36 years and counting

Today, I'm 36 years old.

I almost share a birthday with Wayne Gretzky, who was born on January 26.

However, there were some pretty good players who were born on January 27. There was Terry Harper, Brian Engblom, Dave Manson, Carlo Colaiacovo and D.J. King. Oh, and let us not forget one-game wonder Paris Duffus.

But for some reason, every year since 2008 I've fixated on jersey numbers worn by Blackhawks. When I was 33, I talked about Dirk Graham, who wore number 33. 34 was worn by Dominik Hasek for 5 games with the 'Hawks in 1990-91. And 35 was none other than Tony Esposito.

But number 36? Well, Dave Bolland comes to mind. He currently wears 36 for the Blackhawks. He's had that number since he was a call-up from the minors, and did not change it when he became a regular on the team.

Before Bolland, Matthew Barnaby wore 36. And so did Alexei Zhamnov (yuck), Chris Herperger (blah!) and Mikhail Yakubov (who?).

Today was just another day. I had a class to teach in the evening. It was the first day of that class for the semester so I spent all day prepping for it (updating the syllabus, writing a homework assignment, etc.)

I did score two presents, though. My Mom gave me a little money to buy what I wanted with it. I'll probably get some cheap cards and a box of card pages.

And Shellie hand-made me a pair of fleece pajama pants.

The pattern reminds me of the Toronto Maple Leafs. But they are so comfortable, I'll wear them anyway :)