The View From Row U

Holy mother of Moses!  You guys, this year's Stanley Cup Playoff (hockey) is already so exciting!  If you are new to this little space you should know that this girl loves hockey and to be more specific she loves the Anaheim Ducks.  In case you do not believe me or think I am a bandwagoner, you can read of my love here here and here.

Last night, from the comfort of my couch, Penny and I watched the Ducks come back from 2 -4  against the Dallas Stars and win 5 - 4 in overtime. I was very excited as was Penny. I think my whole condo complex knew what was happening during the final five minutes of the game. I was that excited.  With their win last night the Ducks are moving on to the second round of the playoffs and will either play the Kings or Sharks, a California series that will be epic.

I am sure as the playoff wind on I will give you a guide of sorts, but that is not what today is for.  Today is about the thrill of seeing playoff game in person.

On Friday my buddy Justina and I made our way to The Honda Center for game five of the Ducks Stars series.  I had saved some money knowing that the Ducks were going to make it to the playoffs this year and I needed to see a game. Actually I won some money in Reno when I went to the sports book and bet on the Ducks, so it seemed appropriate to use that money for a game.  Because it is the playoffs tickets are pretty pricey and we could only afford the ones in the very last row of Honda Center, Row U.



Despite the highest seats ever, we made the best of our situation.  We were positive and decided our seats were amazing because you could see everything and there was no one behind you that might kick you or spill their beer on you.  We also had the nicest family sitting next to us that had positivity oozing from their pores.  They kept offering to buy us things and were so proud of our hockey knowledge.  They gave Justina their orange Ducks towel when one of our neighbors stole her's and the nice family ran us down because she left her cell phone at the end of the game. I think I adopted them, but forgot to tell them.

[caption id="attachment_1523" align="aligncenter" width="600"] You can see the whole game really well from the top. And there is no on behind you to spill their beer on you.[/caption]

Life in Row U was shaping up rather nicely.  There were some rather ruckus Ducks fans sitting on the other side of the nicest family ever, but they were three people away and cheering for my team so it was cool.

Then the unthinkable happened.. During the first period a group of Dallas Stars fans sat right in front of us in Row T.  I honestly didn't care that they were Dallas fans, I did however care that they were bereft of social graces and kindness.  The man who sat in front of me decided that he was going to let everyone know who he was cheering for despite the detriment that it might cause the beautiful young lady sitting behind him.

He moseyed on over to his seat in section 403 Row T seat 2 and sat his booty down whilst wearing the following headwear during the game.



I paid $50 to look at this stupid cowboy hat all night long.  By the way, how completely out of place is a cowboy hat at a hockey game?  It is almost as bad as 6 inch hooker heels, another post for another day, but worse, because it blocked my view of the best hockey team ever.

To be fair he did take the hat of for a good part of the game, but whenever the drunk Ducks fans from Row U would start to get all riled up and yell slurs about people from Texas (something about steers and well you know) he would place that hat back atop his head. I guess he really wanted us to think he was a steer.

At one point I was so fed up with cowboy that I very kindly decided he needed to be a gentleman and a true cowboy and remove his hat while indoors. I leaned forward and had this conversation with him.

"I am not sure why you are taking your anger out on me.  I am a really nice person." - Really Nice Erica

"What are you taking about." - Rude Cowboy

"Whenever you put your hat on I cannot see anything.  I am not the one who is yelling terrible things about people from Dallas.  I am just trying to watch some hockey and enjoy the game, but I cannot because of your hat." - Blessed are the peacemakers Erica

"Whatever." - Cowboy leaves his hat on.

"Hey you should take of your hat, she is really nice!" - Girl sitting next to cowboy who was taking selfies all. night. long.

"What?" - Confused Cowboy

"Please just take off your hat, I want to see the game." - Me

With reluctance he takes off his hat, for a few minutes.  He then returns the hat to his head every time the Ducks scored a goal in the third period (that was three times). 

The game ended and I saw a pretty good portion of it and left the Honda Center feeling rather serene for my passive resistance to the social injustice that I encountered (joke! I know that this was nowhere near social injustice).

Although I did find the sliver lining of sitting in Row U I would in no way be opposed to the Anaheim Ducks giving me seats at the glass or a box for a playoff game so I can actually enjoy the sport the way it was meant to be enjoyed, not behind the dumb cowboy hat of a fan of the opposing team.

I am also pretty sure at this point in my blog journey the Ducks should make me the blog ambassador for their organization. I will go to all the home games, take fabulous photos, and educate all the blog readers on why hockey is the best sport ever.

Anaheim Ducks, organization, I promise you I will make so many beautiful women hockey fans in a year that you will need to make this my full-time job.

[caption id="attachment_1519" align="aligncenter" width="600"] We love the Ducks![/caption]

Enough of this tomfoolery, but really Ducks I will be your ambassador for the blogs, think about it.  Dear readers, in case you are interested in loving hockey now is a great time.  We are moving into the second round of playoff and things are heating up.  I will be back later to this week to fill you in on all that is happening in hockey,

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="214"] via[/caption]

Blogging, Beaching, Running

This weekend was so jam packed with fun and friends I totally need a day off to recover from it all!

A weekend of OC Bloggers, brunch, beach views, and the Brea8K race!

The weekend started off with an OC Blogger event.  I saw Melyssa advertise it on her blog The Nectar Collective that there was going to be a brunch for Orange County, California bloggers and I felt like I had to go, and I am so glad that I did.

The event was held at Great Over Good in Santa Ana and was a perfect, creative space.  It was a joy to meet other bloggers in person, eat some amazing food, and pretend I am crafty.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="717"] I made a craft and even tied a ribbon on it. Please do not notice that the ribbon could have been shorter.[/caption]

One of my favorite movements came from Jess from Jess Loves This Life.  As soon as she met me she said "Penny!" and I knew I would love her.  I told Penny she had a fan and she has been unbearable ever since!

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="717"] Jess from Jess Loves This Life![/caption]

Another highlight for me was meeting Rachel, Nicole, and Raewyn in person. I had already read their blogs so it was cool to meet them face to face after reading and sponsoring their blogs.

I think the best part of the day for me on a personal note was not just meeting more bloggers, which was amazing, but being encouraged that pursuing my PhD was the right thing to be doing.  I was kind of getting discouraged and considering not doing it next year.  Some of the ladies that were there were are actually working as professors already or were in school.  They totally gave me the encouragement I needed to know that I was making the right choice and that even though it would be hard it was worth it.  Um hello working 3 days a week!

After the brunch I decided I needed some "Erica Time" and went down to San Clemente for a few hours to walk around and soak up the beach.

I love San Clemente.  It is my favorite beach town to just go and hang out and shop, eat and walk along the beach.  It is not overcrowd like some of the beaches in Southern California and it is relaxed and welcoming.

While I was there I tried my hand at using my camera a little more and took a few photos to document the lovely day. The first four photos were of a cute little shop on Del Mar that had awesome shabby chic furniture and handmade signs. I would have spent my whole paycheck there if there was a way to get it all home.

Then I went down to the pier and took some photos of the scenery.  Sorry if you do not like beachy ocean photos.  This would be the time to quite reading my blog if you hate beauty.

[caption id="attachment_891" align="aligncenter" width="620"] San Clemente Pier[/caption]





I also had the opportunity to participate in an 8K this weekend, I thought it was a 5K but whatever, I owned it.

Truth be told I didn't run that much. I ran enough so that when I say "I ran in an 8K" it isn't a lie.  It was a very fast walk though and I beat all those old people and children so that as all that mattered.  If you are thinking about a 5K or 8K or half marathon or whatever, just do it.  It was really fun and not at all terrible.

[caption id="attachment_894" align="aligncenter" width="620"] I ran in the 8k Brea Classic and the picture a stranger took of me was tragic so all you get is this to prove I did it.[/caption]

One last note before I leave you for today.  I just want the world to realize I am so smart when it comes to hockey.  I made the following prediction on Friday's post, A Girl's Guide to Olympic Hockey, and I was right!  If only I was in Vegas at the Sports Book and I could have made a few dollars.

[caption id="attachment_868" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Bam! I called it![/caption]

Linking up with Rachel and Emily today as I provided a wrap up and I am grateful for the great weekend I had!

I also ail be continuing my series on starting a blog tomorrow with the following theme:

Girl's Guide To Olympic Hockey

After watching my twitter feed blow up today with new found hockey fans I realized there was much confusion over the fine sport of hockey and I should do something about it.  So I put together a VERY basic hockey guide for you fans out there.

I know I left a ton off and I hope I got nothing wrong.  Stick with these simple rules and ways to make the games fun and you will go far in life.

The basic things you need to about Olympic Hockey finals this weekend.

Periods

Hockey games are 60 minutes long.  The game is divided in to three Periods of 20 minutes each. There are two Intermissions of 20 minutes between the first and second period.

How Many People Play on Each Team


Each team has 25 men on the roster.  During the game each team can only have 6 men on the ice.

1 Goalie

2 Defensemen

3 Forwards

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="475"] Via[/caption]

Points

Players and teams get points for scoring

Goals - the puck goes in net and the team and the player get a point

Assists - the person or 2 people who pass the puck to the player that scores the goal get a player point for the assist.

Major Penalty - If a major penalty is called the player that it is against has to sit out of the game for 5 minutes in the penalty box.

Minor Penalty - If a minor penalty is called the player has to stay in the penalty box for 2 minutes.

Below are four of the most common penalties that are called and a brief explanation of what they are.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="509"] via[/caption]

Power Play

When a player has been given a penalty and sits out for 2 or 5 minutes the team continues with one man less.  For example 4 on 5.  The team with five players is on a Power Play and the team with 4 players is trying to kill the penalty.

Short Handed Goal

If a team with less players during a Power Play (Short Handed) scores a goal it is a Short handed goal.

Fighting

In NHL hockey there is a five minute penalty for fighting.  International hockey rules are more strict and result in being ejected from the game

Pulling the Goalie

NOT what you might be thinking!

It is actually not a penalty, but what a team might do if they are down by a goal in the final minutes of a game. A coach may "Pull the Goalie" leaving the net unattended.  They can then send another player to the ice to increase their odds of scoring a goal in a 6 on 5 situation.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="609"] via[/caption]

Rules for Overtime are different in the NHL, International Hockey, and even in Stanley Cup Playoffs.  Here are the International (Olympic Rules)

For each overtime ends as soon as a team scores a goal. So if a team scores in the first minute of overtime the game is over.

Preliminary round: 4 0n 4 overtime for 5 minutes.

Playoff rounds (qualifications round, quarterfinals, semifinals, bronze medal): 4 on 4 overtime for 10 minutes.

Gold medal game: 4 0n 4 20 minute over time.  There is another 20 minute intermission between the 3rd period and overtime.

If neither team scores a goal in overtime the game goes to a shootout.

Shootouts: A team has to choose three unique players to shoot.  If the shoot out is tied the team can send the same men to keep making shots on the goal until one team makes an unanswered goal from the other team.

For example the US vs. Russia Game went to a shootout.  After the first three rounds it was tied 1-1.  Each team sent the same player five times to score and Oshie from the US finally made a goal that Russia couldn't answer.

Choose Your Boyfriend

Look at the rosters for the people on the remaining teams and pick the one you think is the hottest.  Then each time he scores a goal or gets an assist he did it for you!  By the way Teemu Selanne from the Ducks is everyone's boyfriend because he is so sweet and kind off the ice. He is also in his 6th and final Olympics and is the oldest person to score an Olympic goal.  He is just amazing!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="320"] via[/caption]

Make Up Nicknames

Teemu is called the Finish Flash, how cool is that. See how many nicknames you can come up with for the players.

Have a Drink

Drink when ever you want it is Hockey after all!  There need not be a drinking game. A player scored a goal, drink. A Canadian said "Eh", drink.  You have no idea what happened, drink. I of course am talking about coffee because these games are EARLY like 4am early!



All loser consolations prizes or Bieber are based on the following billboard for the semi final game:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="600"] via[/caption]

I know it is sad and I should say the US over Finland but Teemu!  Really I watch for the players I love and national pride does not have much to do with it for me.  My loyalty goes 1. Ducks 2. Nation.

If you want to know more about which NHL teams has players in the Olympics there is a complete list here.

If you want to what players I love here is my list

Canada! Ryan Getzlaf and Correy Perry

Finland - Teemu Selanne, Sami Vatanen

USA - Cam Fowler

Sweden - Jakob Silverberg

Now go forth and sing "Oh Canada" because if the US can't win they should!

6 Things That Happened This Weekend

Where did the weekend go?  Is it just me or was this weekend way way way too fast?  I could have used like 15 more days before going back to work.

This weekend was a big one for some folks in the world, and I was one of them.

First, The Grammy's happened.

Congrats to the night's biggest winners Steve Martin and Edie Brickell for winning  Best American Roots Song: “Love Has Come For You."  I always hate that you have to watch the whole show just to find out who won this extremely well-known category!

PS  - yes that is comedian Steve Martin!  If you want a complete list of all the awards Ryan Lewis and Macklemore won you can click here.

PSS- It looks like Katy Perry has become the Susan Lucci of the Grammys.  Keep your chin up Katy, maybe in 20 years Macklemore will stop singing songs about looking incredible in your grandpa's clothes and your tunes will be appreciated.

Second, Sean and Catherine had sex.  Oh wait, I mean they got married.



It was just hard to tell what I was supposed to be watching and excited for because of all the reminders that they were going to have sex for the first time.  By the way they finally are having sex!  Um, can I just say that if I were going to be getting married on TV I would NOT want all the focus to be on my having sex for the first time.  #boundaries.



Third, the Ducks thrashed the Kings in the Stadium Series 3-0.  I thought that the game would be a mess because it was outside in Southern California.  I mean it was 75 degrees during the day and I was worried there would be no ice. But the game went on and apparently the ice didm't totally melt.

I watched the game from a restaurant with a bunch of other hockey fans and I think I had a better seat from the bar than I would if I had tickets for the game (even though I actually wanted to be at the game).  The Ducks shutout the Kings and I couldn't have been happier!

 

Fourth, I went on another date with the guy from this post and he fell asleep at the table.  He wasn't in REM sleep or anything, but homie could not stop yawning!  I was baffled.  I am quite the catch and I am pretty sure it would be really hard to fall asleep while in conversation with me!  I would have let it go but it is the second time it happened!  I am telling you He fell asleep on our first date too.  Fall asleep on a date shame on you.  Fall asleep on a date twice shame on me.

Fifth, It appears I have a soul mate that I did not meet.  I went with a friend to get pedicures this weekend and the man on the other side of her apparently was just like me.  We both get pedicures, love Sherlock, and think vow renewal ceremonies are a desperate attempt to salvage a marriage.  I had no idea of all the things that connected us until later that day.  My friend was a terrible wing person!  So if you read this blog let me know.  All I am looking for is someone who is nice, clean and can stay awake on a date.

Sixth, Penny went to the dog park and showed the world she is a stuck up little dog.  I am telling you she will not play with the riffraff of the world!  If you weigh less than 40 pounds you are no good for her.  I apologize for anyone whose feelings this girl has hurt and I assure you we are working on it.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="576"] Penny's i know I am better than you face.[/caption]

How was your weekend?  What exciting things happened to you or better yet what boring things happened that would have made a date fall asleep at the table?

A Letter After A Date

I went on a date last night.  We have mutual friends who read this blog so I am going to keep this short and nonchalant.

Dear guy I saw last night,

I used my phone to show you a photo of someone.  You may have noticed that my phone case looks like it belongs to a 17-year-old Asian girl.  I like it in its ridiculous cuteness.  I also only spent $5 on it, thus making me even more awesome

My cell phone case is a penguin.  In case you are wondering if other really cute girls use silly phone cases please see Jess from New Girl.  At least my phone didn't have a tail.



Thanks for dinner and for watching the Ducks beat Nashville with me.  Have a lovely day!

Insert Nondescript Closing Here,

Erica

 

PS - Sorry I didn't offer to pay for dinner and have a cute "Oh no I got this" moment with you.  You were a gentleman so I knew you would pay anyway.

Why You Should Love Hockey

I want to welcome everyone who is here today because of a little giveaway on Sarah's blog!  I know some of you are only here to get that entry on the giveaway, but I really hope you stick around and read a few posts.  Some of my favorites are Miley Trying to Ruin My LIfe, Things This Blogger Has Yet To Say, and You Are Doing OK Dog Mom.

[caption id="attachment_432" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Here is a picture of me at my favorite place, a hockey game![/caption]

When I sat down to write today I thought it would be the perfect day to write about sports.  I can hang with the guys and talk shop about almost any sport, but I don't really care about all the sports.  When it comes to sports I only have one true love… Hockey.  Since my love of hockey began a few years ago I have found that people are either really into hockey or could care less.  For those of you who could care less I get it, I mean that was me too.

I think the only reason you do not like it is because you just have not been told why you should like it.  That is where I come in.  I am going to channel my inner Venus and give you a simple beginners lesson in hockey and hope that it at least inspires you to watch a game or two.

My team is the Anaheim Ducks.  Yes as in the Mighty Ducks from the awesome Disney trilogy of movies.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="700"] I need to go watch these movies again. Look at Emilio, so young, so fresh.[/caption]

Although the real team is no longer the Mighty Ducks, thank God, and they never do the "Flying V" they are amazing!  They won the Cup in 2007 and  will again this year, they have the best record in the league right now.

1. Fast and action packed play

Hockey is an extremely fast paced game.  The total playing time is 60 minutes. Which is divided up into 3 periods.  Between each period there is a 20 minute intermission.  The twenty minutes is just the right amount of time for a HIIT workout, Pilates DVD, cleaning spree, or dinner eating.  Then it is back into the fray for more action than your little heart can handle.

If the game is tied at the end of regulation the teams play a 5 minute sudden death overtime.  If a team scores the game is over.  If no one scores they go to a shoot out.  Whichever team makes the most shots wins.  This is so intense and worth watching.

2. The games are  easy to follow

So there are a lot of rules in hockey, which we can get into later. But you only need to know the basics here.

5 men per team on the ice at a time

1 goalie in the net per team

Power play - When your team has more men on the ice than other team on the ice (because the other team got a penalty)

Goal - what happens when the puck goes in the net.

Stanley Cup - The winning team of the year are the Stanley Cup Champions

Of course there is more to it, but if you get this you get most of it.  If you want to know more look at the photo below.



3. It is a crazy hard sport to play.

In case you do not believe me can you please think back to the last time you went ice skating.  How many times did you fall down just trying to go around the rink once? If you are like me you never actually got off your butt the whole time.  These guys are so athletic and crazy good at their sport.  Really it is something to admire.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="628"] I would have fallen over five seconds before this photo was taken if I was on the ice.[/caption]

4. THE MEN ARE HOT!

I wrote a whole post about it here.

You can play "my new boyfriend" and pick the player you think is hottest and then whenever he gets a goal or a point the game is that much more exciting.

5. Carrie Underwood married a professional hockey player.



In case anyone else wants to be Carrie Underwood this is another way she has you beat.  She married Mike Fisher now on the Nashville Predators. How great is this couple, country music, hockey, Jesus lovin', beautiful: it is my dream come true, but Carrie stole it.

6. You can reenact this scene from Friends



7. Tickets prices are not super crazy

I have never actually sat close enough for #6 to happen to me because those seats are pretty pricey!  Even if you sit at the top you can see the action.  I haven't spent more than $30 on tickets and I have a great time every time I go.

8. There has to be a team near you

If you can not choose a team to like the Anaheim Ducks are so stinking good.  If you decide to like them then you will look like you joined the bandwagon because they are going to win the Stanley Cup this year, but just tell any haters Erica told you it was cool.

It is also an international sport.  You can travel to Canada, watch some hockey and eat some donuts.  What more could a girl want?

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="600"] You can pretty much be Robin Sparkles![/caption]

9. Reasons to wear your cute winter clothes and UGGs

Another plus is the jersey you wear to a game is pretty big so if you gained five holiday pounds no one is the wiser.



10. Fighting is encouraged



Yes Hockey has fighting, and yes, they guys just punch each other.  If you have never seen a full-blown hockey fight you need to, it is dazzling.  I usually watch in awe as they are able to punch each other in the face while on ice skates without falling on their faces.  It is a think of beauty.  In case you are wanting to date a hockey player I thick it is best to stay away from the one known as the "fighter" on the team.  For example Patrick Maroon and Matt Beleskey are the fighters on the Ducks.  While I think they are great at hockey and energizing their team I would run the other way if I saw them on the street.


I hope I have convinced you to at least check out a Hockey game in the future.  Watching from your TV is fun and all but you have to go to a game to really catch the hockey bug.

If you are in Southern California maybe I will see you at Honda center soon!



Oh and below is the information on the giveaway I mentioned hosted by Venus Trapped In Mars!

Princess Burlap   :::   Not Entirely Perfect   :::   Young and Entertaining   :::   Endlessly Beloved
Sweet Magnolia   :::   Living in Another Language   :::   Pink Sunshine   :::   Venus Trapped in Mars
My Cup of Sparkle   :::   Southern Finesse   :::   Kate the Almost Great   :::   A Caffeinated Brunette
Sarah Christine Style   :::   So Much Sunshine

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