Season 2 Bid Farewell To Cristina

Hello readers. How has your 2014 been progressing since the last time I've written you in March? I know life happens and can throw you for a loop but, I will be the voice of reason and respond for you, "amazing!". Now that the formalities are out of the way, let's get into tonight's post.

If you're scratching your head about the title, do not be alarmed for I have not lost my creative touch and half-assed a heading. In a year that has began with major announcements of a retirement, specifically the retirement of New York Yankees captain, Derek Jeter and the final season of Sandra Oh's performance as Cardiothoracic's supernova, Cristina Yang, I decided to combine their respective departures and acknowledge what they've meant to me. Because there is still more than enough time to write a 4-page letter on Jeter, I'll reserve this space for Cristina Yang.

For 10 seasons, avid fans of Grey's Anatomy have been riding on a medical roller coaster. Since we fans have been introduced to Cristina, we've cried, laughed, thickened our skin, hardened our hearts and have been steadfast in the pursuit of achieving greatness. Although a character, Cristina Yang has played a pivotal role in ensuring that millions tune in every Thursday night at 9p to see what were about to be transported to next. I am proud to say that I have been a dedicated viewer and while Cristina's (Oh) departure can be seen as Grey's losing its luster, I know that Yang will thrive in Zurich. She's a shark so why would we expect anything less?

As I end this post, I wish nothing but the best for the brilliant Sandra Oh. May your next leg of your tour be just as memorable if not better than the last. We love you and cannot wait to see you on the screen again.

XOXO,
Whitney

Through & Through, We Fans Will Always Fight For Our Love of Duke U!

Hello readers. In between work, gearing up for baseball season and taking time to stop and smell the roses, a lot has happened in the world of sports and entertainment. While I am not going to rehash every moment, I will talk about the biggest event of the spring season. As you all are well aware of, March Madness is underway and since Tuesday and 3 days in, brackets are in shamble and we've all been screaming "Oy Vey!". Sadly, I have now joined the vacation pool of losing teams due to the Duke's exit in the first round. Ugh, give me a break!

Friday afternoon, at 12:15p, televisions, laptops and smartphones continued to be glued to CBS, Tru TV, TNT and TBS as games rolled full speed ahead. The Duke Blue Devils played The Mercer Bears and honestly speaking, the Blue Devils were slated to smoke the Bears. Oddly enough, the #3 Blue Devils were beat 78 - 71 by the #14 Bears and sent brackets across the globe into despair. I did not watch today's game because of a prior engagement and truthfully, I'm glad I didn't. My heart would have been torn into pieces watching eager freshmen and season seniors lose in such a fashion. I refuse to watch highlights because I know it'll only make me frown. As always readers, myself and my teams bounce back from failure but at this moment, I want to sulk.

So, as I close out this post, I want to take a moment to thank the Duke Blue Devils for consistently putting a smile on my face and taking me to new heights. To my squad and the wickedly talented Coach Michael Krzyzewski, thank you for all that you've done this season. It was arduous but we made it through. To my seniors, oh the places you'll go on your journey after college. To the freshmen, sophomores and juniors, let's keep working to bring home that 5th title.  My heart will forever bleed Duke blue and you'll never have to question my loyalty. I'll see you at graduation and then the fall.

XOXO,
Whitney

Derek Jeter Memories Light The Corners Of My Mind

Hello readers. As my fingers begin to type, I find myself at a loss for words because my emotions are well at work. I am trying to compose myself but as updated information crosses my path, all I want to do is curl up in a ball, stop time and watch past highlights. You all may be wondering, "What's going on?! Why is she about to have a breakdown?!" and well here's why: this afternoon, Derek Jeter announced that 2014 will be his last season in pinstripes. Yes, Derek Jeter has clued the world in on his impending retirement. It's the end of an era.

Due to me gathering my thoughts and taking in every bit of news available, I'll keep this post short. Also, I need to start purchasing as many home game available for the 2014 season. So, as I go, I'll leave you with Derek's official statement on the matter. Hugs for us all!

XOXO,
Whitney

On Mob Wives, There Is My Truth, Your Truth, & Twitter...

Hello readers, I hope 2014 has been treating you well thus far. As we continue to bid farewell to the 2013- 14 NFL season and we here in the Northeast brave the Polar Vortex & copious amounts of snow, I wanted to take your mind off of those stresses and provide a much needed recap of tonights episode of Mob Wives New Blood. Things are heating up as the "truth" finds its light. Let's begin!

As you all may be well aware of, Season 4of Mob Wives went through some dramatic changes. Karen Gravano, Carla Facciolo, and Ramona Rizzo are no longer apart of the cast and just when we thought their replacements would fall short, Philadelphia natives Alicia DiMichele Garofalo and Natalie Guercio have surpassed expectations. For the past 7 episodes of this season, we've watched intensely as Alicia and Natalie work to build a friendship with the other girls and although some feathers have been ruffled and fists have flew, it's safe to say that they've won us over. However, tonight, episode 8, things spiraled downward as Alicia and veteran Renee Graziano laid their pasts, presents, and futures on the table.

Alicia and Renee are familiar friends through their affiliation with Alicia's husband Edward. Eddie is one of Renee's childhood best friends and through Eddie she has come to love and respect Alicia. Edward unfortunately is in prison due to Mafia related charges and Alicia has been indicted on embezzlement charges connected to her husband. Scared, confused, and feeling betrayed, Alicia is wary of everyone and everything. Furthermore, listening to wiretaps that reference Renee, Eddie, and Eddie's ex-girlfriend Carla only heightens the situation. AND, as if things aren't already in a disarray, Alicia has discovered that Renee has been discussing her federal case amongst her Staten Island cronies. Mamma mia marrone! Alicia felt that it was time to get to the bottom of it!

Last episode, we ended with Alicia accusing the girls of leaking information to the press and that didn't sit well with any of them especially Renee. Fast forward to tonight and Renee expressed her disappointment to anyone who would listen, including Alicia's enemy, Carla. Carla is well aware of Alicia's dislike for her presence as well as the federal case against her. Rather than try to hash out the beef between them, Alicia and Carla would rather throw daggers and BAYBEE, Carla threw some digs tonight. The best dig to summarize why Alicia hates her was expressed during Renee and Carla's lunch date, "Eddie's family still loves me & they really don't approve of her. Also, I've been friends with Eddie for 30 years and he's even asked me to help him pick out her birthday gifts. She's just insecure because we're still friends". B-I-T-C-H! I nearly fell out when I heard that. Not only is your husband still friends with his ex, they used to go shopping together for you! I am too through! lol

While this is hilarious, it still doesn't crack the case of who is leaking information. Remember, Alicia is convinced Renee is talking about her and to prove it, she's decided to screenshot a Twitter rant of Renee's. I absolutely love Alicia DiMichele but, when 40 year old women rely on Twitter as a source of truth, I can't find the seriousness in your argument. Moving along, Alicia and Renee decided to have a lunch date to smooth things over. Lunch dates have proven to be ineffective because Renee read Alicia for filth. Renee made it clear she would forever be loyal to Eddie and Carla and that Alicia is only apart of her world because of her marriage. Aside from that, she has no credibility. Ouch! The day ended with Renee leaving the table and a preview of what's to come next Thursday.

If Mob Wives continues being this explosive this season, we fans will surely continue to pull in the ratings!

XOXO,
Whitney

We All Have Big Dreams In 2014!

Hello readers! As we anxiously stare at our clocks and calendars, we can hardly wait for the new year. That's right, it's December 31, 2013 and as we bid farewell to this year of triumphs, let downs, blessings, and lessons, let's take a moment to reflect on everything that has shaped and moved us. In order to have a prosperous 2014, we have to analyze our highs and our lows, mark down the mistakes, and make the changes. Are you ready? Are you sure? If so, let's begin!

As I previously mentioned in my Christmas post, 2013 was all-encompassing. I experienced triumphs, tragedy, stagnant days, and yet, through it all, I came out on the other side. I know, it sounds a bit cliché but not all experiences are the same. However, if there were many of you have dealt with similar circumstances, I am certain that you centered yourself and found the strength to move forward. This is the fortitude we should carry over into 2014. The tenacity dwelling within us should emerge and take charge. We just have to keep pushing. 

Before we finally close the chapter on 2013, I want to leave you all with a message of hope from a familiar source. In 1993, Jim Valvano attended the ESPY's and was awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage and Humanitarian Award. Dying of bone cancer, Valvano delivered what would become an iconic speech full of wisdom, optimism, and thought. If hearing a dying man speak so highly of the life that was due to be cut prematurely doesn't inspire you to stop complaining, get up, and make an impact, you've missed the whole damn show. Thank you Jim, for having an enthusiasm for life, having a goal, and willing to work for it. That's just what I'm going to do in 2014 :)


XOXO,
Whitney

A Very Special Christmas Greeting Just For You!

Hello readers! As you take a moment from the overwhelming excitement of unwrapping gifts, gather your friends and family to read this post. Because I know we're all in a rush to eat and continue screaming, I'll keep it short. Let's get into it:

In years past, I would do a Top 10 list telling you all what I've been grateful for during the holiday season. I've come to learn that while lists are fun and creative, it's getting hard to narrow down blessings. I take it as a good thing. My blessings and good tidings have been abundant and as I watch those I love share in the overflow, all I can do is sit back and take it all in. While 2013 has been a trying year for me, a few setbacks and a personal loss, overall, it has been an eye-opening twelve months. The lessons learned will surely carry over to 2014. I am truly ready to prepare the farewell to 2013 and eagerly welcome all that is in store.

As I conclude this post, I wish you, my loyal fans, continued health and wealth. I wish nothing but success for you all and although the storm clouds may threaten to damper your day, week, and month, I pray you find solace and the strength to get up and shine bright. Have a Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noel, Feliz Navidad, and Buon Natale, a Happy New Year and save me copious plates of food :)

XOXO,
Whitney

And Now, The End Is Near & I'll Say It Clear: We'll Miss You Robinson Cano!

Hello readers! First and foremost, how was everyone's Thanksgiving? I can only imagine the love, warmth, and feeling of togetherness as you and your family gathered around the table. Let's not forget the smells of onion, garlic, cloves, sugar, etc. that permeated through the air. My mouth is watering reliving the bevy of food that coursed its way through my body. Before my hunger gets the best of me, let's get into this post.

As we close out another week, rather than the jubilance of the approaching weekend, sorrow fills my heart. I am plagued with a sadness that I thought I would never experience because I was confident that the organization in question would be at the helm and steer the passengers in the right direction. Ladies and gentlemen, I regret to inform you that Robinson Cano is no longer a New York Yankee. Robinson Cano is now a Seattle Mariner and after a hard-fought battle, he is getting his wish: 240 million dollars for 10 years. Apparently you can have it all.

I have spent the entire day trying to vocalize my feelings and every time I feel as if there is a window of opportunity to explain my emotions, I am reduced to tears. Now, let me be clear, these are not obnoxious tears but a few tears to show just how much I'll miss him. Why will I miss him? When Robinson Cano donned those pinstripes in 2005, I was quickly enamored. I vividly remember him wearing a distinct #14 at his first at-bat. While most remember #22 and more recently #24, I made it a point to mark each transition throughout his career. When I play close attention to detail, it ensures that you have me hooked and boy was I hooked on Cano.

We are all well aware about my reverence and obsession for Derek Jeter. Therefore, with Cano's emergence, it came as a shock to those around me, and myself, that I harbored the same respect and admiration for a rookie as I did my veteran captain. Dare I give the newcomer a chance? Absolutely and 9 years later, I am at peace with my decision.

As Cano prepares to say goodbye to New York, the Yankees, his teammates, and fans, I am certain that my love for him will continue as he embarks on this new journey. Robinson Cano, I wish you nothing but the best. Shine bright in Seattle, kid and remember that no matter how long and hard they "boo", you chose to be happy, you saw the life inside it all, and your career will continue to be beautiful like a diamond in the sky.

P.S., if any of my adoring readers would like to pass this on to our 2nd baseman, feel free to :)

XOXO,
Whitney