It's Hockey Fight Night

Good Afternoon, Sports Fans!

I'm going to preface this post with a 100% honest statement. I think fighting in hockey positively contributes to the game in more ways than one. I think it creates excitement. I think it creates a type of loyalty between players and among fans that makes the game intriguing. Who hasn't stood on their feet at a game asking their guy to take an opponent out? Strength, and let's be honest again, a type of violence, is a part of the game we've come to know and love.

I'm also going to say this: Bench clearing brawls are entertaining. I love to see the passion in players that makes them get up off their bench to go help their fellow players and to stand up for their team mates.  This is why I admire what Pittsburgh's Eric Godard did on Friday night.

Godard saw a guy, New York's Micheal Haley, going after Pittsburgh's goalie, Brent Johnson, and knew that someone had to step in. Haley skated down the ice to challenge Johnson while the refs were busy dealing with a brawl at the other end of the ice. Forwards don't go after goalies. Neither do defencemen. It's an unwritten rule and code of NHL. While Johnson has proven he's more than capable of taking care of himself, the behaviour of Haley was completely out of line. Knowing his team mates on the ice were more involved in the big brawl down by the Islander's net, Godard took matters into his own hands.

I understand why Haley wanted to make a statement. He's a recent call up from the Islander's farm team. Guys who don't have the skills of players like Sidney Crosby, Taylor Hall, and Jonathan Toews often try to provide a physicality to their play that makes them fan favourites and shows coaches that they're willing to take and make the hard hits to play the game they love.

But Haley had nothing left to prove. He had already taken down Max Talbot seconds prior to his altercation with Johnson. His team was humiliating the Penguins on the scoreboard. He disgraced the game and he disgraced himself.

So, that's my opinion. What do you guys think?

Cheers,

Cait

Dinner, Colleagues, and a Great Time

To quote one of my favourite characters:

"Nothing makes me feel quite so good as the sight of colleagues enjoying each other outside of work"
                                                                            - Jed Bartlett,
                                                          "The Crackpots and These Women"
This sentiment couldn't be truer.

Earlier this week, I went to supper with eleven of my classmates. It was a good mix of friends who I talk to often and those who I just chat with once and a while. Personalities come out during class discussions, sure, but when a group is sharing a good meal, good wine, a fantastic location, and a common sense of relaxation and socialization, you really get to know people.

Yesterday was the last day of "Winterlicious" a food event in Toronto where restaurants create a set menu at a set cost and people take advantage of fine cuisine and potentially lower prices. Rosewater Supper Club was the location of Wednesday night's dinner.

Located in the Financial District of Toronto, Rosewater is an extremely high-class restaurant with elite patronage. Walking to supper, I had a feeling. A feeling of a type of belonging. "I can't wait until this is my life. I love this!" I thought. I love the idea of going to nice places for dinner with friends, colleagues, business associates, etc. That sort of lifestyle excites me!

I arrived early and sat at the bar with a couple of other early arrivals. We were taken up to our private room shortly after our drinks arrived. Yes, that's right, our private room. For twelve of us, they put us in a room with two glass walls looking over the rest of the restaurant. It was gorgeous. It was high class, and it was cozy. Cozy enough that even with a long table, it felt like we were all having a great conversation, together.

The food was fantastic, but it's not really a character in this story, just the oil that greased the wheels of conversation. That and good wine.

We heard family stories, good humours jokes, and anecdotes. Friendly bickering and good ideas. We talked about school, and internships. About our pasts, our presents, and our futures. I talked about growing up on a farm while others talked about how they met their significant others.

It was a fantastic evening. One member of a group invited us to her place after dinner where conversation continued. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, and just truly enjoyable.

By far, this was one of my favourite evenings since moving to Toronto. I thank everyone who came out, and the two women who planned the evening. Cheers my friends...

Cheers,
Cait

Banana Muffins!

Quick one today, readers,

Had a great weekend out in Mississauga hanging with the extended family. It's always nice to just take a break and relax. They got a new puppy, Magic. A miniature poodle, pure black, and soooooo cute. Wish I could have taken a pic, but my camera is out of juice and I won't be able to recharge until I'm home for reading week (forgot the charger there). He's a well behaved little rascal.

Speaking of home, I also made Banana Muffins tonight. Nothing like a little late night baking to lift the spirits. The place smells wonderful, and so much like home. Can't wait to actually be there. Less than two weeks.

I'm in the process of writing cover letters and updating my resume for my internship applications. Due this week. I'm hoping to end up in a nice little placement in Ottawa, but we'll see what the cards deal me. I'm applying to a bunch of places to keep my options open.

Wish I could write more, but I've got two more letters to proof-read, muffins to take out of the oven, and some macroeconomics readings to do. The night of a grad student doesn't end just because the clock strikes twelve. I only wish I were Cinderella!

Cheers,
Cait