Hockey

Growing up, hockey was my life. I didn't start until I was 7 which meant I was 3 years behind everyone else and the one tripping over the sticks I was supposed to jump over and skidding into the boards I was supposed to avoid. On top of that I perfected the backwards non skate and the flutter slap shot. For most people, that would have been enough of a sign that basketball's a good sport too, but I just couldn't quit, I loved the game that much. The universal smell of the rink, the crisp air on my face, the electricity felt from of a tape to tape pass and the euphoria of a shot in the top corner. As a kid, I didn't even care if we won as long as we played. As time passed others disagreed. Winning was the point and pasting people into the boards drew the cheers. The last two years of my hockey career involved me kissing the boards and dreading the games. I quit, defeated at 15, and took up basketball instead.

17 years later, opportunity knocked and I was pleased to discover the electritcy had never left. Playing against guys who hadn't taken a break, the first few months nearly killed me but as time passed my legs got with the program and I began to remember how the game was supposed to be played. By the end of the season I no longer stood out in a bad way, well, not as often. This season is over but as long as my legs keep working, I'm hooked for life.

Speaking of hooked, is it just me or is the NHL 1o times faster and grittier then ever before. I've watched nearly every Canuck game and all the Caps/Penguins games and man, the speed, the passes, the hits, the shots. Its almost hard to believe the players are human and not some digitized game. Watching Ovechkin, Backstrom, Crosby and Malkin go head to head is mind blowing. I know I'm a biased prairie Canadian boy but I just can't understand how hockey, especially playoff hockey, isn't more popular. The TV ratings continue to suck in the US, even here in Canada, and it just boggles my mind. Granted, hockey has become more of a business in recent years but still the product is exciting if not addicting.

Angie for one, just can't get into it. She tries, but a few minutes pass before she's reaching for something, anything else to occupy her attention. I bug her asking sarcastically if she has a heart beat but she just smiles and says "they're all overpaid." I get it, I guess. But still, I can't help but think if we're Canadians, we have no choice. Hockey's in our blood. Its the one thing that unites us, no matter our race, religion, or political views. Yes, all the Canadian teams are out, but still, there's a ton of Canadians still playing, just on other teams.

I don't care if you love hockey, hate it or are so indifferent you almost didn't read this because its about hockey, I challenge each and every one of you to watch Game 7 between the Penguins and Captials tomorrow night. The game involves 4 of the top players in the world and they're all laying it out for one shot at the cup. Winner moves on, loser goes home. Every game leading up to this has been incredible, 4 have been decided by overtime. Ovechkin vs. Crosby. It'll be one for the ages! Some would even say ELECTRIC.

John

Hole in our Gospel

This past week Rich Stearns, CEO of World Vision came out with his first book. A Hole in our Gospel. Bill Hybels was so taken by the book he bought 10,000 copies and gave one to every family at Willow Creek. I bought 1 for my family and maybe you should too. Check out this inspiring video and the website for more info. http://www.theholeinourgospel.com/videos/

Here's what Bono had to say about Rich - "His form of worship is to be the eyes of the blind and the feet of the lame. Rich Stearns is much more than a powerful voice in the fight against AIDS and extreme poverty; he is an action hero."

John

P.S. In other news, 9 million children will die this year due to preventable diseases. As depressing as this reality is and as much as I try to insulate myself so I don't have to react, I find its good to be reminded every once and awhile.

P.P.S. Every penny Rich makes on the sales of his book go directly to World Vision reducing the above statistic.

Proud dad

My facebook status says I'm a proud dad. The good kind of proud. Here's why.

The big Ethan man joined Cubs this year, or Boy Scouts if you're Cubiliterate. The first few weeks was a fight to get him to go. He didn't know anyone, didn't know what to expect and he really didn't want to wear the uniform. Ethan's not a uniformy kind of guy. Anyways, we've kept him in and each week he's complained less and less (he's yet to recieve his uniform so that may be playing a role). Over time he's been crowned Champion of the annual Kub Kar Races and he's even made a Cub friend named Jake. When he first starting attending he'd say to me "Just so you know, I'm not gonna make a friend just to make a friend, besides we may not even end up living here so it would be a waste of time," -which. . .the boy's got a point, but what 8 yr old is that practical? Still he's come a long way and is graduallly becoming more people brave. Especially after this past weekend.

Last Tuesday at Cubs, they passed out forms for this Star Wars themed camp that was in 3 days. Not much notice I thought to myself but still the camp sounded amazing. I thought it would be too bad Ethan wouldn't be there. (it was 3 days long and an hour and a half away). Seconds after I made Ethan's mind up for him, he trotted up to me with the form and said "so, guess I got camp this weekend." Yes you do I said, trying to hide my shock.

When I dropped him off on Friday, he fought back tears a bit but finally composed himself, gave me a tight smile and said "see you in 3 days." Walking back to the car I had tears of my own inspired by an 8 year old who fought fear for the greater good. I had given one of his leaders my cell phone number and expected it to ring of the hook all weekend but Ethan didn't call once (even though I carried it everywhere). In fact I was the one who finally caved, calling his Scout leader. When he answered he was like" uh, he's having fun, so why don't you just let him have fun." I hung up a tad embarassed as I never thought I was "that" parent. When we picked him up on Sunday he was beating a girl mercilessly with his styrofoam Lightsaber which is noble, right. Guess he had fun I said to the Scout leader. ha. As we drove away, Ethan asked me why I was wearing suit. Truth be told, I was wearing jeans, crocs and a button up I got on clearance at Sport Chek which has since made me think I must suck at style. Wow. So bad.

Actually, speaking of no style, yesterday morning I walked out in what I thought was a pretty snazzy church outfit. Maddie looked up from her cereal and said "hmm, nice dad" and then quickly looked down. As we headed out the door I put on my crocs which I guess was too much because Maddie said "No dad, you can't. You can't wear Crocs with that outfit. Maybe if you wore jeans it would work." I looked down at my cream pants, white button up and newly wiped shiny black crocs and knew she was right. I changed quickly and was a little shamed by the stark relief in my 10 year old's face. Apparently my sense of style is unemployed too.

I could make this post even longer and brag about my other kids like how Maddie's taken up basketball with me, learning things like how Beef and picturing a phone booth can actually help your arc and I could even rave about Alexa and how in this entire 6 month adventure of unemployment she's never complained once about our cramped living arrangement. I could even rave about my wife, having to wait nearly a year before having a nest once more but that would take too long, so I'll just say it again. This time louder and a little bit prouder.

I'm a proud Dad. The good kind of proud.

John

P.S. Job hunt is going great. Prospects are really good. More on that soon.