Where to begin?

Nowadays when you are about to embark on an interesting journey you think, "It's occasions like these that warrant that start of a blog."  I totally don't think that is sad or pathetic.  Other people have done it and I'm sure there lives are far less interesting (Is that arrogant to say?  Too late.  I already did.).  

I am a New York City teacher, but the story starts long before that.  I grew up in a small town a few states over.  I had a typical small town life... minus my affinity for doing totally random things with my friends.  I had a friend who liked hockey (Ms. Mauvais Gardien).  Liked may be quite the understatement.  Eventually this translated into my own enjoyment of hockey, especially hockey fights.  My love of hockey fights then eventually translated into an enjoyment of the entire sport.  My life eventually took me from college to NYC where I started teaching.  That's a whole book right there.  I was young and had crazy kids who fought all day long.  Now, a few years down the line, I'm in a slightly better place having left the DOE behind to teach at a charter school- which is not without it's problems because it's still a school in the South Bronx.

After an epic whirlwind weekend tour which included a trip to Toronto, Canada where I went to the Hockey Hall of Fame and the Leafs vs. Red Wings game, my innate love for hockey resurfaced with a vengeance.  I think it clicked when I saw the Tre Kroner hockey jersey.  I'm completely in love with it.  You see, my heritage is over half Swedish.  The little part of me that is not Swedish is French-Canadian.  My grandfather was also from the Upper Peninsula in Michigan and my theory is they must have played hockey there because what else would you do in winter?  So, basically, I was born to love hockey.  

One week later, I bought my first pair of hockey skates.  Bauer Vapor X:20 ice hockey skates in 4EE.  Ah, yes, do you see where else this journey is interesting?  Not only am I a woman, I am petite- just 5' 1''.  Playing hockey just got 10x more tough.  What I lack in height and weight, I will have to make up in fiestyness, speed, and a low check.  Did I also mention I've never played hockey and am at the beginning stages of understanding the sport and its history?  All is well though.  I will learn through experience, my friend, TV, and blogs.  Tomorrow I start skating lessons at Chelsae Piers.  Yes, I do know how to skate.  I haven't done it often, but I can do it.  Minus the whole stopping thing.  After four weeks of skating lessons, I can take Adult Hockey Prep.  I'll have to see how things go from there.  They have Division I (NCAA and maybe pro experience) to Division VIII (beginners) hockey and also have a Gametime Hockey/ Instructional Program.  I hope to be a part of the Division VIII hockey by mid-winter.  

So this is the start of my true hockey journey.  The little South Bronx teacher from a small town is going to learn hockey.  I can't wait to give the first guy that messes with me a low check that flips him over.