Oh, Say Can You See?

So this morning I have been attempting to contact local semi-pro hockey organizations to see if I can perform the national anthem at a game this season. I e-mailed the Syracuse Crunch (http://www.syracusecrunch.com/) and the Rochester Americans (http://www.amerks.com/), and received my first response!

Hi Kristy,
Thank you for your interest. I have forwarded your message to John Catalano, VP of Production, who will contact you to work out the details.

Sincerely,
Jolain Foster
Senior Vice President of Operations
Rochester Americans Hockey Club

The Binghamton Senators page did not have a "contact us" option anywhere on the page, and I did not find e-mail addresses of anyone to contact. This may mean I actually have to pick up the phone and speak to someone, my least favorite thing to do! I am considering contacting the Sabres organization as well, although I think that would be a long shot. I keep reminding myself, though, that the worst they can say is no!

I also looked at a whitewater rafting site this morning (http://www.whitewaterchallengers.com/). The closest river for rafting, the Salmon River, only offers it two weekends in the summer. Both of those weekends have passed. This leaves the Black River, which makes the most sense seeing as I was born and raised in Black River, NY. This weekend would be ideal since I am planning a trip home, however, thunderstorms are in the weekend forecast and I am not about to be on the river in a storm!

A dear college friend, Amy, e-mailed this morning with a fabulous invitation:
I'd love to help you out with two things on your list. Every year My mom,her next door neighbors, Mike, and I celebrate the Kentucky derby with betting the horses, Watching the race, A great home cooked dinner, and best of all mint Juleps. Also, we could go to the Anchor Bar if you came in that weekend. I thought I'd let you know, you're always welcome.

This is only one of many invites I have received from my Buffalo area friends. Thanks so much to everyone who has been so willing to help me reach my goals!

I have also been invited to NYC by my college friends Emily and Victor to cross many things off my list, including the St. Patrick's Day parade (http://nyc-st-patrick-day-parade.org/default.aspx)! Vic tells me it is like Christmas for Emily's Irish family, and that her father actually marches in it! The only problem? St. Patty's Day falls on a Wednesday in 2010, and I doubt I can justify taking the day off. Although, I am Catholic..... do you think if I checked "religious observance" on the personal day form, it would be approved? :)