8 Days and Only Hours to Go

I will officially garner an "F" this week for my "Brier blogging" efforts. After following the Curling News' blog last year, I thought it would be interesting to post some of my own observations from the twenty-ten event; favourite moments, on and off the ice, wacky fans, Patch rats and all.

Despite my good intentions, it was not to be. Having missed Opening Weekend, then spending most of the roundrobin draws entertaining customers, I did not witness the moments I thought I would be urging to share. The fans also seemed relatively subdued in comparison to past years. Sure, there were the "Sociable" Ukrainian Canadians in Section 12, Jack from Ontario, and the expected Northern Ontario mooseheads, tin can moose call in hand, but I felt an obvious abscence of the deafening crowd we heard last year.

Disappointed? Perhaps a little. For a city with 26 bars within walking distance, known for it's ability to show its guests a truly good time, I was honestly expecting a wilder arena. As for the Patch, the same can not be said. Good bands and good times were still guaranteed to the lucky group that made it in the door before capacity. Presenting Sponsor, Monsanto Canada's Public Affairs Director Don Pincock stated it best this afternoon at the closing lunch, "There is not a sport in this country where the players give so much back to their fans."

So true. Afterall, what other amateur sporting event allows fans the opportunity to socialize with the players, shake their hands, share a drink and sneak a photo after the event? It is inspiring for curlers, young and old.

Of course, the friendly people of Nova Scotia have also been a true breath of fresh air for this Ontario girl. Nova Scotians don't need a t-shirt to tell others they're 'nice too'. It's evident in everything they do, from the waitress that took our order - "3 specials because you're special people" - to the chatty security guard that assured us she'd give us a heads up to beat the Patch line.

When the final stone is thrown, the Tankard hoisted and the banner lowered, I will join the players and all the crew that pulls this incredible event together, year after year, in that inevitable state of 'happy-sad' that follows every great experience. Happy to have taken in such a fantastic event. Sad it has to end.

Day 3 of the Brier, Feeling the Canadian Pride!

Truthfully, this is actually my FIRST day at the Brier, although the event is well underway here in Halifax. After two years of taking in the whole shebang, I opted for a shorter version this year. While patially by choice, it was absolutely with regrets when I learned Team Martin, better known to most across this great nation as Gold medallists, Team Canada, would be in town for the opening weekend.

I missed a 'gong show', according to the The Curling News and my event liaison. People lined up around the block and chaos ensued wherever they went. I would've loved to get a photo with the team, but mobs of people just arn't my thing. Of course, I could've pulled the VIP Sponsor card, but what kind of a person would I be then? Jumping the line 'because I'm a sponsor' and thus, disallowing some other very patient fan their turn? Morally, I couldn't do it, not to mention how bad it would look on the company.

Who knows.. the curling world is not that big. I may get another chance to hold the gold medal and shake the guys' hands. For now, I'm excited to share a little family Olympic brag moment. Gold medalist, Canadian Ice Dancer Scott Moir grew up in the same town as my Grandparents and went to the school where my aunt teaches. He stopped in last week to visit and "let his medal go around the gym just like a new puppy," said my aunt. Her students sent Scott letters of support while he was in Vancouver.

My aunt and the school administrater pose with Scott Moir and his gold medal last week.

Isn't it cool how Canadians everywhere feel like these Olympics connected us? Even cooler is how the athletes also feel so much appreciation for the fans and want to share their medals in return. I truly hope this Canadian pride lingers. In fact, I hope Canadians are forever changed. Why not be just a little prouder? It really is the coolest thing.

Curling blog to follow the week here

I wish I'd come across this sooner. Reading through these ladies' blog this morning, I was amazed by how similar their outlook has been to mine!

The Curling News has been giving game-by-game, day-by-day updates on the happenings in the ice, around the Saddledome and of course, in the Patch. Check them out, and I'll be back here on Monday!

I also have to share this picture. While blogging has been on my back-burner this week, I have been able to spend ample time in the Saddledome, and I even took advantage of the opportunity for a photo with my own celebrity curling crush. I hate to admit it, but I am now an official member of the Johnny Mo fan club also!

Rockin' the House - At the Brier

I have been a very delinquent blogger this week, and I apologize for that. I am tied up with another house this week - at the curling rink for the Tim Hortons Brier. The Canadian Men's Curling Championships are in Calgary this week, and I have been spending the week back and forth between the rink watching games and the Stampede Park venue we're renting for some events.

Events all day, and The Patch (aka Brier Patch Beer Gardens) in the evenings have left little time for blogging. I promise I'll be back next week. There are lots of 'house' stuff that is eagerly awaiting my return, I can assure you! Have a great week and check out The Tim Hortons Brier on TSN all week!