7:32- I'm greeted by the boss who asks, "Eric, what's new?" I immediately want to tell him that the CBC had a quote from Gary Roberts that seemed to diminish the possibility of his retirement, that Hossa is emphasizing Cup over cash, and that Orpik has a great working relationship with his coaches, but I figure a simple "eh, not much" will suffice.
9:18- A coworker drops something over the guardrail from the top floor and yells, "Ho!" as a warning sign to those below. Another coworker, a fellow Pens fan, covers his mouth with his hand and does his best John Barbero impression when he says, "Pittsburgh goal his fifth of the playoffs and second of the game, scored by number 18, Marian Hoooooooooooossa." I hold back the urge to pump my fist above my head, and we both get back to work.
10:47- A coworker asks the group which CD he should play next. Someone yells out "U2." I can't contain myself anymore and don't hold back on my urge to bellow out a "Ruuuuuuuuuuuutuuuuuuuu" across the work area.
10:48- A coworker asks if I "really miss hockey that much already?" I respond with, "Miss, what do you mean miss? I thought something had to die or go away before you could miss it. Hockey doesn't go away. Offseason or not, I am a Penguin fan. That's not just a title, it's a way of life."
10:49- Said coworker utters, "Shutup and go back to work, joke." I respond with, "You borrowed that line from your wife didn't you?" The conversation abruptly ends.
10:53- Pens fan coworker informs me that coworker above was born and raised in Philadelphia.
10:54- I proceed to make various "Orange Crush, isn't that a soda?" jokes followed by questioning him as to whether the Flyers plan to hand out syrup to go along with their French Toast goaltender next season.
11:00- The jobbing comes to an abrupt end, as it's time for a meeting before lunch.
11:26- The joke running the meaning mentions the word "teamwork." My mind immediately starts racing. Pictures of Fleury toppling over, injuring his ankle on the West Coast trip, are followed by images of Ty Conklin stoning Daniel Briere in the Winter Classic. The numbers 17, 71, 12 come together in a perfect line, engraved in the beam of steel I am picturing in my head. What a great idea for a fan giveaway...
11:30- Someone elbows me, signaling the meeting is over and it's time for lunch.
12:23 PM- While eating lunch, one of my buddies starts talking about the new house he is currently furnishing. "I oughta get a broom for the garage, huh", he asks me. Oughta... broom... sweep... the first round sweep of the Ottawa Senators... "Yeah, sure, Mike, broom sounds good man" is all I can come up with in reply.
12:30- Lunch is over, just two hours left, I can do this. Hmm, that notion sounds surprisingly familiar. Just two more wins to go, two more is all. Two wins and we are hoisting Lord Stanley's Cup.
12:33- I realize that unlike the Penguins I actually have no choice than to finish out my two hours of work. I proceed on, working alone, trying to stay focused on what I'm supposed to be doing.
2:30- Finally, quitting time.
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