So my last post was a weepy tribute to Trevor Linden, eh. Can't really deny that, although to be fair, I didn't actually weep. YET. (Although that Giada picture almost made me puke.)
Alright, let's discuss the Canucks this season. I tried to believe in blue, I really did. But they let me down every time. What went wrong? I'm no hockey expert, but in my opinion, these are some of the issues:
1) Luongo being good, but not great. Why? Who knows. Maybe he's just not the superhuman Canucks fans wanted him to be.
2) Nazzy. Not the same since the Steve Moore/Bertuzzi disaster. Too much pressure to perform? Poor leadership skills? I don't know... I still like him.
3) Coach's "system" of defence first - um... unsuccessful this year, to say the least.
4) Lack of scoring.... although I think this is eclipsed by the lack of defence and inability to hold onto a lead. Losing 4-0, 7-1, 6-3, and so on - that's just unacceptable.
Now as for the future ... I think it goes without saying that the Canucks need to make changes. I am hoping that these changes will not translate into ticket price hikes for season ticket holders, but who are we kidding here - they'll always raise prices. (AND they took away my soft serve ice cream, only the best deal at GM Place. Thanks a lot.) Well. So begins the rebuilding. Oh dear - I sound like an Oilers fan.
Showing posts with label Canucks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Canucks. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Sunday, April 06, 2008
The end of an era
Char has already talked about saying goodbye to Trevor Linden, but I'll add my two cents' worth. I've watched Trevor since before the 94 playoffs, although I wasn't a huge hockey fan until around that time. In 1994 I was in grade 9 and I remember the glory of watching the team go to the Stanley Cup finals. I remember seeing Trevor's face when he scored the game-winning goal in game 6, and seeing the utter sadness and exhaustion after losing in game 7. And why do I remember? Because Trevor's entire heart was in the Canucks. His emotions rose and fell with each win and loss. You knew that he was a true leader because he inspired his teammates to play better. And his emotions were our emotions. When I think of the Canucks, I think of Trevor.
I remember when that jerk and that other jerk forced Linden to give up his "C" (okay, that might be my version of the story, but whatever), when he was traded, and best of all, when he was traded back to the Canucks. The past two seasons have been tough as a Trevor fan, since it seems obvious that the current coach hates him... even after he was the best player in the playoffs and scored the game-winning goal in the longest game of my life (on my birthday!) But through it all, Trevor has never been a complainer. At least on the outside, he appears to have accepted his change in role without losing his passion for the game, and his devotion to the team. He isn't the most skilled player anymore, and he probably doesn't have the stamina he used to. But he is a true competitor and Canuck for life - and I think, a great example to kids and adults everywhere.
Here's to Trevor Linden, #16. You gave us many great years and a ton of memories. I wish you weren't retiring (and I suppose you haven't actually said you are yet) but I'm glad I got to see you play this season. Please become the head coach soon. The Canucks are in need of serious help.
I remember when that jerk and that other jerk forced Linden to give up his "C" (okay, that might be my version of the story, but whatever), when he was traded, and best of all, when he was traded back to the Canucks. The past two seasons have been tough as a Trevor fan, since it seems obvious that the current coach hates him... even after he was the best player in the playoffs and scored the game-winning goal in the longest game of my life (on my birthday!) But through it all, Trevor has never been a complainer. At least on the outside, he appears to have accepted his change in role without losing his passion for the game, and his devotion to the team. He isn't the most skilled player anymore, and he probably doesn't have the stamina he used to. But he is a true competitor and Canuck for life - and I think, a great example to kids and adults everywhere.
Here's to Trevor Linden, #16. You gave us many great years and a ton of memories. I wish you weren't retiring (and I suppose you haven't actually said you are yet) but I'm glad I got to see you play this season. Please become the head coach soon. The Canucks are in need of serious help.
Monday, February 11, 2008
The Joy of Parenting
Being a parent to a dog is, I think, a lot more fun than being a real parent.
Of course, I wouldn't know.
But anyway. This morning I was very upset. The dog woke up to pee as usual around 6:30 and I looked outside before letting her out - it was dark. I turned on the light, opened the door, and she ran outside. As she was peeing I saw what I thought was a cat run out towards her from behind our shed - but it turned out to be a giant raccoon. Thankfully, it only took a few steps towards the dog, and even better, the dog came back in when I called her. It was a scary moment. I hate raccoons.... the ones that live around here are constantly tipping over our garbage cans and rummaging through the crap. (Not literally crap.) Maybe if they learned to put the cans back up and the lids on, I'd be less disgusted by them.
Do you ever wonder why God created certain animals? I wonder this about mosquitoes, rodents of most kinds, raccoons (are those rodents?), wasps, silverfish (so gross!)...
Anyway. PJ requested a post about the Canucks. I've decided not to post about the Canucks at all, however. We'll see what happens when it comes to the post-season... if we are in it at all!
The dog is over 20 pounds now. I hope she isn't growing too fast... she doesn't look fat, so maybe she's just piling on the muscle. Next to other church dogs, she is a giant.... but in puppy school, she's still just a midget and she freaks out when other dogs try to play with her a little roughly. She doesn't seem to mind the rough play with smaller dogs. Maybe she's just a bully!
Of course, I wouldn't know.
But anyway. This morning I was very upset. The dog woke up to pee as usual around 6:30 and I looked outside before letting her out - it was dark. I turned on the light, opened the door, and she ran outside. As she was peeing I saw what I thought was a cat run out towards her from behind our shed - but it turned out to be a giant raccoon. Thankfully, it only took a few steps towards the dog, and even better, the dog came back in when I called her. It was a scary moment. I hate raccoons.... the ones that live around here are constantly tipping over our garbage cans and rummaging through the crap. (Not literally crap.) Maybe if they learned to put the cans back up and the lids on, I'd be less disgusted by them.
Do you ever wonder why God created certain animals? I wonder this about mosquitoes, rodents of most kinds, raccoons (are those rodents?), wasps, silverfish (so gross!)...
Anyway. PJ requested a post about the Canucks. I've decided not to post about the Canucks at all, however. We'll see what happens when it comes to the post-season... if we are in it at all!
The dog is over 20 pounds now. I hope she isn't growing too fast... she doesn't look fat, so maybe she's just piling on the muscle. Next to other church dogs, she is a giant.... but in puppy school, she's still just a midget and she freaks out when other dogs try to play with her a little roughly. She doesn't seem to mind the rough play with smaller dogs. Maybe she's just a bully!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Step off, please
This morning I was reading a blog where the writer was talking about his sadness over his wife's recent miscarriage, and I read through some of the comments. One started with something like "Honey, don't feel bad that you are sad about this..."
I *hate* when strangers start their sentences with "Honey" or "Sweetie". It's irritating and patronizing. As well, it most often accompanies some sort of self-righteous statement. Eg, "Honey, you don't know grief until you lose a parent like I have." Unless you are an 86-year-old woman, or my husband, kindly refrain from referring to me as honey or sweetie or sweetheart. Someone once called me sweetheart on some sort of forum and then implied that I had no idea what I was talking about. This is of course untrue as I always know what I am talking about. Nonetheless, I was irritated.
Maybe I'm just a little tired because I arrived at work when it was still dark. I am not a fan of mornings.
Ok, next topic. PJ asked for a post about the Canucks. Well, I'll be the first to admit that they've stunk it up on more than one occasion this year. I went back to my old posts and saw that my Canucks rant last year was on November 15, 2006, so apparently we are a little ahead of schedule. If there's one thing to say about the Canucks, it's that they never fail to disappoint me at least once every season. Consistency is key.
Oh well! Last time I ranted about them, they actually won a few games. I still have faith. :D Frankly I think they need to put Trevor in instead of benching him in favour of the lackeys. Come ON!
I *hate* when strangers start their sentences with "Honey" or "Sweetie". It's irritating and patronizing. As well, it most often accompanies some sort of self-righteous statement. Eg, "Honey, you don't know grief until you lose a parent like I have." Unless you are an 86-year-old woman, or my husband, kindly refrain from referring to me as honey or sweetie or sweetheart. Someone once called me sweetheart on some sort of forum and then implied that I had no idea what I was talking about. This is of course untrue as I always know what I am talking about. Nonetheless, I was irritated.
Maybe I'm just a little tired because I arrived at work when it was still dark. I am not a fan of mornings.
Ok, next topic. PJ asked for a post about the Canucks. Well, I'll be the first to admit that they've stunk it up on more than one occasion this year. I went back to my old posts and saw that my Canucks rant last year was on November 15, 2006, so apparently we are a little ahead of schedule. If there's one thing to say about the Canucks, it's that they never fail to disappoint me at least once every season. Consistency is key.
Oh well! Last time I ranted about them, they actually won a few games. I still have faith. :D Frankly I think they need to put Trevor in instead of benching him in favour of the lackeys. Come ON!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
It's still my party
It's my birthday again and I am approaching the age at which I don't feel like telling people how old I am for fear that they will say "Wow, I thought you were MUCH older", which would be offensive, or "Wow, I thought you were younger than that", which would make me feel unaccomplished.
So far, an excellent birthday. Hubby sent me two dozen of my favourite roses (some things never change) and yesterday we went to the Canucks game, where in a game I thought would never end, we won. (I guess that is a little different from last year.) Ah, nothing beats Canuck playoff atmosphere. There was a tailgate party outside where free hot dogs were being given out as well as samples of some weird energy drink. We had already eaten so I didn't partake in the hot dog affair. I really regretted this in or around the second overtime, when the food stands were all closed and my hunger rushed back. By the third overtime, people near me with obviously superior energy levels and possibly fuller tummies were still chanting "M-V-P" at Luongo... while my chant was "I wanna go! I wanna eat!"
In any event, towels were waved, voices were lost, and we won the game just after it was officially my birthday. Both Trevor and I can celebrate our birthdays properly now.
I don't have much to reflect on or anything this year. It's been three years since we were engaged, so that means we are almost at our two year anniversary. Life is good. I can't complain. The hubby cooks for me and really, can one ask for more than that? I think not. Work is going well except that sometimes I hate my job. But I don't really. It's just that I hate having to think so hard ALL THE LIVE LONG DAY. Heh.
Praise God for the many blessings he has given me!
So far, an excellent birthday. Hubby sent me two dozen of my favourite roses (some things never change) and yesterday we went to the Canucks game, where in a game I thought would never end, we won. (I guess that is a little different from last year.) Ah, nothing beats Canuck playoff atmosphere. There was a tailgate party outside where free hot dogs were being given out as well as samples of some weird energy drink. We had already eaten so I didn't partake in the hot dog affair. I really regretted this in or around the second overtime, when the food stands were all closed and my hunger rushed back. By the third overtime, people near me with obviously superior energy levels and possibly fuller tummies were still chanting "M-V-P" at Luongo... while my chant was "I wanna go! I wanna eat!"
In any event, towels were waved, voices were lost, and we won the game just after it was officially my birthday. Both Trevor and I can celebrate our birthdays properly now.
I don't have much to reflect on or anything this year. It's been three years since we were engaged, so that means we are almost at our two year anniversary. Life is good. I can't complain. The hubby cooks for me and really, can one ask for more than that? I think not. Work is going well except that sometimes I hate my job. But I don't really. It's just that I hate having to think so hard ALL THE LIVE LONG DAY. Heh.
Praise God for the many blessings he has given me!
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Midnight at the oasis
Er... I mean... 7PM at the Garage....
Much to my delight, Chatty McChatterson didn't show up for last night's game. I got confused by what hubby said, but apparently she is not a half season ticket holder - she shares a full season ticket package between four friends or some such nonsense. If you haven't heard, Chatty McChatterson is my current nemesis at the Canucks games. Former nemeses (?) include the drunkards in the Molson Canadian zone and the girl who kicked me in the back last year. Some of you may have met Chatty, or, had the misfortune of sitting next to her. She has the ability to talk through an entire game and yes, drown out the crowd with her tinny (no, I don't mean tiny) but piercing voice. Plus, she likes to turn her head so it faces my ear in order to talk. And the stuff she talks about relates in no way to the game. It's all about how she broke up with this guy (a likely story) or how some friend or other has done something stupid (sure, a "friend"). Very irritating.
Last night, Chatty's other friends, Clueless and More Clueless showed up instead. I was thrilled - at first. Sadly, last night, GMC Chevrolet decided to give out these ridiculous "bambam" sticks - you know, those inflatable ones that make an insufferable noise when you hit them together - often seen at basketball games. More Clueless decided that he needed to hit them together at every possible occasion. Now, I'm all about cheering, screaming, clapping, and even hitting the bambam sticks when the Canucks score. But is it necessary to smack the sticks EVERY time the mascot bangs on his drum, even when the mascot is halfway across the arena? Or to continue banging the sticks when even the people in front of you (also in possession of sticks) look at you in disgust? I hate to say it, but Clueless and More Clueless made me long for the days of Chatty McChatterson. I actually said out loud, "Where's Chatty.... I miss her."
It's official - I've lost my mind.
Edit: I forgot to tell you that despite the Chatty gang, it was a great game! Very exciting! And here are the bonus parts to last night:
Much to my delight, Chatty McChatterson didn't show up for last night's game. I got confused by what hubby said, but apparently she is not a half season ticket holder - she shares a full season ticket package between four friends or some such nonsense. If you haven't heard, Chatty McChatterson is my current nemesis at the Canucks games. Former nemeses (?) include the drunkards in the Molson Canadian zone and the girl who kicked me in the back last year. Some of you may have met Chatty, or, had the misfortune of sitting next to her. She has the ability to talk through an entire game and yes, drown out the crowd with her tinny (no, I don't mean tiny) but piercing voice. Plus, she likes to turn her head so it faces my ear in order to talk. And the stuff she talks about relates in no way to the game. It's all about how she broke up with this guy (a likely story) or how some friend or other has done something stupid (sure, a "friend"). Very irritating.
Last night, Chatty's other friends, Clueless and More Clueless showed up instead. I was thrilled - at first. Sadly, last night, GMC Chevrolet decided to give out these ridiculous "bambam" sticks - you know, those inflatable ones that make an insufferable noise when you hit them together - often seen at basketball games. More Clueless decided that he needed to hit them together at every possible occasion. Now, I'm all about cheering, screaming, clapping, and even hitting the bambam sticks when the Canucks score. But is it necessary to smack the sticks EVERY time the mascot bangs on his drum, even when the mascot is halfway across the arena? Or to continue banging the sticks when even the people in front of you (also in possession of sticks) look at you in disgust? I hate to say it, but Clueless and More Clueless made me long for the days of Chatty McChatterson. I actually said out loud, "Where's Chatty.... I miss her."
It's official - I've lost my mind.
Edit: I forgot to tell you that despite the Chatty gang, it was a great game! Very exciting! And here are the bonus parts to last night:
- We found free parking very close by. If you're nice to us, we'll tell you where it is.
- We had enough time to eat before the game and bought sushi at T&T. $12 for a meal for two at T&T sure beats $50 at GM Place.
- I found a Starbucks card with 88 cents left on it. It's like a Chinese person's dream. Haha!
- I got a cool new jacket, and the hubby got one too, but his was 40% off. Smashing deal.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Warmth! Need warmth!
So, it's finally the weekend and my stress level hasn't gone down yet. Maybe by next Friday when I will surely need a stiff drink. Except that I don't like to drink. Oh well. Maybe just a fancy coffee - if we win.
The hubby is out at his Christmas party right now and I'm at home. Strange as it may be, I've never actually been to one of his Christmas parties. He always says I won't like it. Probably true - I am not a huge fan of some of his friends. I'm currently watching the Canucks play last year's Stanley Cup champs. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLL... sorry - had to interrupt there. I sold this game to the husband of the lawyer who spent time with me in Campbell River - hopefully he's enjoying this game. Oh... umm... Carolina just scored. Ah well.
Some of you are probably aware that instead of studying, writing theses, or spending time with his family, PJ visits my blog (and others) and often comments on posts about the Canucks. Now I must say, as a season ticket holder and longtime fan, I have earned the right to bash the Canucks once in a while - and I am not a bandwagon fan so I actually do not bash them often at all. But I take offence when someone who has never been a Canucks fan bashes the Canucks. It's kinda like how I find it offensive when someone who isn't Chinese cracks a joke about Chinese people, but when someone who is Chinese does.... I laugh and laugh. I completely disagree that the Canucks are spiralling down into the toilet (as was suggested by PJ over here) ... but I suppose everyone's entitled to their opinion. What am I saying? Everyone is entitled to MY opinion. Stop differing from my opinion!
Onto non-hockey topics. Since the hubby isn't home tonight, I was forced to make my own dinner. Tragic, I know. I am never very creative when I have to cook, particularly if I'm just cooking for myself. So, I made my favourite comfort food - that's right - soupy noodles. Noodles are fabulous when you're feeling cold. As my mom always says, I could eat plain noodles and still be happy. Although I did make some dumplings (comfort food #2) to go with my noodles. I'd suggest that the reason I love noodles is because I'm half Shanghainese, but my brother isn't as much of a noodle fan. Maybe it's because I LOOK Shanghainese and he doesn't. Haha!
What's your comfort food?
The hubby is out at his Christmas party right now and I'm at home. Strange as it may be, I've never actually been to one of his Christmas parties. He always says I won't like it. Probably true - I am not a huge fan of some of his friends. I'm currently watching the Canucks play last year's Stanley Cup champs. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLL... sorry - had to interrupt there. I sold this game to the husband of the lawyer who spent time with me in Campbell River - hopefully he's enjoying this game. Oh... umm... Carolina just scored. Ah well.
Some of you are probably aware that instead of studying, writing theses, or spending time with his family, PJ visits my blog (and others) and often comments on posts about the Canucks. Now I must say, as a season ticket holder and longtime fan, I have earned the right to bash the Canucks once in a while - and I am not a bandwagon fan so I actually do not bash them often at all. But I take offence when someone who has never been a Canucks fan bashes the Canucks. It's kinda like how I find it offensive when someone who isn't Chinese cracks a joke about Chinese people, but when someone who is Chinese does.... I laugh and laugh. I completely disagree that the Canucks are spiralling down into the toilet (as was suggested by PJ over here) ... but I suppose everyone's entitled to their opinion. What am I saying? Everyone is entitled to MY opinion. Stop differing from my opinion!
Onto non-hockey topics. Since the hubby isn't home tonight, I was forced to make my own dinner. Tragic, I know. I am never very creative when I have to cook, particularly if I'm just cooking for myself. So, I made my favourite comfort food - that's right - soupy noodles. Noodles are fabulous when you're feeling cold. As my mom always says, I could eat plain noodles and still be happy. Although I did make some dumplings (comfort food #2) to go with my noodles. I'd suggest that the reason I love noodles is because I'm half Shanghainese, but my brother isn't as much of a noodle fan. Maybe it's because I LOOK Shanghainese and he doesn't. Haha!
What's your comfort food?
Friday, November 24, 2006
Worth noting
1. Dear Canucks - I'm still a fan. Try not to have too many stinkers though.
2. PJ - hey - we still beat the Wings and I notice you didn't comment about that. Hiding your head in shame, I imagine? Three unanswered goals. Take that, I say to your 50-year-old goalie. The glory days are over... the Dominator has become... the Domino? He sure falls down a lot.
3. I am not a big Luongo fan and never really was. I still support the organization though.
4. I got snarked at by a barista today because she messed up my drink and somehow it wasn't her fault. I would just like to point out that I was extremely polite - yet nothing in return. Well, Merry Christmas to you too, grouchy.
5. I need a GPS navigational system - one that tells me where to go and where to turn. Driving through Surrey with only a vague idea of how to get where I'm going is unwise.
2. PJ - hey - we still beat the Wings and I notice you didn't comment about that. Hiding your head in shame, I imagine? Three unanswered goals. Take that, I say to your 50-year-old goalie. The glory days are over... the Dominator has become... the Domino? He sure falls down a lot.
3. I am not a big Luongo fan and never really was. I still support the organization though.
4. I got snarked at by a barista today because she messed up my drink and somehow it wasn't her fault. I would just like to point out that I was extremely polite - yet nothing in return. Well, Merry Christmas to you too, grouchy.
5. I need a GPS navigational system - one that tells me where to go and where to turn. Driving through Surrey with only a vague idea of how to get where I'm going is unwise.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Oh, Canucks...
I'm still a fan. For at least the next week or so - then we'll talk.
But why must you hurt me in this way? Surely you know that I'm a true fan (okay, okay, I'll stop calling you Shirley)... I mean, we did shell out ridiculous money to get season tickets to see you... TWICE... we do schedule our lives around watching your games... (or so it feels)... I've bought into the fever with your clothing and merchandise... I've even eaten a $5 Haagen Dazs bar (there's a doohickey on top of the first A - I haven't bothered to add it on).. knowing that the actual cost is what to you, 50 cents... and how do you repay us?
By stinking it up on the ice, that's how.
I'll admit that you haven't been playing the worst hockey I've ever seen, but I think we can agree that it certainly hasn't been the best either. Don't get me wrong - I appreciate the effort you've been putting into the games. Maybe you just need to work a little harder on our relationship, so that I can stick by you even while I cringe through every excruciating minute of your games. Maybe if every once in a while, you acknowledged me as a true believer.
Those "We are all Canucks" ads are mildly convincing, but you've gotta admit that telling me we're in it together isn't really a solution when we're having these kinds of relationship difficulties. I need action. I don't want to leave you, but I'm going to have to if things don't improve. My emotions cannot handle this roller coaster of a season.
If you really want to make things better between us, try phoning me once in a while, or hey, here's an idea, how about NOT RAISING TICKET PRICES EVER AGAIN... I mean, I know you have to pay for that fancy scoreboard and all, but really, try to be reasonable. I don't need a fancy scoreboard. Just a little love and appreciation. You don't want us to have to go to counselling, do you? Because if we do have to go, I'm putting you on notice that you'll have to pay. I'm saving my money for more Haagen Dazs bars.
But why must you hurt me in this way? Surely you know that I'm a true fan (okay, okay, I'll stop calling you Shirley)... I mean, we did shell out ridiculous money to get season tickets to see you... TWICE... we do schedule our lives around watching your games... (or so it feels)... I've bought into the fever with your clothing and merchandise... I've even eaten a $5 Haagen Dazs bar (there's a doohickey on top of the first A - I haven't bothered to add it on).. knowing that the actual cost is what to you, 50 cents... and how do you repay us?
By stinking it up on the ice, that's how.
I'll admit that you haven't been playing the worst hockey I've ever seen, but I think we can agree that it certainly hasn't been the best either. Don't get me wrong - I appreciate the effort you've been putting into the games. Maybe you just need to work a little harder on our relationship, so that I can stick by you even while I cringe through every excruciating minute of your games. Maybe if every once in a while, you acknowledged me as a true believer.
Those "We are all Canucks" ads are mildly convincing, but you've gotta admit that telling me we're in it together isn't really a solution when we're having these kinds of relationship difficulties. I need action. I don't want to leave you, but I'm going to have to if things don't improve. My emotions cannot handle this roller coaster of a season.
If you really want to make things better between us, try phoning me once in a while, or hey, here's an idea, how about NOT RAISING TICKET PRICES EVER AGAIN... I mean, I know you have to pay for that fancy scoreboard and all, but really, try to be reasonable. I don't need a fancy scoreboard. Just a little love and appreciation. You don't want us to have to go to counselling, do you? Because if we do have to go, I'm putting you on notice that you'll have to pay. I'm saving my money for more Haagen Dazs bars.
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