Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Thursday Thirteen - 149 - 13 Ways We Enjoyed The Brier 2010














As you may know, I have a great knack for winning books at my monthly writers' group, and online at blog giveaways. I continued my winning streak by having my name drawn on Valentine's Day for one of three prizes at our festivities at work.

What did I win? Two tickets to Tuesday night's draw at The Brier, the Canadian men's curling championship.

Yay, me!














1 - I met up with my husband after work, we grabbed a bite to eat, then headed over to the World Trade and Convention Centre to check out The Brier Patch.














2 - Though the Brier Patch event is sponsored by Halifax brewery Alexander Keith's, Brad and I aren't beer drinkers. So we indulged in some pinot grigio, instead.














3 - I was actually supposed to be at choir rehearsal. But what can one do? It's not every day that Brad and I would find ourselves with premium seats to a major sporting event. In fact, this was only the second live sports match we've ever been to. The first was a Toronto Blue Jays game for our second anniversary. We also came into those through work. Yay, us!














4 - Being more of an arts person than a sports person, The Brier Patch part of the evening was by far my favorite part. From Lethbridge, Alberta, The Chevelles are a cover band specializing in 60's/70's/80's music, and were highly enjoyable.














5 - They had no trouble getting a packed Brier Patch on its feet and onto the dance floor.














6 - There was also some footage from the night before featuring a Guys In Bras segment, apparently made up of volunteer guys from the audience, volunteered bras from the audience, and a dance-off. Hilarity ensued.

Halifax - a proud pub town, since 1749. We take our drinking and our self-mockery seriously. And to borrow a phrase from official sponsor Alexander Keith's: Those who like it, like it a lot.














7 - The whole vibe of The Brier was goodnatured and out for a good time. This board in the lobby was a perfect example of that.














8 - We didn't want to miss the opening of Draw 11, however. So we hustled on over to our seats in the Metro Centre in time for the opening ceremonies.















9 - As you can see in the center of the shot, TSN was broadcasting The Brier live. I enjoyed watching the camera operators setting up the shots that were broadcast on the large screens high above the rink.














10 - Brad and I are total curling newbies. We didn't have a clue as to how any of it was scored. But we had a ball people watching, since curling seems to coax the Inner Sillies out of its fans. These ones had custom-made curling stone hats.














11 - The curling event was like a three-ring-circus, with all four sheets going at once. Never a dull moment!















12 - I loved watching the various sweeper techniques. It's the dance-lover in me. I love watching men move.














13 - On our way past the Metro Centre, on our way down to the ferry, we passed the fleet of official team vehicles. We had a wonderful night out - thanks so much to my office social committee for including the pair of tickets in the giveaway!

Brenda ND says Are you lucky! I'd love to see curling in person.

Jill Conyers says Looks like fun!

Cate Masters says How cool Julia! Wish I could've been there.

18 comments:

Mia Celeste said...

Are you lucky! I'd love to see curling in person. Happy TT!

Journeywoman said...

looks like a great time. Happy TT.

Alice Audrey said...

Looks like a lot of fun.

anthonynorth said...

That looks like fun. Enjoyed the pics.

jillconyers said...

Looks lie fun!

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

The boys went to a curling expo at a nearby rink. They waited FOUR HOURS. The Boy Band came home saying he now wants to join a curling team.

I may be doomed...

Cate Masters said...

How cool Julia! Wish I could've been there.
Come over to my blog - I've given your blog an award! http://catemasters.blogspot.com

Janet said...

Ooh, I've been waiting for your comments on the curling! Great Thursday Thirteen, Julia.

Most people think the Brier Patch is the best part of curling (me included). And they usually broadcast the actual curling so you can have the best of both worlds.

Curling - a culture all on its own :)

Hootin Anni said...

I have never understood the sport, curling!!! But it sure looks like you two had the best of times on your prize win!


Here's my 13 for fun this week. Come over and laugh a time or two. I always enjoy the company-- Have a great day!!

CountryDew said...

Well that is just cool. A great win for you, I have to say!

My TT is at http://bluecountrymagic.blogspot.com

Kelly Boyce said...

That looks like Brad Gushue in pix 12. I loved watching him win at the 06 Olympics.

I am Harriet said...

Looks like you and hubby had a good time.

Have a great Thursday!
http://harrietandfriends.com/2010/03/did-you-know-that-nearly-16-percent-of-the-u-s-population-has-genital-herpes-need-a-plug-in/

Unknown said...

Thanks for taking us along on your night out. I never watched a game of curling until the winter olympics this year. They were enjoyable from the comfort of my living room.
Great pics! Happy T13!

Sandee said...

I don't care for beer either. I'd be doing the wine too.

I love watching good looking men move too. Just saying.

Have a terrific day. :)

Travis Cody said...

I learned a bit about scoring and strategy for curling while watching the Olympics. We have a curling club in Seattle, and I definitely want to check out some live matches.

Melissa Mashburn said...

That was a great way to share you night with us. I enjoyed that.

Debby said...

WHOLLY!!!! Good for you..
debby

Americanising Desi said...

thoroughly enjoyed it :)

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