New Wives Room...

Last night was my first hockey game in Atlanta.  Was I excited...no.  Nervous...yes.  A new team always reminds me of your first day at a new school.  Are the people going to be nice?  Will you feel welcome?  Will I get lost?  

I've been through a bunch of these now; you'd think it would get easier but it never does.  The "Wives Room" is always the hardest part.  You'd have to be crazy to think that you can put so many women in one room and have them all get along.  Some personalities are stronger than others; while some take on the ego's of their guys.  Not a fun thing to deal with.

This is a very young team, so not many girls.  I had a surprisingly relaxing night.  Everyone was welcoming and so kind.  Pretentious, is surely not a word that would be used to describe them.  More like - down to earth.  It felt like I was watching a game in  my family room with a bunch of friends.  There's been so many roster changes in Atlanta, so the conversation was mainly about how everyone was settling in.

I used to attend many games in his earlier career.  When the kids were small, it was easy to put them to bed and leave.  Now that they're older, there's homework coming out of their asses, (that we have to help with) and tons of social activities.  Last year 5 games was my limit.  This year probably won't change.

Sopes and I used to think the kids were crazy when they'd pass up the opportunity to attend a game.  In reality they had an amazing perspective.  Why go to a game, deal with the crowds, listen to the noise, and stay up so late when they could watch it in their jammies while snuggling in Mom's warm bed and fall asleep.  Many wouldn't argue with that.

I do have to admit that it is kind of sad watching the games on t.v. this year.  Knowing he's not coming home after really sucks.   I've always had his dinner in the warming drawer all ready for him.  He'd come up and eat in bed (while I put towels down in case of a spill) and we'd talk about the night; his hockey and the kids.  This was a private moment that I miss ever so much.  Last night it was dinner in a loud restaurant and we were completely exhausted.  Just not the same at all.  (Snuggling together in a booth like newlyweds wasn't all that bad though.)

Although are lives are completely crazy right now, we know we'll get through it.  Just these little trips back and forth are helping tremendously.  We're forced to be the ultimate planners!  Not so fun and spontaneous, but it gives us something to look forward to.  

Today, I will go with him to the rink and watch practice.  Never thought this would happen, but anytime we can get together is worth it.  This means more time to chat because of the long car ride.  Wouldn't give it up for the world!!

Comments

[GregPayne]

Thank you so much for your blog. I have never seen anyone talk about the wives room before. This was very interesting. Hope you are enjoying Atlanta, although I complete understand how it is definitly stressful living in 2 cities.

[Amylpiper]

Ugh, I'd like apologize to you hubby for us here in Atlanta. It must suck to play in such a quiet arena. The more the team wins, the better it will be and fans will fill the seats. My hubby and I met at a Thrahers game and still go to most of the games but now that we have 2 kids under two, we'd rather watch the games on TV too!

[Linda K]

Hey Girl....I had a feeling you were at the game last night. Glad you are with Brent, yet you sound a bit sad. Bittersweet, actually. You two will get through this, and it won't be easy. Keeping this journal is a great way of defining your feelings and reacting to real life. You know you can ALWAYS call me for venting, mothering or cock-tailing...Remember, you have girlfriends that have your back.

[Randy Saeks]

Does it help at all having some familiar faces, as least in the player aspect, from Chicago? Thinking about the first day of school analogy, I would hope it helps knowing a few people ahead of time.

[danielle C]

Sorry to hear you are having a tough time with Sopes being away, but it is so sweet to hear how much you two really enjoy your time together! I think that tops it all and will make your time apart go that much quicker. D

[Brittany Tackett]

I have enjoyed your blog so much. It is nice to see two people who dearly love each other finding ways to make it work living in two different places. I see you as a very strong woman who is more than willing to give this everything she has. Welcome to Atlanta! I hope you receive a warm welcome and that you enjoy your time here. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us.

[Laura]

So glad you have been able to spend some time with Sopes and experience some southern hospitality. I hate that that was your first Atlanta game night experience though. Week night games are always lower in attendance, but last night's crowd was embarrassing. Especially after such a great road trip - the guys deserved a better welcome home than that!
Enjoy the rest of your time in Atlanta - it really is a great city!

[Heather Sanger]

Just discovered your blog via Brent's twitter feed. Kudos to you for such an honest and obviously heartfelt post. I've gone back to read a few more entries and you have a new follower :)

[Piddleloop]

i always wanted to know how the wives or significant others felt during their games. Especially the crazy shot blocker that your husband is. Do you worry? He had to have come home covered in black and blue, and thankful for his teeth. I know when i'm watching the games i hold my breath when i see them dive to shot block or take a nasty hit. I always wondered what the moms, wives, and S.O. always thought too.

I'm sorry they lost last nite against Buffalo. I listened to that game since 1/2 of chicago went to atlanta. And the 4th line were a lot of my favorites (ladd too)

[RALind17]

I know exactly what you mean about the "wives room." My boyfriend is in his 6th year playing pro and this season is the first time that we've been with the same team for more than just a year. It's stressful when you don't know anyone to walk into a room full of people that already have formed relationships. It doesn't help that I'm shy by nature and can barely muster up a "hello" around people I've never met before. I can also say that on his first call up to the NHL I was more stressed than ever to walk into that room. I'd heard horror stories from other girls over the years about their experiences and I felt like if I wasn't dressed right, didn't say the right thing, etc., that I'd be an outcast. Thankfully that wasn't the case and I found all of the girls to be welcoming and kind, like you did. There will always be personality clashes and not everyone is meant to be friends, but we're all experiencing the same lifestyle and can bond over that.

I'm so glad the link to this blog was passed on to me. Even if we've never met, it's nice to be able to relate on some level and be reminded that I'm not alone. I too did a year long distance while he played, but I didn't have children involved, so I can only imagine the range of emotions you experience every day. Good luck with this season!

[Amandamcardle]

Long distance has been killing me as well. I'm home in LA while I get my cancer treatments, and he is playing in NorCal. I'm pretty limited in terms of traveling, and it BLOWS.

Hang in there!

[Jill]

i just wanted to say that i really appreciate your honesty in these posts. not only are they entertaining to read, but they encourage a sense of empathy. here's to hoping things go as smoothly as possible!

[Virginia Flowers]

Welcome to Atlanta! Sorry your first game had to be a Buffalo game. We Thrashers fans dread those so.

Glad the wives room was nice.

Hope you enjoyed practice. Last season I was unemployed and went to every practice. Fortunately this season, I found a job so I don't make it to many. I'm at every game though! Enjoy your time here.