2020 ain't so bad

"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove) 10/29/2020 at 12:15 • Filed to: Oh 2020

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The most popular pastime on the inter webs these days is to shit on 2020 as a disastrous year that everyone wishes they could have skipped. Well, I’d like to chime in on behalf of this much maligned annum.

For starters, unlike the two years previous, no one I love has died in 2020 (so far). My daughter began the 9th grade at an entirely new school with all new kids and environment, and she is thriving beyond my wildest expectations. She loves her teachers and class mates and is enthusiastic about getting up for school in the morning, something that hasn’t happened since kindergarten. Let’s all let that sink in a moment: a teenager enthusiastic about getting up for school. She is rocking all As, was on the varsity volleyball squad and is getting involved in school clubs.

I got two NIH grants and a couple of good papers out, much to the applause of my department chair, and I hired a new technician who seems like he’ll work out great.

I was able to up my exercise routine such that 30 mile rides at sustained speed are easy for me now. At age 52, I feel stronger than I have in years.

There are countless other little things that have gone right, and of course ones that have gone wrong. But overall, 2020 hasn’t been such a bad year for me. There is still time, I know. I don’t want to jinx it. But I’m going to look on the bright side of life for now.

What are some of the good things that have happened to you in 2020?

user314 > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 12:24

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Yes, exactly.

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 12:31

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2020 has been pretty crappy for me, but this is a positive post.

Lets see, got a new car, currently working from home which is nice, and I’m saving probably $200 a month with gas and tolls.  

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 12:31

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fintail > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 12:32

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Found a new job I like, found a new place I am quite happy with, took the fintail on a longish road trip here without issue, don’t think I have put on too many pounds while being away from gym/hockey for 7 months, most family members seem to be doing OK. Still some drawbacks for the year especially in terms of health of an elderly family mem ber , but on a personal level, not a disaster. I know I am lucky though, and I’m mindful and thankful for that.

Chariotoflove > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! 10/29/2020 at 12:37

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Plus, now you’ll be whistling this tune all afternoon.

Chariotoflove > fintail 10/29/2020 at 12:37

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Excellent!

Mid Engine > fintail 10/29/2020 at 12:38

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Hit me up if you ever need hockey gear, I had to hang ‘em up after my knee replacement. All top shelf pro stuff

Chariotoflove > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/29/2020 at 12:38

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Stop being so negative, or I shall sick my rabbit on you!

Michael > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 12:39

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So yeah pretty good

Chariotoflove > Michael 10/29/2020 at 12:40

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That’s an automatic 10/10!

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 12:45

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2020's gonna look pretty good in retrospect when we’re sitting around the ruins of our civilization in 2030 cracking each others heads open with rocks to feast on the goo inside.

WasGTIthenGTOthenNOVAnowbacktoGTI > Michael 10/29/2020 at 12:45

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You found a box? Awesome!

Chariotoflove > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/29/2020 at 12:48

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So what you’re saying is that all the vegans will starve by 2030.

#silverlinings

gettingoldercarguy > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 12:48

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I’ll get back to you in six days.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 12:50

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I think 99% of vegans would become non vegans if they couldn’t buy soy milk at their local store and their survival was in the slightest way inperiled 

Chariotoflove > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/29/2020 at 12:51

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Truth.

MiniGTI - now with XJ6 > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 12:57

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Bought my first SAAB. Fixed it up a little and it’s been brilliant.

3yo son is really coming along (though tragically his brief stint at in person preschool where he really was thriving was cut short)

Jag still runs

Traffic is excellent

I’m still employed, Job is good

Apple finally releases first new  iPhone model I’ve actually wanted in years

Chariotoflove > MiniGTI - now with XJ6 10/29/2020 at 12:59

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Sounds like a r ecipe for a good year!

Tripper > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 12:59

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Love this thread. My eyes roll into the back of my head EVERYTIME I see or read the 2020 is bad because of XYZ... It’s such a cheap shot “joke”. Rona and the chaos in it’s wake has sucked for a lot of people but a quarter of the year was over before it really altered our lives.

To add to the positivity. I have been able to spend 200% more time with my child than I would have been able to in normal land. She turned 2 over the summer and I don’t have to tell any parents about how quickly things change with kids.

This post has prompted me to send my daughter another email. We have an email address setup for her that we send stuff to. We’ ll give her the password when the time is right.

Anyway, I used to write her all the time about how much I love and miss her and all the cool stuff that she’s doing and learning. Now I can write her one that says “sorry for the delay but I haven’t needed to write you recently because I get to see you all the time!”

I’m now back in the office and she is enrolled in pre-school. I will never get that super important time back and am so grateful that we had it to spend together.

Goggles Pizzano > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 13:01

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I haven’t had anything good happen to me in 2020 but...I’ve experienced a huge change in values. I’m confident when all this is over, I’ll be a happier and healthier person than if covid didn’t happen.

Chariotoflove > Tripper 10/29/2020 at 13:07

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I love your idea! I may start doing that. And I can relate. I have a digital frame in my office now that my daughter loaded with 1000 handpicked photos of her and our family over her life. I get to look at her grow up and be reminded of how precious my time with her is several times a day.

Chariotoflove > Goggles Pizzano 10/29/2020 at 13:08

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Appreciating life is a blessing not everyone sees.

Kiltedpadre > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 13:15

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Let’s see, we refinanced to a 15yrs mortgage after having only paid 1yr towards the original 30 while the payment went up less than $200/month.

Since early April my work has split it’s staff into two 4 hour shifts as a precaution. That means for over 6 months I’ve been working 4 hour days but getting payed for 8. Going back to not getting an afternoon nap will be a nightmare. That most likely won’t change until February at the earliest. The two downsides are my honey-do list has grown proportionally to my time at home, and my annual profit share bonus will not be nearly as good as last year if I get anything at all.

I got my kayaks in February, and that schedule has given me a lot more opportunities to use them than I’d normally have.

One that’s still in the air is my boss is trying to talk his superiors into letting him create a new position to help with some of the administrative work he has. If it happens he has made it clear it’ll be offered to me and would mean between $5-6k more per year.

Oh, and let’s not forget Cornbread. If my wife hadn’t switched to WFH we probably would’ve waited to get a second dog. Not only does it mean we would’ve have gotten this big, lovable goof, but it may not have happened. The rescue where we found him and Ruby no longer do e vents in our area, and our contact with them isn’t part of the group anymore.

AestheticsInMotion > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 13:17

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Bought a flame scooter. Upgraded to a Motorcycle. Found a good job— 14 months and counting! My financial literacy has improved considerably , which started right here on oppo when Eric and others showed me how and why to build credit 4 years ago. Moved in with a friend, which has done wonders for my mental health. Renting out my condo... It’s been a great year. I believe opportunity is always hiding behind change, and for better or worse 2020 has brought a lot of changes. I'm staying positive and keeping my eyes open for any new ways to improve my life that pop up in the chaos. 

MiniGTI - now with XJ6 > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 13:22

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Yes, I mean let’s just say I keep an eye on the macro, but trying to keep focus on my own little bubble makes things bearable 

Chariotoflove > Kiltedpadre 10/29/2020 at 13:22

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Sounds like a pretty good year. We are looking at refi down to 15 years too. Interest rates are bonkers low. I also bought boats, and we got to spend time rowing on the lake this summer.

Also, Cornbread is adorable.

Chariotoflove > AestheticsInMotion 10/29/2020 at 13:24

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Yeah, your posts over the last year have been consistent uppers. Well done!

nermal > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 13:29

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Things are what you make of them. The two true tests of somebody are how they handle both success and adversity.

Mixed results here, some ups, some downs, lots of meh. Still in a better overall position today than I was at the start of the year.  

ranwhenparked > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 13:31

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I haven't been stabbed this year, so 2020 could definately be worse.

InFierority Complex > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/29/2020 at 13:37

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Ruins of Vancouver? Did you Canucks  lose another Stanley Cup?

Chariotoflove > nermal 10/29/2020 at 13:37

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Sounds like a net win to me.

Chariotoflove > ranwhenparked 10/29/2020 at 13:38

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That’s the spirit!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 13:40

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Happy for you and your daughter!

...as I kneel here at my desk trying to stretch out my back after is spasmed (yet again) this morning. Ugh.

Chariotoflove > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/29/2020 at 13:42

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Ouch! You need rescue, perhaps  a St. Bernard to bring you something in its neck cask.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 13:45

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That would be great. I actually have a bottle of fine scotch sitting here in my office, mostly as decoration after getting it in a Christmas party exchange here at work. Maybe I should put it to work...

InFierority Complex > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 13:49

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I found this really good empanada place. So there’s that.

Chariotoflove > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/29/2020 at 13:50

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One of the silent benefits of WFH is the opportunity for day drinking when necessary.

Chariotoflove > InFierority Complex 10/29/2020 at 13:50

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That's the gift that keeps on giving.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 13:53

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Mrs. addiction has been taking advantage of this - ha!

Chariotoflove > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/29/2020 at 13:57

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And hopefully of you in your incapacitated state. Or a t least you could suggest it to her.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 14:02

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Ha!

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 14:09

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Best day of the year? Very very good year driving the Datsun, it ran great and I put some good miles on it.

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/all-systems-go-1845012680

DipodomysDeserti > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 14:12

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Did you listen to the NPR story about Cecilia Chiang this morning?

Friends and family are all happy and healthy. I quit drinking, and caught some health stuff early enough that I’m feeling better. Finished up my first year of grad school and was very successful at it, and am doing better at letting shit go and moving forward with things.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 14:16

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This was posted roughly the same time as yours. LOL

https://lifehacker.com/can-you-celebrate-your-personal-wins-in-such-a-shitty-y-1845517102

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > InFierority Complex 10/29/2020 at 14:27

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Stroll through the East Side, we don’t need to lose a hocky game to have ruins.

Chariotoflove > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/29/2020 at 14:37

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I enjoyed that.

Chariotoflove > DipodomysDeserti 10/29/2020 at 14:38

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I don’t listen to NPR was much anymore since my morning commute shortened so much.

That’s great. Your health potentiates all other good things in life.

Chariotoflove > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/29/2020 at 14:40

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H aha. Although I’m not big on the headline and intro . “Even though it’s been such a bad year...” starts off on the wrong  foot.

CB > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/29/2020 at 14:55

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I wonder how long we’ll be able to namedrop the Downtown Eastside as one of the worst urban environments in Canada.

CB > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 14:59

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I bought a new car and Sammy came into my life, both are pretty solid. I’m doing well at work, my finances are in good shape, and I started rewriting the terrible novel I wrote in high school. Overall, I think things are going surprisingly well.

Glad to hear you’re doing well too!

BeaterGT > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 15:01

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Year started off strong but I think I’ll have to continue living vicariously through the rest of Oppo on this one. As with most things, some will have it better and some will have it worse.  

fintail > Mid Engine 10/29/2020 at 15:08

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I’m 6'1" bounce around the 200 region depending on my willpower and activity (it aint all muscle) , shoot left.

Chariotoflove > CB 10/29/2020 at 15:10

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Novel?  That’s a big undertaking!

subexpression > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 15:11

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Working from home is getting me back to feeling normal . It only took a few weeks of isolation to mostly   reverse a couple years’ worth of spiraling deeper in to office depression . Somebody who didn’t know me that well at work has even commented on the change.

I love that people in stores don’t crowd me now. C an randos in public all stay 6 fee t away from me forever? Same for not seeing people let a mob of kids run wild in stores, that was never a great idea anyway .

For a few months, nothing I wanted to watch on TV got preempted by sportsball events.

Some things that were either unavailable or prohibitively expensive to order online in the past are now reasonable to have delivered to my door. Not sure how much was a change in response to demand and how much was stuff I just hadn’t checked for a while .

Chariotoflove > BeaterGT 10/29/2020 at 15:11

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That’s what Oppo is for. I certainly can’t afford all the cars I like, so I come here.

CB > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 15:12

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Yeah, and I’m realizing I don’t have the time or wherewithal that I did in grade 10. Still, it’s a work and progress and fun.

Chariotoflove > subexpression 10/29/2020 at 15:14

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Definitely benefits to come from this year’s events. Having a little more space in public is a nice one. Having the option to WFH more freely is another, although getting back to routine is good.

Chariotoflove > CB 10/29/2020 at 15:15

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Not having a publisher means no deadlines and no one’s pace but your own.

CB > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 15:15

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Exactly! I wrote the last one with weekly updates to my blog , and it shows. It feels rushed and not the most cohesive. I’m glad I get to flesh things out a lot more.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > CB 10/29/2020 at 15:21

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I don't see it changing anytime soon. I'd still rather hang out on the DTES than visit Edmonton though. Lol

Chariotoflove > CB 10/29/2020 at 15:21

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I last tried fiction writing in college. It got panned so badly by my writing group that I haven’t worked up the courage to try since.

Mid Engine > fintail 10/29/2020 at 15:22

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I’m 6' 200lbs, shoot right. Li ving in Montreal I played with a lot of guys that either worked in the hockey industry and had access to pro gear , or were playing pro in different parts of the world. 

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 15:40

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I’m going to get the one negative out of the way first - appendicitis. They cut me open the old school way, right down the middle, and it sucked. I also learned afterwards I’m immune to opioids because even Fentynal didn’t help with pain. But you know what, it’s still good because I’m not dead ! And now I know never to waste my money on heroin! And seriously, I’d had chronic appendicitis, I’d been feeling like shit for months, so getting that taken care of has drastically improved life. I even lost some weight!

Aside from that, i t’s actually been a pretty damn good year for me . On the money side of things, I got a promotion and raise at the beginning of the year, and have had some very lucrative overtime opportunities. We also re-fi’d the house and have been saving lots of money between Mrs. Snuze doing full WFH and me doing partial WFH and shorter commutes. As someone who used to have garbage finances (bad spending habits, low income, etc.) I’ve made a 180 and am loving it.

On the work side of things, aside from the promotion earlier in the year, I just received my first project grant . Someone saw fit to give me $150k to do some development work for autonomous platform related stuff . It’s a daunting task and I’m frankly terrified, but at the same time excited because it could turn into a big thing. I’m secretly hoping I can parlay this into a multi-year effort and eventually launch a branch (our smallest business unit) dedicated to this field, since right now we don’t have a group solely focused on autonomous systems.

I will have my garage done before the year is up - new doors and openers getting hung next week, then all I have to do is finish up some trim work. That’s been a 3 year project and I’ll be glad when it’s done.

Lots of other little things, like being enrolled in grad school which is still going well, nobody I know has died from COVID (in fact I only know a couple people who have even contracted it), and I acquired the Jankwagen. So yeah, life is pretty good.  

DipodomysDeserti > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 15:53

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She passed away and is credited  with  bringing traditional Chinese food to America. An interviewer asked her how she’s lived so long and she said by focusing on the positive things, even when life gets hard.

Chariotoflove > Snuze: Needs another Swede 10/29/2020 at 15:56

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That sounds like a great year!

Chariotoflove > DipodomysDeserti 10/29/2020 at 15:56

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Sounds like a wise person.

3point8isgreat > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 16:17

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Its been a weird year here. Neither really good nor bad.

Star ted out normal. Then job took a twist and got moved to a new state. New job is cool and exciting. Buying a new house was kind of neat. But wife and I were happy where we were too. Now we arent near friends or family. And we won’t ever be able to afford our dream property here.

But this new location also offers some neat stuff. Like for me theres several good autocross clubs and several road courses within an hour or less of a drive. But now I dont have access to a huge car workshop to do fun projects.

Or for my wife she has the horse closer to our house now, and trails to ride on. But we will forever have to pay boarding here.

Its just a weird mixed bag. For basically everything we gave up by moving, we gained something similar but different. So we are just having to learn to readjust our goals and dreams a little bit.

And also accept that my life doesn't let me plan more than a few months ahead at any given time. 

Chariotoflove > 3point8isgreat 10/29/2020 at 16:55

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Uncertainty can be one of the biggest stressors in life. If you two are learning how to cope with it, then you are ahead of the game.

JeffCronin > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 18:10

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I have to say that it’s been a decidedly mixed bag here.

Good:

Tons of time with the kids (HS Senior and HS Freshman)

Stayed working the whole time, actually worked more for a bunch of it

Pretty much s topped eating out, better food and healthier

Bad:

COVID - nobody hurt yet but it’s been stressful

I’m in Minneapolis, so George Floyd and riots/looting within 1/2 mile of my house

Snow started in October and I had to put up the 911 early, usually can make it to Halloween

SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 18:15

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I've been too busy to remember how good it has been. But it has been good. But, on reflection, so have most (if not all) of my years...

Taylor Martin > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 18:17

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2020 was out of left field for a lot of people, including me, but I’m beginning to realize it’s not all terrible. Had this pandemic never happened I wouldn’t have met Oppo /changed my own oil/made a Top Gear spoof/got a partime job writing/been editing a friends book. That’s all awesome.

However, all that came at a incredibly unfortunate cost. I lost touch with a lot of my new college pals (my parents hammered the idea that I’d meet my best friends for life in college, but if I have no friend s in college right now then... well it’s no fun). I haven’t been able to go out, either for pleasure cruises or for actual legitimate reasons, and being cooped up at home demolished my sleep schedule (it’s hard for me to get up before noon now, and I used to wake up at 6am consistently . I also used to go to bed at 8:30 in highschool... I was an odd kid) .

This has certainly put my entire life on a totally new path, one I didn’t think I’d be going down. I’m not opposed to it, I’m just not quite accustomed to it yet either.

Fantastic movie reference by the way.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 19:14

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So far so good!

Under_Score > Chariotoflove 10/29/2020 at 20:32

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Thank you for posting this. I hate the attitude that 2020 sucks. I have left the house for some errand almost every day since March, I work in-person, and the only time I wear a face covering is while in restaurants (as a delivery driver) & talking to customers at both jobs . I voted absentee only because I’m busy. This has been a great year.

I graduated college, I started a full time job, I started doing food delivery (which is honestly something I really enjoy doing), I have a good amount of money, and, best of all.

Based on the direction life is taking me, 2020 will probably be somewhat uneventful looking back.   All I do is work, and Zeta’s aftermath is honestly why I’m not camping in a parking lot right now. I barely see friends anymore ; going to The Battery for my birthday is the most social thing I’ve done since I got the blue child pictured above. But, moving out, a higher paying more corporate job, maybe a girlfriend and SECOND vehicle (old 4Runners and trucks are tempting),  and more are all prospects looking to happen in 2021.

Chariotoflove > Under_Score 10/29/2020 at 23:58

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I’m so happy for you. You’re moving up and on. You’re at a great time of life. So many possibilities. 

Chariotoflove > Taylor Martin 10/30/2020 at 00:04

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Thanks. Life is such a complex bundle of choices and consequences. Playing what if is always sheer speculation. All you can ever do is take what it gives you and keep moving. 

Chariotoflove > SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media 10/30/2020 at 00:05

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That’s the best way to look back at them. 

Chariotoflove > JeffCronin 10/30/2020 at 00:07

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Sounds like you and yours are hanging in there okay. We have friends in your fair city, and it was stressful for them too. Glad you came through it without damage. 

Chariotoflove > gettingoldercarguy 10/30/2020 at 00:30

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Starting the count down. 

pip bip - choose Corrour > Chariotoflove 10/30/2020 at 04:20

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good things?

i’m still above ground and breathing.

i still have my job.

that is all

Chariotoflove > pip bip - choose Corrour 10/30/2020 at 09:21

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Those are indeed good things. 

JeffCronin > Chariotoflove 10/30/2020 at 09:28

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Thanks, hope your friends are doing ok. A ctually had some friends shelter here when things got too hairy near their place during the worst of it. Overall it could have been much worse.

Chariotoflove > JeffCronin 10/30/2020 at 09:36

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Yeah, they escaped physical damage. 

fintail > Mid Engine 10/30/2020 at 11:44

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Different world than here, for sure. Hockey is very niche in this region, not just because of a dearth of ice, but via the sometimes obscene costs, especially for any highly competitive youth level.  My favorite game/sport, but not one rescuing lower class kids from the streets lol.

I’ve bought mostly decent stuff, not all pro stock, but I didn’t cheap out.  What kind of gloves do you have?  I use two - one Bauer that were a lower model but wear like iron, and some highline CCMs that fit well and look cool but some stitching started coming undone at about 6 months.

Mid Engine > fintail 10/30/2020 at 12:41

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The s po rt is not cheap anywhere, ice time and gear costs plenty. I don’t remember what gloves I have, haven’t played in 5 years and my stuff is in storage along with everything else we own. Can’t wait for my shop and house to get built. I miss the sport but after 11 knee operations and a ton of other injuries, I had to hang ‘em up. 

fintail > Mid Engine 10/30/2020 at 19:31

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Still, it’s easier in towns where there’s a rink for every 2500 people rath er than around Seattle where there might be one for every 300000 people, although culture is a part of that. Playing hockey makes one a curiosity around here, even if not at the level where daddy is plunking down a healthy five figures for a more competitive youth program (Canada has also fallen victim to the for-profit “elite academy” idea, which I don’t think will really help the grassroots level of the game.

That gear may not age well in storage lol, hopefully it was aired out. Now that I am in Spokane, I need to visit the rink and hopefully start being there regularly, I know where it is, but haven’t had time to do anything yet. Due to the pandemic, I’ve s kated just a handful of times since my last game in mid March.  I’ve had a knee and back injury too, mostly due to a car wreck, but I still get out there, the risk is worth it.

Mid Engine > fintail 10/31/2020 at 13:24

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The gear was washed and dried thoroughly, so I’m pretty sure it’s fine. The game has gotten quite expensive, however, if you have skates and a stick you can play for free in northeas tern Canada . Every park and schoolyard has an outdoor rink and pick up games go on all day and night. Everyone is welcome!  

When I moved to Portland I was shocked that there were only two rinks in the area. I played there off and on, but the quality wasn’t particularly good (g reat exercise all the same) . By the time I moved to the Seattle area I had hung ‘em up, my doctor told me I had a choice: keep playing, or walk and live a normal life. My daughter asked me if I was going to get a different doctor, and I said nope, the doc is right.

fintail > Mid Engine 11/01/2020 at 12:21

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That’s no doubt part of the issue in the PNW, even on the east side - outdoor ice isn’t possible, even in cold spots it won’t be consistent. I remember growing up in the Columbia Basin and trying to “make” ice - not as easy as it looks.

Seattle probably has a similar per capita rink count, and they are fairly spread out for people, but IIRC there’s only one municipal rink in the entire state (that’s also a big part of making it attainable, I think), and exposure might be a function of parental largesse. When I hit second childhood stage a couple years ago and was on the ice 3x per week, I could see the impact on my expenses. For local facilities, I always liked Kirkland most - best ice and the converted supermarket has a weird appeal. Kent and Renton can be inconsistent, but I guess ice is ice.

My doctor just told me to “take it easy” - thinking of healthcare out of pocket costs keeps me in line, even with my relatively excellent plan. As a guy I’ve skated with who played at a high level relative to most locals (junior A, NCAA) likes to say, this is no-checking, not no-contact. I’ve had a few smashes that felt like they could be on a Youtube NHL hits compilation. I’d be walking funny for a few days (of course, after the hit “no, I’m fine, barely felt it, that was fun”).  It is more fun without a vicarious living bulldozer parent screaming in the background.