It is amazing how many things actually happen between blog posts. I think to myself when I think about something that I should come home and blog about it, but then it doesn’t happen.

In the last 10 days a lot has happened. I don’t want to tell someone else’s story, so I will just say how I feel about it. When I first got the call and heard the news, I had to actually ask “what are you talking about” because what I was hearing was unbelieveable. After getting off phone I had to call my mom and express my disbelief and what I can only explain as anger. I was mad, why did this have to happen? What is going to happen now? How do they feel? How do I feel? There are no answers for some of my questions, and I have to just learn to accept that. I don’t have to like it, but all we can do is move forward.

So, the rest of the week was spent with worry, feelings of helpless, and just wanting to know, “what do you need?, what can I do for you? what comes next?”. Then I got the news that my friend was admitted to Princess Margaret and would begin an approximate 4 week stay there. I just wanted to go there.

So, I did. On saturday. I took the subway (separate blog to follow) and went to see my friend. I was happy that we were alone for a little bit before her family came. I got to see her, give her a gift for her daughter and let her know that I am here for her and her family. The days that have followed since, haven’t been as good, so I can hold keep the memory of our visit in my thougths.

People can say what they want about Facebook, but I think that everything has its pros and cons. My friends brothers have started a group on Facebook that they are constantly updating her how she is doing, and what her status day to day. This is a good thing since there are so many people that want to reach out to this family. But when the days are not good, no visitors allowed. So, this is a way for people to post notes of supports, share stories and photos and just share love for the human spirit. It is amazing actually. This group has over 330 members in less than one week.

Another friend, another brave survivor, told me that there are two choices people make when dealing with illness or trauma – you can stay and be present or you can leave, and run the other way. I choose to stay. I will do what I can, when I can. I know that I will feel like I need to do more, but there is nothing more to do becaue you simply can’t DO anything.

My friend and I love James Taylor (the original JT) and see him whenever he comes to town. There are so many songs that we love (hers is Up on the Roof), but nothing will ever be like, “You’ve got a friend”

When you’re down and troubled, and you need some loving care.
And nothing, nothing is going right. Close your eyes and think of me, and soon I will be there.
To brighten up even your darkest night.
You just call out my name, and you know wherever I am, I’ll come running to see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall, all you have to do is call and I’ll be there.
You’ve got a friend.
If the sky above you, grows dark and full of clouds.
And that old north wind begins to blow. Keep you head together, and call my name out loud.
Soon you’ll hear me knocking at your door.
You just call out my name, And you know wherever I am, I’ll come running to see you again.
Winter, spring, summer or fall, all you have to do is call, and I’ll be there.
Ain’t it good to know that you’ve got a friend, when people can be so cold.
They’ll hurt you, and desert you, and take your soul if you let them,
So, don’t you let them.

You’ve got a friend in me, always.

From what I have read on facebook, a lot of my ‘friends’ are really into these vampire books and can’t get enough of them. I have to say, not my thing. I am a die hard, can’t put them down, chick lit reader. For those of you who don’t know what ‘chick lit’ is – easy – girl stories. Stories about women, love, loss and all that. I am not talking Fabio cover romance novels, but I am talking about current stories of professional women (usually taking place in my fave city, NYC). The books are current, and they quote movies, stores I know and love, restaurants I hear about all the celebs going…blah blah blah.

okay, back to the books. FB has a new ‘list’ going around about the best 15 books you have ever read. I wouldn’t really put any of these as the BEST books I have ever read, but it is summer, and if you are looking for an easy read, on your balcony, or porch, cottage deck, or boat…or hey even a beach if you book a trip with me (plug plug), these are for you.

Sheryl Steinberg – Opprotunity Rings – I bought it, but haven’t read it yet – but she is local and someone I know, and I always support people I know. It has been getting great reviews and I bought the last one when I was at Indigo (that was a few weeks ago, so I am sure there is more now)

Lauren Weisberger – Chasing Harry Wintson – I just finished this on Saturday – loved it.
She is also the author of Devil Wears Prada and Everyone worth knowing. Both books are also amazing.

Emily Giffin – Love the One You’re With – finished recently – great book.
Emily also has a series of three books – Something borrowed, Something Blue and Baby Proof which all have some links that play through all the books, and they are ALL great.

Sophie Kinsella – Remember me – I must admit, I was not a fan (surprise surprise) of the Shopaholic series of books. I couldn’t get into it, but Remember me is not part of that series and it was easy to get into and very enjoyable. I read this while I was in Puerto Vallarta in october for my cousin’s wedding. Maybe I will give the Shopaholic books another shot…maybe….

Jennifer Weiner – Little Earthquakes – read this on the plane ride to New Orleans in March. Great book, especially if you are a soon to be mom, or a new mom (of which I am neither, but still a good read).
Jennifer is the author of In Her Shoes and Good in Bed. I have read and enjoyed both.

Leslie Schnur – Late Night Talking – which I admit I hadn’t heard of the author but the back cover made me by it, because it takes place in NYC (fave city note above) and it was about a radio host, and one of my best friends works in radio, so I thought what the heck? And it wasn’t bad.

Elin Hilderbrand – Barefoot – a nice summer read. I hadn’t heard of this author either, but I thought it sounded nice. Very ‘cape cod’ inspired and relaxing. She apparently has three other books, but I haven’t picked them up yet.

okay, I am about to admit something here – I read Tori Spelling’s book – sTori Telling, and quite enjoyed it. Since I was (am) a die hard 90210 girl at heart, and all the shows that her dad used to do, AND watched her reality shows, I wanted to read her story. It was good. Most of the stuff was not ‘news’ due to the media, but it was a good read. When her new book Mommywood comes out in paperback, I am sure that I will pick that up.

I am reading a book now called Trophies written by a former actress Heather Thomas – who was on the show called the The Fall Guy….seems pretty good so far. I will report whenI am done.

I hope that someone reads at least one of the books I have talked about here, and tells me what they thought.

If you have a book that you have read, that you think I would enjoy, please let me know. I am always looking for something new or a new author to check out!

Happy Reading…..

As you know by now, I, like most people, have pet peeves, little things that just annoy me. Well, here is another one of my peeves – at a baseball game, people that decide to get up right in the middle of a batter up at bat, or while a play is going on. Not only do they interupt your view, you have to put your drink or dog, or pizza or beer down, just to get out of the way. How hard is it to wait for a batter change or a break in the play, really?

Today I was at Skydome watching the Jays sadly lose with men on base at the bottom of the ninth (Vernon Wells struck out to end the game, sucky!), but I digress….the game. My friend and I arrived just as the first inning got under way and there was a batter at the plate. We, along with at LEAST 6 other people, were patiently waiting at the top of the stairs for our turn to walk down and some idiot with a slice of pizza and two beers says, “excuse me” and wants to go down the stairs. To which the skydome attendant asks him to wait while the batter is up. He seemed to be annoyed by this and houghed and puffed and then moved away from me. Within minutes we were on our way to our seats. Thankfully, idiot man was not near us.

During the 7th inning stretch I decided to take my pee break (Ava Avila, Canadian Idol was singing take me out to the ball game, good time to leave), and by the time I came back, again, there was a batter at the plate. This time the two attendants were standing on the stairs blocking them from us to go down. Another idiot with two beers in his hand tries to go down the stairs, and AGAIN, he is stopped…what is wrong with people? Why do they think we are all STANDING up at top of the row as opposed to sitting in our seats enjoying…WE ARE WAITING PEOPLE, JUST LIKE YOU!

Since they no longer play the WHOLE blue jay song at the 7th inning (Player references are dated), I thought I would dig it up and post it here for you Jay fans to enjoy:
You’ve got a diamond, You’ve got nine men, You’ve got a hat and a bat
And that’s not all, You’ve got the bleachers
Got ’em from spring ’til fall, You got a dog and a drink
And the umpire’s call, Waddaya want?
Let’s play ball!
(Chorus)

Okay (okay)
Blue Jays (Blue Jays)
Let’s (Let’s) Play (Play) Ball!

Is that a fly ball, Or is it a seagull
Coming in from the lake, Just to catch the game?
It’s the last inning, Our guys are winning
Dave’s put down a smoker, A strike, And you’ve got no doubt
(You’re out!)
Waddaya want?
Let’s play ball!
(Chorus)

It’s a beautiful evenin’, fans, At the ballpark, Warm summer breezes
Sun’s goin’ down, And it’s all dark, At the ballpark
But that’s okay…it’s a night game, Waddaya want?
Let’s play ball!
(Chorus)
Bring on the White Sox, Bring on the BoSox, Bring on the Brewers
The Rangers and the Yankees too
We’ll beat the Indians, We’ll beat the Tigers
We’ll beat the A’s so bad it’ll make, Billy blue
Waddaya want?
Let’s play ball!
(Chorus)