Party like it's 2007

Hold on it almost is! Wow I can hardly believe it, where did the year go? It's been an eventful one that's for sure. I started out with some hospital visits in Jan and that turned instead a 3 month hiatus from work. When I did go back, of course it wasn't to Wendys. I also started the 2006 year with a broken heart, thankfully I had an awesome supporting cast made up of close friends and select family members (you know who you are) to help me through that. Took a while but thanks to them my heart mended just fine. Also in 2006 I took some critical steps towards my scouting career. More of course to be taken in 2007. I will work tirelessly until I achieve that dream. My 'pay the bills' job has changed from fast food to coffee house and now as pretty much settled at marketing research. In the past year I've made huge changes such as moving in with Lee and Jen. Something that was a temporary thing has turned into a long term thing (unless they go kicking me out LOL). Living with my big brother and sister in law has had a effect on me. It would be hard to explain but its great and I love the closer relationships I now have with all 4 of my newer room mates. This year has been a one of learning and maturity and not only in me. I've posted on here about Naomi and Elizabeth and all I can say now is wow. I love both of you so much and honestly no one could be prouder of how both of you have grown even in just a year. While not for me, the year even brought a baby. Watching Brooklyn grow over the last several months is too amazing to even put into words. Thank you so much Michelle and Jay for having me be such a big part of Brooklyns life. So much has happened this year I could go on for pages but even the ones I've already mentioned as you can see have a profound impact on a person. Amazing how in 12 months everything can change. I wanna wish all my family and friends a truly happy new year. I hope the 2007 brings all of you even more love, joy and fulfillment.
Love forever,
Mana xoxo

The Solomon Way

Our family has a slightly different way of doing things, unique and for the most part others just don't understand. I blame the Solomon genes. Which means while I can't avoid it, Jen, Kathrine, Christine and my mom have all made the choice to be sucked into this craziness LOL. These 'Solomon ways' include things like, more cream cheese then bagel, tuna sandwichs made just right with Cains mayo, jokes about Daddy and his favorite quote " What are you trying to do to me?!". The craziness continues with holiday jokes. The hannukah bush and Hannukah Harry are some of my favorites. We may be loud and annoying at times but really a very tight knit family. Our course putting the majority of us into a packed living room makes for even more craziness. To celebrate the last night of Hannukah, we all headed out to Dad and Moms. Of course there was the absence of Jer, Kathrine, Jacob, Jay and Christine, but with 2 provinces separating us thats just how it had to be :( There were however 15 people that did show. Heres a quick list of 'em. Dad, Mom, Lee, Jen, Me, Pat (Jens mom), David, April (Daves g/f) Josh, Michelle (Joshs..umm...best friend), Naomi, Beth, Jacinda, Ari, Jared and Zack. The living room was packed with people and gifts. As normal for Dad and Mom everything was running a little late. Finally, we got the frozen turkey in the oven and potatoes peeled and shreded, and the veggies ready for cooking. A beer in hand of all the adults ( expect jen who was the DD) we made sitting arangments so everyone could fit into the living room for present opening. Naomi handed out her gifts first and OMG she totally went all out. Lee and Jen handed out theres next, including a gag gift for me. A drinking game...tic tac toe with shooter glasses LOL. Then I did my gifts, Dave and April did thiers. Josh got his presents out and so did Michelle. Then came Dad and Mom. Now I wanna explain for the benefit of my Ottawa living siblings that I had known that everyone went in on a big gift for me. Of course I was excited and kept asking for it so naturally I got the very last present. Not only was it something I wanted. When I heard it had been sold I had basically bursted into tears. The big present was a game used jersey, not just any game used jersey though, a Marc-Andre Bernier game worn jersey! I totally freaked. When I asked Jill at Antlers who had bought it she told be some Cape Breton fan and I had been crushed that i missed my chance. Turns out almost EVERYONE knew about my big gift and helped keep it a secret. I'm pretty sure the whole frickin rink must have known. Either way AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME gift. Anyways I gotta grab a shower but we hit up the theater.
Love, Mana
xoxo

All isn't bad!

Ok so I was freaking out a little bit about the trading period, still am really. I got til Jan 8th for panic though. Tonight I actually got some awesome news! Of course no one is gonna really understand my tears of joy, expect maybe Naomi and Beth but long story, short...JF is staying!!!! God he needs to stop doing this to me. Anyways even though only a handful of people understand this post at all I'm happy and wanted to post how happy I am. Especially with the trading period and all the crap going on at the rink, I needed something good to happen. JF once again choosing to stay close is definately good. Anyways, gonna catch up on the transactions for the day and veg a lil.

Love ya'll
Mana XOXO

P.S Happy Chanukkah Everyone!

Real fans sit in section 14!

Ya'll know I'm pretty attached the Mooseheads team. I love those boys, would do anything for them. There have been some recent issues in the locker room. One which included someone leaving the team and laying blame on another player for his own temper and bitterness getting the best of him. This whole thing has been a huge drama at the rink. Including some fans who have no idea what they're talking about. Seriously these are grown adults bashing and insulting 15-20 yr olds. I got pretty upset at a couple of fans that went over board last week and I defended the player. He didnt deserve what they were doing. Today at the season ticket holder skate he pulled me aside and told me how much he appreciated me (and the 'girls') defending his honour. I, of course said that it was no problem, that thats what friends are for. The thing is as much as I do get upset sometimes at the boys I would never do what those fans did. It really upset me and not just because I'm close with the players. I think they crossed a line. Personal attacks on the players is childish and probably a good sign that you need a break from the rink. The way I see it if you hate the product, owner, gm, and the players then don't spend your money there and get yourself a new hobby. We don't need fans like that at the MC anyways.

The other white...

I'm sitting here in a pretty relaxed mood, watching snow fall. Its the second storm this week but before Monday Nova Scotia hadn't seen any snow at all and it's Dec so I'm not gonna complain. While I'm one of those people who actually don't mind snow that's not the type of white that's been bothering me lately. Let me explain...It all really started about a month ago. As you all know my chickidee (Hollie) is getting married next summer. I'm still insanely excited to drive down to VA for that. Then my good friends Ashlee and Jason (from the rink) announced that July/08 they are gonna be tying the knot. A week after that date was set, another friend of mine (and yes I said friend because I have no idea what else to call him) called to tell me he asked his girlfriend of only a year to marry him. Of course there's Michelle and Jeremiah, even though he hasn't officially popped the question, they are planning on getting married at some point. Oh and I almost forgot Michelles sister Lisa, her and Shawn got married recently. I just seem to be at that stage in life where a lot of my friends are settling down. Even my very favorite party girl Christina is in a serious relationship. I've the good part of this year single, well no serious relationships anyways and honestly I needed that after the crap I went through last year. It's as much about feeling left out as it is a 'wanting my happily ever after' thing. I know that's crazy and pretty immature. Even things like my crazy insane party weekends aren't as often. I still enjoy partying with my girls but in all honestly the reason I don't go downtown every weekend anymore isn't because I have laundry to fold or too much work to do. Well actually I do have A LOT of work but anyways it's mostly because I've done it and it's fun once in a while but it's also nice to sit in with friends or family and enjoy some good time in a environment that doesn't involve skanky girls, dirty guys, and going to the sick looking bathroom just to hear the friend who's standing right beside you. Maybe this is a short phase, ya know, always a bridesmaid, never a bride. Which of course in the movies always ends in a never ending love and a white wedding. My life however is not a movie. Either way this has me happy for all of them and at the same time a little jealous. Yay for rants about white...love ya all

Mana xoxo

Trading period

Ha you thought I was upset at training camp between friends getting cut from the team and others going to play Jr A or being sent home. That has nothing on the trading period. This year the trading period begins on Dec 18th and lasts through til Jan 8th. Of course this is the time of season in major junior hockey is where each player wants to be putting forth their best game in order to stay on the team. Its never easy to pack and leave half way through the year, go to a new city, new school, new billet family, new team and in some cases even a new language. It's a very stressful time for all players. The managament has big decisions to make and the fans start doing their own analysis on the team. Rumors start and get WAY out of control. The worst is when your team is playing like crap for a month and everyone thinks they know how to fix it. So far this season there has been so much talk and frustration in the locker room of my underachiving Mooseheads that as of yesterday three 19yr olds have left the team. There was a 4th guy but he came back. All claiming a lack of ice time blah blah I miss my girlfriend blah blah. It doesnt normally happen this drasticly but lucky for us this year has been a little crazy. Of course with our sparkling 1-11-0-0 record in the last 12 games everyone is being watched very carfully and there could be some HUGE changes coming. On one hand I want a good team and a winning team but on the other hand I am very close to these guys and I know them away from the rink. Its just not easy at all. I'm getting ready to go to the game this afternoon and chances are the rumors will continue and get more stupid and stress me out. I get so upset sometimes, stupid people make me mad and trust me when I say there are A LOT of stupid hockey fans at the MC. Anyways I should be grabbing some lunch before I head out.
Love ya all

Mana