Happy New Year and Happy Valentine's Day!!
Time has flown by since my last posting here. I have a LiveJournal now; it can be accessed at http://redwing_5.livejournal.com. I'll be updating that page more often than this one so check in often.
Lisa and I spent New Year's Eve with our friends Kelly and Aaron; it was a lot of fun. Lisa and I also had a nice Valentine's Day together, though we actually celebrated yesterday due to our schedules. I love you baby; you're my special Valentine. ;^)
I also turned 25 last month. Got some cool stuff for my brithday, including a pair of Red Wings tickets. Lisa and I had a great time at the game.
That's gonna do it for now; more to come...
10/13/05:
Happy Thursday!
Hope everyone's week is going smoothly. Celebrating Yom Kippur today...here's a question for everyone to ponder: Why is it called fasting when it goes so slowly? ;^)
Lisa and I got tickets yesterday to see Elton John back in Cincinnati in a few weeks, should be exciting. We're also getting ready to celebrate Sweetest Day on Saturday...it's our 3rd one together. I love you baby!
Canucks 4, Red Wings 2:
The Red Wings suffered their first loss of the season Monday night to Vancouver. Wasn't a bad game the Wings just looked a step or two behind the Canucks. Mikael Samuelsson and Tomas Holmstrom scored for Detroit. Steve Yzerman is set to make his season debut tonight as the Wings take on the LA Kings. Chris Osgood is still a couple of weeks away from his return to the Red Wing lineup.
Next Game: Oct. 13 vs. Los Angeles
10/10/05:
Happy Monday! Hope everyone's weekend was pleasant. Lisa and I spent a fun afternoon at the mall on Friday, folowed by an entertaining evening of bowling.
Michigan lost on Saturday, but the Lions won on Sunday so all was not lost.
Red Wings 6, Flames 3:
The Wings extended their record to a perfect 3-0 after last night's victory over former Wing Darren McCarty and the Calgary Flames. Scoring for the Wings were NICKLAS LIDSTROM, Brendan Shanahan, Mikael Samuelsson, Henrik Zetterberg, Robert Lang and Pavel Datsyuk. The Wings spent a lot of time on the power play as the Flames were content to penalize themselves out of the game. All in all, a pretty entertaining game.
Next Game: Oct. 10 vs. Vancouver
10/7/05:
Happy Friday!!
Lisa and I are getting ready to celebrate our 3rd Sweetest Day together next weekend!! We are as happy as ever and anticipate many more wonderful years together. I love you baby!!
Red Wings 4, Blues 3:
Detroit improved to 2-0-0 on the season after a second straight victory over St. Louis at the Savvis Center. Goals were scored by Robert Lang, Mikael Samuelsson, Jiri Fischer and Brendan Shanahan. Steve Yzerman is still set to return from injury this weekend. Sunday brings the Calgary Flames and former Wing Darren McCarty to the Joe.
Next Game: Oct. 9 vs. Calgary.
10/5/05:
L'Shana Tovah!
Hey, Hey, Hockey's Back!!
The Red Wings got their season off to a great start tonight with a 5-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues at Joe Louis Arena. Great to see the boys back on the ice. Wing goals were scored by Pavel Datsyuk, Mathieu Schneider, Mikael Samuelsson, rookie Brett Lebda and Robert Lang. Manny Legace started in goal due to Chris Osgood's groin injury. Ozzie should be back in a few weeks. Steve Yzerman remained sidelined due to a groin injury as well, but he should be back in the lineup by Sunday. Let's Go, Red Wings!!
Next Game: 10/6 at St. Louis Blues.
8/2/05:
Okay, so it's been just a little while since I've updated, so here's the latest:
In mid-June, Lisa and I celebrated our two-year anniversary with a trip to Saugatuck. We had a wonderful time, the weather was great and we are looking forward to many more happy years together. ;^)
I love you baby; you're the best!!
In sports news, the NHL and NHLPA formally ratified a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, so we will have hockey again!!!
The new CBA has a salary cap of $39 million, so the Wings had to let a few players go to clear room. The contracts of Derian Hatcher, Ray Whitney and Darren McCarty were bought out, and several other players were allowed to become free agents. I just found this afternoon that Steve Yzerman signed a one-year deal to come back for his 22nd season!! The Wings also made changes behind the bench, firing Head Coach Dave Lewis and bringing in Mike Babcock to take over the team. Assistants Barry Smith and Joe Kocur were let go as well; Babcock brought in his own staff. Opening night is October 5th; Let's Go Red Wings!!!
The Pistons made a coaching change this summer as well. After bowing out of the NBA Finals in Game 7, Larry Brown was let go for reasons including his health concerns among others. The team hired Flip Saunders to take charge. We will miss LB, thanks for the 2004 NBA title!
The Tigers are playing a little better this season, but still have a long way to go to become contenders.
The Lions started training camp this week, things look very positive for the boys in Honolulu Blue & Silver.
Guess that's about it for now; I'll write again soon with all the latest goings-on.
2/23/05:
Happy Valentine's Week!!
Here's the latest from my neck o' the woods.
For Valentine's Day, Lisa and I went to see Disney's "On the Record" at the Fisher Theater. It was set in a recording studio and featured 64 Disney songs. It was an amazing show; if you have a chance to see it, do. It was a great Valentine's Day. I love you, baby. ;)
The Pistons made a strong start to the second half of the season with a convincing victory over New York last night at the Palace. The team really looks back in championship form now.
The NHL season was officially canceled this week. It is the first time in any of the four major leagues that an entire season has been lost to a work stoppage. We'll see what the summer brings.
Arthur Miller and Sandra Dee passed away this week; RIP to both of these outstanding artists.
That'll do it for now, I'll update again soon!
1/26/05:
Happy New Year All! Hope 2005 finds you happy and healthy. Lisa and I spent New Year's weekend in the beautiful city of Toronto, Canada. We saw the Hockey Hall of Fame, took in the Disney on Ice show, and watched the New Year's countdown live out our hotel room window. All in all it was a great weekend. We had a lot of fun and made some wonderful memories. I love you baby. :^)
I just recently celebrated my 24th birthday. I spent a nice day with my family and a wonderful evening with Lisa. Got some new video games and some books from the family, and a kick-ass model Batmobile from Lisa.
In sports news, still no hockey season. The two sides have begun negotiating in recent weeks, but things are still tenuous at best. The Pistons have come to the halfway point of their season and are five games off their pace of a year ago. Our record's not terrible, but we need to play better down the stretch and gear up for the playoffs. We have some nagging injuries to work through, but hopefully it will all work out.
The entertainment world suffered a tremendous blow this weekend with the passing of "Tonight Show" legend Johnny Carson on Sunday. He is remembered fondly by all those whose careers he inspired and touched. Rest in Peace, Johnny.
That's gonna wrap it up for now, but I'll be back soon with more news and updates.
6/24/04:
Well, it's posting time once again...
Our beloved Detroit Pistons captured the Larry O'Brien trophy as NBA Champions!!! Congrats to Big Ben, Rip, Chauncey, Tay, 'Sheed and the rest of the boys. Here's to another run next year!!
In hockey news, the Wings announced they are planning to bring back Head Coach Dave Lewis and staff for next season, whenever that might be. Kris Draper took home the Selke Trophy as best defensive forward in '03-'04. Way to go, Drapes!!
And now for the really big news...I graduated!! After five long years, I finally graduated from EMU with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Vocal Music. I truly enjoyed my time at Eastern; I made some wonderful friendships and of course, met my one and only, Lisa.
Last Sunday, the 13th, Lisa and I celebrated our one-year anniversary. It has been a wonderful year together; I can't imagine my life without you in it. I love you forever, baby. You make me so happy.
R.I.P. Ray Charles & Ronald Reagan. We will miss you.
4/8/04:
So I haven't posted anything in a while...here's the latest goings on:
Lisa and I are as happy together as ever; our ten-month anniversary is in just a few days - Happy Anniversary, Angel!! I love you more than words can say. I can't imagine my life without you in it.
My a cappella group, Descant, is ending its first year on a high note, so to speak; our recent spring show was a major success. We are now getting ready to hold auditions for the Fall Semester.
In sports, the Wings began their annual playoff run against Nashville last night with a 3-1 victory in Game 1. Manny Legace did very well in his first ever playoff start. Goal-scorers were Kris Draper, Tomas Holmstrom and Robert Lang. Let's go get Stanley!!
1/10/04:
Happy New Year All!!
Lisa and I spent New Year's in Chicago; it was awesome. We had such a good time together. Our seven-month anniversary is fast approaching; Happy Anniversary, Sweet Thing! :)
The Wings are still holding on to first place in the Central Division over St. Louis. We picked up a point today in an OT loss to Boston.
12/13/03:
So finals are in full swing, but I'm taking time out today to celebrate my six month anniversary with Lisa. The last six months have been truly amazing; I'm so glad she's part of my life. Happy Anniversary, Cocoanut!! I love you. :^)
11/17/03:
Ok, so here's the latest...
Lisa and I just celebrated our 5-month anniversary. It has been an incredible 5 months; I am so thankful that she has come into my life. Lisa, you are so special to me and such an important part of my life. I love you, Angel. :)
*hugs & kisses*
In other news, the Wings are off to a rather slow start, all things considered. Our record stands now at 9-7-2-0 after Saturday night's 1-1 tie at Chicago. Steve Yzerman is leading the team in goals with nine (and counting). Keep your fingers crossed, all; things are bound to get better. The goalie saga continues -- Ken Holland has been unable to trade CuJo, who has had to split time not only with Dominik Hasek, but also with Manny Legace. No complaints from anyone, though, so we'll just have to ride this one out. Derian Hatcher is out for the season with a torn ACL; let's hope he's back for the playoffs. Keep your eyes on the prize, boys!!!
8/21/03:
Ok, so it's been a little while since I've posted anything here, so here's the summer update:
While taking spring classes at EMU, I met and began dating an amazing girl. It's now been two & a half months and Lisa and I couldn't be happier.
Love ya, Coconut! :)
The Red Wings update:
Sergei Fedorov bolted from Hockeytown after the disastrous four-game sweep at the hands of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. His destination: Ironically, those same Mighty Ducks! So Long, Sergei...We'll miss you! Also departing was free agent Luc Robitaille, whom the Wings declined to re-sign. He decided to return to the LA Kings for the upcoming season. The Wings rebounded well, however, signing free agent defenseman Derian Hatcher away from the Dallas Stars and forward Ray Whitney from the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Goalie Dominik Hasek decided to end his retirement and play once again for Detroit, prompting GM Ken Holland to begin shopping incumbent Curtis Joseph. It's been slow going though, especially with CuJo having recently undergone ankle surgery.
Training Camp begins Sept. 10th; here's hoping for another Stanley Cup run!!!
4/3/03:
Detroit 5, NY Islanders 2.
The Wings beat the Isles tonight at Joe Louis Arena on the strength of two Sergei Fedorov goals. Kris Draper, Luc Robitaille and Mathieu Schneider also scored for us. The win moves us one point behind Dallas for the top spot in the Western Conference; one more Detroit win coupled with a Dallas loss will clinch it for us.
3/31/03:
Detroit 3, Nashville 0.
The Wings won yet again, this time beating the Nashville Predators at Joe Louis Arena, 3-0. CuJo recorded the 41st shutout of his career and fifth as a Wing. Steve Yzerman, Sergei Fedorov and Henrik Zetterberg scored.
Next game: 4/3 vs. New York Islanders.
3/29/03:
Detroit 6, St. Louis 2.
The Wings beat the Blues this afternoon at the Savvis Center in St. Louis to sweep the season series for the first time in the 36-year history of the rivalry.
Brett Hull recorded a hat trick, and NICKLAS LIDSTROM, Pavel Datsyuk and Sergei Fedorov also scored in the fight-filled game.
Next game: 3/31 vs. Nashville.
3/28/03:
San Jose 3, Detroit 0
The Wings fell to the Sharks last night at the Shark Tank in San Jose. Kind of a disappointing loss, but it happens. Curtis Joseph played admirably, but didn't have much chance on the San Jose goals. It's the second shutout in the last three games that the Wings have been on the wrong side of.
On the postitive side, Brett Hull signed a one-year contract extension beleieved to be worth about $5 million. The Golden Brett is in Hockeytown for at least one more year!
Next game: 3/29 at St. Louis.
3/25/03:
Detroit 4, Minnesota 0.
The Wings avenged their loss to Minnesota on Sunday night with a victory at Joe Louis Arena tonight. Curtis Joseph recorded the 40th shutout of his career. Goal-scorers were: Igor Larionov, Sergei Fedorov, Henrik Zetterberg and Tomas Holmstrom.
Next game: 3/27 at San Jose.
3/24/03:
Minnesota 4, Detroit 0.
The Wings fell to the Wild at the Xcel Energy Center in Minnesota yesterday afternoon. The Wild scored just 21 seconds into the game, a franchise record. The last team to shutout the Wings was Colorado, on Feb. 6th.
Next game: 3/25 vs. Minnesota
3/23/03:
Detroit 4, St. Louis 2
The Wings defeated St. Louis and newly acquired goalie Chris Osgood 4-2 yesterday afternoon at the Savvis Center in St. Louis. The loss was Osgood's first since coming to the Blues from the NY Islanders. Goal-scorers for the Wings were Henrik Zetterberg, Mathieu Schneider, Steve Yzerman and NICKLAS LIDSTROM. Yzerman's goal was his first since his return from off-season knee surgery.
Next game: 3/23 at Minnesota.
3/18/03:
Detroit 5, Pittsburgh 1
Our mighty Red Wings defeated the Penguins tonight at the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. Sergei Fedorov, Brendan Shanahan, Darren McCarty, and Luc Robitaille scored for the Wings. It was an exciting game. The win strengthens our position as number one in the divisional standings.
Next game: 3/22 at St. Louis.
3/17/03:
Happy St. Patrick's Day All!
Please drink responsibly.
Don't drink and drive.
3/16/03:
"Porgy and Bess" was great! The actor who played Porgy had an amazing voice. It was a fun evening.
Red Wings 6, Senators 2
Thanks to a Brett Hull hat trick, the Red Wings beat Ottawa tonight at JLA. The win gives us 96 points, good for the top spot in the Western Conference. Henrik Zetterberg, Brendan Shanahan and NICKLAS LIDSTROM also scored for Detroit.
Next game: 3/18 at Pittsburgh
3/15/03:
The Detroit Red Wings defeated the Colorado Avalanche this afternoon at Joe Louis Arena by a score of 5-3. Brett Hull scored one of the goals, the 709th of his career, moving him into 5th place all alone on the all-time scoring list. Pavel Datsyuk, Brendan Shanahan, Sergei Fedorov and Igor Larionov also scored.
In other news, I am going to see "Porgy and Bess" tomorrow night at the Fisher Theatre. I'll let you all know how it was.
3/14/03:
What can I say?
I am a music major at Eastern Michigan University (Go Eagles!), specializing in vocal music. Eventually I hope to be able to perform in some capacity.
Away from the classroom, I am a huge hockey fan. I love the Red Wings with a passion. Nicklas Lidstrom is the man!!
I love classic rock 'n' roll music; stuff from the 60s and 70s for the most part. My favorite is Billy Joel - go see him at the Palace May 2nd!!
I enjoy reading and movies of all sorts, a good game of euchre, video games, and most of life in general.