Ouch

It hurts to be a sports fan.

The Capitals lost their second game in the first round of the playoffs to the New York Rangers today and it made me and Neil really sad. A year and a half ago, the fact that I just wrote the previous sentence would have been unfathomable. But here I am, a major Capitals fan. I suppose my fandom is a fantastic example of the fact that I am still growing and changing as a person. Being new to this fandom thing has left me ill-equipped to deal with sports-related sadness. I'll get over it and I'll be cheering the team on while watching on TV this Monday, but for now, I'm bummed. We got home from the game this afternoon and literally did not know what to do with ourselves. Neil took a nap and I cooked a recipe that I learned from the lovely Aarti. (It was delicious). So, I suppose, we were both constructive with our sports saddness.

What is funny to me is that we finally allowed ourselves to be sad. We've had a string of less-than-great things happen to us in the past few months and we managed to remain mostly positive. For me, it's a way of coping. The more optimistic I can be, the better. I do believe that positive thinking brings positive results. But I also realize that sometimes we just need to be sad. We need to grieve for a moment, to feel sorry for ourselves. I haven't really allowed myself that luxury lately. I realize that this is a strange complaint - not being sad enough.

Throughout this tough winter and early spring, the Capitals have bouyed my spirits when I needed it most. Being an avid sports fan is a beautiful distraction. When my team wins, no matter what else is going on in my life at the moment, I have an instant excuse to be happy - which is really a gift. Today, being a sports fan helped me get permission to be sad - another less joyful gift, but a gift nonetheless.

(note: I will be less grateful for this gift if the Caps lose the series.)

Joy

We learned some great news tonight - Neil's sister Jaimie is engaged! Her fiance, Jacob, is fantastic. They make each other very happy and are a pleasure to be around. I am really looking forward to many fun times with them in the future and I can't wait to celebrate their wedding.

Change

The weather in DC is finally changing into the beautiful spring weather that makes me love this city. Other things are changing too and I have a good feeling about the coming months for me and Neil. There is a heightened sense of possibility that comes with sunny weather and blooming flowers. Good things are on the horizon.