Good HAB-its

I'm sitting on my porch in the scorching heat on this Friday afternoon, thinking about the Habs advancing to the Stanley Cup Final. 

Last night, they beat the Golden Knights in overtime of game six to advance to the Cup final for the first time since 1993. I just smiled big time as I typed that. It feels unbelievable, yet at the same time I'm not surprised. This is a special team. Every now and then a team seems to hit another gear in the playoffs and becomes unstoppable. This year, it's the Habs. I'm beyond excited for these guys, especially Carey Price who has never made a trip to the finals. Being a diehard Canucks fan, I'm also very happy for Alex Burrows and Tyler Toffoli. The Canucks sure fucked up letting Toffoli go, but I'm glad they did, because he fits in nicely with the Habs and has been a key asset in their run this year. I look forward to Monday night when it all kicks off against the Islanders or the Lightning. Whatever the case, it's gonna be a great series. I pick the Habs in five, because they've already won in 4, 6 and 7. 

Yesterday, right before the game, I had an online meeting with one of my students who's a Golden Knights fan. He showed up wearing his Golden Knights shirt and put on his Knights hat in front of me, giving me an antagonistic look. It was priceless. Price-less. I guess that's one of the reasons his team lost. In any case, it was cute to see the kid get all riled up, telling me that he hopes Montreal doesn't win. I laughed and wished him luck. I told him to enjoy the game no matter what happens, because it could be his team's last one this year. I wasn't really taking a jab, well not entirely, but rather reminding him to seize the moment and enjoy. In turn, I kind of reminded myself to do the same.

As I sit here listening to birds and kids playing baseball in the park, and the unfortunate boom of a nearby construction site, I feel good. It's hotter than the devil's dick out here, but I'm alright. I actually sat in the sun for a while today and did some reading. Ok, I only withstood the heat for about twenty minutes, but that's good for me. I don't tend to enjoy high temperatures and sometimes get physically sick from the sun, but I caught a few rays and even got some colour. And a slight burn. But that's to be expected when you're basically a vampire.

Lately I've been making an effort to get outside more, no matter what the weather. I used to avoid the heat at all costs, and while I still prefer the shade, I'm learning to be more adaptable. I stay hydrated and find enjoyment in the sounds and scenery. Sometimes I go on big nature adventures on hiking trails and in forests, and other times I just sit on the porch and read. I've been loving reading outside, and today on the porch I finished a book I recently found in a nearby free library. 

Gross Misconduct tells the story of the life and death of former NHLer Brian "Spinner" Spencer. I knew a little about Spencer, but holy shit, you guys! This story is a wild one. Spencer's dad actually went down to a TV station with a gun because they weren't broadcasting his son's first NHL game. He went out in a hail of bullets when he refused to surrender to the police. Absolutely insane. I am still in shock from reading that. I've heard of crazy hockey parents, but holy Moses, that guys takes the cake. I really did feel for him when I read about it, though, because he was clearly a mess and just wanted to see his son play. What a sad, sad story. And Spencer himself was shot to death as well. Totally different situation, during a random robbery, but good God do I feel for that family.  

​Now back to nature

Here I am on my birthday, chilling at the sea in my happy place. It poured rain for most of the day, but it was absolute magic. There weren't many people around so you could go to the beach and pretty much have the whole space to yourself. I can lose myself (or find myself) for hours just staring at the hundreds of tiny crabs and other sea creatures mucking about in the tidepools and on the rocks. I think I sat in one spot, on a rock, for an hour straight just observing. It was so peaceful. I always feel good getting out of the city and into a natural space. The feeling seems to last for days. I'm more calm and content and less reactive, and I've noticed that the more time I spend in nature, the better I seem to be at my balancing poses in yoga. It's like nature literally keeps you in balance. 

I've pretty much spent the whole day outside today, which is awesome. The fresh air, though sauna-like at times, has been nurturing. At this point, I think I'm just about ready to head inside, order food and watch the game. It'll be interesting to find out who the Habs face off against next.

Whether I decide to drink this dented can of Halloween beer I found at the back of my fridge or something else, I cheers to you, my friends! I hope everyone stays cool and has a wonderful weekend. And of course I will leave you with a song. One of my favourite summer jams. I will never understand the hate it gets. The lyrics perfectly capture that feeling of summertime in your youth. School crushes, summer gatherings. It's a special song. Sit back, relax, have a listen and take good care. Until next time...

​GO HABS GO!