In the history of the National Hockey League (NHL) most teams who face a three games to one deficit in a best of seven game series lose. In fact, according to NHL.com faced with such odds only 8.7% of teams recover.

That’s right 91.3% of all teams facing that kind of pressure fade and fall. Yesterday, my favorite team, the Chicago Blackhawks, beat the odds. After having fallen behind the Detroit Red Wings 3-1 they overcame the odds, their fears and the critiques of their fans and the media.

Against the Odds

I’m turning 50 this week.

I’m not yet fifty — it’s just seven days away — but I thought I’d lead you through my journey, and maybe you’ll learn a thing or two that will help you on your journey.

I Love Science

As far back as I can remember I’ve loved science.

Scotty the Scientist they called me.  My curiosity has reigned big in my life since I was little. 

Excursus – Let me express my thanks to my sister Kristie for all the great digital pictures of me she’s providing this week.  Thanks Kristie!

“Of all the four-letter words that are taboo, nothing damages the reputation of an athlete like the word quit.” 1

Mike Schmidt

I am a life-long Chicago Cubs fan.

Throughout his career Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Mike Schmidt was called a “Cubbie Killer” because of his success against the Cubs.

So when Mike Schmidt retired abruptly a few years ago many Cubs fans felt relief. I felt sad.  He was a great adversary.

Injuries to Schmidt’s rotator cuff added to his collection of aches and pains. Then after a poor start to the season, Schmidt suddenly chose to announce his retirement.

I grew up in Chicago. This photo is an overhead view of streets by my parents house.

Ever since my folks helped me over the drivers license finish line I had to figure out challenges like congested traffic, the endless stop light delays, and how to merge into traffic.

Merging Into Traffic

In the Chicagoland metro at the end of the ramp you immediately enter into the tragic flow. You get a running start and then you must force yourself into the oncoming traffic.

Either you have initiative and are assertive or everyone behind you will honk impatiently adding to your anxiety.

Guest post by Amy Volltrauer

The Legend of the Hippo Pillow

A little set up.

I am a traditionalist and had been looking forward to when I had a boyfriend on Valentine’s Day and what special gift he would give. So needless to say, I had expectations.

Scott on the other hand is a non-traditionalist and hates having to live up to the expectations put on him by marketing, etc. And we didn’t know each other well enough yet to know these things about each other.

Hence the story.

I’ve been a Hawks fan since I was seven.

Chicago Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup!!!

I think this post stands on it’s own accompanied by this photo:

How do you start blog entitled mysilentscream?

It sounds like a bastion for the emo, morose or the passive-aggressive. If that’s you, welcome! If not, don’t go away yet!

I plan to rant and rave throughout mysilentscream‘s lifespan. So where do I begin?

At the risk of alienating many of you, I’ll reach into my heart.

I have learned joy, and sorrow, the promise for tomorrow and the dashes of hope for today. I have learned to persevere and I’ve learned to be a realist. I have been crushed with disappointment and been propped up for another day.