Derek Jeter, Thank You…Enough Said

Hello readers! It's fall and as the leaves turn brown and we bid farewell to the lust and love that was summer, we also bid farewell to a staple... an icon…a renowned figure. Tonight, September 25, 2014 marked the final appearance of my friend, and yours too, Derek Jeter in New York Yankee pinstripes. Effective as of Monday morning, Derek Jeter's tenure as a New York Yankee will be up and frankly, selfishly and childishly speaking, I don't want him to go.

As I've mentioned on numerous occasions, Derek Jeter is synonymous with the positivity that is my childhood. Growing up in the Bronx, I was fortunate to be able to use the eclectic and diverse surroundings to aid in my teachings outside of the classroom. Luckily enough, those surroundings included the famed Yankee Stadium. When you think of the Bronx and "splendor", there are four things that come to mind: The Bronx Zoo, The Botanical Garden, The Bronx Museum of the Arts and Yankee Stadium. If you were to poll people on where they've spent the majority of their time, it would be the latter. Now, don't get me wrong, these four institutions are credited with transforming the youth of the Bronx in various ways BUT, it is Yankee Stadium where the magic happens. For me, that magic was felt in 1995 when a wide-eyed/keen/observant/determined/hungry and all around pleasant lad by the name of Derek Jeter entered into the league. I thought another player had entered into the fray that was the professional arena but little did I know, Derek Jeter would have a profound effect one me.

At 7 years old, the concept of a "crush" was out of my reach and while I could not formally articulate my feelings with a concrete definition, I knew I liked that kid! Over the course of my aging, my affinity grew far beyond his smile to admiring things such as his tenacity for success, work ethic towards accomplishing a task at hand, his poise and his respect for the profession he chose and the people who shared the field with him. Ok, ok, so his baby blue eyes and freckles are a plus and his physique is a bonus but, let's not make this NSFW lol. Let's just say, there are a multitude of things to admire and to pick just one does this post minimal justice.

As I began to truly understand what my feelings were for Derek Jeter, I could not wait to share them with the world and during my adolescent years, I ran my affection into the ground! Whether it was spending my formidable high school years compiling a detailed scrapbook, acquiring apparel and/or spending waking moments at Yankee Stadium, every experience had a story and I made sure it was told. Heads up, I will recount these tales for years to come.

Matriculating to college and beyond, my love for Derek never faltered. Through the additions and subtractions of players from all realms on my "Favorites" list, Derek's spot was never usurped. No awe-inspiring/record breaking play could have made me demote Derek Jeter. Perhaps it was my bias or my stubbornness to change but Derek could never be replaced.

So, how do I end this folklore? Do I conclude with a good bye? I don't know. I know I'm not prepared to say good bye so I won't. I'll thank you, Derek Jeter, for providing this girl with memories many can only dream of. Thank you, for 19 years of laughs, tears, heated debates with fanatics of other teams and enough t-shirts to clothe my family 2x over. I've been listening to Sam Smith a lot and Derek, I'll be selfish one last time and say, why don't stay with me because you're all I need. Come on darling, stay with me…

XOXO,
Whitney

Let's Raise Some Hell in 2012

Readers! As 2011 gears for a close, I wonder what you all are doing, thinking, and feeling. There's always an array of emotions when having to say goodbye to people, things, and years. No matter what transpired during these past 12 months, let's all hope everyone is working towards a "new year, new me". Oh lord even writing that phrase made me roll my eyes because, let me have my moment to be a little bit cynical, I'm more of a person who'd rather walk the walk than talk the talk but because not everyone shares the same views as I do, I hope you all find much success with your whole "new me" endeavor. What I think we can all agree on is that 2012 will not start off like this:

TV Shows - Full Episode Video - Reality TV Shows

Can't you tell that I'm excited for Mob Wives to return? Although I love these 4 women and their complex stories, no one should be starting off 2012 by feuding. I guess we'll just have to watch to see why Karen and Drita are still beefing. Ok, that moment of digression is over, let's get back to the post at hand.

I don't know why I haven't been in the mood to do a "Top 10" post since Thanksgiving because I am surely a "make a list" person; I have lists in my head, my planner, and my computer. Writing a list wouldn't be right because frankly because all of my ten things can be summed up with a simple phrase "Thank You".

Thank you to everyone who has allowed this blog to shine and grow worldwide. Thank you to my family, boyfriend included, whose unwavering support has kept me afloat and sane. Many thanks to those who have been riding with me since high school and college because we shall keep riding until the wheels fall off.  Thanks to the economy for not bringing me down with it. I was employed this year and able to spread my message of financial success to teenagers and adults throughout the 5 boroughs. Thanks to the new people who've entered my life and have hung in for the long journey because things shall only get better.

I don't really see a need to drag this post on because who wants to continue reading when the last day of the year has to be celebrated in style? Y'all don't have to answer that. Happy New Year guys and let's raise some hell in 2012.

XOXO,
Whitney