Ups and Downs

Ying and yang. Up and down. The more things change, the more they stay the same. No deep insights here. Words of the ages apply. My week was no different.

Last weekend, I arranged a guys golf weekend to Sedona. We had a great time drinking Friday night, playing Spades, passing out at 2 AM, and getting up for an 8 AM breakfast and 11 AM tee time. Of course, we all golfed the worst game in a decade, but we had fun doing it. The one notable event was on the 11th fairway. I had just hit my second shot and returned to the cart when my golf partner engaged the break and took off at a dead run. I had no idea what he was doing, until I heard it. My vision isn't great to begin with, and I'm wearing dark sunglasses, so I never saw it. But, I sure heard it. Swarm of bees. Hundreds of them, flew right over, around, and through our cart. The other members of our foursome were staring at us like we had lost our minds.

On Sunday, I sat in utter amazement as the Arizona Cardinals advanced to the Superbowl. I immediately checked the weather in Hell to confirm it hadn't frozen over. Black president, a plane lands safely in the Hudson river, and the Arizona Cardinals go to the Superbowl. I'm expecting 100 degree days in Alaska and snowstorms in Phoenix in July.

Monday was a holiday for me - MLK. Unfortunately, I had to spend part of my holiday taking my dog to the vet to be put down. She had lost complete control of her hind quarters. Any time she tried to turn the corner, her back end would fall to the floor as if it was not attached to her body. It wasn't good. She was a great dog. The other two spent a few hours looking for her before finally giving up.

Tuesday, after a weekend of begging from my daughter, we went to the Coyotes game. I didn't realize until I tried to buy tickets that they were facing the Red Wings. We went to the game the first time the Red Wings were in town and saw one of the best hockey games I've ever seen. Back and forth all game ending in a tie. Overtime also finishes in a tie, and they went to a shoot-out. Coyotes drew first blood, and get up 2-1...then never score again and end up losing the shoot-out 3-2. This time, they left no doubt. Once again, back and forth. First period finishes 1-1. Second period finishes 3-3. Coyotes never scored on a power play, Red Wings only scored on power plays. In the third period, the Coyotes ripped it open ending the game with a 6-3 victory. I was hoarse for two days.

By the end of the week, I was exhausted.