Adios, Mi Amigo

Trades in professional sports are weird. As fans we watch our team and seem to gravitate toward one or two players in particular. Some reasons are rational (he's the best player). Some are less so ("He's cute!" or "I like the number 16"). Some are a combination of the two.

Today the Thrashers traded one of my two favorite players: Marian Hossa, who, in my opinion was the best player on the team. They had little choice as he was set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, so had they not pulled the trigger on a deal, they would have lost him for nothing. My brain understands such things. My heart is another matter.

I hate the idea of Hossa in another uniform. He is a supreme talent and to see him go is very upsetting. More than that, though, Hossa is one of those likable players. He's the kind of guy you want as the face of your franchise. And, even more than that, after three seasons of watching a guy, it's like the team traded your best friend. Your best pal. The guy you love hanging out with. The guy who amuses you as you rock your baby to sleep. The guy who dazzles with his skating ability and his sweet unassuming nature. That guy is no longer your best friend. He's someone else's best friend now.

It makes me sad.

The team did what it had to do. And Hossa could have accepted a large paycheck to stay with the Thrashers, but he didn't. He wants to win. What does that say about the Thrashers? Whatever it is, it's not good. What does it say about Hossa? That he didn't love Atlanta as much as he said? That while he's enjoyed being our friend, it's time to move on? Time to make new friends? (Yes, yes he was traded and over that he had no control; but he rejected all long-term deals the Thrashers put on the table.)

Such is the way of things and such is the pain that is being a fan. I am sure you are not interested unless you happen to be Andy, in which case, we've already discussed this at length.

Goodbye Magical Marian. Atlanta misses you already.

Feeling Funky

Andy I went to the NHL All Star Game and it was so much fun. There are just no words to describe it, you would have had to have been there. I love hockey. And it was absolutely wonderful to be back in the town that still feels like home to us. Andy and I both miss Georgia. A lot. (Photos of All Star Weekend)

When I got home, I was exhausted. I'd gone to bed about midnight and had to be up at 3:45 a.m. for the return flight. Annabelle was still asleep when I got home, so I went upstairs to take a nap. Lying there trying to fall asleep, I just burst into tears. I feel like I am on a never-ending vacation and keep waiting for the day I get to go back to where I really live.

In other news, Annnabelle is just so close to walking it's crazy. I can't believe how fast she's grown. Last night I had this hideous dream in which we couldn't find her. I woke up frantic and ran into her room, grabbed her up and held her (while crying silent tears of joy that the dream was not real). Oh the mind is such a strange thing.

A Moment of Silence

For Bob Hartley, who took the fall today for the Thrashers' 0-6 start. He didn't deserve it.

What is a Friend?

Do you believe you have to have met someone in person to call them a friend? Please post your comments below. Yes, yes, I know you, my dear readers, and I know you don't like to comment, but I really want to know. So gosh darn it! Click that "comment" button below and tell me what you think. You can do it anonymously if you wish. Don't make me come badger you in person.

Annabelle has gotten so cute. I recommend checking out my photos of her if you haven't done so lately.

Finally, the Thrashers dropped another game on Saturday night. They had victory within sight, but fumbled at the goal line, so to speak. That's five straight losses. Ugh.

Argh!

Oh Thrashers! This is getting ridiculous. Not just losing four of four games this season, but getting shut out 6-0 by a team that had not yet won a game. Congratulations! You now have the worst record in the league.

In other news, Nana and I took Annabelle to The Forum today and strolled her around. She's just too cute -- everyone said so.

Thrashed

Oh Thrashers!

You've dropped three straight games ... and you've only played three games this season!

Marian is hurt, that makes it tough for Slava to carry the entire team on his back, so why not give him a break? If your name is Jim Slater or Ilya Kovalcuk, you're not on the list of shame today. If you are any Thrashers defensemen or Kari Lehtonen (goal No. 1) -- you most certainly are. If I was the coach, I'd make you skate laps.

That is all.