David Krejci did an almost admirable job of centring the top line whilst the other top centres were out.
• Vladimir Sobotka was awesome.
• Marc Recchi should never be allowed to take faceoffs unless someone else is tossed out of the circle.
• Somehow the Bruins beat the Sharks while missing their top 3 centres, and 3 of their top defencemen. Zdeno Chara taking a slapshot from 15' away in the shootout was one of the greatest things ever.
• Everyone hates Dennis Wideman. I don't. I think he is still pretty great. He's just having the same shitty streak half the team seems to be having. What's up with some dumb bitch going to the PJ Drive and asking him to sign a "How to Skate" book and nagging him about how he sucks? I don't see her out there playing in the NHL. Nice fanship, twatwaffle. 
• I think the Leafs won a game in January.

Then there is the oft-churning rumour mill spouting that the Bruins are looking to pick up Ilya Kovalchuk and/or Dion Phaneuf, with the word in the pipeline that Atlanta wants a player, a prospect, and a pick for Kovy. First off, I find that hard to believe. Unless the player is like, Evgeni Malkin. If Kovy came to Boston, the only untouchable player  in the trade coffers would be Marc Savard, because the whole point of putting Kovy in Black and Gold would be to reunite that scoring tandem. Add in the fact that there's no player on the current roster that any GM in his right mind would give up, that would free up enough cap space, and that Chia-pet has already said there's a better chance of the Leafs winning the Cup this year than there is of him trading that pick he got for Kessel.... Kovy ain't coming to Boston.

And then I come online before dinner to find out the Leafs made a blockbuster trade for Gigurere and Phaneuf. And really, all I have to say about that is, maybe Jason Blake can get some colour on his pale ass out in California, and thank fucking GOD Phaneuf isn't going to Boston. Someone let me know when Burke fires Wilson and I might start paying attention to the Leafs again. Poor Luke Schenn. On the plus side, at least for Schenn, he's now got a new buddy (who's been assigned straightaway to the Marlies) in the system in Keith Aulie, former Wheat King and teammate of a one Brayden Schenn. Find the positives where you can, people.

The Bruins have actually started playing really well, and frankly would've won last night if Thomas' backward momentum on Dustin Brown's shootout goal hadn't slid him and the puck into the net. The Bruins SHOULD have won that game, all things considered. Yeah, sure, they only really delivered about 50 minutes of 65, but you can see last year's Bruins finally starting to come back together. God damned shame it's taken 4 months of the season. And with 2 points separating 6th from 12th in the Eastern Conference.... it should be a fun spring.

Lastly, I would like to say that I love Jack Edwards. No one has more fun than him. And Andy Brickley who has the joy of sitting next to him night in, night out, often wondering when he'll get that 7 second delay and a censor button. Here was last night's (and probably the year's) GEM from Edwards, to kick off the overtime period:

"Krejci and Wheeler are the forwards for Claude Julien in this overtime, with Matt Hunwick and Johnny Bucyk on defence." Insert very long silence where Brick must have just been staring at Jack open mouthed while Jack waited for him to say something, then he realised his mistake. "Oh! I mean Boychuk. Haha, I bet Johnny Bucyk wishes he was out there, eh? Well, they're both from Edmonton, there must be some relation somewhere down the line."

The caveat in this is that, yes, Bucyk and Boychuk are derivatives of the same Ukranian last name, bastardised upon entry into North America, and while I suppose at first glance, the two look similar, I can't really figure out how one could forget that Johnny Bucyk hasn't laced 'em up for the Black and Gold since 1978, and was actually a left winger, not a d-man. But hey, whatever, you win some, you lose some. Well played though, Jack.

Up next for the Bruins are the mighty Caps, who will be missing defenceman Mike Green for the game, who threw an irresponsible peoples' elbow at someone's head and got himself a 3 game suspension. Here's to hoping last year's Bruins show up for this one as well.

Congrats on your 3 wins in January, Boston!

But I'm not all doom, gloom, and sarcasm. A friend of mine found the greatest photo ever of Marc Savard, and I will share it with you, because that's how I do. While probably the most innocuous split-second in a long-forgotten game, this, people, is the reason to get into sports photography. Because every once in a thousand photos, you get something like this:

And that, my friends, is a beauty.

Figuring shit out

I haven't really known wtf to say about either the 'Hawks or Leafs games yet. I mean, Krejci was amazing in the Hawks game, and wow that building is quiet during play. It only really got loud if there was a good play, a hit, or a goal.  Then in the Leafs game, the B's came out hard, and the Leafs seemed pretty willing to keep giving them the puck. But yeah, I'm gonna blame the past two losses on Stuart, Wideman, Morris (HALF THE D-CORPS!) being out. I'm not going to finger point any particular player and say step it up... OK yes I am. Marc Savard, step it the fuck up already. This time last year you had 29 assists. Right now you have 8. You gonna let Big Joe outshine you like this? That's so not right.

There's also a little something that's been nagging at me. Three games Schenn sits out, the Leafs handily win two. His first return he plays 19:44, the Leafs lose. Second game, against the B's, he played 10:48, and they won. Stats don't tell all the tales, and his physical play was definitely up to par (I particularly liked watching he and Sobotka go at it (btw, it's Suh-boat-kuh, not Soh-bot-kah)), but it's little things like that that make me curious. Can one defenceman make that much of an impact on a team's W/L record? I know THREE can. Or the absence of three.

Also: RE Boychuk's hit on Stajan... first off, Happy Birthday, Matty! Keep your head up. Secondly, yeah I can see how people would say, it was a headshot, Johnny should be suspended, but he shouldn't. Stajan had his knees bent, he was in a defencive crouch stature, his head was down, and Johnny's kind of tall. He didn't leave his feet until the contact had been made and STAJAN NEEDS TO KEEP HIS HEAD UP. Especially in the neutral zone, c'mon. That's where the greatest open-ice hits happen! I will say I'm confused why Chara didn't get a penalty after the ensuing melee, and it's always nice to see Komisarek bleeding. But that was just a game lost due to inexperience on the blue line. Hunwick, Chara and Ference can't do it all alone. Tuukka needs his guys in front of him knowing what to do.

In other news, what's the word on who's going to be in net for the Classic? Here is what I think. Timmy, I love you, I really go - GO CATS GO! - and I get that you're the current Vezina winner. But right now, last night excepted, Tuukka has the hot glove. Unless that goes downhill significantly over the next week and some, I really think Rask should start. Now maybe they can switch off halfway through? But that makes it more of a ... "we're not so serious about the 2 points as we are the novelty of being in Fenway." It's a tough decision that'll have to be made. And we'll see over the next 5 games who plays their way into the spot. But man I'd hate to be either of those guys right now.

Pictures later. I have windows to cover with insulating film (YAY SNOW!).

I bring you some funny

No B's or Leafs games this week, although quite a bit of news, but I'm not what you'd call "a news source," so why bother trying to be the 2nd person in the world to re-phrase and re-post a Google alert? You, my readers, are intelligent peeps. I'm sure you'd know stuff without me having to inform you. So instead! I bring you funniness!

First off, Milan Lucic explains to Maxim magazine why getting punched in 30f/-1c weather sucks. While watching, some of you may recall my rather graphic physics lesson in my earlier post. Aha! Found it on YouTube!



Next up, from MLIA (if you don't read this site, you're banished from my blog until you do):

Today, I was watching an NHL game, in the backround you could hear Party In the USA playing at the rink. The camera zoomed onto the teams captain, he was singing along to the song. MLIA

Who was it? Who so badly represented their team's C that they sang along to MILEY CYRUS ON CAMERA?? They better have daughters, whoever they are, because that's the only acceptable excuse for knowing the words to that tramp's songs. Britney, however, is perfectly acceptable.

Third, I heard, as I'm sure you all have, that Mark "Ironman" Stuart is out 4-6 weeks with a broken sternum. And kept playing the remainder of the game AFTER breaking his sternum, at full throttle. That's not the funny part. I also read that he's in a body cast. Still not the funny part. Wondering if said body cast included the aluminum props to hold his arms to the side, I googled "sternum cast." Here comes the funny part. Click that link. For the low-low price of only $40 you can buy a cast of a human hand in puzzle form! For another $20 you can get the hand already put together. I'm considering purchasing one of these for the next time someone asks me for a hand.


By the way, if you were wondering WTF a sternum is, it's the dagger-shaped bone at the front of your chest that steadies your ribs in a protective cage around your heart. And yes, playing with that particular bone broken is foolish and a little reckless, but when are hockey players NOT a little foolish and reckless when it comes to winning games? Does anyone know what a broken sternum body cast looks like? Photos appreciated. Poor Stuey. He had 246 consecutive NHL games played, including playoffs, until, well, tonight. I believe Krejci is the next guy on the team with the Ironman record: 192 consecutive NHL games played, 93 of those with a badly injured hip. Go Krejc go!

Lastly, Mr Luke Schenn will be giving up his press-box seat in favour of a uniform tonight vs. the Sabres. There's a nice article in the Sun about his return, and frankly? I would LOVE to see what would happen if Crazy Ron slapped him upside the head. Anyone else think Luke would punch him as strictly a reactionary measure? I hope Luke used some of his time off to visit a boxing gym and learn how to properly make a fist and throw a punch. I will congratulate Luke on nailing some of the best hockey cliches while being scratched. In my Milan Lucic is to Bill Clinton as Sidney Crosby is to Hilary... Luke tends to fall more on the Hilary side of wooden-ness with the media.

But no, seriously. Who the hell was singing Party in the USA? Have them stripped of their captaincy immediately unless they have daughters.

The good and the bad

Good

FWH long-time friend Robbie Schremp scored his first NHL goal tonight against Vezina-winning goaltender Tim Thomas. You go Tater Tot! Keep 'er up! Just not against the B's, eh? Love you!

Signature Schrempie knee-drop fist-pump.

Now THAT'S goal love.

Bad
Luke Schenn is a healthy scratch. Was it the turnover that led to Krejci's goal that sealed the deal? I'm not sure. I took way too much joy in the Bruins' win to notice any additional mistakes he may have made. I just hope that this serves to bolster him and strengthen his resolve, rather than weaken him further and rattle him and his game.

 

Sad Luke. =[ At least he has on a new suit?

Thanks to Sasky for the screen cap.