Parker Procida: Traveling, Upcoming B1G Games, Pets
9/25/2014 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
• U-M to Welcome No. 4 Maryland, Rutgers to Ocker Field
Hello again,
I am currently typing away on my computer while driving back from our extremely successful road trip to Penn State and Kent State. After battling and defeating both our fellow B1G rival Penn State and the Ohio natives of Kent State, Team 42 returns to AA with a six-game winning streak under our belts, sore legs, and a massive tray of leftover cookies.
Looking out the window across the aisle as we drive through Ohio, still reliving our win against Penn State on Friday, I have had only one view out the window across the aisle.
This is my teammate and friend Lauren Hauge sleeping on the bus while driving through Ohio. The entire Midwest is depicted in the background behind her.
Big games can always generate nervous butterflies in your stomach, and as we prepare for our big upcoming games this weekend against Maryland and Rutgers, the newcomers to the B1G, it is natural for those butterflies to turn into stress. I find that in stressful moments or situations, it is important to take the time to breathe, relax and do something for your own pure enjoyment. For many of us on Team 42, such distractions are often provided from the creatures that we dedicate so much time and affection to: our babies (AKA our pets. A rose by any other name, right?).
Surprisingly, house pets are quite popular among the girls on the field hockey team. Before my tenure here, there was a bunny rabbit named Boots, and as the story goes, it didn't end well. Two years ago, current senior stud Emy Guttman, along with alumna, the legend and chillest Rachael Mack purchased ducks that were short-lived residents of the notorious State Street house. It may also be worth mentioning that a red tail Boa Constrictor (along with many other things) once inhabited the Dewey house.
We have several very philanthropic members of our team, who not only wanted a companion and best friend but also wanted to save an innocent life. Last year, Caroline Chromik adopted a cat named Theo (who I, a non-cat person, now live with), Lauren Hauge adopted an adorable puppy named Cooper, and Mackenzie Ellis also adopted a puppy named Bauer -- all three coming from the animal shelter. Last year was also an eventful year for me as I came across the chance (or idea) to purchase an animal, a moment which I impulsively seized, and I returned home with a little munchkin named Ted, who remained a fairly well-kept secret until right now. Surprise!
Being responsible for another life other than your own teaches us important values and has definitely matured the lives of all of the pet-owning folk on the team. Our pets are a daily part of all of our lives, and they do really have the ability calm us and make the day better simply with their presence in our homes.
To prepare for big games such as the two we have coming up this weekend, practices have been crisp and high intensity, but with a focus on taking a deep breath and playing our game when tensions and emotions are high. We have had a great couple of days of practice this week and, while remembering to stay calm, we are ready to tackle our two opponents this weekend.
Well, that's all I have for now. Please come to our games this weekend: Friday against at 6 p.m. (sunglasses are highly recommended) and Sunday at 1 p.m. against Rutgers.
And for another MPism: "Am I speaking Portuguese?" Finally answering her question: no, you are not.
Have a great week, enjoy the return of quality television, and go blue!
-PPP
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