Hockey watching with husband

or HOW TO EXPLAIN BINGE-WATCHING TO YOUR SPOUSE.

Dear Husband,

So I did it again.

I fell deeply down the rabbit hole of another series on Netflix and disappeared for days, weeks in fact.

OK, maybe I became a little crazed, wanting to discuss with you when I came to bed, watching on the iPad when doing laundry, on my phone during lessons for the kids and convincing you that I would watch “just one more episode” even though it was already 1 am. It couldn’t be helped love, it was JUST. SO. GOOD.

I weaved through storylines and seasons. I questioned character development and then COULDN’T believe that one of my favourite characters died (which in normal TV series watching is totally fine but in consecutive binge TV watching you are all “No, No, Nooooooooooo). I fed my hunger, clicking on that Play Next Episode over and over again, negotiating with myself an agreement that I would finish the end of THIS season and then I would stop.

I wanted to see what happened next so badly.

And then.

There was just nothing left.

There was no more Play Next Episodes because somehow, unrealized by me, we had got to the end.

WHAT??!!!

Son. Of. A. Bitch.

I felt the let down. Bereft.

Like I accidentally let go of the balloon I was holding and watched it float away up, up into the sky.

Sad Panda.

The BINGE

I know you don’t get it.

I know you think its an addiction.

It might be.

But its Netflix…& its called Binge-watching for a reason.

You see, these characters become my people every night. I LIVE their lives right along side them because I see them for so many hours a day. They are my answer to you watching hockey, football, basketball and golf. And I get lost, immersed in the day to day activities of the clink; the manipulative, underbelly world of Washington or the trials and tribulations of teenage angst. But the truth is, I sincerely LOVE getting lost.

The first step in addiction is admitting you have a problem.

So to clear the air, I will confess the following:

I think about the show even when it’s not on.
I have fantasized about what it would be like to sleep with the President of the United States.
I have racked my brain on who A might be
I’ve tried deciding which character’s clothes I would choose
I lament characters dying & think of how vicious ancient times must have been (Yet so sexy)
I’ve questioned if we have enough water and what we should do for an apocalypse plan
I’ve thought about what I would do to survive in prison.
I’ve even pondered how the hell a diet of wine and popcorn keeps a gal looking so slim. I mean I feel like if I tried that I would just be fat and really really constipated.

Oh my god. How could you say no to this? Photo Credit: Charisma — Oh my god. How could you say no to this?
Photo Credit: Charisma

What Netflix has done is found writers who have created quality, exciting storylines and curated enticing programming in an aftermath of stupid reality television. They have developed the perfect user experience that makes you feel like you are saying “Hello Old Friend” the minute you settle down for a visit and I really really love it.

Yes as I read this, it might seem more like an addiction but its not one I’m ready to go into rehab for any of it just yet. Perhaps we can Netflix & Chill a bit and you will be a little more open to how beneficial Netflix can be in our relationship?

Love

The Wife

P.S. I have also thought about sleeping with Tim Riggins.

And Daryl. And Jake Ballard.

And maybe a few guys from Game of Thrones.

Ok I’ll stop now.

I am most definitely on "Team Riggins" — I am most definitely on “Team Riggins”. Photo Credit: The Frisky

Dad says:

For the record, I..

A) have no idea who these people are, but why no girls?

B) am ok with it, just not all at once and can i please get back to watching regular season hockey…EVERY game counts!

NB: I have no affiliation with Netflix. This is not a sponsored post. This has been a hot button in our house and I know after a few nights out with girlfriends I am not the only one who needs to find a fan or take a cold shower after a steamy episode of whatever you are watching.

Let’s Be Real ..You are not alone.

Dad says: It was that time of year again: mid winter, heightened excitement about what laid ahead…you know what I am talking about. That time to dress wacky, get crazy, and count down till the puck drops. Not the ball, or the apple in NYC, I am talking about the World Junior Hockey tournament.

Best date night of the year #WorldJuniors

Every year, it’s a right of passage, where I am graciously granted some extra tv time (& the Big TV) to watch Canada take on the world on our own version of the frozen tundra. This year was a little different, as Jenn has come over to the dark side of hockey player. It has infused her with a greater understanding and greater passion for the game. So I made room on the couch, but there were still some rules that needed to be followed:

No talking during play. (Unless you are yelling at the TV)
If Canada is winning, sit in the same place.
If Canada won last time, wear the same clothing. A loss? Wash the clothes and wear the sweater. Not a jersey, end of discussion.
No import beer allowed: no Stella, no Kronenbourg, no Bush. Microbrews are allowed and actually preferred, as long as they are created north of the 40^th. I am aware of the global conglomerate ownerships, thanks for your input.
If you are distantly related to a participating country, you may cheer for them unless they are playing Canada. Then you must shut up.
Snacks can be from anywhere, as long as they are tasty. We are a cultural mosaic after all…NOTE: If said snacks represent the opposing country, and that country beats Canada, the snacks will be defiled, removed from the host premises, and banned from all future tournaments and games.

Now, this year the host city duties were shared between Toronto and Montreal, so viewership extended to a couple of live visits to the ACC to catch some of the round robin action. With the wife. Now, I am sure I sensed a bit of a shudder as you read that. But I need to be honest here: it was fun. Jenn ‘gets’ more of the game now, and even forsaw a goal coming together based on player positions. Huge upside. She also buys me beers, so…

My biggest challenge is this: I saw Sweden take on Russia, and could not decide who to cheer for. Honestly. ‘72 Summit series with Kharlamov and the Eagle or Forsberg in ’94 that saw every piece of IKEA furniture out on the front lawn after the bastard scored. I had to go the expert for help to overcome this deep seeded predjudice. The answer from the Oracle: watch for good hockey and leave by the end of the 2^ndto spite them both. Smart fella..

WJC Games are always better with friends

Mom Says: I absolutely absolutely LOVE watching live hockey. I still remember the nosebleeds we would head at an old school Jets Game. When I first moved to Toronto 12 years ago, I had the privilege to sit in some fancy pants seats Chris got from work..as I stood up to cheer I was told to sit down by guys in suits on their phones and eating sushi. THIS was not my kind of hockey.

MY kind of hockey is yelling…and cheering…and screaming at the play. My hockey is beer..and popcorn and peanuts…and The GOOD ‘OL HOCKEY GAME…and the Kissing Cam and (if you are from Winnipeg you will get the reference) Dancing Gabe and the Wave.

Watching the World Juniors LIVE (Thank you Chevrolet Canada) and on the tele was MY kind of hockey. It was passionate fans and proud Canadians. It was with my husband (who lives and breathes hockey) and it was plain old fun.

Best activation of the series- Cdn Tire & their #BigPlay play

CONGRATULATIONS #TEAMCANADA.

WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU.

I slept with the President: My affair with Netflix

My kind of hockey – #WJC2015