The Sounds of Silence...

Blog sites are selected glimpses of an author's thoughts and experiences. We who have such sites write our story for others. Although I enjoy sharing my life as it unfolds, there are times when I am unable to share the events and reflections I most want to.

I find myself in this precarious position as I type these words.

SWM SEEKS NEW FOOTBALL BUDDY

Yesterday had the making of an NFL classic. Brett Favre had led his Green Bay Packers to the NFC Championship game in his 17th year as a quarterback (16th with GB). The setting had a storybook feeling to it: a future Hall-of-Fame quarterback leading his team to the Super Bowl late in his career in sub-zero temperatures (3rd coldest game on record) on the Frozen Tundra.

Who wouldn't love such a story line?! After all, asking this question is the same as asking "Who doesn't love Mom and apple pie?!"

Answer: Ryan, Slayer of Woodland Creatures.

Yes, my friends, I am sorry to report...Ryan has turned to the Dark Side.

Need further proof? Before the game, I inquired what the value of a ticket to a Broncos game...on the 50 yard line...at the Super Bowl was worth to my friend.

His response? 10 million dollars. In other words, his allegiance (?) to his (?) Denver Broncos was worth a measly $10 mil.

My response? $1 BILLION DOLLARS! In fact, I questioned at the time (as I do now) whether or not I would pass on the offer.

Bottom line: my allegiance to the Denver Broncos and all things Holy in football (i.e. Brett Favre and the Frozen Tundra) is 100 times as great as Ryan's.

New Football Buddies need only be faithful to the Denver Broncos and all that is manly about the NFL: natural grass, freezing temps, and Mike Ditka.

The Year of the Maple Leaf...

Back by popular demand! Here it is...The latest news on our beloved Colorado Avalanche! The Avs have won two straight on the road! This may not seem that significant, but we have been struggling this year on the road. We have the second best home record in the NHL, but have posted the 5th worst road record thus far.

I will do my best to keep everyone up to speed as the season continues to take shape.

In other news, several of my friends have gotten in the habit of declaring themes for the new year. In keeping with this tradition, I thought I should let everyone in The Bearded's theme for the year: The Maple Leaf.

Most of you, I am assuming, are asking "What?!" Here are three reasons that may shed some light on the subject:

1) I LOVE HOCKEY. GO AVS!

2) I LOVE MAPLE SYRUP.

3) I HAVE APPLIED FOR FIVE CANADIAN UNIVERSITY POSITIONS.

The last one has a lot to do with this being the year of the maple leaf. I am sure things will develop over the course of the year and I'll keep you posted as they do.

ps--Congratulations to Paul Stastny on being named to the NHL All-Star Team in only his second season!

Fight to the Finish...

If you know me, you know I can be rather competitive. In many ways, this past year was not a year to remember.

In April, my Avs missed the playoffs for the first time after an incredible 15-2-2 run at the end of the season setting an NHL record for my points by a team not to make the playoffs.

In October, my Rockies were swept in the World Series after making a 21-1 run at the end of the regular season and first two rounds of the playoffs.

In December, I narrowly missed setting a mark I had worked long and hard for. After driving roughly 400 miles from my sister's place to Manhattan with my gas light shining bright, I was passed for the very first time with only 20 miles to go.

For those of you who know how competitive I am, you can imagine how I felt.

For those of you who know how I react when I fail to run red lights (i.e. Ryan), you can imagine how I reacted.

Here's hoping 2008 brings not only great playoff runs, but great finishes!