Soxy Lady's Page

I've been wanting to come out of hiding for a while now. There are so many things I could write about but it just hasn't happened yet. But regardless of how exhausted I am right now - I needed to log on to say EFF TAMPA BAY, EFF THE TAMPA BAY FANS and EFF THE TAMPA BAY MUSIC CHOOSING PEOPLE. I mean, I'm annoyed we lost and that the fans were obnoxious, but I'm PISSED they played Sweet Caroline at the end of tonights game. Have some respect Asshats.

Sometimes I just don't understand the way things work. It has been recently leaked to the media that John Lester, father of our cancer-beating no no pitching Jon Lester, also has cancer. Instead of trying to write a post about it, I'd like to point you to a great blog post written by Texas Gal on Center Field.

She writes:

As if the no hitter and victory celebrations afterwards weren't already sweet enough, Jon Lester wasn't just putting to rest his own battle over cancer... but also the news that his father had also been just recently diagnosed with lymphoma as well. Jon revealed the news during an interview with Erin Andrews on ESPN earlier today.

Lester said his father John was diagnosed with lymphoma last month and that the cancer is "slow growing, ... something [his father] will die with, not die from."

Jon Lester learned of his father's medical problems during Boston's opening series at Fenway Park when they got their World Series rings. Jon Lester, who was diagnosed with a rare form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma nearly two years ago, earned the victory in the clinching game of Boston's sweep of the Colorado Rockies last year.

When his mother sat him down to deliver the news, Lester knew the seriousness of the situation.

"You hear the word cancer, and you figure death," Lester said.

Jon Lester said his father is doing well and has two more treatments to go. The 24-year-old pitcher said that his father is proud of him, but after learning first hand what his son had to go through, "He's more proud of me on another level."

It also helps explain that extra bit of emotion shared between Jon and Tito Francona:

After the no-hitter, Lester and Red Sox manager Terry Francona had an emotional embrace. Everyone understood then what the pitcher had been through to get to this point -- or at least they thought they did.

While none of Lester's teammates knew of his father's cancer, Francona had been told what was going on. That was likely why Lester had said he wanted to keep his conversation with his manager private after the game.

Father and son had debated whether or not to talk publicly about his dad's condition. John Lester wanted his son to get it off his chest.

"He's telling everyone ... like he won a prize," Jon Lester said. "It makes him feel better to sit there and talk about it. He can tell people, you know what, I have cancer, I'm doing great, everything is going to be good and people look at him like he's crazy. I guess that's how everyone looked at me when I told them."

Jon will get to see his father for the first time since his dad was diagnosed today, when he takes the hill in Oakland.

Father and son will get to talk in person about their unfortunate common bond on Sunday. Jon Lester is scheduled to make his first start since the no-hitter Sunday afternoon in Oakland against the Athletics.

When the Lesters meet up Sunday night, Jon is bringing a special gift for his dad. He'll have a brand new Red Sox World Series hat with him to cover his father's head that is now bald due to cancer treatments.

She also posted the full video of the Erin Andrews interview of Jon, which on May 25th as Sunday Conversation on ESPN. Stop on over and take a look.

It's the stuff dreams are made of.

Every Red Sox fan hopes to experience things in their baseball lifetime -

• Going to games at Fenway Park - Thanks to my awesome family I'm guaranteed at least 10 games a season
• Seeing Justin Masterson's Major League debut? I'd say that's impressive (especially after only giving up three hits the other night). I was also there for Cla Meredith's MLB debut.
  
• Watching a crazed fan get dragged of the field? Briefly captured on video
• How many of you know Jose Canseco actually pitched an inning against the Red Sox? I do, I was there
  
• How being there for walk off wins thanks to Papi? Been there
• Our favorite Jack Drinking first baseman Kevin Millar's return to Fenway in 'o5? Yep
  
• Johnny Demon's return to Fenway Park? The same night Mirabelli gets dressed in a cab to make his return as well? Uh huh...I was there
• Signed baseballs from a legend? Thank you Johnny Pesky
• Witnessing the history making back to back to back to back homeruns against the Yankees? You guessed it - I was there!
  
• Playing catch with dad in the Fenway outfield? Done that
• For Red Sox Fans a wish was always for a World Series win in their lifetime. I've had two - complete with their Rolling Rally parades!
  

I have been a blessed baseball fan - and last night I was blessed again while experiencing a no-hitter from Mr. Jon Lester.

I have to thank Google for this. The tickets were a gift from them, thanks to the business our companies do together. Those New Yorkers couldn't have picked a better game to bring us to. THANK YOU will never be enough!

Armed with my new camera, a Canon 40D, I was able to get some good shots of the game. Not great shots, I've seemed to left my photography skills back with the film cameras. If anyone wants to teach me how to use this beast, I'm game!

Anyway - I don't need to go on and on about how impressive any no hitter is - never mind the circumstances behind this no hitter. What I really want to do is share some of those pictures with all of you.








What a game. What a night. What memories!

But before another person I know tells me how much they hate me for being at the game, let me bring things back down a little bit. This morning, as I was walking to my car on my way to work, I stumbled on the grass and twisted my ankle. Bad. Bad enough that I was given a cast, crutches and orders to stay off my feet for five days. All of this 17 days before my wedding. So really, don't hate me too much. PLUS, these crutches...they don't do it for me. I was obviously not coordinated enough to walk on my own two feet, and now I have to try and balance on these things? Oh no way...this is not working well.

I'm sorry to do this to many of my "manly" regular readers. Really, I am.

I have fallen in love all over again (my fiance knows about it - so that makes it ok, right?)

Truth of the matter is I tried to embed these videos on my craptastic MySpace blog and it didn't work. And they need to be shared with the world - or at least my world of lunatic NKOTB loving friends. So here they are.







The first two (or ten) times I heard NKOTB's new single, Summertime. I really didn't like it. But I've fallen again, and hard. Now I think it will be my summer anthem. I kind of feel like a teenager again. Normally I would relish that feeling, but right now I'm still a bit embarrassed about it. Ah well.

Joey Joe is still my favorite of faves...but I'm finding myself having a "thing" for Donnie too. I can't help it - it's that Boston bad-boy thing. It's what attracted me to my fiance at first too.

The one bit of news I haven't shared with my fiance yet....there will be some New Kids played at our wedding. Eeeek!

29 days and counting until this SoxyLady is a SoxyWife. We're really trying to make our wedding personal, customized to our tastes and interests.

We're having the ceremony outdoors, the reception in an antique car museum and we're giving away El Tiante Cigars as favors to the guys (I love the Red Sox, My man the Cigars).

Today I ordered the next "personal" item, which is my very own Red Sox Garter!!!


I can't wait to get it. I'm so excited.

I was telling one of my friends about it and she mentioned another friend of hers is also wearing a Red Sox Garter at her wedding. Obviously, that wouldn't bother me under normal circumstances. But this is not a normal circumstance. This girl is not only a very casual Red Sox fan, she's also having her wedding during a Red Sox/Yankees game (and she set the date AFTER the schedules came out this season). Bah, I think that just cheapens the idea, and I don't want to be cheap.

That's like those casual fans getting free tickets to Red Sox games, and making stupid comments and ruining the atmosphere for the rest of us.

Ah well. I'll wear it, and represent the true RSN with pride. Ya with me?

All work, a new house and a wedding coming up in about a month makes for a very bad blogger. Sorry, all. I've been to three games this season and have some pics from all of them that I will hopefully upload soon. Going to two more this week.

In lieu of any real posts, here is a really cool video sent to me from my future brother in-law.


One Day At Fenway - Letus Extreme Film - Time Lapse - HDTV from Tom Guilmette on Vimeo.

Enjoy!

However, I do take steps to reduce my Carbon Footprint and try and make this earth a happier, healthier place to live.

Ahhhh Patriots Day.
The weather is beautiful, the runners ran, the Red Sox won....and I....worked.

To cheer me up on this blahhhh work day, my cousin sent me this gem:


How I missed it before, I don't know. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!

Thanks to The Missus at OnCommonGround I heard about a great service called Boston Organics.

I hate buying anything other than "staples" at a grocery store - I tend to go to a Whole Foods Market or a Farm Market to buy meat, fruit, vegetables and herbs. Of course I gravitate towards the same foods and get stuck in a "food rut" once in a while. I think Boston Organics may help me get out of this rut, and force me to eat more fruits and veggies (so I'm not throwing away money). The best part is I don't have to leave my house (or beg my dear fiance to stop at the store on his way home from work) in order to get all of this healthy food.

My first box will be delivered next Thursday. It will contain:

• 2 Granny Smith Apples
• 3 Green Bartlett Pears
• 2 lbs Bananas
• 1 lbs Honey Tangerines
• 1 Mangoes
• 3 Navel Oranges
• 2 Plums
• 1 Avocados
• 1 6oz Bagged Spinach
• 1 Cucumbers
• 0.75 lbs Good and Ugly Tomatoes
• 1 head Red Leaf Lettuce
• 0.5 lbs Snow Peas
• 1 lbs Zucchini

So now instead of wasting time at the store, I can plan my weekly meals ahead!!!! Anybody want to share any good recipes that contain the above foods?

And yes, I will talk about the Red Sox again. I just...have nothing to say at the moment. Strange, I know.

Despite being named "The Best New Restaurant in Burlington, MA" according to Market Surveys of America in 2007 - I advise you to think twice before heading to The Melting Pot in Bedford/Burlington, MA.

The chain restaurant in and of itself is a fantastic concept - and a wonderful night out for couples, friends or families. The four-course fondue menu (Cheese Fondue, Salad, Meat Fondue, Chocolate Fondue) is unique and fun....and usually here is where I would also say it is delicious.

My fiance took me there last night for my birthday dinner and a much needed night out. We're in the midst of moving and planning a June 08 wedding and extra cash is just not something we have at the moment. Spending $118 on dinner was a little steep for us at this point in our lives, but he knew how much I needed it. So off we went, with high expectations. Only to be horrifically disappointed. Why you ask?

• Our first impression of our waitress was her bad-mouthing a co-worker mentioning how he sounded like a used car salesman and she couldn't stand his voice or to look at him (Not the way to represent yourself, Jocelyn!)
  
• The cheese course was fantastic...until we noticed the fruit sticker still on one of our apple pieces. Completely intact, and obviously had not been cleaned or run under any water. (Ewww dirty, unwashed fruit) We let it go....
• We both ordered the Caesar salad. Not only was the lettuce so wet (hey at least it was washed) that the salad dressing slid off and pooled in the bottom of the bowl, there was a HUGE DISGUSTING hair in my salad. We brought it to the waitresses attention who as also disgusted (although she had no problem with the unwashed apple) and she offered to bring us new salads (no thanks honey) and said she didn't know how it was possible b/c there was a guy on "salad duty" that night.
  

Now normally I would have gotten up at this point and left, but I had SO been looking forward to this meal and we just didn't have the energy to seek out a new place to eat. The rest of the meal was ok.

We had to endure another disgruntled employee when she brought out the broth for our meat course. The pan had this neat little contraption which literally sealed the lid on the pan, so hot broth or oil was not spilled on the waitress or customers. Fiance asked what it was called and she said it was her "killing machine" named Fred...and it was used on rude customers.

When the meal was over we went to speak to a manager and spoke with co-owner Brian Skedd. We mentioned the issues we had with the meal. He said "I'm sorry to hear that, come back and see us again soon." Excuse me, Mr. Skedd, are you SERIOUS? Not only is it highly unlikely that we will ever set foot in that establishment again, I vowed to let everyone I know about my horrible experience. So here I am, writing about it on my blog.

Dear Mr. Skedd,

As a frequent restaurant goer I would like to offer you a few suggestions. Perhaps they will help you live up to your 'best new restaurant' reputation.

1. Make sure all of your food is cleaned before it is served to patrons
2. If a hair is found in the food - do more than offer another serving of the food. Perhaps offer a free dessert, free drinks, a free meal on a future visit. Do something other than shrug your shoulders and say you hope to 'see us soon.'
   
3. Pay a little more attention during your interview process - or have some training sessions for your very unprofessional staff (let me clarify - your unprofessional food servers. The hostesses and bartender were just fine.) Yeah, as a matter of fact because of all of the other issues I almost forgot to mention. After our meat course was served we went 40 minutes without hearing a peep from our waitress, dear Jocelyn. 40 minutes is quite a long time - especially when drinks are empty (you lost out on your bar tab for that one!)
   
4. Don't underestimate the power of word of mouth or the blogesphere. As a matter of fact, Compass Partners LLC just released a survey which says 36.2 million women in the U.S write and read blogs every week and approximately half consider blogs a “highly reliable” or “very reliable” source of information and advice. Get more information about Social Media trends here.
   

Sincerely,
SoxyLady

Have any of you had bad restaurant experiences? Bad experiences-turned good? I'd love to hear about them.

Until then, if you're in the MA area you may want to want to check out The Melting Pot in Framingham. Hopefully you'll have a much better experience!

Thanks for nothing, bub.
No Love,
SoxyLady

Dear my loyal readers,
Yep. It's Monday and I'm still annoyed by the craptastic ball that was played this past weekend. I hope I get in a better mood about it all before my game on Thursday. I also hope my love for blogging comes back. I'm having a hard time getting back in the swing of things. Thanks for your support!
Love,
SoxyLady

Although the red-tailed hawk might have been a little confused...it "attacked" middle school student Alexa Rodriquez, not Red Sox foe Alex Rordriguez of the New York Yankees. Still, the irony is not lost to all of us in RSN.

Boston.com had some great pictures of the "hawk attack" and even shared a little known fact:

Construction workers said they know of three hawks that live in the park, and that the birds are often seen eating rats and mice.

Aww lovely.

Apparently Ms. A-Rod was not the only person riled by the Hawk. WBZTV reports a WBZ photographer was also attacked.

Luckily nobody has been seriously injured as a result, and a wave of laughter has spread through RSN.

For those wildlife friends - Boston Animal Rescue League removed the nest and the egg. And fear not if you're going to a game this season - the crowds will likely scare the Hawks away during the games.

In an apropos game-ending ground ball to first, Kevin Youkilis made baseball history yesterday. The Red Sox Gold Glove first baseman set a Major League record by playing 194 consecutive error less games at first base. The Sox won the game 5-0 over the Oakland Athletics.

The previous record holder was Steve Garvey who played for both the Dodgers and Padres from June 26, 1983 through April 14, 1985.

Youkilis met Garvey for the first time on March 29th of this year in Los Angeles. He tied his record on Tuesday, April 1st (no joke!) and surpassed him yesterday, April 2nd. Surprisingly, Youk said he didn't know about the record until after the game - where he was awarded the first base (which was signed by teammates) from McAfee Coliseum, home of the A's. I have a hard time believing this, especially since he met Garvey earlier in the week - but hey - maybe he was just being modest.

This milestone leads me to name Youk as this seasons first Former Cape League Player of the week. Sure, the week isn't over yet, but it's my award so it's my prerogative! Youkilis played for the Bourne Braves in 2000, where he batted .309 with three homers and 14 RBIs.

Congratulations, YOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUUKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!

It's official. Eric Gagne sucks. Wait, that wasn't official before? OK look, the guy used to be one of the nastiest pitchers out there, I can give him that. But game's overrrrrrr!!!!!

Last night, in his Brewer's debut GAGme got his first blown save against the Cubbies - giving up a 3 run lead in the 9th to Fukudome. Does he really have the stuff that closers are made of? I don't think so.

I just knew there would be video evidence of his craptastic close on the Interweb, so after a little bit of searching I found it on Awful Announcing.

Thanks Gagne, for the show. Fresh B King - are you still happy with your fantasy draft (yes, someone in my league DRAFTED Gagne...)? How about that 27.0 ERA!

...the Red Sox are starting their regular season play - once again - tonight at 10:05PM EST. I love how the season first started at 6:00AM and now it's 10:05PM. Sleep does not come easy for members of RSN.

I really am committed to coming back to my blog. It's been a crazy few months with work, wedding planning, getting ready to move, and . Watch this video to see what else I've been up to.

My first post on branching out on SoxyLady....

I have never been interested in politics.

I have voted and taken advantage of that liberty, but I didn't follow politics on a regular basis...neither did my friends. This year, however, I've noticed a lot more of my friends, family and acquaintances are big into the politicians and the elections.

I would say 8/10 people I know and talk to are planning to vote for either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama. What a great time to be an American, being able to vote for either our first black President, or first woman President!!! We can make history! Now before I go any further, let me state I do not consider myself a Democrat or Republican. I am not a fan of Hillary, Barack or John McCain. I am not pushing for any one candidate. What I've decided to do was take a look at some of the bigger issues and see where I stand on them.

The first is the Government Controlled / Universal health care. Health care in America sucks right now. I don't think anyone will argue that. Since 2000 every one of our premiums have at least doubled, the cost of prescriptions after insurance is ridiculous. Doctors are leaving medicine because of the cost of malpractice insurance. And, as my sister-in-law to be pointed out, how much of our expense can be attributed to people who go to the emergency room instead of a doctor, because they can't afford insurance? Why wouldn't every single American jump on board for some sort of change?

Looking into it - A lot of those people who go to the emergency room, instead of the doctors, are illegal immigrants. They go to the ER not only b/c they can't afford health insurance but because they can't get it. So do you think people who are in the country illegally should be able to have the same insurance, provided by the government, as those of us who pay taxes? I am a supporter of immigration, I am not a supporter of illegal immigration.

George Bush has tried to pass a frivolous law suit act for the past 7 years. This would protect those doctors from frivolous malpractice suits, but it has been voted against - and Barack Obama is one of the people who voted against it. (and trust me, I am NOT a fan of George).

I totally agree we need a change in the system, but nationalizing the health insurance system would be wrong. The doctors would have to agree to the stipulated fee for services, as set by the government. Many doctors won't do that b/c they can't afford to - which will shut down a lot of practices. This is currently a major problem with Blue Cross and Blue Shield (which I have). So not only will we have to go to the doctors the government tells us to, but we'll have to wait longer to see them b/c there will be less doctors available.

Here is some more information on the health care in Canada (which has a system very similar to those proposed by some of our Presidential candidates): http://www.freemarketcure.com/brainsurgery.php

I urge each and every one of you to watch this video and to read this article: http://www.freemarketcure.com/whynotgovhc.php

I am not campaigning for one President or another. I just want to make sure, we as the future of America, are educated enough to choose the right Presidential candidate. Don't vote b/c you want to make "history" or because someone is an extremely eloquent speaker who makes you "believe." Believe when they talk about the issues and how they are going to fix them.

Please, comment back on this post - dispute what I've written, agree with it, whatever - I'm trying to get everyone to be as informed as possible before voting in November. I don't have a solution for the healthcare "crisis" - I am just urging you not to jump on the boat of Universal healthcare just because you think we need a change. Understand what it will do to our country first.

...back again....Soxy's back....tell your friends....guess who's back....guess who's back....guess who's back....guess who's back....

There were 101 times during the off-season I wanted to post. I had ideas of great things to talk about while the news was slow, blah blah blah...but I didn't. And I'm not really going to apologize b/c, well, I'm just not.

So here I am - Truck Day has passed, pitchers and catchers are getting ready to report and all might be right in the world again (after that horrible Super Bowl) - even if Schilling it out for a while.

I've done a bit of soul-searching about my blog. While I still remain committed to posting about my favorite Boys of Summer, I think I'm going to expand my horizons a bit. A lot goes on in this little head of mine, and sometimes I just want to share it with someone. So come along for the ride!

According to Channel 7 News in Boston, the Herald and Boston.com a deal will be finalized tomorrow between Lowell and the Sox. A three year deal between 12-13 mill/year. Apparently after his trip to Disney World with the family Lowell decided he wanted to stay in Boston. YAY!

More on my lack of posting later...maybe....

Much like the hoopla that was made about Johnny Damon's hair, Kevin Youkilis is expected to shave off his goatee for charity. The Boston Herald is reporting Youk will shave his face for a $5,000 donation made by Gillette to his Hits for Kids charity.


Nice work Youk. You're helping out kids and getting rid of that furry animal on your face!

Speaking of Youk, and his charity - did you guys know that he's officially engaged to Enza Sambataro? And that she has a son, Mikey? Is that the kid Youk was holding during the AL East Championship celebrations? I had no idea.

The Silver Slugger Award is an offensive award, which can be compared to the defensive Gold Glove award. The award is based on a combination of offensive statistics including Batting Average, OBP and slugging percentage as well as coaches and managers perception of a player's overall value to the offense of their team.

2007 marks the 4th straight Year David Ortiz has been honored with the American League Silver Slugger Award for the DH position.

All year long Papi has been battling the critics who said he's too hurt to play, or isn't playing as well as past years. While he may not of had as many homeruns as previous seasons, this proves his offensive value had just as much impact to the World Series Champs (I love writing that!)

"I would say, personally, this is one of my best offensive years here in Boston, all the way around," said Ortiz, who finished with a career-high and AL-best on-base percentage of .445, along with 35 homers and 117 RBIs. "I think [if] you look at my numbers this year ... I put it together more than some of the other seasons when people think I had a good season."

So there you have it.

I think it's also important to point out these six players who achieved the highest honor of both a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger award.

• Ichiro Suzuki (OF, Seattle)
• Placido Polanco (2B, Detriot)
• Jimmy Rollins (SS, Philadelphia)
• Russel Martin (C, LA Dodgers)
• Carlos Beltran (OF, NY Mets)
• David Wright (3B, NY Mets)
  

Congrats to all!

Here is a running tally of awards won by the 2007 Red Sox

• Kevin Youkilis, Gold Glove
• David Ortiz, Silver Slugger

The rest of the awards will be announced on the following schedule:

Nov. 12: AL and NL Rookies of the Year
Nov. 13: AL Cy Young
Nov. 14: AL and NL Managers of the Year
Nov. 15: NL Cy Young
Nov. 19: AL MVP
Nov. 20: NL MVP

I do think we'll be picking a few of these up!