Congrats to Miller, but Wait! You Forgot Someone!

Congratulations to Ryan Miller for being invited to the USA Olympic Camp for hockey. Yet, I think the USA Olympic commission is forgetting another player that they need to invite... a Mr. Paul Gaustad. I guess I have to except some of the responsibility in Goose not getting invited to the Olympic Camp, I mean I am his unofficial and self-proclaimed campaign manager and I did take it upon myself to create the "Honk the Vote Campaign Gaustad in '09" for the NHL All*Star game this year. I mean I did create t-shirts with Harley, but I have been slacking for the "Now Do You Believe? Gaustad is Good! Scary Good! Gaustad in 2010 in Vancouver" campaign. I have completely neglected it since I announced it February. So, it's time for me to light a fire under my behind and get back into gear with the campaign! I can't vote to have Gaustad get on the USA Olympic team like I can for the NHL All*Star game, but I can do a lot of shameless promotion and try to devise a way to contact the USA Olympic committee. Hopefully there will not be any legal action against me, but for Goose it's worth it. Anyway if I do get thrown into jail, Goose is WNY's Superhero, so I'm sure he would find a way to bail me out because he is good! Scary Good!

The No Good, Very Bad, Horrible Day; Oh Where, Oh Where Has Briere Gone? Oh Where, Oh Where Can He Be?; and Goose = BAMF! Enough Said!

I'm very relieved to say that my day is going much better than yesterday / late Monday night. My car decided that it would be defiant on Monday night after I came out of teaching and the key wouldn't turn in the admission. It was stuck and it wasn't about to loosen or turn anytime soon. Fabulous. Of course it's 10:30pm and it's a freezing 4 degrees out and the closet person who can come and pick me up is 25 minutes away. (Thankfully for me they did and they didn't waste anytime leaving either. Praise the Lord I have the best family and friends in the whole wide world!) After picking me and up, I couldn't get warm for the rest of the night and was chilled to the bone. I had to get up at 7am which my body didn't even know there was two 7 o'clocks in a day and call my mechanic and a dealer to see if I can get a key made and then spend three hours of morning driving around trying to get my car fixed (which it won't be fixed until Monday or later), go to my "pay the bills" then go and teach again that evening. *Sigh* Luckily my kids were really good in class. I told them I was having a bad day and they needed to be good and listen to cheer me up. Kids are great. They rose to the challenge and brightened my entire day. Why can't more adults be like that? But on a good note, today is going much better and I had a very good  nights, even if for part of it I passed out on the couch while Everybody Loves Raymond, Friends, and Scrubs reruns played.

I have been unable to watch the past two Sabres games due to more important (I know there is nothing more important than the Sabres, but sometimes life takes precedent) ie my Aunt's 60th b-day party and my teaching obligations. I missed the game with the horrible incident of Miller's injury and the fact that he is out indefinitely at this point and time (BOO!). I also missed last night's game against my favorite team if the Sabres were not in the NHL, so basically my second favorite. The last game I caught was against Philly and I thought we were doing pretty decent until the third and then we went with an empty net *OI!*. The sixth and final goal was like sticking a nail in a coffin. I have to say that I didn't see Briere at all during that game. (Grant it, I was partly distracted because I was flirting with the cute bartender who Harley is convinced waits for me to get there and has a crush on me. She's such a great friend by compromising her moral code by lying and saying nice things to me to boost my ego.) Where was this great Briere that was the MVP of the All*Star Game in 2007 when he played for the Sabres, but since he's been traded to Philly by his own will he hasn't even made an All*Star appearance and apparently he has forgotten how to score. Not only was he not racking up the points, but I couldn't even find him out on the ice (Again, partially distracted because I was having an awesome flirt session with the cute bartender). I just find it ironic that he insisted that being traded to Philly would be the best for his career and since he's been there he's done buttkiss.

To end this blog today, all I'm going to say is Goose is a BAMF and I never want him to change.

Paul Gaustad insisted the collision with Anaheim’s Ryan Getzlaf during Tuesday’s 3-2 loss was not intentional. Ducks’ Head Coach Randy Carlyle was upset with the play that resulted in a broken nose for Getzlaf, saying the winger left his feet on the hit.

“I read his comment that my shoulder hit him in the head, but I watched the replay, our heads collided,” Gaustad said. “I didn’t see him, it’s unfortunate he got hurt… But was a collision, it wasn’t a hit.”

You Can't Bring Me Down; Hockey Bachelor Auction; and Just Add Water!

If the Sabres didn't lose last night, yesterday would have been one of those great days that it's only little stuff that happens, but you just can't stop smiling at the end of the day. So, I came to the conclusion that I wasn't going to let the Sabres lost bring down my mood. I was so giddy (stupidly giddy that when I woke up this morning, I felt a we bit like an ass, but oh well), I told Harley I could get pulled over by the cops and still be in a good mood, by saying, "Thanks for the Ticket" with a wink and a smile. Yes, yesterday was a good day and I really needed one of those good days because it's been awhile. Not that I've had absolutely horrid days, but just okay days and sometimes you need an extremely good day that puts you in a stupidly giddy mood to remind you that you are happy to be breathing and a human being on this earth.

After to talking with Harley and others about Ryan Miller's relationship status, I came up with the conclusion that next year's Catwalk for Charity should include a Bachelor Auction of all the single Sabres, of course having the proceeds go to Carly's Club. Let's certainly not just keep the auction open to single Sabres, how about single Portland Pirates or NHL/AHL players in general. I'm sure Miller got a couple of single hockey friends he could auction off for charity. Think of all the proceeds from this little venture. Auctioning of a cute lab puppy, good idea. Auctioning off single hockey players for an evening of fun and entertainment, great idea!

Has anyone bought the 2008 - 2009 Sabres collectible pucks from Tops? I've been trying to keep up with them, but they remind me of those tablets you had as a kid and you put it into water and it grows in to a spongy shaped animal or those towels that are condensed into a square and you put it in water and it grows into a washcloth/towel. I feel like I should put one of those mini pucks in a jar of water and in a day I will have grown myself my own personal Sabre or better yet the particular Sabre on the puck will appear when you drop the puck in water. Take one Paul Gaustad mini hockey puck place it in a glass of water and *poof* there he is! Goose, right in front of your eyes! This could work for any of the Sabres, Pommers, Lalime, Kaleta, Paetsch.... so on and so forth.... Man, I'm really starting to believe that the Sabres organization needs to listen to some of marketing ideas, they could make a bundle.

Internet Conclusions; Zoot Suits; and I Need a Cut Out Lindy!

I haven't blogged in awhile, due to my schedule, but the Sabres have been up to some antics that I would like to take some time and point out.

First, the Catwalk for Charity III hosted by Ryan Miller and his charity the Steadfast Foundation. I was not in attendance at this event due to the lack of funds to buy tickets and I was already had a prior commitment of chaperoning about 50 dance students ages 4 - 17 at a dance competition and entering the young ones playing duck, duck, goose or as they like to call it toilet, toilet, flush. My how things have changed since I was a kid. I had a blast at the competition with my kids and am very proud of their performances, but R. Mill's event sounds like it was quite an evening. From what I can deduce from other people's blogs, facebook, and other internet sources the Sabres themselves had a good time and a few of them may have consumed a little too many alcoholic beverages and acted in ways they normally wouldn't have (nothing bad, they were just relaxed and acting like regular guys would after consuming alcohol and being at a party). I love the fact that Tim Connolly did the worm! I get picked on by my friends for having crushes on guys because of weird quirks, and one weird quirk I find extremely attractive in guys is if they can do the dance move "the worm". I had a crush on a male cheerleader from another school when I was a sophomore in high school because he could do the worm and displayed his talent during a cheerleading competition on time. It also helped that he was well built, had amazing blue eyes, gorgeous wavy, blond, surfer locks, and he looked like a male model, but that is completely beside the point. I might have a mini-crush on Tim Connolly until about Friday because he busted out the worm at the Catwalk for Charity.

THE WORM! Look at those guns! Dang!

Apparently he was happy with his moves.

Pominville didn't seem to be the most entertaining Sabre of the evening, actually what I can figure out he flew below the radar minus his strut on the Catwalk with Ryan. I found this picture and noticed that Pommer's left hand is a little heavier than usual. Did he get married and I missed it? Not that I would expect to be invited or even notified, but the other Sabres that got married or engaged recently have made it publicly known or it was leaked out. (ie Vanek, Peters, Paille, and Paetsch) Either Pommer's is really good at keeping him private life, well, private or he flew to Vegas during the All*Star break and tied the knot with Kim (that was her name wasn't it?). Or maybe he's not married at all and he's like the Jonas Brothers and it's a purity ring. I've never heard of a professional athlete wearing a purity ring before, but I guess stranger things have happened.

All I have to say is when did that happen and what does it mean?

Drew Stafford, where do I even begin with this guy? First of all Drew reminds me of the guy on the team who is very laidback and makes the smartass remarks without caring who he may offend and the remarks he makes usually goes over people's head that should be offended by them. He also reminds me of the typical college frat boy. Most of the guys who have joined the Sabres roster after playing college hockey try to give off this professional persona and make it seem like their college days are behind them. This does not seem like Drew. He seems like the guy who wakes up 5 minutes before he is suppose to leave for the rink throws on clothes that have been on the floor for a few weeks and have only been worn twice, so they are still considered clean because they smell the least and have no stains on them, maybe brushes his teeth, takes a quick swig of milk or OJ out of the carton, grabs his keys and gear and is out the door. I could be way off on this theory, but he just gives off that vibe. He's the type of guy, that not only is he athletically gifted, but he probably didn't have to work that hard at school to pull slightly above average grades. He reminds me of a guy in my public speaking class in college that got all A's on his speeches, but never actually prepared one before hand. He just knew what topic he had to talk about and just ab libbed his speech, but he was so relaxed and a natural public speaker and naturally funny, he pulled it off. I on the other prepared the entire before, but got so nervous when I got in front of the class, I was lucky if I pulled a C and I hated that guy for being able to naturally give speeches, but he was so charismatic and good-looking, my hatred would turn into a mini-crush. That reminds me of Drew, I have never met him, but again he gives off that vibe. So, back to the Catwalk for Charity, according to Drew's Monday morning interview with Larry Norton and 97 Rock, he stated that he normally isn't the kind of guy to wear nice clothes, but since it was a charity event, he wore a nice shirt and pants and found out he wasn't dressed properly because everyone else was sporting Zoot Suit (little factoid about me: I  LOVE Zoot Suits!). So, he had to come up with a quick outfit, which in his words he looked Amish. I know plenty of Amish and none of them wear anything like that, the word I would use to describe Drew's ensemble, Hobo. He reminds me of the Hobo in The Polar Express. That Hobo irritates me because I have no idea what relevance he has to that movie other than to creep the main character out. Pointless, I say.

Drew's many looks for the evening.

I don't know how in the world I missed this, but Patrick Lalime is very good looking. He looked extremely handsome at the Catwalk and I just realized I love his smile.

I think Mike Weber may have not understood the theme of the Catwalk was the Roaring '20s and not Disney's greatest movies because what other reason would he dress as Aladdin?

I'm only posting this picture because being immature and corny as I sometimes am and Paille's pink feather headpiece looks absolutely lovely! (I am aware of the fact that it is one of the models, but the angle is just perfect to assume it is his.)

Speaking of Paille, I'm glad to hear his fiance, Dana (right?), won the bid on the puppy, Capone, after losing to T-Bo's wife last year. Speaking of T-Bo, whatever happened to him? And whatever happened to Pratt? And you never really hear anything about Briere anymore do you? Interesting....

Apparently in the off-season the Sabres are going to tour as the Knox Plaza Band with Miller on Guitar, Lydman on Drums, Stafford playing either guitar or drums and Derek Roy as the lead singer. I think Derek is jealous at the fact that Larry Quinn and Ronan Tynan have asked Miller and Stafford to play at Ronan's Christmas Concert and not him. He was just seizing the opportunity to flex his golden pipes at the Catwalk in hopes that fans will call Larry and vote for him (American Idol Style) to participate in Ronan's next Buffalo Concert.

Andrew Peters' Zoot Suit is something to behold and he reminds me of Robert Barone from Everybody Loves Raymond. The episode where Robert and Debra go swing dancing and Ray gets jealous. When Brad Garrett is wearing the Zoot Suit in that episode it reminds me of Andrew Peters' and his flashy attire at the Catwalk.

Bryce Miller's attire makes me think he should be slinging newspapers on Michigan Ave. and saying, "Get Your Newspapers! Sabres Crush Senators in 10-0 Shut Out! Miller might as well be a Brick Wall!" I was justing wanting to see a video on youtube of Bryce singing "I'm the King of New York" from the Newsies.

I love the fact that for the Catwalk the entire Miller family is involved, including Ryan's grandparents. (No Drew Miller, but I'm sure if his grueling hockey schedule would allow it, he would be there.) I must say they are a good-looking family at that. I mean my family is pretty awesome, but we can't really compare to the Millers. They're doing good and being fashionable all at the same time. My family does good, we just aren't fashionable. We all can't have our cake and eat it too, well, unless you are a Miller, then you can, because you are talented and kind enough to do so.

I loved the pictures of the Sabres' cut outs in gangster attire. I need one of these, actually I want one of Lindy that can stare at me and intimidate me into working out, when I feel I deserve a lazy day. I would be sitting on the couch with a box of cheesy whale crackers from Wally World ready to watch the VH1 marathon of America's Next Top Model and the Lindy cut out in gangster clothes would be giving me the "I will kick your ass from here to Timbuktoo, if you don't get off your lazy arse and work out". And because you don't mess with the Ruffinator, I would get up and work out, that or turn it around so it wouldn't stare at me. Probably the latter. Speaking of which, where is Lindy during these Catwalk events? I never see pictures of him at one? hmmmmm...

Last, but certainly not least, Goose. I'm still campaigning that he should be chosen for the US's 2010 winter olympic hockey team. I mean, he has an upper body injury and he still came to the Catwalk to raise money for charity. This guy just has a heart of gold. To top it off, he also showed the crowd a good time by throwing caution to the wind and chug-a-lugging a drink right on the Catwalk. This guy is awesome, no doubt in that.

My conclusion on all this that I have observed via internet is I need to save some funds so I can go next year. I mean it seems like a grand old time and it helps raise money for charity and that is the best reason of all.

Disclaimer: None of these pictures are mine and were borrowed from various people who attended this event. If any of these are your pictures and you would like them taken off or credit, just send me an e-mail at defygravityanddance@hotmail.com. Thank you!

The Sabres Have a Non-Orange, Non-Fuzzy Hunger Look-A-Like; Hopefully the USA Olympic Hockey Team Selection Committee Reads This; & Lindy PLZ Adopt Me

As I was watching the Sabres game the other night with Harley, I couldn't put my finger on why Ryan Miller reminded me of somebody. This was during the game, when all you could see through his hockey mask was his eyes and eyebrows. Then it hit me like a piano on the head! Miller reminded me of the orange, fuzzy hunger from the Weight Watchers commercials when he has his goalie mask on. I couldn't find a picture of the orange, fuzzy hunger thing from the Weight Watchers commercial, but I was able to find the commercial on youtube.

Now the semi-collage I made of Miller to show why I think he resembles to Weight Watchers orange, fuzzy Hunger.

I think if you painted Miller orange and kept his eyebrows black, it would would be hard to tell the two apart.

I haven't been promoting the Gaustad in Vancouver in 2010 because to be frank fans can't vote for him to go, so me blogging his accolades might be a bit frivolous. I feel as if I should do so every once in awhile because hey maybe one of the members of the selection committee for the Vancouver 2010 USA hockey team might happen to come across this blog and read about how wonderful Paul Gaustad is and why he should represent team USA in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. I found a picture of Goose giving some child fans a hockey puck during one of the Sabres pre-game warm-ups and well, to be honest it warmed my heart. That Gaustad is a nice guy and insanely talented, so vote for him hockey selection committee, you won't regret it, scouts honor.

Last topic, but certainly not least, one of my favorite people on this earth and all time favorite hockey player and Sabre, the kickass Lindy Ruff! I found this picture of Lindy online today and it just made me laugh. Just when I think I can't love Lindy anymore as a father figure, I find this. Oh Lindy, if I didn't already have an amazing dad, I would ask you if you would adopt me.

P.O.S.'s Before Hockey Contracts, Kaboom Car Stories, and Small Ways to Improve Myself

While I was talking on the phone to Chi Chi for 4 hours last night cuddled up with massive amounts of blankets and comforters to ward off the cold WNY January weather, I was browsing through the Sabres 2008 - 2009 Yearbook (thanks to Cari from SabreChaser) and some of the guys off the ice answers made me chuckle. I especially like the fact that Gaustad's first car was a 1979 VW Rabbit. Classic. If you try to imagine him driving a vehicle like that it seems hilarious for the mere fact that he's such a tall guy and well, that's a little car. It's almost like a clown car, but I love the fact that even the Sabres first cars were P.O.S.'s, well they guys that got their first cars before their hockey contracts were signed. Pommer's first car was a BMW, I'm thinking he bought that after signing his hockey contract. Beamer doesn't equal P.O.S. I also admire that Matt Ellis' first car was a 1988 Ford Tempo, because my first car aka kaboom car was also a Ford Tempo except it was a 1994 and yes it was a P.O.S. I think the gas leak when I first got it or the time I literally had to drive down the road holding the driver's side door close, because for some odd reason it wouldn't close and Chi Chi was yelling at me. That was a sight we were on our way to a Ballet Magnificat! Concert all dressed up in our heels and skirts in 15 degree weather and I have one hand holding the car door close and the other on the steering wheel trying to drive on unplowed roads, speeding because we were late and then of course to top it off we got lost. Good Times. The only reasons I walked away happy from that evening was A) the concert was AMAZING! and B) I got Keith Thibodeaux's aka Little Ricky from I Love Lucy, autograph because his wife, Kathy, is the director of Ballet Magnificat! and I'm a huge Lucille Ball and I Love Lucy fan, so that completely made my night, actually week. On the drive home, the door decided it would shut then and we were on our merry way. I wouldn't trade those experiences with kaboom car for the world, but I am much happier now that I have a more reliable means of transportation, I just wonder if the Sabres have any P.O.S. stories before they're hockey contracts.

Apparently similar to Goose's first car!

Similar to my first car aka kaboom car, except the color, I had a grey tempo!

Every year I want to make a New Year's Resolution, but I know I'll be a lazy butt and not go through with it. I found this article online on small ways to improve yourself and succeed. I think I'm going to try, what do I have to lose?

Now Do You Believe? The Campaign Continues!, May Day!, and When 32 Cents Makes All the Difference!

While I was at work today, my boss (who is a huge Sabres fan) and I were talking about the game last night and the Sabres in general and she mentioned at one of the last games they were looking at Gaustad and Miller as prospects for the 2010 Olympics! What?!? This is awesome! Of course I needed to find out more, so I googled it and this is the info that I found.

On the Sabres broadcast of Buffalo-Toronto tonight, they said that Brian Burke, GM of the US Olympic hockey team, said that they were looking hard at Paul Gaustad for the team in 2010.

YES!!! This is awesome! So, Goose may not have gotten voted in for the 2009 NHL All*Star Game (trust me it was not for lack of trying on me and Harley's part, we made t-shirts, Dang It!), but..... he's being looked at for the 2010 Olympics! Awesome! Now 5 days after the "Honk the Vote! Gaustad in '09!" campaign has ended, I now have a new campaign..... *clears throat*..... "Now Do You Believe? Gaustad is Good! Scary Good! Gaustad in Vancouver in 2010"! It's not as catchy as "Honk the Vote", but you can't vote for players to go to the Olympics, so I thought I would steal a classic RJ quote. I think Goose is greatly unappreciated, but if Brian Burke is scouting him for 2010 Olympics obviously people outside of Buffalo are realizing (or believing) he is good. It's kind of growing on me, so I think I'll keep it, unless anyone has any other suggestions, I'm all ears.

While I was googling about Goose being a prospect for the 2010 Olympics, I came across Brian Burke's name and I'm going to be honest, I didn't know who he was, so I googled him and found out that he was the president and GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs (all right, I probably should have known that). Then I came across this article. Speaking of RJ quotes, this man was the reason for the famous "May Day! May Day!" call and now he's playing for Toronto? It's kind of depressing since he's now playing for the Leafs and they are one of our arch rivals and all, but he started his career in Buffalo. I don't want to see him playing for the Leafs! ICK! Grant it, he has become a suitcase in the NHL and now playing for Toronto, this is his 7th NHL team, but Toronto!?! I didn't mind him playing for the Ducks, because after the Sabres the Ducks are my favorite NHL team. The only reason they are is because I loved the Mighty Ducks Movies as a kid and had a huge crush (well, still do) on Joshua Jackson and the kid who played Adam Banks (He was really good, but really quiet and never threw it in the rest of the team's face that he was really good, but I hated the fact that he had a thing for Connie, the girl goalie. Hey, I was 11 at the time.) Thanks to those movies I started at a young age having a crush on hockey players and the Ducks being my 2nd favorite hockey team, the Sabres have always been my first. So, while Brad May was in Anaheim, I didn't mind him playing there, but now Toronto, it just makes him seem like a traitor. I know hockey players don't have a lot of say in where they are being traded, but I just wanted to vent that this saddens me a wee bit.

I'm sure that everyone is aware of the Jarkko Ruutu biting Andrew Peters. I was teaching last night and unable to watch the game, but Harley texted me to tell me that Peters was bit by Ruutu. I really couldn't believe it, but what I couldn't believe more was the fact that he didn't get a penalty and Peters had to serve a 2-minute unsportsmanlike conduct penalty! Really?!? Ruutu can bite someone, but if you make a big deal about being bite, you are in the wrong. I really don't see the logic in that one, probably why I'm not a hockey referee. If I was Peters once I found out that I was serving a penalty anyway, I would have skated over and punched Ruutu in the face why he was putting in his eye drops. If you're getting in trouble anyway, you might as well do something worth getting in trouble for. Go Big or Go Home! Since I was unable to watch the game, I found a clip of it on youtube....

I must say I'm very impressed by the way Peters handled himself when being interviewed about the incident, saying it's up to the NHL on what to do about it. Well, the NHL is suspending him for two games and fining him $31,707.32 because he is unable to play in those games. You think they could have rounded it up to a nice even number, like $32,000.00. I mean at this point does the 32 cents matter? Anyway, I'm glad to see he's being punished that's really unacceptable behavior and I like how Petey said that these guys are suppose to be role models for kids and doing something like this hurts the reputation of the NHL and the game, more than his thumb. Well put, again I was very impressed with Peters and how professional his interviews were.

Lindy's interview on the situation reminds me why the Ruffinator is one of my favorite people in this world.

I love how he admits he find the situation a bit humorous and goes on to talk about seeing someone get in the back. I'm really not sure why he kept referring to witnessing that, but apparently the Ruffinator found it relevant and that's good enough for me. He also goes on to talk about how well Chris Butler has played and Toni Lydman's return to the line up. He seems like he doesn't want to send Butler back, but he doesn't give us any inkling about what the Sabres organization is going to do with so many defensemen. Only time will tell. He also talks about Tim Connolly returning and how Tim never plays like a player coming off an injuring and never plays soft. He speaks very highly of Timmy (as he always have) and says that his gift is to draw players toward him and open people up even if it does put him in harm's way. And Tim has been in harm's way most of the time, missing the last 249 games out of 358 due to injury, that's over 67%, but apparently that's the sacrifice that comes with such a great gift.

A Step Above Death, Lindy Knows Best, and Looking Forward to the Future with the "Honk the Vote" Campaign!

I feel like death.... I take that back.... a step above death.... I have yet another terrible cold this season making this number 3 in a little less than 4 months. That's what I get for working around kids all the time, oh but I do love those little germ infested twinkle toes, I just wish they kept their germs to themselves! I currently look like Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer with slits for eyes because I'm so exhausted I can barely keep them open and smell like menthol thanks to the number of halls I sucked on. I know, Move Over JT, I'm bringing Sexy Back!

On a good note, the Sabres won last night! :-) 4 to 1 against Toronto! Apparently the Ruffinator's locker room switch up worked, there's no evidence to prove that it didn't. Pominville seems to like the change or Lindy has put the fear of God in him and he's too scared to not agree with Lindy for fear of a major butt whooping. I'm thinking the latter. It seems to have worked seeing that Pominville and Roy both had two goals in the game last night and Roy an assist. (Somebody reacted to being publicly called out by their coach).  Lindy's actions have also seemed to light a fire under Stafford's and Vanek's booties as well, both recording two assists a piece last night.

Two gentlemen that got the Ruffinator's message that he was unhappy with their performance on the ice.

Lindy also thinks that Gerbe is no longer needed in Buffalo at the current time, so back to Portland he goes. I like Gerbe, but like I say "In Ruff I Trust!". Sorry to see you go Gerbe, but if Lindy's decisions lead to games like last night, then whatever Ruff says goes, that even applies to you.

You never argue with this man. He knows best!

I'm not sure if today is the last day or not to vote for the NHL All* Star Game, but it is at 7:31pm EST, Goose has tallied... *drum roll please*..... 449 votes! So, he's not gonna make it to the All*Star game this year, but not shabby for a write in, but if you can still vote, "Honk the Vote!" and vote PAUL GAUSTAD!

WNY's Super Hero! Goose is making sure that trees are being planted through out WNY, so it becomes beautified!

I've also come to the conclusion that Goose really deserves to play in an All*Star game, so I'm going to start the "Honk the Vote! Gaustad in '10!" campaign about 10 months early. No time like the present, eh?

Goodbye OK 2008, Hello Fabulous 2009!, In Ruff I Trust, and Goose the Best Choice to Represent the Sabres!

This last day of 2008 isn't going as well as I expected, I have been feeling under the weather since Monday, coughing, congested, sore throat, so I decided to take Night Quil last night to knock myself out to sleep. Leaving myself 10 hours to sleep, well that plan didn't go as smoothly as I planned and I would wake up and cough uncontrollably. So, I have a terribly sore throat today, I'm still congested and drowsy and I sound like a man. Sexy, I know. To top it off I got a text message that I wasn't pleased about (won't bother everyone with the personal details) and the Sabres game last night was anything but fabulous. Even worse, I have good friends who live in DC and we have a friendly competition going on about who's NHL team is better. My Sabres or their Caps, said to say, they are currently winning. I got a nice reminder on facebook today about how the game worked in their favor last night. Luckily Cari, from the blog Sabrechaser, is helping me get my hands on a copy of the 2008-2009 Sabres Yearbook and that is the only reason I am smiling right now. (I know I've said it a hundred times already,  but thanks again!)

The way the Sabres played last night was just sad, I'm not going to elaborate because most of you reading this already know and listening to the Sabres post game interviews, they already know, no reason to beat a dead horse. I will say that some players were trying to make for the lack of effort given by others and played exceptionally well (ie Goose, Mair, Clarke, and Ellis). Me and Harley were at our regular Sabres game watching spot last night, the Pub, and the bartender, who is a Sabres fan, but calling it as he sees it, said after the first that we were playing like crap and going to lose, the only one trying out there was Gaustad the way he was hitting everyone last night. I said "yeah, Goose always gives 100%." Harley goes, "Hey! The fat lady hasn't sung yet, we still could win!" The bartender laughed and we made a deal with him that he couldn't complain about the game until it was officially over because me and Harley went to the March 19th game last year, where the Sabres were down 3 goals into the 3rd and they got six goals in the 3rd to win it 7-4. So, Harley and I always believe in Sabres comebacks. The bartender laughed at our Sabres Comeback theory and walked away, I yelled, "Hey! It can happen! In Ruff I Trust!" Harley just looked at me and said, "Nice, way to throw that one in there." Lindy knows what he's doing even if he has to beat his players into the ice. He may not want to do it, but he will if it's necessary. He's naming names and threatening to have players sit out, and in his own words, "They're not idle threats". I like how he was fair and gave credit to the players who did work hard and said if they are want to compete harder then they'll get to play. Sounds like a good plan to me Ruff, give the players the ice time that deserve it. This is why in Ruff I Trust. Lindy I think was royally p.o.ed because usually he gives at least a 5 minute interview or sometimes 8 or 9, but yesterday his interview was only 2 minutes and 15 seconds. I really wouldn't want to be the Sabres who gave the half-assed effort last night, I'm sure thy have a new bum hole by now thanks to the Ruffinator.

Goose also seemed very frustrated in his interview saying it was unacceptable and the team must be held accountable (I agree, Goose, I agree) starting with himself. (WAIT! Goose I don't agree! You were out there giving 110%! You always play acceptable and accountable, I know you don't want to point fingers at other teammates, but don't lie and say you need to lpay more acceptably and accountably, because it just isn't so!)

Speaking of Goose, the "Honk the Vote! Gaustad in '09!" campaign is giving it update for how many votes Goose currently has for the NHL All*Star game..... *drum roll please*..... 431! After watching last nights game is there anyone on the Sabres team who deserves to go to the NHL All*Star game more than Goose? I mean I'm not saying Vanek's stats aren't incredibly and shouldn't vote for other Sabres, but c'mon Goose works so hard, he deserves some sort of reward, like a chance to play at the NHL All*Star Game! So, please vote for Goose, I think we can all agree he deserves it!

HAPPY 2009 EVERYONE! HOPE IT's FABULOUS!

The Universe is Trying to Tell Me Something, Late Night Nostalgia, and News on the Buffalo Front: Pornstache, 12 Days, and Bossy Soup!

I've come to the conclusion that the universe just wants me to have a crush on Bill Pullman, it's inevitable. About two months ago I purchased one of my favorite movies, While You Were Sleeping, at a Flea Market for one whole dollar. I then proceeded to watch it as I went to sleep every night for a month, my love growing for Jack Callahan aka Bill Pullman. About two weeks ago I chose my favorite movie of all time, A League of Their Own, to be my bedtime movie for awhile, forgetting that Bill Pullman stars in it as Bob Hinson. Oh, he looks good in a WWII uniform! On Saturday night, Independence Day, was on and I always have a thing for responsible, courageous, good-looking, all- American boys in suits or military uniforms and well, Bill Pullman playing President Thomas J. Whitmore fits the bill. He's being added to the list of my permanent major crushes along with Rob Lowe, Jon Bon Jovi, Adam Pascal, and of course I can't forget Robert Redford. Pullman isn't a bad choice to be added to my growing list of major crushes, because only the finest specimens make it on the list.

I didn't get a chance to wish everyone a Merry Christmas on here, so here it is..... Merry Belated Christmas everyone! I hope it was absolutely fabulous. My Christmas was excellent this year. I got Mamma Mia!, Baby Mama, and the Sex and the City Movie. Along with a bunch of other things. I watched the Sex and the City Movie Sunday Night into the wee hours of Monday Morning and I really loved it, but it made me feel very nostalgic. It made me miss all my wonderful friends who are scattered across the Eastern Coast. *sigh* I sat there watching it, hugging my Bills pillow, and wanting to be with my friends. I almost called Chi Chi, but it was 2:30 in the morning and I thought that wasn't the best of ideas. Good Thing I'm going out with Harley tonight to watch the Sabres Game at our favorite pub. I need some girl time.

Update on the "Honk the Vote! Gaustad in '09!" Campaign. Good News if all my information is correct, Goose should be playing tonight! He listed in the depth chart on Sabres.com, so I'm taking that as a good sign. He's playing fourth line center with Paille and Ellis. As for the campaign, well, we need some more votes for our beloved Goose. He currently has..... *drum rolls please*..... 420 votes. Not bad, not bad, but he needs a few more to get there, so please vote for Goose and the rest of the Sabres. I'm a little shocked to see Vanek off the leaderboard list all together. He's had a tremendous season! So, while your taking the time to vote for Goose, take the time to write in Vanek as well.

I stumbled across an article online today that might sadden Drew Stafford a wee bit. Apparently, the pornstache was a great fashion faux pas of 2008, committed by Brad Pitt, Robert Downey Jr., Orlando Bloom, and of course Buffalo Sabres forward, Drew Stafford (only when he's rocking out and his doesn't appear to stay on the whole time, well, because that's ho he rolls). Even though Drew only wears his when he is personating his alter ego, the lead guitarist of the Rock Group Invisible Children, it still does make the pornstache fashion and it is still a great fashion faux pas. Sorry, Drew, but those looks only work for Ron Jeremy or Super Mario and in all reality the only one that looks good is Mario.

I'm not going to discuss the Bills/Patriots game on Sunday, well, because it was just depressing. So, we are not winning the Super Bowl in 2009, but you just wait until 2010, that's going to be the Bills year to win the Super Bowl! I did however appreciate the episode of 68 seconds with Langston Walker and the Bills singing "The Twelve Days of Christmas". Oh, I don't even know where to begin because I laughed so hard my stomach hurt. Leodis McKelvin sounding like the line of "9 ladies dancing" should be in a Kayne West song, the fact that Trent Edwards looks like a little kid at an elementary school chorus recital who is in his white buttoned up shirt and black tie and slacks who is taking his solo very seriously why all the other kids look scared poopless with stage fright or completely bored out of their minds, or Blake Constanzo not even attempting to sing, but just saying, "6 geese A-Layin'!", or Marshawn Lynch not even knowing the song and Langston feeding him his lines of camera,  or Jusin Jenkins' very off-key, but longly held note of "5 GOLDEN RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINGS!", or my favorite Robert Royal smiling everytime after he finished saying, "and a partridge in a pair tree". I am aware of the fact they used the same clip over and over again, but still, it was fabulous.

This story just bring a lot of warmth to my heart. I love the fact that a true Bills fan won the ultimate prize of meeting Trent Edwards, absolutely fabulous and just in time for Christmas! What an awesome gift. I especially love how his daughter, who's a senior in high school, said, "I just met my future husband." That a girl! Way to dream big.

In honor of the Winter Classic on Thursday, I was checking out the Blackhawks and Red Wings' websites, when I came across this video of Brian Campbell aka Soupy, mic'd up on blackhawks.com.

Now, if memory serves me correctly, I don't remember Campbell being this vocal or bossy in Buffalo. He's especially riding Patrick Kane's butt and Kane doesn't argue back, maybe he thinks it's disrespectful to argue with your elders. I also don't remember Soupy being that much of a whiner or a whiner at all in Buffalo, look at 40 seconds into the video where he is whining to the ref. I seriously expect him to throw a tantrum five seconds after they stopped taping him. Apparently Chicago isn't agreeing with him as well as Buffalo did. Oh, well , you are the one that chose to leave Soupy, now we have to deal with the consequences of our decisions. Harley pointed out the other night that it's kind of ironic that Campbell has to play in another Winter Classic and maybe karma has kicked in for him leaving Buffalo, but he is the one that proclaimed at the microphone at the Bucking Buffalo while Miller when accompanying him on guitar, that "They were gonna freeze their asses of at the Ice Bowl" and complaining about having to play in it. Karma! Buffalo is the place to be, once you leave, your life goes down the shitter. (I tried to locate the video on youtube, but I think the person who posted it took it down, drat!).

Chocolate Buddy, Say It Ain't So!, and Applause for Reggie Corner

Aahhhhh... the holidays, you gotta love them, right? The insane people at the stores, the Christmas Parties, Hearing from people that you haven't heard from in a REALLY long time, the food, yes all the glorious fattening food that I tell myself it's okay to eat because I'll worry about it after January 1! (I know, what's my excuse the rest of the year?) But I really do love Christmas, I love watching all the Christmas movies and spending time with loved ones. I had my dance studio's Christmas party last night and even though there was about 50+ children and teens running around, I still had a blast. I love my little guys. One of my favorite little dancers decided that we were going to be "Chocolate Buddies" because as she put it, "She LOOOOOOOVES chocolate and I LOOOOOOOOOVE chocolate, so we HAAAAAAAAAVE to be chocolate buddies!!!" Hey, no complaints here. Anytime I get to eat chocolate without any problems what-so-ever is a-okay by me! She's only 5, but her logic made complete sense to me. When it was dessert time we both went up to the dessert table together with our empty plates and she was holding my hand, walking in front of me and one of the older students was dishing up this awesome looking chocolate cake, pudding, whipping, and chocolate bar concoction and she asked my little chocolate buddy if she wanted some and she said "no" (She was eyeing the chocolate cupcakes with nutcrackers decorated on them.) I said "Oh, I'll take some, that looks AWESOME!" My little chocolate buddy goes, "Then I'll have some, we need to eat the exact same! We're chocolate buddies!" That's all I really wanted from the dessert table and as me and my chocolate buddy were making our way down the table I got stopped by another 5 year old to help her pour a glass of pop. So, I put my plate on the table and as I'm pouring the glass of pop, I see a chocolate chip cookie get placed on my plate and then I watch my buddy place one on her plate. I hand the other little girl her glass of pop and pick up my plate and another student's parent stops me a second to talk, as I'm talking and holding my dessert plate, I feel a plop right on my plate, it was my chocolate buddy placing one of those Hershey Kiss cookies on my plate and walking away and putting one on her plate, by the time she sat down and I got a chance to eat my dessert, I had much more dessert on my plate than I anticipated, but then a deal is a deal. I did agree to eat whatever my little chocolate buddy agreed to eat for dessert. I have to be honest my little five year old chocolate buddy put me to shame, she finished her first helping of dessert, which we both equally had the same thing, and she went up for two more cookies and a cupcake, I only finished the original Chocolate Cake, Pudding, Whip Cream, and Chocolate Bar Concoction, that I had plan to eat and then had to wrap all the little chocolate sweets my chocolate buddy had so kindly placed on my plate in a napkin and take them home. I just can't eat like I use to I guess. After words, my chocolate buddy and I decided to join the Dance Director's 8 year old son in a game of hockey in one of the empty dance studios. My little chocolate buddy wanted me to play with a baseball bat, but I'm really not sure how well that would work, but to be as innocent and imaginative as a 5 year old again. If only I were so lucky.

Being the campaign manager of the "Honk the Vote! Gaustad in '09!" campaign, I feel I must come up with excellent reasons on why people should vote Goose for the 2009 NHL All*Star Game. Well, I have stated in previous blogs the many of reasons why, but doing some research via internet, I've come to realize that Goose is greatly unappreciated, take the Sabres Red Carpet Event a few months back, now I was not there so this is something I red on someone's facebook page, but hey facebook doesn't lie, esp. with someone's relationship status, am I right? But apparently he arrived with my favorite All*Star goalie Ryan Miller and everyone was so excited about Miller's arrival, they forgot to announce Goose! WHAT! ZAAAA! SAY IT AIN'T SO! CRAZINESS! :-O!!! How sad is that? I mean they announced all the rookies, schnookies, and schmelts, but not a hardworking, nice, does so much for the community and people of this world, good looking guy like Goose! Something is terribly wrong with this world today and I don't like it. Here is a pic of the horrific incident.....

I know, I know, not the best pic, but it's all I could dig up. *sigh* I know Miller is a great guy and all, no arguing that, he created his own ice cream flavor and as a grown adult who has her own 5 year old chocolate buddy, I can certainly appreciate how kick arse that is, but c'mon Goose deserves just as much respect! So, Goose fans everywhere unite and go and Honk the Vote! Vote for Goose for the 2009 NHL All*Star Game! Because as of 3pm there was only..... *drum roll please*..... 402 votes! That's fabulous and all, but we need a wee bit more to get him there, so jump on your (which you already are on if you are reading this because this blog doesn't come in paperback) and go to www.fanballoting.nhl.com and write in Goose for the Eastern Conference Forwards!

I'm glad to say that I received an early Christmas Present. The return of Trent Edwards!!! :-)!!! Yes, Tredwards was back as the lead signal caller of the Buffalo Bills on Sunday at 4:00pm EST in Denver at Mile High Stadium against Jay Cutler and the Denver Broncos and the Bills.... WON! I know the Bills are out of the playoffs whether they win or lose their last two games, but if we can't go to the playoffs why should we hand it over to the teams we still have to play. We might as ruin their chances to play into the post-season if we can. Hey if we can't be happy in Buffalo neither can you in Denver and New England, if we can help it. I must say not only did Trent play fairly well there was a couple of other players who were really earning their paychecks ie Fred Jackson and Reggie Corner. Fred Jackson has been playing tremendously for a good amount of the season, but Reggie Corner? Where did he come from? I'm not gonna lie, I didn't even realize he was a player on the Bills, I don't recall hearing that name. I will say this, I'll remember his name now. He was playing with such gusto and every fiber of his being he deserves an extra round of applause because he was just tremendous. *taking a moment to applaud Reggie Corner* With that being said, I'm really glad the Bills one, Buffalo really needed a nice Christmas gift and I think they got one.

Don't Forget My Blue Cheese, That Would Be Goalie Interference If I Do Say So Myself, and All That Jazz!

I haven't written a blog in eons and I feel so much has happened in Sabresland and 1 Bills Drive, but there is not enough hours in the day to write about them, so I will only touch on the this I remember and want to comment on.

First and foremost, The Honk the Vote! Gaustad in '09! campaign. Me and Harley did wear them to the bar that evening and the only one that really took note was the bartender who are slowly becoming friends with because we are becoming regulars at this particular pub because we like to watch the Sabres games there. He looked at our shirts and asked if we made them, I replied, yes with masking tape and spray paint and he laughed and walked away, I hollered after him "Don't forget my Blue Cheese!". I like to dip my fries in Blue Cheese, it's one of my many weird eating habits. So, I don't think taking the campaign to the streets has gone quite as well as anticipated, but hey maybe our bartender friend went online and voted for Goose. Every vote helps. Sad to say though our candidate for who our campaign revolves around is currently injured *sad face* with an upper body injury. Hopefully, he will get well soon.

The video below is highlights from the December 17th game against New Jersey. I know we lost, but I like Goose's screw you goal in third after New Jersey got their fifth goal, but goalie interference should have been called and it shouldn't have counted. Goose got a goal right after that and it looked like take that! Look are 4:18 into the video. Also, I love how Goose was ready to throw down the gloves with Martin 2 second left in the game. AWESOME!

So, the number of votes Goose is up to today is *drum roll please* 377. My new objective for this campaign is to break a 1,000. That would be fierce!

I think Miller is taking some fashion advice from Goose....

I know, I know, this is a promo for Miller's Catwalk for Charity and I think that is Kaleta on the left, but who is the guy on the right? I couldn't figure it out. Is a hockey player or now? I like how miller is trying to be all 1920s Chicago, I don't think Buffalo was every gangster like that. All I can think of from this pic is one of my favorite movies and musicals "Chicago". I wonder which one of the Sabres would be Billy Flynn? My money's on Derek Roy. It just seems fitting, just one of those things in life you know is right but you just can't explain why.

The Campaign Lives On!, Booty Grabbing in Sabresland, and Miller Doesn't Cry Wolf Unless It's Warranted!

The "Honk the Vote! Gaustad in '09!" lives on! Me and Harley did as we promised and made our Honk the Vote! t-shirts. It only took us 4 1/2 hours, but it was well worth it. We spent about 3 1/2 hours masking taping the blank t-shirts before and during the Bills game against Miami. The Bills weren't playing so hot, so all my attention was focused on the t-shirt making of the Honk the Vote! campaign. I personally think they should have let Gibran play the second half, seriously, what did we have to lose? Losing the game? I mean at least we could have seen how he played under the pressure during a true NFL game, but I'm not the coach, so I guess Jauron knows best. Hopefully Trent will be back for this Sunday's game. Hopefully, *crosses fingers*

Back to the campaign.... After the 3 1/2 hours of masking taping our t-shirts, we went out in the 10 degree or less weather and spray painted the shirts for about an hour. We were in my garage mind you, so at least we were blocked from the wind, but it was still colder out there than a penguin's butt! We brought my hair dryer out to dry the shirts so we could spray the front and back of the shirts, we also used it as a hand warmer, because at one point I couldn't feel my hands and I don't think Harley could either. So the process went, one was spraypainting, the other hairdrying, I'm sure we were quite the site if anyone was observing us. But after all that, we have Honk the Vote! t-shirts to wear to the pub tonight! Here are some pics of our awesome shirts....

Front of Harley's T-shirt!

Front of my t-shirt!

Back of my t-shirt!

Sleeve of my t-shirt. #28!

About $10 worth in supplies and 4 1/2 hours of freezing manual labor = priceless because we get to support one of the hardworking hockey players NHL and try to get him a spot on the NHL All*Star team.

The total number of votes for Gaustad today are..... *drum rolls please*... 300! An even 300! Not too shabby. I will say I'm a little nervous about any Sabre being on the Roster because Vanek, Teppo, and Miller keep sliding down the leader board, so they need votes too.

I was unable to watch the game on Monday against Pittsburgh, because I had to teach, but when I came into work on Tuesday my boss was talking about how awesome it was the hit Goose had on Lovejoy..... "Welcome to the NHL Lovejoy!" It was a really awesome hit and I was able to track it down on youtube. Actually it's highlights from the entire game, but if you watch at about 4:18 you can see the awesome check by Goose. Absolutely, amazing! (Another reason why you should vote for him *wink*) I also like the save where Miller looks like he's grabbing I think it's Sekera's butt, of course I laughed at this because of course it was completely unintentional, but I didn't expect it and I had a good little chuckle. (It's at about 1:40, if you want to check it out).

Apparently Monday nights game had a lot of verbal abuse between the Sabres and the Refs. I read that Gerbe had a penalty for abuse to the officials and of course, I'm sure we all know how the Ref. told Miller to go F himself. Craziness! I would like to know what Gerbe said to receive that penalty and what in the world possessed the Ref. to say that to Miller. According to the Buffalo News and the NHL there is  no Miller incident. I've always had a lot of respect for Miller and he really doesn't seem like the type of person to make false allegations. He doesn't seem like the boy who would cry "WOLF!", just to receive some extra attention. The NHL could be trying to cover it's booty and making this statement and making it appear like a miscommunication, but my gut instinct says that Miller's telling the truth. The Ref. may have been stressed (I will agree with Lindy and Rivet that an officiator's job is never easy) and said something that he may now regret, but if it did happen the NHL and the Ref. accused have to own up to it. I really honestly doubt Miller is lying, I just can't see it. He's a smart guy, he knows that making false accusations could make him lose his credibility as a player and a person. He's got too much to risk if he loses his credibility, as a hockey player, business owner, and of course his charity. My brain just can't grasp the fact that Ryan is making it up, I just can't see it. I will say I love the fact that Danny Paille skated over to Miller to see if everything was all right. That shows great team chemistry for the Sabres.

Soupy's Campaign Vs. Goose's Campaign, 28 Years Old and We Haven't Learned It's Not Okay to Harass Your Fans, and Lovin' the Wooly Mammoth Look!

Brian Campbell must be paying more for his campaign manager for the 2009 NHL All*Star Game than Paul Gaustad is for me. (Which is Goose Egg by the way, no pun intended, okay maybe a little pun intended) I recently came upon this commercial for Brian Campbell's campaign.

Now before you start feeling bad for Goose that I haven't created one of these finely directed and acted campaign video's for him, you have to take a few things into consideration, A) I don't even know Goose and he doesn't know me, so I wouldn't be able to get his permission to approve this message, B) This is pretty much an underground, boredom preventer campaign, which myself and Harley (and a few other Goose Fans) have decided to try and get Goose voted in for the 2009 NHL All*Star Game via write-in votes. C) Since I have never once backed down from a challenge in my life, I have now taken it upon myself to get Goose voted into the NHL All*Star game, but the financial means for such fabulous advertising like Soupy's isn't there. D) I could create one of those videos or not to toot my own horn an even more kickass one, but I can't figure out how to download videos to youtube, go figure.

So, there you have it, my list of reasons of why I can't be as good a campaign manager as Soupy's. The odds are against me. I try really, but I just can't seem compete with that. I will say this, is Soupy's campaign manager writing a blog about voting for Soupy and leaving photoshopped pictures that have a catchy slogan on why to vote for Soupy or are they and their best friend making t-shirts with said slogan and wearing them to the bar while watching Soupy play. I think not and that's where Goose's campaign beats Soupy's. Online commercials, who needs them? Not Goose, that's for damn sure.

Speaking of the campaign the total number of votes today are.... *drum roll please*..... 265! Slowly, but surely, we're getting there, slowly, but surely.

Sean Avery, I never liked the guy, my favorite moment with him was when Derek Roy tripped him in the 2007 playoffs during the Rangers. Classic. I will always respect Derek for that. In any event apparently he is seeking counseling for (it's been rumored) anger management. All right, I'm all for counseling and receiving help mentally, emotionally, physically when you need it. Anyone who is trying to better themselves, kudos to you. With that being said, shouldn't he have still known how to behave like a human being? I mean, he's 28 years old, he's played 7 seasons in the NHL, and if he had an ounce of common sense, he should know you don't harass you fans, media, or pretty much anyone because you're in the spotlight and you can get fined or suspended by your organization. Especially repeated times. I couldn't do that to costumers at my job, one time and my boss would fire me and give me a don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out. So, why in the world did he think he was above the mere mortals of this earth and could treat people this way without some sort of repercussions? It's beyond me. What kills me most about this article is that Brett Hull (ugh! That name still infuriates me "NO GOAL!" your foot was in the friggin' crease! But I digress....) makes it seem like every pro-athlete acts like this and it's cool for him to be suspended a few games as long as he is seeking help. All for him seeking help,  but really? He didn't know the difference between right and wrong behavior by the time he was I don't know say 5? *rolls eyes* Well, hopefully he will learn how to behave like a decent human being. Good Luck Sean, I have a feeling you're going to need it.

Reflecting on the comments from my last blog, yes I agree Goose does look a little Wooly Mammoth-ish, but I must say it works for him. I usually like my guys clean shaven, but Goose is one of the few guys facial hair works for him (another reason to vote for him, facial hair doesn't work for Soupy). And Harley, Dec. 10th is Wed. and not a Monday, I do teach Monday nights, so I won't be able to watch games then, hence why I said the 10th, which is Wed, because I don't teach that night, look at a calendar, Harley, look at a calendar. GEESH! ;-)

L is for the Way You Look When You're Busting that Egyptian Solider Boy Move at the Roxbury, Give Gibran a Chance, and Slacking on the Campaign Trail

It's been awhile since I last posted actually I started to write a post on Black Friday, but stopped midway through. Basically it was me venting about my Black Friday experience and how I don't function waking up at the ass crack of dawn. I'll spare everyone the elaborate details.

I went to my good friend Tallie's wedding this week-end and it was a blast! I had the best time (something  I really needed). This wedding has to be one of the top weddings I ever attended. The reception hall was gorgeous! Grand staircase and all. The bride and groom's first dance was to the song that goes, "L is for the way you look at me...." and in the middle of the song the started doing the Night at the Roxbury head bob into the entire dance, the Solider Boy dance, Walk Like an Egyptian, The Apache Dance, and I think a few more, finishing with the song they started with. No one expected it, not even the maid of honor, which was Chi Chi btw. It was great. I told the groom afterwards he did an excellent job and he said, "Yeah, it was two weeks worth of practice and me going, 'Ok, I'll do it..... No I can't!.... ok, I will.... Wait! I can't!.... Ok, I will....".... haha.... awesome. It was a lot of fun and a great time to catch up with friends I haven't seen in awhile.

While, I was at the wedding Harley texted me the scores of the Sabres/Canadiens game. When the final score of the game text came, I was said a crap outloud! and my good friend Luan, goes, what's wrong? I go the Sabres just lost, she said oh, like you and your sabres, when we were in rehearsals during the 2006-2007 NHL playoff season, you were constantly talking about how your Sabres were kicking ass and taking names and going to win the Stanley Cup and you are the stereotypical crazy Buffalo Sports fan. Her roommate during college was from East Aurora and a HUGE Sabres fan as well. She understands how I bleed blue and gold during hockey season, that's why I'm friends with her and love her. But I digress, so after an amazing season start for both the Bills and Sabres, it appears they are both running out of gas to win the race. hmmmmmmm...... being the die-hard fan that I am, I still am going to say that this is still Buffalo's year and we are still going to win the Super Bowl and Stanley cup! I still Billieve! This is just a big pothole in the road. Nothing we can't overcome.

I am not liking Trent Edwards being injured though! This means Losman has to go in..... after his performance in the second half of last Sunday's game, this makes me a wee bit nervous, but maybe he can get his act together this week, maybe? Can we skip over him and try and see how well Gibran Hamdan plays? I mean we already know how Losman plays, so why not give Gibran a chance? He never has had the opportunity to play in an NFL game, so let's give him a shot, shall we? He is Trent Edwards right hand man, maybe some of Tredwards talent, work ethic, leadership, and professionalism rubbed off on Gibran or maybe he already possesses all theses qualities. Personally I don't know because we never really hear anything about him. Heck, if Tredwards can't play on Sunday, why not give Gibran a chance, in all seriousness what is there to lose?

Since, I have pretty much slacked on my campaign duties for the "Honk the Vote! Gaustad in '09!" campaign, I am going to try and make up for it. All right who am I kidding, believe it or not I actually do have a life, well a professional life, my social is slacking and my personal, well let's not even open that can of worms, this campaign isn't going to receive my undivided attention, but it's a nice time filler when am a wee bit bored and well I honestly do believe Paul Gaustad should play in the 2009 NHL All*Star Game. So, the updates no the campaign front are as follows:

~ Sunday after Church, Sunday School, and me running the Sunday School Christmas Program Practice me and Harley will be making the "Honk the Vote! Gaustad in '09!" t-shirts and will be wearing the t-shirts to the pub we watch the Sabres game at on Dec. 10th games and will officially be taking the Honk the Vote! campaign to the streets that day!

~ Goose currently has *drum roll please*......260 votes! Once again, this is campaign is going slowly, but surely! I'm hoping for more votes once we take the campaign to the street.

~ I  have also sent my friends messages via facebook and myspace about voting, but most of them aren't hockey fans, so they may not be voting.....

That's the latest update from the "Honk the Vote! Gaustad in '09!" campaign. Thank you to everyone who has supported this campaign and keep honking!

Let Me Say This First, Honking the Internet, and Maybe?

Before I update everyone on the "Honk the Vote! Gaustad in '09!" campaign, I must get this off my chest first....... Plow the friggin' roads NYS! Whatever happened to the bare pavement policy? I was driving through 6 inches of wet, slick snow for about 8 miles at about 25-30mph and I was still sliding and paranoid I was going to go in ditch! And this has nothing to do with you NYS, but the employee bathroom at my works reeks to high heaven! It's smells like roadkill got stuck in the plumbing for two weeks while everyone went the bathroom on it! Why is that? huh? *deep sigh* But I'll stop there, because this situation is infuriating me, and well, I don't want to be infuriated..... so onto bigger and better news....

THE "HONK THE VOTE! GAUSTAD IN '09!" CAMPAIGN!

So, there has been a small set back in the t-shirt making, me and Harley had to cancel on last night, okay, well I had to cancel. Harley was ready to make them, but things went a rye in my household and the t-shirt making had to be postponed. The only problem, due to Thanksgiving, Work, a wedding I have to attend on Saturday out of town, and my dance students Christmas Show being next week, we may not get to making them until next week-end. So, the taking the campaign to the streets is on a wee bit of a hiatus. But, I'm thinking of making a sign to hang in my car, so people can read it as I drive by and I have been posting on here, facebook, and myspace, how people should go and vote for Goose.... so the t-shirt making is at a standstill, but the campaign is still in motion. Any people want to join the campaign, give me a holler via here or e-mail defygravityanddance@hotmail.com.

Onto the total number of votes for Goose today... *drum roll please*..... 212! Slow and steady wins the race, am I right? I mean the votes are steadily going up and slow for that fact, but in the long, run this campaign will make sure Goose makes it to the NHL All*Star game. (or at least there is going to be a darn good effort) So, keep honking the vote!

According to sabres.com, Max and Hank are back in the lineup, but they are scratching Paetsch and Paille. Does this seem right? I mean I don't like to question Lindy's intelligence.... but.... Paille always plays well and plays well with everyone on the team. He can play any line with any linemates. Does he make sense to scratch? Not in my book, but "In Ruff We Trust"! Awwww... and I like Paetsch, don't scratch him...... he works, really, really hard and deserves to be there. I mean Hank is great and all (gotta love those Swedes and according to a recent bachelorette party I went to they invent the best sex toys and c'mon who doesn't love ABBA?), but he doesn't appear to be working half as hard as Paetsch, but looks can be deceiving, so maybe he is working really hard and I just can't seem to see it? maybe? 

The Honking Grows!, I'm Loving It, and Dancing Men or Simon Baker?

So, me and Harley have a had a little snag in our "Honk the Vote! Gaustad in '09!" t-shirt making, but not to worry we are back on track. Yesterday, we purchased the t-shirts for our "Honk the Vote! Gaustad in '09!" campaign, but then we were unable to find anything to write, paint, mark, spray, etc.... with to make our t-shirts because yesterday was Sunday and all the stores in our little town were closed. We currently have two white t-shirts with nada on them, but we are back on track, because we have rummaged together arts supplies and the plan is to make our t-shirts tomorrow during the DWTS finale and wear them to our favorite pub on Wednesday night while we watch the Sabres game. Cari from the awesome blog Sabrechaser has informed me that her and her fellow writer of their blog will join the "Honk the Vote! Gaustad in '09" campaign and make t-shirts. Myself and the rest of the campaign (which only consists of Harley) thanks you. Don't forget to e-mail me a pic at defygravityanddance@hotmail.com. This goes for anyone who wants to join the campaign and makes a Honk the Vote! t-shirts, signs, pins, bags, pillows, etc...

Also, the total count of votes today are *drum rolls please*..... 187! I think the Honk the Vote! campaign can do better with votes! So Wed. night me and Harley are taking it to the streets in our Honk the Vote! t-shirts! Keep Honking!

The Bills won yesterday! 54-31! Yes!!! That is exactly what we needed, but this was brought to my attention by Harley, Trent Edwards is a snazzy dresser. Check out that video, he all superfly! Did he just get done playing a football game or off the Baby Phat runway? *whistles* Whew! Looking good Tredwards, looking good. I'm loving the pin stripes, swirly tie and the perfectly folded three triangle silk hankerchief in the right breast pocket. Very Suave. Also, the perfectly placed hair and the right amount of facial hair really makes you look debonair. Basically the McDonalds slogan paraphrases it very nicely, "I'm loving it!".

So, I lied in the first paragraph of my blog, Me and Harley won't be watching the DWTS finale, we'll be watching, "NCIS", "The Menatlist", and "Eli Stone". We'll be taping the DWTS finale. I just can't miss Simon Baker in the Mentalist, he's too easy on the eyes and one of major crushes in life (not mini-crush, major crush!) and what eye candy would I be watching on the DWTS season finale? Lance Bass, he clearly isn't interested in my gender, Derek Hough, a cutie, but no Simon Baker, or Warren Sapp..... hmmmmm... just doesn't quite do it. So, my love Simon Baker it is....... *sigh*

Honk the Vote T-Shirts, Patch Up the Sabres Suit, and "Everything's Up to Date in Kansas City..."

I'm spending my Saturday evening being what Drew Stafford would call a mouse potato. Thanks to the weather at my house, I am staying in the house tonight with the laptop on my lap watching tv and typing away. I currently feel I am the self-designated campaign manager for the "Honk the Vote! Gaustad in '09!" campaign. I am unable to check the leader polls on this computer because it takes too long to load with this connection, but yesterday aroun 2pm EST, Gaustad had a whopping 161 votes. Thank you for all of you who took the time to write in (or more accurately type in) Paul Gaustad. Once again, it is greatly appreciated. Me and Harley are contemplating making "Honk the Vote" t-shirts, so if anyone is interested let me. Since we are making them, I'm sure they will be a high quality t-shirt made with great care and craftmanship. More likely we'll be lucky if we spell everything correctly and the event doesn't contain too much cursing, but they'll be made out of love, so we'll get an A for effort. So, support the "Honk the Vote" campaign by making your own t-shirt or sign! (if anyone actually takes the time to do this, please e-mail me at defygravityanddance@hotmail.com). And Keep voting!

I was unable to watch the Sabres game last night, but I know the outcome wasn't what fans or the Sabres organization would have liked. But...... (there is a but), I'm super happy that Nathan Paetsch got to suit up and play. I'm a Paetsch fan and I'm stilling voting him for All*Stars (But more of my energy is going into Goose's campaign, I'm only human and can concentrate on one at a time). I like how Paetsch never complains of not being able to play, but is always ready when the team needs him. He works hard, even if he doesn't get the reward of suiting up. I'm glad he got a chance last night and I hope he can keep playing for awhile.

The Bills play Kansas City tomorrow and I can't help but sing, "Everything's up to date in Kansas City...."...... aawwwwww...... I love the musical "Oklahoma!", esp. Gordon MacCrea as Curley. I used to watch that movie everytime I did dishes and have googles eyes for Curly, but I digress. I'm really not sure what to say about the Bills, but I will say this, I am still a Trent Edwards fan. I know he didn't play his best game Monday Night, but ...... (yes, there's another but)....... even though he didn't play his best, he still took the podium in front of the wolves which are the media, and gave a mature and professional speech and answered their questions. I was watching the post game on WKBW with Jeff Russo and after Jauron took the podium, Russo said, "I don't think Edwards will be taking the podium, tonight..... oh, wait, apparently he is....". Trent could have hid in the dressing room and tried to run from his mistakes, but he owned up to his mistakes and took the bumpy road, which couldn't have been easy, but it was the professional thing to do and for that I have a lot of respect for Trent Edwards. He took responsibility for his mistakes and as I said in prior blogs, to error is to be human, and it's okay to be human Trent Edwards, I just thank you for being a responsible, respectable one.

Keep Honking!, Disney On Ice, and You Say Chara, I Say Charo

Thank you to everyone who has contacted me in support of the "Honk the Vote! Gaustad in '09!" campaign and said that they would write-in and vote Paul Gaustad for the 2009 NHL All*Star game. Your votes are greatly appreciated. Today's total votes for Goose at quarter after three EST is.... *drum roll please*.... 144 votes! That is 15 more votes than yesterday. At least the votes are going up and  not staying at a stalemate, but I would like to emphasize that they need to go up a wee bit faster for beloved Goose and I can not stuff the ballot box alone for him. So, please, vote  now and vote often for Goose and the rest of the Sabres.

Moving onto last night's game, since most the people reading this are avid Sabres fans, you already know the outcome and there is no need for me to reiterate it. I would like say something about the attack on Andrew Peters by a good four or five Bruins' players last night. It's like they all decided to gain up on Petey for reasons that are unannounced to me and try to take down the big, fighter on the Buffalo team in the first period. It reminded me of the scene from the Disney movie "Beauty and the Beast", where the Beast goes out to save Belle after he abolished her from his kingdom for being in the West Wing and seeing the rose. Wolves are surrounding Belle and the Beast swoops in to save her and then all the wolves gang up on the Beast and he is this big goon trying to fight off the wolves all by his lonesome. The Beast = Petey, and the Wolves = the Bruins. I found a clip on youtube of the scene and maybe other people can see the correlation.

You have to watch about 2 minutes into the video to see what I'm talking about. Has anyone else noticed this minus Harley, that Petey has been skating much faster this season. It looks like his speed has improved greatly, he looks in great shape. Married life is agreeing with him nicely.

I don't want to bring up too many issues about last night's game, but that Chara on the Bruins was getting on my nerves, I kept wanting to call him Charo the crazy cuchi cuhci girl from the Love Boat and the Surreal Life. I kept mixing up the two names. But is there really that much difference between Zdeno Chara and Charo.... hmmmmmmm.... I pondered this thought for a moment and this what I saw.....

The resemblance is uncanny..... Chara/Charo, Potato/Potatoe..... I almost can't tell the difference.........

Honk the Vote! (Gaustad in '09!), Buffalo Sports Bloggers, and Life is Good With Peanut

All right, I think I need a better PR strategy for Gaustad's '09 campaign for a roster spot on the NHL All*Star team. I recently voted and discovered that they have this cool little gizmo on the bottom of the screen when you check out the leader board that tells you how many votes each player in the NHL has for the All*Star. Seeing I'm really trying to get Goose on the All*Star team, I checked out how many votes he has collected..... *drum roll please*...... 129 votes! He's only 39,141 votes behind the the person who has the lsat roster spot in the east, which is Patrice Bergeron of the Bruins, by the way. Now this may seem like Goose is out of the running, but there is plenty of weeks of voting left and if anyone can rally people together for a good cause it's the Gaustad. So, to help him out, I will continue to write him in when I vote and I will keep telling people to vote for via this blog.

To answer Kim's question from the wonderful sabrechaser blog. I got the amazing photo from my last blog of Gaustad from photobucket.com. There's a user called crosbypommer and she has a lot of great photos of the sabres and other hockey players. I jut photoshopped in the words Gaustad in '09! Thanks for asking and thanks for actually taking the time to read my random rabbles. I have to give a quick shout-out to all the Buffalo Sports blogs because not only have I throughly enjoyed reading all your thoughts on the Sabres and Bills, but Harley has too. The other day, while watching the Sabres game of course, she told me that she never thought she would ever read fan blogs and now since I have started writing one, she has ventured onto reading everyone elses and now has become an addict. She doesn't write one of her own, but she has checked everyone else's on a pretty regular basis. So, keep up the good work, Buffalo Sports Bloggers, keep up the good work.

My week hasn't exactly gotten off on the right foot, first with me and Harley in a confused frenzy trying to complete our church's monthly newsletter (I don't why in the world I let her talk me into helping her with doing the newsletter, pay back's coming Harley, just you wait), then on Sunday night I wasn't feeling so hot, but my puppy Lib, had to go to the Animal Hospital and we discovered that she ate concrete and stones and that's why she was in such grave pain. To top it off it's November, so I shouldn't be surprised by this, but where I live in WNY we got about a foot of snow and our snowplowed died, leaving us to pray and hope we didn't get stuck in the driveway and last night all the parents of my dance students decided that their little minuet problems that I don't control but the director does, needed to be my problem to fix, no it's not you need to talk to the director and if you already did, I can't override her decision, no matter how much you complain to me. *sigh* But all these little nuisances have been trumped by the fact that the Jeff Dunham Very Special Christmas Special came out on DVD and I own a copy! Yes! Oh happy day! It also contains an extra hour of unseen footage that wasn't on Comedy Central. Could life get any better? I think not! I don't have cable, directTV, or satellite, just two rabbit ears on the top of my tv. So, I do not get Comedy Central and was unable to watch the special on Sunday night, hence my excitement for being able to buy the DVD yesterday! I haven't had a chance to watch it yet, but it is on tomorrow's night agenda because tonight I have to watch the Sabres game and last night I had to teach. So, tomorrow, I will be curled up on my couch with a pillow and blanket watching the Jeff Dunham Very Special Christmas Special while laughing my butt off and hanging with my dear old pal Peanut.