You need an answer? Google it. Want to know what someone had for lunch? Text them. Want to know if your neighbour is at the coffee shop down the street? Facebook it.
So, does this mean we've stopped thinking and acting in months? Is a year a ridiculous length of time to look back on? I wonder. And I wonder while I type... obviously.
My computer is jam packed with photos taken over the last 12 months. Lucky for me the computer has an organizing system and it makes it really easy to take a visual look down memory lane. But, I think all that we do in a year could not ever be summarized by 8 or 12 photos. Things have gotten too fast, too easy to record and sadly... too easy to forget in a blink.
But to reflect on this past year, I would focus on the great trips and great hockey moments.
2011 started off in Maui! Best New Year's eve of my life! We were oceanside, at the luxurious Marriott Wailea resort. I slipped the host a $20 and we were seated right in front of the stage for the incredible show. The dancers and musicians were everything you wanted them to be. The sunset and meal were so beautiful and delicious. We had a lively visit with our table mates and even though our homes were thousands of miles apart, we found great things in common to talk about.
In that inspired New Years moment, I vowed to take more trips, to better stay in touch with friends and most of all, relax and enjoy the moment.
In April I took a very spontaneous trip with my brother. We flew to Tampa Florida to see a hockey game. We planned it on 6 days notice and were away from home less than 72 hours, but it was one of the best times I've ever had. And even though my team lost and my brother has only vague recollections of conversations "I claim" he had with strangers, I'm pretty sure he remembers it fondly as well.
Another highlight came in May when a friend breezed through playoffs and had his hockey dreams come true when he won the Memorial Cup. Even watching that on TV, it was powerful and special.
Then after 15 years, the NHL agreed to give Winnipeg an NHL franchise again and the Jets were re-born. It was incredible! The city and province and hockey fans all over Canada rejoiced. Manitoba got its mojo back thanks to True North Sports & Entertainment. Grown men cried. Others danced in the street. I did both.
This Jets announcement also made dreams come true for two good friends who work in radio. Knowing how much the return of the Jets would mean to them made me sooooo happy. Hearing them speak to audiences that share their passion for hockey... priceless.
In August, my own kids won their hockey summer league championship. The best part of that was the boys were on the same team. As teammates they worked together and celebrated together. This was a family first. I hope it's not the last time. And it was quite the game. It really was exciting little league stuff. My goalie son was named "MVP" but he declared it an honour he shared with the team's best defenseman.... his little brother. Awwww. I still melt remembering that moment.
In October, I took another trip. Big surprise... it was to see a hockey game. This time in Phoenix Arizona. Again, definitely one of the best weekends of my life. This time, my brother and I travelled with a group of friends. Honestly, it was near perfect! The sun was out, the drinks were cold, and the party carried over into the streets. The camaraderie among Jets fans, and the laughs we had were incredible.
The year has had, as all years do, ups and downs. But as families we get through them. Friends hold each other up in good times and in bad. The calendar keeps going. And we find things to cheer about. We all NEED to find things to cheer about... each and every year. Life is too precious not to celebrate.
Damn it's been a good year for hockey in my house. Go Jets Go!
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