I Will Enjoy It

I've got a ton of things I want to write about right now. I've got a game write up, training plan, plans for the blog itself, comments about my teams and I'm sure other things but I want to talk quickly about how this game has impacted my life - both good and bad.

I have no doubt in my mind that if I didn't play hockey, I'd be further along in my career. The time I spend playing, practicing, doing research and anything else could easily be spent becoming a better programmer. The stress of driving through snow, out of state, in rain storms, after midnight all adds up. It just drains you quickly. I've been injured here and there because of the game, and I carry the scars wherever I go.

But like anything, when things are going well, it is easy to do. I have been on more losing teams than winning since I started playing inline less than five years ago. Losses add up and it weighs on you. Mistakes eat away you and will drive you insane.

But when things go right, it is outstanding. You're healthy, the team is playing well, everyone gets along on and away from the ice and you're winning games. That's where I am right now. I've always said you don't appreciate things until you realize how much worse they can be, and I know about problems in the locker room, losing teams, not playing well as an individual and so on. So when things click, you can appreciate the friends you've made, the experiences you've created, the victories and the celebrations. I will enjoy it.