Welcome to Hockeytown!

FLASHBACK: After my mom came to visit, I began a two-week tour to train other pharmacists to become immunizers. Tuesday , April 6 I flew to Detroit and met Corrinne at the airport. Corrinne was the previous resident and now works in Massachusetts as a staff pharmacist, but she flew out to help me (paid, of course) to teach several classes. I love teaching these classes, but the full eight-hour day can get tiring and make you go hoarse if you aren't careful.

I was a little nervous about our travel luck when we (I should say "I"- maybe I'm the one with bad travel luck) had some difficulties after renting the car. I got a black Pontiac Vibe, which was a nice drive. I also rented a GPS to help me get around (If you know me, you know that I am almost always 1. late, which I am working hard to correct and 2. lost). When I went to turn on the GPS, it gave me an error message. I flagged someone down to help me, and I felt a little better when even he couldn't fix it. Our second GPS was in German, so we couldn't figure out how to change the language settings. Finally, our third GPS worked, and we were on our way.

We taught our classes in Novi, Michigan at a regional company office. Our first class started on Wednesday, and we had a wonderful group. The pharmacists were engaged, asked thoughtful questions, and seemed excited about the program overall. Corrinne and I tag-teamed throughout the day on Wednesday and again on Thursday morning. Corrine left at lunchtime on Thursday, so I had Thursday afternoon and all of Friday to teach by myself. The classes were very cooperative and patient, especially during the skill assessment.

Several weeks before my trip I looked into activities in the Detroit area. I didn't know who was going with me (if anyone), but I knew that I wanted to explore at least one night. The timing worked out perfectly- there was a home Red Wings game on Wednesday night! I grew up watching Red Wings hockey with my dad (he's a *huge* fan), and I've always wanted to go to a game. (I think I went to one when I was very young, but I don't remember it well enough to count it.) There was a great deal online- 2 tickets, 2 hot dogs, and 2 drinks for $48 dollars! Our seats weren't bad, either, especially for less than $20 each. We were in the 10th or so row on the second tier on the aisle.

It turned out that Corrinne had never been to a professional hockey game- what a way to start! The Red Wings team has a lot of history- they don't call it "Hockeytown" for nothing, and the fans are wonderful. They remind me of the Red Sox fans in Boston- they are there because they *love* the team and the sport. All of the Wings fans were into the game, high-fiving each other (and me!) when they scored. Another bonus- you don't see very many people talking on their cell phones (I love towns that teach their fans etiquette!).

Below are some pictures and a video from the game...

I love old signs like this- isn't it nostalgic?

A shot of the retired jerseys hanging from the ceiling. I remember when Steve Yzerman retired (it wasn't that long ago)- I think I cried when I watched the ceremony.

Corrinne and I at the game. I borrowed a jersey from my Dad. I almost didn't wear it to the game because it was so big (and I felt a little silly), but I am so glad that I did. I looked like a true fan (everyone else was wearing the same thing).

All of the fans went crazy during this fight in the first period. This is one of the reasons why hockey players generally don't have the best orthodontia.

Speaking of fans, the place was packed! Even all of the nosebleed seats were taken. (Keep in mind that this is a Wednesday night!)

Even though I played indoor soccer, I am always amazed by the line changes that occur during the game. (For those that aren't familiar, you basically do the same thing in indoor soccer.) It is so seamless- you don't even notice the changes most of the time if you're watching the puck.

I managed to capture the crowd's reaction after one of the Red Wings' goals.... click on the box below to experience part of Joe Louis Arena.

The Red Wings were down for part of the game but managed to score several quick goals in the last period to win! Even though there was a mass of people after the game (I felt like a sheep) that we had to climb through, it was definitely worth staying for the whole game.

The final score- Red Wings 4, Columbus Blue Jackets 3.

On Thursday night I was able to have dinner with Flora, who will be next year's resident. She is from a suburb of Detroit and came for the immunization training (one step ahead of me already!). Not only is Flora a hard worker, she is a joy to be around- I wish I was able to work with her longer that just a week. (Her first week is my last week at work. My goal is to show her the ropes and help familiarize her with the area. And, as you might have already guessed, I'm working on a welcome basket.) I was so bummed that I didn't take a picture of the two of us, but you'll hear more about her in June blog posts.

After the session on Friday, I drove back to Indy for another week of training. See my next post for info on my second week of travel.

O, Canada

Is anyone else enjoying the Olympics lately? Unfortunately, I've been sick since Thursday (yuck) with a bad cold. I've slept more than an entire day this weekend (yes, that's more than 24 hours), but I'm starting to feel much better today. During my waking hours, I've had a chance to watch some events, including ski jumping, the men's super g, ice dancing (are they serious? I didn't know this was a real sport, and even though I tease about it, I'd love to be able to do it), and hockey. I normally wouldn't watch so much t.v., but I have had zero energy. What normally would have been an energizing, fun shopping trip to Target left me exhausted.

So instead of adventuring out this weekend (sigh, so frustrating...), I've been catching up on the Winter Olympics (and doing some work on my research project). The question that has been on my mind the entire weekend is, "What Olympic sport would I be able to compete in?" (The real answer is none at all, but let me dream!) After last weekend's stunts, I'd say I have a chance in the super g slalom race.

My next question is how some people get into these various sports. For example, the luge. Where is the closest luge track? Can you rent a luge? This isn't something you can practice in your backyard. And ski jumping. When did jumping four stories in the air to twist and turn sound like a good idea? I mean, the landing is considered decent if you can just manage to land on your feet and not tumble over. I do admire the athletes that are competing. They train extensively, most of them without financial support, and put it all on the line during the games.

I just finished watching the U.S. versus Canada hockey game- so intense! I posted this picture in July, but hockey always reminds me of it, which reminds me of my Dad. :)

Guess I've liked hockey since a young age.

I'll try to do better on writing this week- hopefully I'll be able to stay healthy!

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

Last night Debbie and I both went to Fenway Park for the first time. I don't think I've ever been to any major sporting event or concert where I've entered the lowest concourse and actually had to walk *down* the stairs to get to my seat. (We were in Row L, which, unless there were additional rows without labels in the very front, means that we were only 13 rows away!) We ended up having to get the usher to move some punk kid in our seats, but it wasn't a big deal. Right when we sat down, Pedroia hit a home run! (Click here for a video and the full story.) What a way to start my first Boston Red Sox game...

America's Most Beloved Ballpark...

The Green Monster

Debbie and I living the dream (too bad those people are in the way!)

There was lots going on during the game. We had to pay close attention when left-handed players were up at bat because the ball could have come right at us. Thankfully, I didn't have to use my amazing coordination skills (read: my middle name is definitely not Grace), but we also didn't get a foul ball- maybe next time. I mean, what can I expect? Free tickets in amazing seats, good stadium food, and a foul ball? That's probably asking a little too much. Plus, lots of music during the whole game... players' walk out songs (very interesting, this could be a whole different post; what would yours be?), the organ playing catchy little tunes, sing-a-long songs between innings (those songs that make everybody feel good).

Lisa, I decided this one to you (Sweet Caroline... ba ba ba!)

Batter up!

Speaking of food, who doesn't love stadium food? I swear that no hot dog I've ever made at home tastes as good as the one I had last night did... huge, soft bun (it reminded Deb of Wonderbread) and spicy mustard (similar to the Boar's Head mustard that Nick and David use)- yum! I also had a box of Cracker Jacks, and I was so into the game that I forgot about my favorite part-- the prize inside! (Confession: I also had a little plastic helmet filled with chocolate soft serve ice cream! Looks like I'll be doing some extra time in the gym this weekend...)

Sporting events (and dress-up, fancy events) are a great place to people-watch, if you're into that sort of thing. There are all kinds of people there... kids who want to grow up to be baseball players, families out for the night, businessmen and their clients, couples on a date, people just visiting the city, etc... the list goes on and on. I guess my main point is that sports brings people from all walks of life and socioeconomic classes together for the same cause. Another of my favorite types of people to see are the pairs or groups of older guys or couples that you *know* are regulars... the ones who come to every game, keep score in a playbook, and know all of the players names, yet they sit very relaxed, as if they don't have the need to announce to the world that they are world's best fan.

It's also interesting to see what people wear to a baseball game. Some businessmen come straight from work, wearing their pinstripe suits and loosely-knotted silk ties. There was an older gentlemen several rows in front of us who wore a vintage Red Sox shirt that was in a Hawaiian-style pattern but with Sox paraphernalia. As for Deb and I, the most comfortable outfit invented in the fashion world to date... a t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers. Nice. Too bad I didn't have a Red Sox sweatshirt- Troy said that he saw us on t.v.!!

The Red Sox went on to beat the Baltimore Orioles 10-0. The win was very exciting, but more than anything, I just loved my first experience at Fenway, and hopefully it won't be my last.

Can't help but laugh at myself for this one... That is a silly (and cheesy!) grin