Change of Plans: I'm Going to Edmonton

Shortly after telling my fellow Floridans that I know what I must do in order for us to win the Stanley Cup, Dave walked in the gambling cave and flipped my world upside down. 

You can call me a "fake fan" or "lazy" all you want, but it's simply not true. Do you have any idea how real of a fan you have to be to originally say no to going to Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals for free? I'm literally dumb. I know I am, and I have no shame in admitting it. When I heard I was going to Edmonton, there wasn't an ounce of joy that ran through my body. Not because I didn't want to go, but because I genuinely believe that if I do go, my favorite team will lose.

This isn’t about laziness or not being a true fan. It's about the deep, irrational belief that my presence somehow jinxes my team. I’ve seen them lose too many times when I’m there, and it’s gotten to the point where I feel like I have to protect them by staying away. I know it sounds crazy, but if you’re as passionate about your team as I am, you get it. This is about doing whatever it takes to give them the best chance to win, even if that means sacrificing the experience of a lifetime. 

Aside from that, it's hard to tell what Dave's true intentions are. Does he want me to go because he thinks it'll be good content for the company, or does he want me to go so he can cash another million-dollar ticket? 

My gut says it's both, but with an 80/20 split with the 80% being on him wanting to cash another ticket. As big of a prick as Dave can be, he does have what people like to call a "good heart." Now, I highly doubt he would use that good heart on the worthless and "irrelevant" Nicky Smokes, but you never know. I'll tell you what I do know though. This trip is going to be absolutely BRUTAL. Not only do I have to deal with the anxiety of mushing my team, but I also have an 8-hour layover in Seattle. But who am I to complain? I'm going for free.

So to that, Dave, I thank you for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime despite your true intentions. The anxiety and hangover will be worth it if it because win or lose I'm gonna booze (and hopefully shag a fit bird). It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and I'm going to make the most of it, even if it means mushing my team into the grave.