Epic



I just realized I haven't posted since we got back from Vegas, which was a little more than a month ago, so while I have alot to cover (hopefully in the next few days) the most important development is my decision to attend the 2011 Winter Classic.

I had hoped to get tickets for Christmas, but my parents shop early.  Tickets are sold first to season ticket holders for the two teams then the limited number of remaining tickets are sold and sell out quickly.  The "black market" for tickets is fairly hot and early prices were just to high to justify purchasing...or requesting them as a gift.  I didn't give up hope, though, and in anticipation of the "24/7" HBO series starting this week I decided to look again and prices had come way down from where they were before.  I was afraid that the show would drum up additional interest and prevent ticket prices from dropping any lower, and might even drive them back up again.  So I decided to spend what would have been my Christmas present from my parents (money) preemptively and buy tickets.  I found two in a decent location within my price range, so earlier this week I pulled the trigger.

When the NHL announced last summer that the 2011 Classic would be the Capitals vs. the Penguins I immediately said, "we're going!"  I wasn't 100% sure that we'd be able to make it happen, but I meant it when I said "we're going" and that I'd do anything and everything in my power to see it through.  I was a little disappointed that it was planned for Pittsburgh instead of DC but I was still committed to going.  I figured we'd have to fly because I thought Pittsburgh was a longer drive than it actually is.

So, the first thing I checked on this week was how far of a drive it will be, and 8 hours is reasonable when we can split the driving.  The plan is to drive up on Friday, spend the night about an hour outside of Pittsburgh, this side of the city, drive in for the game on Saturday and then head back home after.  We'll have all day Sunday to recover.

My tickets arrived in the mail today and I'm so excited I can hardly contain myself.  I was a little worried before I bought the tickets that I'd regret it.  I mean, it's still alot of money to spend on ONE event.  It's alot of money that I could have spent on something else.  but really, what would I have spent it on?  More clothes and shoes?  A bigger TV for the living room?  Ultimately I don't really *need* any of those things, and they are things that will be available for purchase at any time in the future.  This is a one time event, this matchup with these teams and players, that is the ultimate matchup as far as my preferences go, for this particular game.  

From the first time Kirby and I watched the Winter Classic in the debut game three years ago we both agreed that we would go one day.  It wasn't even up for debate.  When, where and how was all open, but we knew we wanted to go.  Badly.  So when this year's Classic was announced I just knew it was the one.  After I bought the tickets I felt relieved, not worried or regretful, about the purchase.  The time to go is now.  Sure, we may go to others in the future, but this one could not be missed.  I had the overwhelming feeling this week that if I didn't go I'd be much more upset and regretful and would probably even have a hard time watching it on TV knowing I *could* have been there.

So...we're going!  It's an item that I had put on my list of 101 things to do or accomplish earlier in the year.  I've actually made excellent progress on my list so far this year, since compiling it in the spring.  I'm excited that one of the "bigger ticket" items is getting checked off the list so soon.  It's not something I realistically expected to get to any time soon.  

I've also never seen the Caps play the Pens live, which in any circumstance would be awesome.  But this setting is the ultimate setting and this is going to be an EPIC game.  Not to mention the "24/7" series that I'll get to watch leading up to, and after, the game.  It will just make the experience all the more exciting and involved.  The game is three weeks from today.  I can't wait!  On the one hand three weeks seems so close, but I also can't believe I have to wait three weeks!!!