Dear Editor,
Here are my Facebook posts as a letter to the Edmonton Oilers. I have had a large number of people encourage me to keep doing them, so here they are.
After 5-2 loss to Arizona, Dec 1:
Dear Edmonton Oilers,
Every Monday night we have a family night. Tonight we read a story about a boy who stopped playing video games and started playing guitar. Before too long, the time and energy he put into his guitar started to pay off. He was able to write his own songs and develop talents he didn’t know existed.
I face this same challenge — discovering a great hobby and passion for very many years is no longer fulfilling. Tonight is the start of me no longer scheduling my time around Oiler games. I have deleted the app from my phone, and will check in when it works for me. It will be an interesting winter with my extra time. Maybe I will learn the guitar.
After 3-2 loss to the Jets, Dec 3:
Dear Edmonton Oilers,
Last night was the first cancelled date night of our separation. I will still be waiting in the wings once you get your act together, but as discussed before, I can’t be the only one who brings passion to this relationship.
I had the chance to spend time outside with my kids in the snow. We had headlamps on as we played; it is pretty neat playing a winter game for fun.
Afterwards, we came inside and watched Dragons’ Den and learned tips on making a living from hard work, creativity and stepping out of your comfort zone to get things done. My favourite part of the show is when somebody says they can’t do it alone and need help from someone who has been there before.
What did you do last night?
I will post another update after our next cancelled date. By the way, it is not a big deal if you don’t win for a month, if that month is July.
After 2-1 win against the Sharks, Dec 7:
Dear Edmonton Oilers,
Tonight is the third night of our ‘time off’ from each other. I saw on Twitter that you showed up tonight, even at the right time. Proud of your baby steps.
I spent part of the night decorating my house for Christmas. After, we watched a Christmas devotional, where we reheard the meaning of Christmas. The messages and choir were great.
I wish you continued success, my mother is worried that I won’t enjoy a Christmas present this year because of my changing directions and putting my time towards my family.
Continue to work like it all depends on you.
After 5-2 loss to the Sharks:
Dear Edmonton Oilers,
Last night I was preoccupied for the date, so I needed to cancel once again. I was at a work Christmas function. We chatted about families, holiday plans and the spirit of Christmas. It is interesting — if a conversation brings up the team, the reaction is similar to Harry Potter’s ‘he who shall not be named’ or Corner Gas and Wollerton. So we avoided the subject.
How did your night go?
I came home a bit late, and was tired, so I made sure I went to bed, as no matter what I did the night before, the school bus comes at the same time the next morning.
After 2-1 loss to the Ducks Dec 10:
Dear Edmonton Oilers,
Well, it has been 10 days and five cancelled dates. I am still aware of the standings, and it looks like I am up 4-1 on finding something else to do with my time. I will admit, freeing up 58 nights this winter was scary, but I am really starting to enjoy my options.
Last night I watched Pitch Perfect with the family. My favourite line was when the group was sharing deep secrets for the purpose of gaining a higher level of trust. One person’s deep secret she shared: “I ate my twin in the womb.” I am still smiling from that one.
Any deep secrets that haunt you? Fear of the corners or the slot? I know it is tough to share sometimes.
After 4-2 loss to the Ducks Dec 12:
Dear Edmonton Oilers,
Well, even though I was under the weather tonight, I resisted the slight urge to turn on the TV to the game. I am up 5-1 on making wise use of my time. Did you know when Gretzky had his streak of 51 games with a point, he tried to keep the same routine, down to the same skates and garter? Why? Because when something is working, you don’t change. Which brings me to the question of what do you do when something is not working?
Trevor Pratt,
Sylvan Lake