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Life, Love and Puppy Licks Top 5

Friday Five: We All Bleed Blue, Caffeine Needs and More

Waking up is never easy, but after last night’s TRIPLE OT winner – there really is not enough coffee in the world. Alas, it’s been a good week and will be an even better weekend.

1. #WeAllBleedBlue:

I can’t lay claim to staying awake the entire second overtime (Andy woke me up for snoring with about five minutes left) or not sleeping through the intermission, however, thanks to an overly loud Vine video, I woke up seconds before this moment.

2. Bachelorette Party Weekend

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Tomorrow is my bachelorette party! While Andy had his fun at the lake a few weeks ago, it’s my time to celebrate. I can’t wait to see what the girls have in store for me, and I’m so excited to finally check out Ballpark Village! Plus, look at these shoes. Is their anything more fun to wear?

3. Revenge

I started watching Revenge on Netflix last summer at the gym – I wasn’t consistent, but it gave me reason to stay on the elliptical longer. With Chromecast and a little extra time, I’ve become a binge watcher, and am a few episodes into Season 2. I’m kind of obsessed, and Emily should go ahead and lend me her wardrobe.

4. Coffee

 Drink Coffee - on my daily to do list so I can cross one thing off

Okay – I’ve NEVER been a coffee drinker, but ever since Andy & I got a coffee maker for my bridal shower, it’s been game over. I’m not sure I can function in the AM without it anymore.

5. Sleep

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Because there is no such thing as enough.

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Parks Picks

Parks Picks: We All Bleed Blue, Caffeine Needs and More

Waking up is never easy, but after last night’s TRIPLE OT winner – there really is not enough coffee in the world. Alas, it’s been a good week and will be an even better weekend.

1. #WeAllBleedBlue:

I can’t lay claim to staying awake the entire second overtime (Andy woke me up for snoring with about five minutes left) or not sleeping through the intermission, however, thanks to an overly loud Vine video, I woke up seconds before this moment.

2. Bachelorette Party Weekend

Capture

Tomorrow is my bachelorette party! While Andy had his fun at the lake a few weeks ago, it’s my time to celebrate. I can’t wait to see what the girls have in store for me, and I’m so excited to finally check out Ballpark Village! Plus, look at these shoes. Is their anything more fun to wear?

3. Revenge

I started watching Revenge on Netflix last summer at the gym – I wasn’t consistent, but it gave me reason to stay on the elliptical longer. With Chromecast and a little extra time, I’ve become a binge watcher, and am a few episodes into Season 2. I’m kind of obsessed, and Emily should go ahead and lend me her wardrobe.

4. Coffee

 Drink Coffee - on my daily to do list so I can cross one thing off

Okay – I’ve NEVER been a coffee drinker, but ever since Andy & I got a coffee maker for my bridal shower, it’s been game over. I’m not sure I can function in the AM without it anymore.

5. Sleep

Embedded image permalink

Because there is no such thing as enough.

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Parks Picks sports

Top 5: Players to Watch in the Blues/Kings Series

After tonights game seven match ups (Florida & New Jersey, New York & Ottawa), we’ll have a full schedule for the Western Conference Semifinals, including the St. Louis Blues and Los Angeles Kings. This is going to be an incredibly well-matched series (although LA won the season series 3-1), and hockey fans should enjoy the fast pace, low scoring games that are bound to ensue. While watching (on CNBC, i’m sure), I’ve got a few guys to keep an eye out for:

1. Andy McDonald, 10, St. Louis: I think it was apparent in the first round against San Jose that little McDonald (listed as 5’11…yeah, right) has quite a bit of speed. Scoring 4 goals in the first round and racking up 8 points total to lead the team, I can’t see him slowing down anytime soon. Look for him to be one of few who can get something by Jonathan Quick. Speaking of…

2. Jonathan Quick, 32, Los Angeles: That Vezina nod wasn’t a fluke – 26-year-old Quick is here to stay. His 1.95 GAA may seem in like with the Blues tender tandem, but it was through 69 games (Jaroslav Halak played 46, Brian Elliot, 38). Not to mention, he just held the President’s Trophy winning Vancouver Canucks to 8 goals in 5 games, maintaining a 1.59 GAA. He’s not your average goalie.

3. Jeff Carter, 77, Los Angeles: After a deadline deal sent former Columbus Blue Jacket Carter to LA for Jack Johnson and a first-round pick, it was apparent that what Carter needed wasn’t a big contract, but a set of line mates to help push him (Mike Richards, Dwight King). It may not have been his best year (21 G, 13A), but he hasn’t had a chance to explode in the playoffs yet. He will.

4. Scott Nichol, 12, St. Louis: Go ahead, call me crazy. Nichol is not cut out to be a first line top scorer, and he knows that. Which is why he is so solid on the fourth line. Averaging 9:19 on ice time (mind you – he’s a fourth liner!), this little guy is not afraid to make big plays in the defensive end, and is not afraid to bring the puck down the ice, regardless of who he’s facing. Plus, he’s got a little mean streak in him!

5. Brian Elliot, 1, St. Louis: I’m a firm believer in going with the hot (and healthy) hand, which is what Elliot has. With Jake Allen on the bench for games 1 and 2, Elliot can truly shine against one of the leagues finest. Between him and Quick, you can rest assured that there will not be a similar situation to that in the Philadelphia Flyers/Pittsburg Penguins series.

Who are you most excited to see this series?

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Parks Picks sports

Top 5: Tips for Bandwagon Blues Fans

As the Blues take on the San Jose Sharks this evening for the first round of the NHL Playoffs, I’ve noticed an influx of “fans.” I can’t step on the toes of Miss Gabby Bladdick, who’s blog covers Being a Blues Fan 101, but I can make sure you don’t get dirty looks at Scottrade Center.

1. Do not question our goaltending. If I hear one more person question which goaltender is better, I’m going to flip. As a fan, you place all faith in your coach (Ken Hitchcock, if you really didn’t know). If the biggest problem we have as a team is deciding which kick ass goaltender to put in the net, there is NO need to question it.

2. Barret Jackman is the scape goat. Related: Pietrangelo is a saint. If there is a defensive mistake, it is always completely acceptable to blame Jackman. Extra points if you can come up with a clever “he’s better than Brewer” comment.

3. Keep horn honking outside. Yes, it sounds cool when you honk your car horn three times and people respond “Let’s Go Blues!” It’s not cool to hear it for 15 straight minutes while trying to leave the parking garage from 6 different cars.

4. Learn your history. The Blues lost to the Sharks in the first round in 1999-2000 after we won the Presidents Trophy (the award for most points in a season). It’s been eight years since we’ve had a playoff win. Joe Thornton (#19)  is the spawn of satan, and caused David Perron’s 94 game absent. Boo every single time he touches the puck.

5. Stadium Manners: 

  • Do not under any circumstances get up during play.
  • Related: do not return during play. If there is not enough time for you to get to the middle of the row by puck drop, wait.
  • Do not stop in the middle of the concourse. I don’t care if you just saw your frat brother’s cousin that taught you how to play beer pong in 1985.
  • If you have purchased a souvenir cup, remove the lid before requesting a free refill. It saves us all time.
  • If you don’t know what you’re talking about, don’t talk. You’ll just sound incredibly stupid to the true fans, and you’re cover will be blown immediately.
  • The National Anthem ends: “And the home of the BLUES.” This is non-negotiable.
  • Via Andy: Don’t yell “SHOOT!” the second a player crossed the blue line. There is a reason why they are the pro’s and you are sitting in the top row of section 312 in the upper bowl. They can’t hear you anyway.

Keep this handy guide close, and you may be able to pass as a real Blues fan!

Enjoy the game, and Let’s Go Blues!