Yankee Grass

There is a bit of a story to this post. Robin, from Saudia Arabia, by way of New Hampshire has been sending me New York Yankee gifts for years now, by way of Velda.

This year things took a turn for the different because of Velda's diagnosis and this year's gift took an even longer time to arrive. It went from Robin, to New York via Margaret, via Tina who was in the U.S. and then in Canada visiting Velda. I hope I got the story right. Those that are involved the trafficking of my grass (Yankee grass, not weed grass), that may read my blog correct any mistakes I may have made.

So, there is the back story of my grass. However it got to me, I couldn't be happier. I am now the proud owner of Yankee grass courtesy of Robin, another die-hard Yankee fan.

When Cute Boy and I get our basement done and turned in to the bar/sports room that we are planning to do, I'm going to plant Yankee grass to sit on a shelf in the back of our bar. I also have a Yankees World Series hat that was given to my by the priest that visits our office. He is not a Yankee fan, but still bestows wonderful gifts on the crazy girl in the office. The crazy girl would be me.

How lucky am I?? I'd say pretty lucky. Robin, I can not thank you enough for your thoughtful generosity.

Bring On The Cold

Okay, not really. I'm not that crazy!

This would be the most beautiful scarf ever made. Little Miss Princess bought this for me for my birthday. It was crazy expensive, not because it is made of any special fabric, but because it was bought at Le Chateau. I love their clothing and accessories, but it is so expensive.

I think it will look just darling with my new coat and my old coat from last year. I've become quite the coat collector it seems. If money were not a factor, I could have bought another 3 or 4 coats yesterday alone.

Princess also bought me a white blouse for a great price. I will wear it next week when I'm working days and it matters how I look in the office. This week I'm 6p-2a, and I'm wearing track pant type things and Yankee hats. Some days I love my job!

I love love love my new scarf!

Damn Those Yankees

make me proud.

Extra bases: John Challis visited the Yankees clubhouse before the game. He is the 18-year-old from Freedom, Pa., whose battle with terminal liver cancer has become a national story. Challis, who had a single for his high school team this spring, had wanted to meet Derek Jeter. "The kid has no fear," Girardi said. "He's an amazing boy." Challis also threw out the first pitch. "You hate to see anybody going through something like that but he had a great attitude," Jeter said. ...

I love when the Yankees use their celebrity to do good for others. It warms my heart to see good come from something sad and for someone of stature bring a smile to the face of another.

Saudi Gifts and Yankee Goodies

I never know what I do to deserve such kindness, but I'm grateful for the generosity that surrounds me. Saudi Arabian gifts are too cool!

Robin sent me this most amazing candle burning lamp ever. I'm going to keep it as a candle for a bit and then may submit a request of Peter, Velda's husband to wire it for a lamp. I'm not sure. One thing I'm certain of is, it is stunningly beautiful. I can't tell you how much I love this lamp. I want to hang it in my house before I move. I think somewhere in my bedroom, with the red accents. It will look so gorgeous.

As for the New York Yankee paraphernalia there. That is so appreciated but not at all necessary. Robin, you silly girl I only post a question the board for Velda to answer. You outdid yourself. Now I'm sportin' some earrings, a mug and a key chain. Who was to know one of my key chain fobs broke just this weekend! Perfect timing, my dear. Oh, by the way, the flatfold you made for Velda is absolutely perfect. Great finishing you did!

From the bottom of my Yankee lovin' heart, I thank you!

Yankee Pride

I've been a Yankee fan for so long, not decades mind you, but what seems like a long time. I'm such a die hard I've Yankee inked myself as well as having personalized Yankee plates on my car which have garnered me horn honks as well as the middle finger salute. I had one over zealous man scream at my car, "The Yankees suck". I've heard it all and I'm used to it.

The Yankees season, as young as the season is, has been filled with numerous trials and tribulations already. There season was tumultuous even in the off season, what with the steroid allegations against Roger Clemens, (my jury is still out on that one) to Andy Pettite having to testify on The Hill. The changing of the guard, saying good-bye to Joe Torre and bringing in Joe Girardi. I'm excited about the change. The team has been riddled with injuries, more so it seems than previous years. It is damn cold in New York! That makes muscle flexibility hard and injuries that much more prevalent.

All those things being said, the Yankees have just kept their collective nose to the grindstone and kept working away trying to turn some of the lackluster offence into something that will generate enough runs to come away with a win. For all those insane fans that think this is all about winning and losing it isn't. Okay, maybe it is, but it's not just winning and losing on the field it really is about winning and losing in life.

I could go on and on about the ups and downs of this young season, but I'll no longer bore my non-Yankee fan readers with my thoughts on that. My reason for this post is so much more than just a Yankee team brag. It really stems from the team being filled with classy individuals, such as Derek Jeter.

I honestly don't know if a classier individual exists. There is a young phenom pitcher, Joba (Justin) Chamberlain, in the Yankees organization, living his first full year in the majors this year. He comes from a challenging background and has overcome some personal odds and difficulties to be where he is today. It is documented in his dedication, hard work and the unquestionable love and support of his father, Harlan, to see his rise to this level of professional sports. Joba's father is of ill health, sometimes doing not so bad, but at other times really struggles. Just on Monday Harlan took sick and Joba is now off for a few days to be with his father. That in itself is one thing, but how it came to be that Joba got to Nebraska to be with his father is what has me singing Yankee Pride.

I read numerous blogs daily and quite a few of them pertain to The Yankees. One of my favorites is LoHud Yankees Blog written by Peter Abraham. It is the first Yankee blog I read when I'm on my google reader and never fails to keep me informed of the latest Yankee news. First thing this morning this is what I see:

*Derek Jeter arranged for a private plane to take Joba Chamberlain to Nebraska.

Some will say, oh they have so much money they can afford to do that for each other. That is not the point here. It's not about money. For me, I read that and all I saw was one human being showing they care for another. Derek Jeter is the man! I've said it before and I have no problem repeating it. I think, and this is only my opinion, but I believe, Derek Jeter is the classiest man in all professional sports.

It doesn't take much time out of your day to be compassionate to another and it may seem like a small thing to you, but to that one person it may change their entire outlook for the day. You don't have to arrange for private jets, or spend lavish amounts of money to make a difference. The message is simple - give of yourself it may make a difference to another.

Spring Training

I can barely contain my excitement knowing today is the start of Spring Training. Catchers and pitchers report today and I, for one, couldn't be happier. This is the beginning of the best part of the year for me. It is for this, I live!

It would be a perfect world for me if I were able to get the American satellite dish service. The YES Network use to be my best friend from April until September, but no longer. I have to get 90% of my updates on the websites and they just don't fill the voild that is now me without the 24/7 access to the Yankees!

I'm looking forward to this new year, with Joba Chamberlain and the new players the Yankees
have picked up. I'm hoping that the steroid garbage subsides and doesn't tarnish the entire season. I'm of a mixed mind with the steroid controversy and will not use my blog to further generate the discussion. I'm not educated enough in the whole sordid mess, but wish it would come to some sort a conclusion and baseball, the actual playing, could move to the forefront once again.

The boys of summer are about the take the field. Enjoy the show! I know, I for one, will be looking forward to the Yankees 2008 season!

Sad Day In My Yankee Heart

I'm a day late in posting this, but it is still something I felt I must do. I've been debating for the last day if I was going to post this or not. As you can see, I made my decision.

It is a sad day for this Yankee fan! Joe Torre is no longer heading up the Yankees and this is something that is going to take some getting used to for me. I have a great fondness for Joe Torre, not just because of all glory he's brought to the Yankees, but more for the quiet manner in which he did it! He is a class act and wherever he goes, whatever he does, whoever hires him in whatever capacity will lucky to have him.

I know my post and thoughts will not do Joe the justice he deserves. Maybe that is just going to be the kind of week Joe's having because the Yankees sure did a poor job of giving Joe his just. I'm sad to know he's leaving or has left, but the Yankees handled the situation poorly and with little class, that it only makes Joe's departure all the more difficult to accept.

Go Yankees Go!

WOOHOO!!! The Yankees made the post season. I'm so happy I can't even tell you. It has been a summer of ups and downs as far as the Yankee go. I look forward to the next couple days to see if they can take the division from Boston or not.

It will be interesting to see if the Yankees can maintain the winning streak through the post season. There are a lot of youngsters on the team this year, this will be their first post season, under extreme pressure. How will it affect them? What will come of The Rocket? Will he be grounded or take flight in the magnificent way, only Roger can? I can't wait to see the dark eyed stare of Andy Pettitte because there is nothing sweeter to see than that menacing glare. Where do you begin when thinking of Joba Chamberlain and the impact he could have on the success of this year's post season? This kid is phenomenal.

I could go on and on about the players, but I'll stop there! My next concern is my work schedule. I always have to work 2p-10p when the post season starts and this year is no exception. Break a girls heart already! I will be checking with co-workers to see if I can't switch a couple shifts so I can catch a few games.

I live for this!