What I wouldn't give
Omg, there is so much to report on since my last post. I FINALLY got my computer back (after like, 6 weeks) so now I can post whenever I please. Thank Jesus I have my computer back.
So, we hosted Districts, which seems like forever ago. Everything went off without a hitch and the District Council and Governors said it was one of the best conventions they had ever seen. Not to mention that all of the Brothers think EY is the coolest, most awesome chapter they have ever met. Obv. I don't disagree, but I am really proud about the name our chapter has made for itself over the last 3 years. I could write a whole post about Districts, but I think the pictures on FB tell it all. Already excited for Districts down at JMU next year! Hopefully, I can go.
I was really busy when I first got back from break. I came back a few days early for Playoff Band. We hosted Hockey East Quarterfinals at the Alfond. SUCH an awesome weekend! We lost Friday, and won Saturday and Sunday. The last time we had Quarterfinals here was in '06. We thought we were going to lose the series then tied it up Sunday night and won in OT. I have not heard the Alfond so loud since '06. It was fucking crazy. And what a good weekend with Playoff Band and hanging out.
The next thing I remember aside from school, band, hanging out with friends and my love is St. Patrick's Day. I hung out with Sam and Jude all day. He is soooo big! I can't even believe it. He will be walking soon, which seems impossible. I feel like Sam was just pregnant; I can't imagine how she feels. I went over to Park St. that evening and we had a cookout and ate Irish food and drank Irish things and just hung out. Jay was lame and went to go crash the party at Peters St., so I hung out with Andrew, Wayne, Travis, Colby and Ali for the rest of the evening. I even had something green in my closet to wear this year!
And next...next comes Playoff Band. We went to Boston last weekend for the Hockey East Playoffs. We left early Friday morning. I was the first one at '44 Hall bright and early with all my stuff packed. Chris said he was expect nothing less from me. He knows how I get when it's time to travel lol. Went got on the bus and everyone insisted on watching Boondock Saint II, so I read my Cosmo since Jay, Travis and Matt were watching the movie and Chris told me I wasn't allowed to talk to him the whole trip haha. We ate at the Kennebunk Rest Stop, then headed to Beantown. We stayed at the La Quinta in Somerville, like 10 minutes from the Garden. It was a pretty nice hotel. We got off the bus dressed in warm clothes and it was almost 75 degrees out in Boston! It was beautiful. We had a few hours to kill, so some people hung around outside. Colby, Wayne and I watched Travis run around the 99 and under the bridge to catch up with Sam, Jay and Matt who were going to find a convenience store. As always, we all crammed in one room and did face paint. We went to the pre-game party at The Greatest Bar and played there for a while. It was so hot cuz we were on the 4th floor of the bar and there were tons of Maine fans packed in there. Athletic Director, Blake James got on the mic and was like, "I hope there is no media here tonight; let's kick BU's ass!!" It was so funny. We put our instruments away and ate dinner at The Fours. Travis and I both got the "Frenchie." It was sooo yummy! We hung out around outside the Garden for a while and greeted Maine fans and met BU's band and Brothers. We went into the game and a lot of people couldn't believe how big it was inside. I remember the first time I went in there for HE in '06; I thought I was gonna fall the whole time. Maine played an awesome game and we won 5-2. I had a feeling we were going to win. We all ran outside the Garden with other Maine fans and were celebrating, then we went back to the hotel. Nothing too crazy happened (esp. compared to Playoff Band in years past.) I hung out in the boys' room with Sam, Dianah, Travis, Rica, Colby, Mike F., Matt, Jay and Wayne. We laughed so fucking hard all night about the Laundry Machine and "Jay...JAY!" We were literally rolling on the beds and crying. Haha, I guess that's what happens when you are sleep-deprived, high on hockey and so in love with Playoff Band.
We got up and all ate at the continental breakfast together. There is nothing I love more than waking up and everyone eating breakfast together in their PJ's and bedhead. I love seeing people in their natural element, and Playoff Band is certainly the place for that. We had the day to ourselves, so me, Travis, Frank, Sam, Dianah, Olin, and Rica walked around the city together. It was such a beautiful day. It was warm and sunny and we just had a perfect day. We saw the Old North Church, Paul Revere's house and Bunker Hill (we were gonna go up the monument until Travis told us it was 700 steps lol) We went back to Quincy Market and ate lunch and saw a magic show, then met up with Alice, Justin Albergaria and Alice's little, Rachel. We walked around the Harbor, saw the seals at the aquarium, and went to Little Italy for some cannolis. Travis insisted we get gelato, so I did and it tasted like shit. I wouldn't stop complaining about it for hours and Travis was like, "That's it, Meg...keep talkin' about it!" It was so funny. We walked near the Holocaust Memorial and hung out near Quincy Market with all of them until it was time to get back on the bus. We did face paint on the bus and headed back to The Greatest Bar for pre-game party #2. It was sooo packed in there, but we played so well and everyone was so pumped. I swear to God people think we are celebrities during Playoff Band. Anyone who's ever been in Playoff Band knows it is one of the greatest feelings in the world. We didn't have time to eat dinner, so we hung out in front of the Garden and took pictures, etc. until it was time to go in. I had a feeling we were going to lose against BC, but we kept answering their goals and then we finally tied it 6-6 in the last few minutes after being down by 2. I thought for sure we were going to win when we tied it up and came flying into the offensive zone after intermission, but BC scored out of nowhere. It was almost a fluke goal; I didn't even see Sneep hit it in. I sure did see the red light and the BC helmets and gloves fly off onto the ice. So heartbreaking. If we had lost 10-2 or something, I wouldn't be as upset, but I really, really thought we had it. I played the Stein Song for the last time ever as a member of the (on 3...) University of Maine Screaming Black Bear Pep Band, then had to sit through all of the awards. Talk about torture. We met Alice, Rachel, Justin and Eric Paradis in front of the bus and talked with them for a bit before leaving. A bunch of people (Maine fans and other) congratulated the band on two great nights and many said we were the best band they had ever heard. That's always nice to hear. We said our goodbyes, then got on the bus for what would be my last ever bus ride <3
We got back into Orono a little after 4 am and Scotty the bus driver even dropped all of us off at our dorms. He was so nice. However, there is nothing like walking across campus from the Playoff Band bus right before dawn, carrying your instrument and luggage and just taking in the whole trip. I will never, ever forget that night in front of Fogler Library.
I woke up earlier than I wanted to so I could watch the Selection Show Sunday morning. I pretty much knew we were not going to get a bid into the NCAA's, but I was still praying to go to Albany. I needed to go to Albany. I need to be in Albany right now. I need it so bad. That is part of the reason I was so upset about losing last weekend, cuz I knew it was over. When I was watching the show, I even said aloud "It doesn't have to be Albany. I'll even go to Worcester...anything, please!" But it obv. didn't work. I wish I could explain the magic of Albany. Anyone who has been there with Playoff Band in the past understands.
I honestly am so devastated that Playoff Band is over. I don't think I will ever be able to put into words how amazingly wonderful Playoff Band is. It is perfect. It takes everything I love with every bit of my heart and combines it into one beautiful thing called Playoff Band: band, hockey, traveling, friends, lovers, bus rides, AIRPORTS, being delayed in airports, seeing Maine fans in the streets across the country and being so excited and talking like you are old friends, excitement, Brothers, pre-game parties, wearing our jerseys everywhere, taking over a week to pack my luggage, being told 12 hours ahead of time we are leaving, going out to eat, a free trip plus meal allowance, hotels, going to that early morning meeting in Chris' room and finding out what is going on for the day, rolling of bed and eating breakfast together, sightseeing, a million people taking pictures, fitting 25 people in one hotel bathroom to do face paint, feelings like celebrities, walking into the game, spirit, the feeling we have after winning, the insane bus ride when we get on after the NCAA's and knowing we are going to the Frozen Four, checking out of every hotel room with blue face paint still on the sink from the night before, souvenirs, songs that remind me of Playoff Band, never sleeping, stopping for dinner at rest stop at 3 am, going everywhere as a group, taking care of each other, learning things about people that we otherwise would never have and the pure 100% happiness and love, love, love. I could honestly write a book about the love I have in my heart for Playoff Band. I think it comes second only to the Brotherhood for things I love in my life that aren't family. Playoff Band is one of the most wonderful experiences I have ever had in my life. I was the "most-traveled" person in Playoff Band this year and while I wish that everyone could have experienced the times I've had in Playoff Band, I am glad those are memories that no one can ever touch. I often wonder what my feelings on Playoff Band and even life would be if it weren't for Playoff Band 2006. I guess no one will ever know.
Well, I guess I'd better head to bed. We are going to Chris Elgee's tomorrow to do work at his house. I have never been there before because I was always in Playoff Band and coincidentally, this is the weekend we always did it. I'll be available this year though :( Maybe one day I will get over Playoff Band.
So, we hosted Districts, which seems like forever ago. Everything went off without a hitch and the District Council and Governors said it was one of the best conventions they had ever seen. Not to mention that all of the Brothers think EY is the coolest, most awesome chapter they have ever met. Obv. I don't disagree, but I am really proud about the name our chapter has made for itself over the last 3 years. I could write a whole post about Districts, but I think the pictures on FB tell it all. Already excited for Districts down at JMU next year! Hopefully, I can go.
I was really busy when I first got back from break. I came back a few days early for Playoff Band. We hosted Hockey East Quarterfinals at the Alfond. SUCH an awesome weekend! We lost Friday, and won Saturday and Sunday. The last time we had Quarterfinals here was in '06. We thought we were going to lose the series then tied it up Sunday night and won in OT. I have not heard the Alfond so loud since '06. It was fucking crazy. And what a good weekend with Playoff Band and hanging out.
The next thing I remember aside from school, band, hanging out with friends and my love is St. Patrick's Day. I hung out with Sam and Jude all day. He is soooo big! I can't even believe it. He will be walking soon, which seems impossible. I feel like Sam was just pregnant; I can't imagine how she feels. I went over to Park St. that evening and we had a cookout and ate Irish food and drank Irish things and just hung out. Jay was lame and went to go crash the party at Peters St., so I hung out with Andrew, Wayne, Travis, Colby and Ali for the rest of the evening. I even had something green in my closet to wear this year!
And next...next comes Playoff Band. We went to Boston last weekend for the Hockey East Playoffs. We left early Friday morning. I was the first one at '44 Hall bright and early with all my stuff packed. Chris said he was expect nothing less from me. He knows how I get when it's time to travel lol. Went got on the bus and everyone insisted on watching Boondock Saint II, so I read my Cosmo since Jay, Travis and Matt were watching the movie and Chris told me I wasn't allowed to talk to him the whole trip haha. We ate at the Kennebunk Rest Stop, then headed to Beantown. We stayed at the La Quinta in Somerville, like 10 minutes from the Garden. It was a pretty nice hotel. We got off the bus dressed in warm clothes and it was almost 75 degrees out in Boston! It was beautiful. We had a few hours to kill, so some people hung around outside. Colby, Wayne and I watched Travis run around the 99 and under the bridge to catch up with Sam, Jay and Matt who were going to find a convenience store. As always, we all crammed in one room and did face paint. We went to the pre-game party at The Greatest Bar and played there for a while. It was so hot cuz we were on the 4th floor of the bar and there were tons of Maine fans packed in there. Athletic Director, Blake James got on the mic and was like, "I hope there is no media here tonight; let's kick BU's ass!!" It was so funny. We put our instruments away and ate dinner at The Fours. Travis and I both got the "Frenchie." It was sooo yummy! We hung out around outside the Garden for a while and greeted Maine fans and met BU's band and Brothers. We went into the game and a lot of people couldn't believe how big it was inside. I remember the first time I went in there for HE in '06; I thought I was gonna fall the whole time. Maine played an awesome game and we won 5-2. I had a feeling we were going to win. We all ran outside the Garden with other Maine fans and were celebrating, then we went back to the hotel. Nothing too crazy happened (esp. compared to Playoff Band in years past.) I hung out in the boys' room with Sam, Dianah, Travis, Rica, Colby, Mike F., Matt, Jay and Wayne. We laughed so fucking hard all night about the Laundry Machine and "Jay...JAY!" We were literally rolling on the beds and crying. Haha, I guess that's what happens when you are sleep-deprived, high on hockey and so in love with Playoff Band.
We got up and all ate at the continental breakfast together. There is nothing I love more than waking up and everyone eating breakfast together in their PJ's and bedhead. I love seeing people in their natural element, and Playoff Band is certainly the place for that. We had the day to ourselves, so me, Travis, Frank, Sam, Dianah, Olin, and Rica walked around the city together. It was such a beautiful day. It was warm and sunny and we just had a perfect day. We saw the Old North Church, Paul Revere's house and Bunker Hill (we were gonna go up the monument until Travis told us it was 700 steps lol) We went back to Quincy Market and ate lunch and saw a magic show, then met up with Alice, Justin Albergaria and Alice's little, Rachel. We walked around the Harbor, saw the seals at the aquarium, and went to Little Italy for some cannolis. Travis insisted we get gelato, so I did and it tasted like shit. I wouldn't stop complaining about it for hours and Travis was like, "That's it, Meg...keep talkin' about it!" It was so funny. We walked near the Holocaust Memorial and hung out near Quincy Market with all of them until it was time to get back on the bus. We did face paint on the bus and headed back to The Greatest Bar for pre-game party #2. It was sooo packed in there, but we played so well and everyone was so pumped. I swear to God people think we are celebrities during Playoff Band. Anyone who's ever been in Playoff Band knows it is one of the greatest feelings in the world. We didn't have time to eat dinner, so we hung out in front of the Garden and took pictures, etc. until it was time to go in. I had a feeling we were going to lose against BC, but we kept answering their goals and then we finally tied it 6-6 in the last few minutes after being down by 2. I thought for sure we were going to win when we tied it up and came flying into the offensive zone after intermission, but BC scored out of nowhere. It was almost a fluke goal; I didn't even see Sneep hit it in. I sure did see the red light and the BC helmets and gloves fly off onto the ice. So heartbreaking. If we had lost 10-2 or something, I wouldn't be as upset, but I really, really thought we had it. I played the Stein Song for the last time ever as a member of the (on 3...) University of Maine Screaming Black Bear Pep Band, then had to sit through all of the awards. Talk about torture. We met Alice, Rachel, Justin and Eric Paradis in front of the bus and talked with them for a bit before leaving. A bunch of people (Maine fans and other) congratulated the band on two great nights and many said we were the best band they had ever heard. That's always nice to hear. We said our goodbyes, then got on the bus for what would be my last ever bus ride <3
We got back into Orono a little after 4 am and Scotty the bus driver even dropped all of us off at our dorms. He was so nice. However, there is nothing like walking across campus from the Playoff Band bus right before dawn, carrying your instrument and luggage and just taking in the whole trip. I will never, ever forget that night in front of Fogler Library.
I woke up earlier than I wanted to so I could watch the Selection Show Sunday morning. I pretty much knew we were not going to get a bid into the NCAA's, but I was still praying to go to Albany. I needed to go to Albany. I need to be in Albany right now. I need it so bad. That is part of the reason I was so upset about losing last weekend, cuz I knew it was over. When I was watching the show, I even said aloud "It doesn't have to be Albany. I'll even go to Worcester...anything, please!" But it obv. didn't work. I wish I could explain the magic of Albany. Anyone who has been there with Playoff Band in the past understands.
I honestly am so devastated that Playoff Band is over. I don't think I will ever be able to put into words how amazingly wonderful Playoff Band is. It is perfect. It takes everything I love with every bit of my heart and combines it into one beautiful thing called Playoff Band: band, hockey, traveling, friends, lovers, bus rides, AIRPORTS, being delayed in airports, seeing Maine fans in the streets across the country and being so excited and talking like you are old friends, excitement, Brothers, pre-game parties, wearing our jerseys everywhere, taking over a week to pack my luggage, being told 12 hours ahead of time we are leaving, going out to eat, a free trip plus meal allowance, hotels, going to that early morning meeting in Chris' room and finding out what is going on for the day, rolling of bed and eating breakfast together, sightseeing, a million people taking pictures, fitting 25 people in one hotel bathroom to do face paint, feelings like celebrities, walking into the game, spirit, the feeling we have after winning, the insane bus ride when we get on after the NCAA's and knowing we are going to the Frozen Four, checking out of every hotel room with blue face paint still on the sink from the night before, souvenirs, songs that remind me of Playoff Band, never sleeping, stopping for dinner at rest stop at 3 am, going everywhere as a group, taking care of each other, learning things about people that we otherwise would never have and the pure 100% happiness and love, love, love. I could honestly write a book about the love I have in my heart for Playoff Band. I think it comes second only to the Brotherhood for things I love in my life that aren't family. Playoff Band is one of the most wonderful experiences I have ever had in my life. I was the "most-traveled" person in Playoff Band this year and while I wish that everyone could have experienced the times I've had in Playoff Band, I am glad those are memories that no one can ever touch. I often wonder what my feelings on Playoff Band and even life would be if it weren't for Playoff Band 2006. I guess no one will ever know.
Well, I guess I'd better head to bed. We are going to Chris Elgee's tomorrow to do work at his house. I have never been there before because I was always in Playoff Band and coincidentally, this is the weekend we always did it. I'll be available this year though :( Maybe one day I will get over Playoff Band.