Musings at Altitude

My 13 year old daughter is an avid hockey fan – and this is her time – the hockey playoffs.  That’s all she talks about.  Annoyingly so.  Today is Game 6 of the best of 7 series between the Colorado Avalanche and the Minnesota Wild.  The Avalanche lead the series 3-2 after an incredible performance on the Minnesota ice earlier this week.  But tonight they are home, and thus my daughter’s very-similar-to-highly-caffeinated state as she gets pumped up for the game in her own special way.

Today will be filled with her popping into my office or rushing into the kitchen frequently with the latest news or the latest facts that she has to immediately share about the Avalanche.  Almost all of them will have virtually no meaning and create no excitement for me, but for her, any news is the most fascinating news of the year and something that must be immediately shared.  Earlier today, right after breakfast and just before her prolonged research about tonight’s game, the dialogue went something like this:

Her:  “Dad, do you prefer me screaming or talking the whole game?” [Editor’s Note:  Everything starts with “Dad” – every comment, every sarcastic remark, every story, every update.  When I was growing up, everything seemed to start with “but”, but not for my 13 year old.  Everything starts with “Dad”.]

Me:  “I don’t care.”

Her:  “Dad, I’m not going to leave till you tell me which you like better – screaming or talking.”

Me:  “Sweetie, I really don’t care.”

Her:  “Dad, I’ll just sit here till you tell me then.” [Editor’s Note: Nothing gets done when she “just sits here”.  That’s her way of saying “I’m going to irritate you till you give me an answer to my question.”]

Me:  “Fine, talking.” [Editor’s Note:  She wears me out with her relentless focus on getting an answer…I eventually always give in.]

Her:  “Dad, then I’ll spend all night talking to you at the game.”

There’s no winning here – and yet, it’s all winning.  We still have 8 hours till the game starts and in reality the game for her has already begun.  We’re all part of that game, and during the playoffs, that “game” is 24 hours a day as long as the Avalanche stay alive and on path for the Stanley Cup. 

I hope they keep winning, not just for them, but for me.  Though I act with indifference, it’s fun to see someone in this world with such great passion for anything!