Sunday, March 29, 2009

Off to Toronto

So, no post yesterday. That's partially because I was kind of reaching for something to write about and the only think I could think of, Cathy didn't think was a good idea. And as I already had my doubts about the wisdom of that particular subject, that was that.

And as for today, well, I've managed to secure a trip to Toronto in November.

We played in the finals for the chance to win a trip to Toronto for the Dominion Curling Club Championship. I wasn't skipping on this team, I was shooting second stone. That was nice as there's less pressure then when shooting skip stones. The downside is I had to sweep a lot more than I have at any other time this year. I am hurting today. Apparently there was steam coming off me at various points.

It was close for the first five ends, but we managed to score two in the 6th to open it up to 6-3. And after that we just kept it clean and won the game. I think 7-4 was the final score.

For the record, this is very cool on many levels. We will fly to Toronto in November. Most expenses (plane tickets, hotels, some meals) are covered. We have our own truck and driver to take us where we want. We're getting some freebees like new shirts, jackets, bags and brooms out of this as well. This is also a nice championship because it's for club curlers. So we won't be facing people who curler who compete at the Brier. Hopefully we'll be facing people near our skill level.

But mostly we're just really exciting to be curling at a national event. Outside of the Arctic Winter Games or the Canadian Winter Games, this is the first time Nunavut has competed at a national curling event. I never thought I would get the chance to do something like this, so I'm pretty excited. Our skip, Ed, has been curling for about 40 years and this is his first time at a national championship, so he's beyond pumped.

And we're representing Nunavut, which is also very cool. I've seen the draw schedule and the only downside is that we're not going to play either of the other territories unless we all make it to the play-offs. Which is too bad. We will get to play Newfoundland and Labrador, though.

And also, I clearly need to start going to the gym and getting in some better shape, because if I have to play six or more games I can't be huffing and puffing going up and down the ice. So after Ottawa, it's back to the gym for me.

But it's certainly a good cause.

Last Five
1. Gracie - Ben Folds
2. Santiago de Cuba - The Chieftains*
3. Downtown - Tegan and Sara
4. Song with Rose - Elvis Costello and the Imposters
5. Girl on the wing - The Shins

10 comments:

Karin said...

Its been quite a winning week for you. Might want to play lotto! ;-)

Megan said...

But NOBODY is writing about that issue. Someone has to. I don't know enough about it; otherwise, I'd do it myself.

towniebastard said...

I just remembered that I bought a 6-49 ticket yesterday....no luck, alas.

Then again, I might need to save some luck. Some decisions might be made at work this week regarding contract renewals. Here's hoping the winning streak continues...

JH said...

Congrats. I just finished playing in the US National Club championship. It is a lot of fun. There is talk that someday this may turn into a World level competition.

Jackie S. Quire said...

Wow, I think I'm missing something, because both Megan and you know what this mysterious topic is, and I'm just scratching my head.


But on other news... CONGRATS! I'm doing a story about this today, actually. So good on yah!

towniebastard said...

I strongly suspect Megan and I are talking about completely different things. Because it sounds like she's talking about something serious, whereas with me, it's a frivilous, personal thing, but some people might take offence, so I'm not going to push my luck.

And thanks for the congrats. 24 hours later and it still feels pretty good.

Elli Davis said...

Toronto in November...our city is great for the whole year, but I think the ideal time for visit is definitely - summer! :)
Anyway, hope you will enjoy your stay and will have lot of fun!
Elli

Karin said...

I say just change the message on the top of your page and then it'll all make sense. You've tried for soooo long. ;-)
You don't have to post this if you don't want - I won't be offended in the least.

towniebastard said...

Yeah, Toronto, near the airport, in late November. Not exactly TO at its most lovely and alluring. But I'm sure I'll be too busy having fun to care much about the sights. Or lack there of.

And Karin, I'll think about a one day only thing tomorrow.

Megan said...

Yes, I was indeed thinking about a serious thing that has been in the news in Nunavut and that you might decide not to post about. Not something personal. I shouldn't have assumed I knew what you were referring to. Sorry.