It's funny how a small random event in your life can happen that makes you realize that we're all in this together. For those that know me, it's no surprise that I'm a huge hockey fan and with my cities' team finally making it to the playoffs it's been taking chunks out of my week, enjoying the Red Mile events and whatnot surrounding the fan fare. I've been constantly keeping up, reading (and writing) blogs about the current season, tuning into the radio and sharing my thoughts vocally as well, as my team progresses. It's fun, riveting and enjoyable to see a 'tired but true' fanbase come together in such a way. The Calgary Flames have finally advanced to the second round for the first time since 2004.
Yesterday I had something really wonderful happen to me after a long day of work. I was driving home when I realized that I should most likely fill up for a full tank of gas. I came in did the usual but when I went to pay for my transaction I was told that it had been completely paid for. I was totally flabbergasted and asked who had done it. The cashier mentioned the middle-aged, blonde lady who had just left as I had walked through the door. Apparently she had noticed my small Flames wristband when I was at the pump. Immediately, I rushed outside to offer her something but before I could even thank her, she pulled down her window and smiled, "I love your bracelet" before driving off.
I'd be lying if I said this was the first time it happened to me, as the exact same thing had happened just before our series winning game against Vancouver only a couple of weeks back. A man had paid for my gas though not nearly as much as the the woman had when he saw my jersey. The difference being that I managed to snag him before he left and coerced him into treating him for a cup of coffee. He had complied and I took him to the most Canadian place you could think of Tim Hortons. Though that was more so because it was right down the block from the gas station. We sat, looked out the shops glass panes and chatted as two complete strangers.
There was however a sense of belonging. We talked about the keys needed for the Flames to beat the Canucks, our favorite players on the team, how we are both not advance stats type people and what we did for a living. He talked about his family farm run through the generations, his retirement and toddler grandson in Timbits hockey, while I told him about my newly immigrated 11 year old niece (cousins daughter) who was still adapting to the Western lifestyle and the adjustments even I had to make to teach her while making sure she still kept to her roots.
People call it classy fans, but regardless it revitalizes some of the faith I have in humanity. These situations always make me pause, actually say wow in a meaningful way and makes me want to give back even further. So thank you, random citizens who do such things, where ever you are, you inspire me and make me want to make someone else's day.
I'm an optimist, I love uplifting stories. Has a stranger ever done something for you that made your day? Has it inspired you to give in return? Did you ever witness two strangers doing something awesome for one another? How'd it make you feel?
Random Thoughts on the Current NHL topics: (Majority of you can skip right over this as I think only 1.5 people care about this stuff. Kudos to 'Thats-Hockey-Eh for the GIFs on Tumblr.)
- Yesterday my Dad compared his love for the Montreal Canadiens to the New York Rangers, I was heartbroken. My whole family hates the Rangers with a seething passion. Why must you betray me like this?!
- While I adore the tenacity of the Minnesota Wild and want them to win the series. My heart is telling me to cheer for the Blackhawks. Because if by some inkling the Flames wins the second series, we'd have a better chance at beating the Blackhawks than we do Minnesota.
- Quite recently I realized Matt Stajan is also a great soccer player. Dem kicks brah.
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- Brandon Prust can you just shut up? No, I mean seriously, shut up. Even I know what happens on the ice, stays on the ice. Instead of bitching about a bias ref, why don't you look at yourself. First you mess with Ben Bishop, talk smack to the Lightning Players on the bench, and then throw your gear at them. Hard language happens all the time on the ice, a player doesn't be a pussy about it and if they have to complain, bring it to your teammates or your coach. Never engage the media, that's just unbecoming. Your teammates may not say so, but they're definitely are not going to respect you for it.
- I am loving Alex Ovechkin's game right now. Seriously his plays are just magnificent, one of my favorite players to watch. He's just so exciting. There's nothing more awesome than hearing everyone else in the league say, "If that were Alex Ovechkin, than it would have been in!" He's just glamorous. Here's to the Capitals beating the Queen Lundqvist. Woot! 2-1 in the series.
- There are some amazing playoff beards coming around. I always joke that Patrick Kane's a werewolf in transition every playoff. The world knows he plays like a beast so it makes sense.
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- “As much as we can stretch Johnny Gaudreau until Sunday night, he’s not going to be [6-foot-1] by Sunday.” Johnny's minutes were good but I'm so worried if he gets injured since he's so small and the FlamesvsDucks series truly is like a David and Goliath narrative. I must have the faith. C'mon guys! Littlest team in the league can win this!
Assassinita, Mary Ann or simply Nita for short is your average Canadian lady incognito who loves hockey, traveling and a good laugh. She speaks English and Bahasa, alongside parts of Arabic, French and Sundanese. Her weakness is coffee and electric blankets. She tries to be as honest and true as possible, even during the tough minutes when the world is against you.