Winning is just so great!

Ahhh, winning. What a feeling. It really is nice to compete and end up at the top. It is such a re-assurance to me to know that our team's hard work is recognized and that all five of us work well together. We have an amazing team charisma and way of remaining honest with each other. We also have a great way of holding each other accountable. I have never been a part of a team like this to be honest! I am proud to be a "closer".

Our reward this Tuesday was so cool. I had never experienced a sports event from such a view. Box seats ROCK! I have always been a hockey fan, but have not had enough money to be able to enjoy the sport live, which in my opinion, is the only way to enjoy it. We had access to free food, drink and dessert. When I told Michael we could bring a guest and that I wanted him to come (This was on Friday after we presented) he was so excited. I think he was more excited than I was since it was his first Avs game! I was glad to be able to take him.

The tour of Altitude Sports was really interesting. Not many people get to go where we went unless you work for the Pepsi Center or Altitude. We got to see the cameramen as they were working, the sound guys and basically the whole production crew as they were producing a TV program! I'll remember that for a long time! I think my favorite thing to see was the camera guys that follow the puck throughout the game. They have the most fun- Its almost like playing a video game... They have joysticks and can zoom in and out for a better picture!

When I returned from my tour, Ginny suprised us again. With excitement in her voice, she announced, "At the end of the game, we have VIP passes for you all to meet the players and get thier autographs!" Oh, MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH MY GOD!!!!!! COOOLLLL!!!!!!! I really flipped out this time! I immediatly thought of getting Peter Forsberg and Joe Sakics signatures. I was like a kid on Christmas morning. I almost had tears in my eyes at the thought- I know, I know, its a little much and it sounds like I am being a little dramatic, but you have to understand that as a native who loves her Stanley-Cup winning team, I was thrilled!

The game was great- The Avalance won against Vancouver 2 to 1. It was also Peter Forsbergs' first night back to the Avs in three or four years from playing on other NHL teams. There was magic in the air. As the massive crowd of Avalanche fans began to leave the Pepsi Center, we slowly made our way through to the east entrance. We waited there for our beloved players. Although we didn't get pics with the "big shots" of the team, we did get about 10 signatures from other players on the team including Cody McCleod and Kurt Sauer!

The night was amazing. Ironically, as Michael and I left the Pepsi Center hand in hand, we passed a Denver's Road Home collection meter. As I put some change into the meter, I couldn't help but feel warm inside. Our team did a good thing for a good organization. The Disability Center for Independent Living helps those who are less fortunate stay off the Denver streets by providing an array of transitional services for personal independence and sustainability. Our team helped them reach a few short-term goals, and gave them a good head-start for a few long term goals. As I deposited the money into the meter, I knew that our team's help toward the big picture (helping to overcome the city-wide problem of homelessness) ...mattered.

-E