You Can Pinch Me 46 Times And I Still Won't Believe Andy's Gone

Most of us have big families with multiple aunts, uncles, and of course cousins and with this big family comes the many options in having that one brother, sister, or cousin that winds up being your best friend. The Yankee family is comprised of millions of members but for every fan, there's one player that's a best friend. For me, it's Derek Sanderson Jeter but for others it's Andrew Eugene Pettitte. You've spent every waking moment looking at, reading about, and falling in love with Andy. Every season, right before April, you made sure you had enough in your "Yankee Fund" account to see Andy pitch in person. Thing seemed good until the day your best friend broke your heart. Today, February 3, 2011, Andrew Pettitte shattered the hearts of his many best friends by announcing his retirement from baseball.

If you're like me, you still haven't fully comprehended the fact that Andy won't be in pinstripes this season. You won't hear that Southern gentleman's accent, you won't pierce into those big brown warming pools called his eyes. Funny thing about those eyes is that one minute they're calming and the next they are sending sharp pains to your heart...they're deadly. Every movement, every sound, every smile, every curse word that encompassed Andy will be leaving the Bronx and permanently settling in Texas. I want to scream, I want to cry, I want to be supportive but the separation is too real and too much to bear right now. So fans, where do we go from here? How do we cope?  Moreover, how do we prepare for his press conference tomorrow?  The answers to those questions aren't so cut and dry and I haven't thoroughly answered these for myself. I do have something in the form of bullets for what we can all do. Want to hear/read them? I know you want to.

The season is nearly a month away and the Yankees have to continue to uphold the principles of perseverance and excellence which means to crumble now will be bad business. As an Economist, personal issues take a back seat to remaining in the black every quarter. They can grieve Andy's retirement but they have to play the balancing act with being excited over new prospects and keeping current players happy. There's a lot on the emotional plate of the Yankees right now and God only knows what the owners are really thinking behind closed doors. As I re-read what I just wrote, I'm a little glad that we fans aren't the organization so to speak but just an extension of it. We can all grab our Kleenex tissues and cry because our best friend has packed up and shipped out.

Call me crazy but I only used my Kleenex for roughly 5 minutes because I don't want to mourn his retirement but celebrate the 16 years he gave us. Call me crazy guys but I think this is how we have to cope with the situation. Dwelling in the sorrow only makes us sadder and speeds up the aging process. When you replay the last 16 years, that should overshadow 24 hours of bad news. Also, are we really that selfish? We were the best friend, brother, father, mother, and sometimes wife to a man who legitimately had all of those members to love and be loved back from.  It hit me today that for 16 years we all cherished a man who left his wife and 4 children in Texas to make me smile. We played the "mistress" to a man who wore a wedding ring and said his vows before God while his children spent birthdays, parent teach conferences, and school plays wishing their father was home and not entertaining thousands each night. That is purely unacceptable so once again call me crazy but I'm kind of glad Andy has decided to step out of the spotlight.

As we all watch the press conference tomorrow, I hope we can learn to value what's truly important in life. Ok ok so it won't be easy watching Dandy Andy say his goodbyes but we're classy folks and after all he's done for us, the least we can do is watch, cry a little, and applaud his being. I'm going to miss you Andy but I'll feel a little easier knowing that 4 children have their father again and a wife has her husband to hold and yell at for not cleaning the dishes. Andrew Eugene Pettitte, born June 15, 1972 in Baton Rouge, Lousiana, I wish you nothing but the best. Y'all come back now and visit us up here North sometimes....it'll do us crazed Yankee fans some good.

XOXO,
Whitney

What The Folk Just Happened?

Football Saturday, yes Saturday, was one for the ages. The evening started with the defending Superbowl champion Saints playing the I-never-would-have-thought-I-would-see-them-in-the-playoffs Seattle Seahawks. If we all slept on the below .500 team before then you were in a rude awakening because Seattle kicked ass and defintiely took names. New Orleans lost to Seattle with a score of 41-36. Onward to the Jets game.

The New York Jets took things a little personal against Indianapolis as they were ready to grind it out for a victory. Let's just say they didn't disappoint. The back and forth tempo of this game left everyone on edge and praying that their bets be fulfilled. There's no need to recap the game because if you saw it, you're shaking and if you didn't then catch the highlights my dear fans. I have two words though and that is Nick Folk. Nick Folk redeemed himself from earlier in the season for kicking the winning 32-yard FG and sending the Jets to New England. 

I'll be with my boys as they take on Brady and the Pats. I have faith in my team because like I've been saying all season: Jets Rule Everything Around Me! Good job tonight boys!

XOXO,
Whitney

How Old Is Coach K? 880?

Last night the Duke Blue Devils battled UNC...ok not the famed UNC Tar Heels of Chapel Hill but UNC-Greensboro Spartans in what was an enjoyable game nonetheless. While the score of 108-62 was a gift in itself for Duke and its fans the night really belonged to something bigger...Coach K's new record. Yes folks Mike Krzyzewski is now 2nd on the all time wins list putting him 22 wins behind Bobby Knight!

With the pace that the blue devils are on Coach K can take the coveted #1 spot some time in March which is dependent on his team's run during March Madness. The ever humble Coach K didn't dote on his accomplishment but rather offered this piece of commentary as seen in The Greensboro News & Record, "I talk to Coach Knight about once a week, but we don't talk about number of wins. We talk first of all about whatever he's shooting at that time, wherever he's hunting. I always ask him 'Who, um, what did you shoot?' And hopefully it's not somebody, it's something".

Well said from a guy who has captured North Carolina's heart and of course mine. Congratulations once again Coach K!

XOXO,

Whitney

Top 10 Things I Hope Santa Brought Me This Christmas

My oh my look how time flew! Christmas is here which means the new year is a week away and while we're all excited and anxious to let 2010 rest and welcome in 2011, we're clamoring to open up those presents we've wanted since January. Some of you are pleased with what Santa has given you and others are scrunching up their faces. Well either way be thankful and be grateful so here goes....the top 10 things I hope Santa brought me this Christmas:

10. A long/peaceful vacation- I've worked hard this year and after exhausting time, sleep, and sometimes funds to ensure that my students were successful in school, it's time for me to let my luscious brunette hair down and start it up....vroom vroom...start it up.

9. A higher credit score- Christmas isn't really about over indulging on gifts and yet manufacturers have suckered us into carrying 5 or more bags out of the store just to feel better about ourselves. As an Economist I understand the game and yet I've fallen into a small trap that might have hurt my credit score. So, in the spirit of giving, giving love, gifts, warmth, etc., Santa can get my credit score back to the 800s.

8. Extended Optimism- This year has really been bountiful with silver linings and it was all made possible because of me always looking at the glass half full. I pray that Santa blesses me with extended optimism because there's nothing like carrying a smile on your face during rough times to truly make any bleak situation brighter.

7. A playoff appearance from the New York Knicks- well who would have thought that the NY Knicks would capture NY's heart and the world's attention again...for the good. The NYK have shut the haters down with their amazing teamwork and winning capabilities. Jersey sales have sky rocketed, well mainly Stoudemire's jersey, and New York is bleeding orange and blue. I look forward to amazing things from this team.

6. The recession to be over- while we're almost out of this crippling depression, it can only get worse before it gets better. I hope the past 2 years have taught you all the value of paying your bills on time and truly studying the ins and outs of your banks so you won't swindled into sub-prime mortgages and tapping into your home equity.

5. The Duke Blue Devils being NCAA Champs again- March Madness this year was by far the most enjoyable in a LONG time. This year Jon Scheyer and Kyle Singler led the blue devils to another NCAA title in 9 years...yes, the last time they won was in 2001...and the universe was right again. This year, Santa can help Duke repeat and win the title again!

4. Best wishes for my friends and family- It's my greatest pleasure in life seeing those I love succeed and win and this year the blessings were abundant as they continued to climb the ladder of success. For Christmas, I hope Santa has given them all that they've asked for and continues to shower them well into 2011.

3. 2011 Yankees Opening Day tickets- I had the pleasure of going to Opening Day 2009 which was the christening of the new Yankee Stadium and boy did I have a BLAST! Being the diehard Yankee fan that I am, I hope Santa got me tickets....I've been a very good girl =]

2. Longevity so I can ring in 2011- I don't know about you but with the constant hustle and bustle of life, sometimes we don't realize just how important our lives are until something tragic happens. About two weeks ago a dear friend of mine Steven Smith died at the age of 24 and I've been trying to recover ever since. No more hip hop tweets, no more ragging on Duke tweets, no more making my nights calm and peaceful, and no one to celebrate Christmas with or ring in 2011 with. I hope Santa has given me extended life so no one else has to mourn another life gone too soon.

1. The Jets winning the Superbowl- New York is a trophy town, mainly the Yankees, but once we fans have chosen our teams to root for, we're stuck to them like glue. We eat, breathe, and sleep our teams and we might even sell our children to see them win a championship. I have no children but seeing as both myself and my dad are Jets fans he might sell me to see them win again. All I'm asking is that Santa help Sanchez, Holmes, and Rexy Rex Ryan win so I attend the parade chanting "J-E-T-S JETS! JETS! JETS!"

There you have it folks...my top 10 list. Happy Holidays! Joyeux Noel! Feliz Navidad! Buon Natale! Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia!

XOXO,
Whitney

For Coach K...3 Is A Magic Number

Tonight, the Duke Blue Devils faced the Bradley Braves and like every other game, the Blue Devils came out swinging...or should I say shooting. Let's dig in:

In the first quarter, the Blue Devils were all over Bradley as they had to stop at nothing to score because superstar phenom Kyrie Irving sat out due to an injury. Seniors Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler continued to prove why they're the overall leaders on the team with their impressive play and great shots. As Duke and Bradley approached the half, Duke lead 32-18. At one point, I questioned whether Bradley had even stepped on to the bus to ride to Duhram because of their non-existent defense. Bradley was clearly there but they were no match for the fiery devils.

After the half, Duke continued to play great basketball and when the clocked finally stopped, Duke had won with a score of 83-48. Not only did Duke improve their record to becoming 9-0 but the most AMAZING feat happened: Coach Mike Krzyzewski has passed Adolph Rupp on the "All Time Wins" list to take a comfortable seat at 3rd. Coach K needs 3 more wins to pass Dean Smith for a total of 880 wins and to take the coveted 2nd place spot. I'm so excited I can barely type.

I hope you all had a wonderful night watching our beloved Duke Blue Devils. I know I'm a die hard Cameron Crazie and I look forward to watching them on Saturday.

XOXO,
Whitney

Top 10 Things I'm Thankful For This Thanksgiving

As we gather to celebrate another Thanksgiving, I feel as if this is another year where being reflective has much more meaning than it has in the past. While I'm sure many of you have taken more than your fair share of hours to sit and be grateful, my time for reflection is 365 days a year, I can't help but think the more you hear the unemployment rate rise by another percent, the more your hand rests under your chin and you sigh. Well here's a little secret....I do it too. So let's begin with the Top 10 Things I'm Thankful For This Thanksgiving:

10. Loyalty- Now you may be scratching your head but hear me out. Loyalty is hard to come by today when people are working and doing for themselves. The "me me me" attitude has overshadowed camaraderie, working together, and sticking together. I'm thankful that the people I work with and the friends I have are all about sticking together and not throwing one another under the bus.

9. Optimism- It takes a lot of work to consistently find the silver lining in every situation and while I haven't been perfect in always being 100% positive, I've tried my best to always think that there's a reason for everything. So far, I think it's done me well to keep smiling.

8. Wisdom- I've seen a lot and have encountered life changing moments and while the majority of what I've seen and encountered were because of what you all may call "mistakes", I call them unnecessary/necessary events. What made them unnecessary was their timing but what made them essential was that I was able to see past the event and analyze it for what it really was. So, I haven't made mistakes but I've made some unnecessary/necessary happenings.

7. Opportunity- The opportunity to love, be loved, and blessed is sometimes a luxury that many can't afford. I make it my mission in life to exhaust all energy to give back. I'm thankful for the energy I find to do this.

6. Health- I couldn't exhaust energy to give back if I didn't take care of my immune system. It's quite the routine eating healthy, getting 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, and I try to achieve this and am I'm proud of the results. So, I'm thankful that my body has survived the chicken pox when I was 5 and continue to survive the common colds I get. Yes, I've never gotten the flu, broken any bones, etc so I hope to continue that streak.

5. Education- Those who know me well can tell you how I am a champion of education. All I talk about is how to reform and revamp the school system and how I'm working on writing a proposal to Congress. It's clear that my passion for all is the ability to succeed in an academic setting. I was blessed to have received a great education from kindergarten to college and I wish that for ALL children.

4. Shelter- Now while this may be #4, it still holds high importance. I'm thankful for the fact that I can rest and wake up in the same bed...in the same apartment that I've known for nearly 22 years. Many can't say they had such stability but whatever the situation...refer back to #9 and find your silver lining.

3. Religion- The past 2 years have shaken the spiritual and religious core of folks. Having to make decisions between paying the rent/mortgage and feeding the family really made people question their level of faith and belief in God. I've had my moments where my faith packed up and left and I'm proud my faith returned. I know without my belief in God and my spirituality that I would be completely broken.

2. Family- I'm certainly not a one dimensional woman, there are definitely many angles that make up who I am. I attribute that to my family. I'm thankful for their loving, caring, blunt, outrageous, and downright sincere nature. Without that array of qualities to choose from, I would be bland and boring...eww those words are nasty.

1. Love- There's no way I could have the ability to reflect on anything if I didn't reserve a huge chunk of heart for love. The ability to love and in turn be loved back is indescribable. You truly have to experience it to begin to help me define it. There's no greater feeling than telling someone "I love you" and having them saying it back and hearing the genuine emotion. I wouldn't trade it for anything else in the world.

Well there you guys have it. These are things I'm grateful for. I would love to hear what you guys are grateful for this Thanksgiving...after you find the energy from stuffing your faces of course.

XOXO,
Whitney

Oh Let Me Count The 800 Ways...To Win That Is!

Tonight the Duke Blue Devils faced the Kansas State Wildcats in what was the championship game of the O'Reilly Auto Parts CBE Classic and boy oh boy did my little devils not disappoint. Duke held commanding leads throughout the night to win the game 82-68 as well as the Championship. While I jumped for joy at another incredible win, the real moment to celebrate was the fact that revered coach Mike Krzyzewski won his 800th game with Duke! Claps claps and more claps for you Coach K as you climb the ladder to beating Adolph Rupp, Dean Smith, and dare I say it...Bob Knight...

Congratulations boys...you made mama proud!

XOXO,
Whitney