It Doesn't Really Matter

 It's the most wonderful time of the year...at least that's what the song wants you to believe. For me it is, with a healthy dose of stress and anxiety thrown in to make it less Hallmark movie-ish. But for many this time of year is dreaded. Feared even. Between social anxiety, too high expectations, and financial shortfalls, many families are worried about the next six weeks and beyond at an immeasurable level. I believe we can help those around us who are suffering without hurting their pride or depleting our own reserves. And perhaps helping ourselves in the process.

 This time of year we all tend to have more visitors. Normally that translates to food and drinks. But does it have to? I do not need appetizers and wine at every friend's house. I may need a glass of water or a coffee, but I do want my pants to fit after New Year's and that will not happen if I eat and sip at every stop. If you want to offer me something, peel a few mandarin oranges. They are super cheap and delicious this time of year, and we could all use a bit more fruit in our diet. Put anything on a festive plate and voila you are entertaining.

 One thing that would help everyone is not to be the hated "dropper-inner". Not everyone wants you to see the pile of laundry on the coffee table or the sink full of dishes. We are all still working on top of all the extras we have to do in December. Respect that. I always tell people I'm visiting them not checking out how clean their house is. But it's not about me, it's about them. Maybe they do care. Minimizing that helps no one.  Call, or better yet, text first. Let your friends decide whether they want to open their home to you. To those I have done this to...please forgive me.

 Alright let's talk presents. No adult, not one, needs anything. We might want a new sweater or a serving tray but we do not need one. Want and need are two very different things. As grown ass people, we can go buy what we need when we actually need it. Stop buying us "stuff". But if you do feel compelled, get a grocery gift card. Or one from a big box store that has everything. Movie tickets or restaurant vouchers. And to be brutally honest, you may think you know what we want, but you would be wrong. Chances are they are donating or regifting so save your money.

 Kids are a totally different story. You should be focusing on them this time of year. Their gifts do not need to be expensive. Most will not remember next year what they got. But they will remember watching a Charlie Brown Christmas with you or the nights wrapped in blankets, driving around looking at holiday lights. You gift-wrapping a small toy in a box, within a box, within a box is the stuff of lifelong memories. Time. Your time. Your focus. That's what kids need. Being their "present" will make the season happier and less stressful...for the whole family.

 Let's lower the bar this year. Say whatever I do is enough and mean it. No decorations? Ok. Stuffing out of a box? Delicious. Messy house, everyone is in pajamas? Perfect. None of it matters. Read that again. None of it matters. The only thing that matters is you and yours. 

 Ang

 

Thank You Jays!!

 Like so many Canadians, I needed a few days, more like a week, to get over the loss of the Toronto Blue Jays to the LA Dodgers in the World Series. It was heartbreaking!! But what a season they gave us!!! A whirlwind of home runs, comebacks, and nail-biters. Some games we jumped out of our chairs. Other times, we sat on the edge of our seats, praying they could just make one more run. We, as a country, enjoyed every single one of them! 

  Yelling at the screen at Coach John Schneider's in-game decisions was commonplace. Soon enough, we realized he knew more than us what was needed and who could carry it off...sorry about that John...and we relaxed, confident in his leadership. He defended his players fully, gave them chances to shine, and thanked the fans constantly for their support. 

  The big guys stepped up as always. Vladdy caught balls he shouldn't have been able to. He ran faster, threw harder, and slid better than we ever could have dreamed of. Even when he was injured, he was the loudest supporter from the sidelines. George Springer and his Whalers batting gloves hit a Canada Day grand slam that will be replayed every July 1 for decades to come! He played with unmatched skill, even while injured, throughout the entire season. Leading by example all the way.

  Clement, Varsho, Schneider, and Lukas were outstanding!!  Out-freaking-standing!!! Nathan Lukas made the most of his big league shot after twelve years in the minor,s ending the season batting in the second spot and starting every game. Clement hit the ball so often that he set an MLB record, getting 30 hits in one postseason! And his sliding! Legendary. Davis Schneider did whatever was asked of him. He pinch hit, he stole bases, he showed up! Dalton Varsho spent some time on the injured list, but when he came back, look out. He is so good at every aspect of the game and made catches that would have been impossible for anyone else. 

  Barger, France, IKF, Gimenez, Heineman, Loperfido, Straw...all played outstanding! Showing us all that being part of a team is about doing what is needed as a group, not as an individual. Come on, Gimenez drove in Ernie, IKF ran his heart out, and Barger hit a grand slam! Talk about contributing!

  The pitching staff...what can you say? Gausman was Gausman. Max Scherzer was intense. Bieber got the job done.  Trey Yesavage blew us out of our seats! And the bullpen was outstanding!!! We could not have asked for anything more from them. 

  Last but certainly not least, my favorite, catcher Alejandro Kirk. His bat was on fire. He picked off runners effortlessly. He called the games with a skill most catchers only dream of. All while being criticized for not looking like a professional athlete. They are right, he isn't a fast runner and has the build of a beer-league catcher. But he is a natural. Perhaps that's why he is my favorite. He shut up his critics by playing better than anyone. Besides, how fast do you really need to run when you are hitting home runs most of the time? Or to the warning track? Exactly. 

  They didn't win the big prize. However, they did win the hearts of this country. Pulling us together in a way only sports can. We showed our pride in them, ourselves, and our country. That is something we will always be grateful for. 

  Thank you Toronto Blue Jays!!! It was one hell of a ride.

Ang