Farewells of all kinds.

Well, the verdict is in: I've been accepted into IUPUI's sports journalism master's program. I've also signed a one-year lease for a studio apartment in downtown Indianapolis. Although I'm nervous about leaving my family and friends, I'm so beyond excited. After two years of feeling frozen in place, I am ready to get a fresh start. I'm ready to learn, exercise my mind beyond these blog posts, and be on my own again. I can't wait to get started on the next chapter of my life and be one step closer to my dreams.

However, whenever something good happens, the universe keeps me in check by throwing a proverbial wrench into my happiness. Without the bad, you wouldn't recognize the good, right? It's the sweet up and down.

The bad in this case deals with my beloved Penguins. On Friday, general manager Ray Shero cleared some cap space and traded two Penguins: Zbynek Michalek (to Phoenix) and, one of my personal favorites, Jordan Staal (to Carolina).

I would be lying if I said I didn't cry. Not only was Jordan one of the league's best defensive forwards and a force to be reckoned with on the penalty kill, he was also a fan favorite. He played a significant role in the '09 Cup run and melted hearts everywhere with his blue eyes, cleft chin, and sod-farming physique. No one will ever forget his patented goal roar or his blonde Amish playoff beard.



I understand why Shero had to trade Staal. After Jordan rejected a 10-year, $60 million offer, I knew he wouldn't be re-signed. Jordan deserves more ice time and credit than he has received in Pittsburgh behind two of the world's greatest players, Crosby and Malkin. Shero's hand was forced to trade Staal when the return was at its greatest. That was now. Unfortunately for Staal, "now" also happened to be his wedding day. So, he learned of the trade during his own wedding reception, surrounded by eleven of his now-former teammates. Yikes.

The Penguins walked away from the deal with two-way center Brandon Sutter, a first-round draft pick, and a defensive prospect. Although I reminded myself that Jordan had a choice and will now be playing alongside his big brother Eric, I walked away from the deal with wet cheeks, a body pillow, and a gallon of cookie dough ice cream.

So, farewell, Jordan. I wish you all the best in Carolina and thanks for the incredible memories, especially this one.



The fact that this post had more to do with a hockey trade than a monumental moment in my life proves to me that I'm choosing the right career path.

Dreams do come true.

Well, it's over.

No, I'm not talking about the NBA season (although I'm relieved that's finally over, too). Every piece of my grad school application has been submitted, so now it's time to wait for the verdict.

I've had a few good things to distract me in the mean time. My brother came home yesterday and will be home for ten days! Home finally feels like home again.



I finished 16th out of 707 people in my fantasy hockey pool. Not too shabby. It kills me, however, that I was only four points from $100.

The NHL awards were Wednesday night and Geno cleaned up. I don't mean appearance-wise - he opted with no tie and an open collar. He finished the night with the Hart Trophy (League MVP), the Ted Lindsay award (best player as voted by the players), and the Art Ross (most points in the regular season). It was the perfect ending to the almost perfect season for him.



No, my eyes didn't water...that would be weird. Really though, if his acceptance speeches don't melt your heart, seek help.

Sometimes, by some stroke of genius or pure luck, my worlds collide. That happened at the NHL awards. Geno's first award was presented by Cory Monteith (Finn from Glee). Then, of all the celebrities in the entire world, who did fate choose to present Geno with the Hart Trophy? Vince Vaughn. For one brief moment, America cautiously peered into my ultimate fantasy. Beware.



Actually, I imagined Vince would pronounce Geno's name right. Then, Geno would strip down to his boxer-briefs before they launched into a chill-inducing, two-part harmony that would serve as a personal invitation for me to attend their intimate afterparty held in a suite overlooking the Bellagio fountains. So, I guess it wasn't my ultimate fantasy.

Close enough.

Man Meat Monday #40

If Fifty Shades of Grey is "Mommy porn," then True Blood is porn for the 20-something-year-old girl. So, this week, I present to you True Blood's newest slice of Man Meat...

Scott Foley

Claim to Fame: Actor (Scream 3, Felicity, Grey's Anatomy)

Birthday: July 15, 1972

I can't find much information on Mr. Foley, but luckily, with a face like that, I don't need any. Ever since Scream 3, I've had a serious weakness for Scott Foley. So, when he suddenly appeared in the Season 4 finale of True Blood, I felt like the heavens opened up to rain even more manly goodness on me.

Random Tidbit: He speaks Japanese fluently.

Only downfall?: He's not in anything. Guest appearances on random TV shows aren't even close to satisfying my craving.

Although I'm not sure how I feel about his sketchy character on True Blood yet, I am sure of one thing: Congratulations on your face, Mr. Foley.

So, readers: It's your turn. Can the cast of True Blood get any more attractive?



Really, they are one Channing Tatum away from being the Magic Mike re-cast of my dreams.

Friends with Benefits?

I know it's Man Meat Monday, but I have a pressing question:

Which guy from Friends does it for you?



I absolutely love Friends. In college, I even lived in a house called Central Perk (which was conveniently located on Central Avenue). Probably to no one's surprise, I've been a lifelong Chandler enthusiast, but lately, I find myself liking Ross more and more.

So, I'm curious. Do you find Joey's clueless naivety and shameless flirting endearing? Does your heart melt with every sarcastic quip from Chandler? Am I the only one that finds Ross attractive?



I have a feeling the answer to the last question is yes.

Lame Jokes Pay Off.

I'm slowly coming to terms with the fact that I'm a horrible blogger.

In my defense, I've been pretty preoccupied. Between personal statements, letters of recommendation, and GRE preparation, I've been in full-on grad school mode lately...and, in a strange turn of events, I'm actually looking forward to school again.

I know. Sounds bizarre. I can't quite wrap my mind around it, either. However, after two years of having roughly the same mental exertion as a wet towel, I'm ready to go back.

Bonus perk: School will probably force me to be more creative. This should manifest itself in more entertaining blog posts. Really though, I've been the queen of cheesy humor lately. Luckily, it paid off for me the other day.

Evgeni Malkin was in the running to be on the cover of the NHL13 video game. Fans would log on to vote for the players they wanted on the cover and the winners of each round would advance in the tournament. Last week, Geno was up against the bane of my existence, Flyer Claude Giroux. The Penguins' social media crew ran a Twitter contest to see who could come up with the best 'Vote for Geno' slogans. Since there is nothing I love more than coming up with absurd phrases to express my undying devotion for Evgeni Malkin, I entered.

These were my only appropriate entries:

Don't Giroux-in the cover of NHL13. Vote Malkin.

Vote for the Egg McMuffin of hockey. Vote Malkin.

I just met you and this is crazy. If you don't vote for Geno, I'll call you 'lazy.'

Not sure which one they liked, but I was one of four winners. Maybe they'll take that into account when I apply for their jobs in a couple years? At any rate, I won a 'Vote Malkin' shirt and a puck signed by Tyler Kennedy!



Best. Day. Ever. Well, it would have been the best day ever, but Geno lost to Giroux. That's fine - the only cover I really want him on is covering my bed right now.



See? The cheesiness.