And in Other News...

The Democrats have selected a nominee, and it is Barack Obama. Don't you just love that picture? The cover of Times says it all.

And now that the decision is made, many are turning to the next topic, which is "Who will be Obama's running mate?"

I like the idea of Jim Webb and some good arguments are made here. Many have speculated that Hillary would be a good vice presidential candidate. I agree with the person who said Obama would then need a food taster in the White House. Besides, she already served as VP back in the '90s. She wants the big job. And luckily for us, she can't have it this time.

It does appear that Obama needs help in the White Man department, so someone who has working class roots or military/security roots might be helpful. It will be fun to watch people lining up for the position in the coming weeks.

*****

We are still in recovery from the trip to Austin. Not in the sense of physical tiredness, but more like "Wow" we saw and did so much. I can definitely see us returning in the near future - Austin just has so much to offer. We were definitely impressed.

But this weekend will be devoted to recoverying from a tough work week, with more to come. Found out this week that I'll be traveling to Tokyo and Shanghai in July for work. Leaving July 5 and returning on July 17. Time to practice the chopsticks and bone up on my Asian culture.

******

The Sox are on fire. So much for their own supposed problems with traveling to the Far East. I like what I'm seeing on this team - they're just a professional, happy, well-rounded group of guys, and fun as hell to watch. Keep it coming!

And Then There's Kyle

By popular demand, I need to go back and tell the Saturday story of arriving at the airport with a certain tall curly-haired Texan.

Let me begin where it all started. The airport van pulled up to a jam-packed JetBlue terminal early on Saturday morning and we barely had room to unload the suitcases. In fact, the back doors of the van were blocking the crosswalk, causing everyone to walk around them. I noticed as we awaited the retrieval of our suitcases that a bunch of well-dressed young men pulling carry-on bags kept coming around. It was somewhat frustrating because they kept getting in the way of the van driver. Eventually, we were able to make our way into the terminal, with the crowd of men surrounding us. As we walked to the kiosk to pick up our boarding passes, Bob turns to me and says, "That guy looks like Kyle Snyder." I looked up, thinking to myself: "It won't be Kyle Snyder, Bob doesn't even know what Kyle Snyder looks like." But, as the group of men moved beyond us, I saw this particularly tall guy ahead, towering above the others.

"Hey, that IS Kyle Snyder!" By this point, I was standing in front of the kiosk with my credit card in my hand. I quickly rooted through my purse to find my phone so I could take his picture, not caring whether I dropped my wallet (yes, a recurring theme) or blocked anyone else from getting their boarding passes. Bob probably thought I was nuts, but I KNEW that if I didn't get this picture, a certain bunch of friends would never forgive me.

So, do you think Kyle knew I was taking his picture?



I got another one of the back of his head - perhaps any of you eagle-eyed people might recognize other members of the Pawtucket Red Sox?



Then there is this one of Kyle when he walked by the Starbucks counter where we enjoyed a muffin and coffee pre-flight:



And, once the excitement of seeing Kyle wore off, I managed to get Craig Hansen, who looks WAY better in a business suit than a baseball uniform:



And then there's Craig buying his Vitamin Water:



So, that is my brush with fame early on a Saturday morning in April. Ta dah!

Breakfast with the Champions

The day we've been waiting for all this long winter finally arrived! And I'm having a hard time figuring out which aspect of today's events was the most bizarre. Waking up at 5 am to watch the pre-game show? How about the "opening ceremonies" featuring young Japanese girls dancing across the field in traditional costumes? How about the gigantic flower bouquets presented to each manager at home plate? All of those were fairly odd, certainly, and I assume won't be duplicated any time soon.

In spite of the unusual beginning to baseball season, it was good to see that there also were a lot of similarities to last year's championship season:

• Matsuzaka threw entrirely too many pitches causing me to yell at the car radio by the second inning
• the bullpen pitched very well, except for a minor blip from Paps
• the rookies all played their hearts out, especially Brandon Moss, the happiest man on earth
• Manny was...well, Manny
• Best of all...the Sox won the game in an exciting, come-from-behind, extra-innings game!

So. We're undefeated. It's spring. All is right with the world.


*Picture by Barry Chin, courtesy of Boston.com.

Happy Pitchers and Catchers-Reporting Day!

As a palette cleaner from the politics of the day, I give you Jonathan Papelbon, the happiest man on earth. He held court at the first day of spring training for the World Champion Boston Red Sox, waxing poetic on everything from traveling to Japan to play ball, driving down the Florida highway to spring training, whether the ball from the final out of the World Series was really chewed up by his dog, and probably a million other things, most of which likely would be unsuitable for children.

Have I mentioned how much I adore Paps? I love his lightheartedness and childlike approach to life. But what I like even more is THAT face - the one he uses to stare down opposing batters. It's the face of a psychotic, and he uses it to help put himself into a trance of epic proportions. It's the face of the last out of the 2007 World Series. And just when I had finally gotten over the celebratory Riverdancing of last fall, he's back on our TVs marking the opening of Spring Training 2008.

Let the games begin!

*Photo at top from AP and is probably the best one I've ever seen of Mr. P; second photo from Sports Illustrated.

You Take The Low Road, I'll Take the High Road...

and I'll be in Scotland afore ye.

Or something like that.

Yes, tonight I'm going on a quick business trip to Aberdeen, Scotland, home of one of my company's businesses. Plane leaves at 10 pm, and I arrive at around 3 pm local time (after a change of planes in Amsterdam). Then it's two days of meetings and flying back on Thursday in time for supper (I believe - might help if I actually checked the itinerary).

Anyway, I've been thinking a lot about this here blog over the past few days and the fact that I've left it unattended since the Red Sox won the World Series. But I made a conscious decision to enjoy the coverage on TV and in our local newspapers rather than add my two cents worth here. Suffice to say, I ate up every minute of the coverage - so much so that I wanted to stuff a sock in McCarver's mouth by the time it was all over. But that was the bad stuff. The good stuff was seeing our team enjoy itself through every moment of the parade and through visits to various national TV shows. Manny on The Tonight Show? If I didn't see it with my own eyes, I never would have believed it. Papelbon and Papi, yes. Manny always keeps us guessing, that's for sure.

After a tough week at work in which everyone was recovering from World Series mania, I was able to close it down with a visit from my favorite Texan and my SG co-conspirator JET. Slowly but surely, all the wacky band of bloggers over at Surviving Grady are meeting one another. Each person I meet convinces me that we are truly lucky to have found a group of like-minded individuals to share our baseball obsessions.

So, I'll catch you all later in the week - just wanted to let you know that there is more to come!

Whew!

Baseball has sucked the life out of me, even more than usual. There's not much room for politics or other pursuits that typically occupy my mind. The Sox are up 2-0 in the World Series after two games that couldn't have been more different. Game 1 was an orgy of Red Sox hits - they set a number of records, including the most doubles ever in a World Series game. Final score: 13-1 on a game pitched magnificently by Josh Beckett. Game 2 was a nailbiter. Final score: 2-1 in a well-pitched game by my favorite Republican, Curt Schilling.

Everyone's saying the Sox are going to take the series, unless you are a native of Colorado (or a MFY fan, I suppose). I'm feeling very good about it and wouldn't be surprised if it was a sweep.

Luckily, I have XM Radio and I've been listening for my roughly 90 minute daily commute to the MLB coverage. I'm not familiar with all the analysts, but I'm finding it really interesting to hear the national coverage of our boys. Today, for instance, there was a lengthy interview with Mike Lowell, talking all about where he positions himself depending on which pitcher is on the mound. I found it a fascinating discussion and something that hasn't been covered a lot locally.

I'm having the most interesting reaction as I listen to the national news - a feeling of pride in the Red Sox organization, and in the individual players. Something tells me the country is going to embrace a few of the young stars - especially our Riverdancing Closer, Jonathan Papelbon.

So, along with other Sox addicts, we will be tuned in to each of the last few games...won't you?

World Series Bound

Is this NOT the very picture of happiness? Of all the photos taken by Kelly at Sitting Still during the post-season run of the Red Sox, this is my very favorite. It just makes me want to pinch his cheeks!

Tonight is the last night for catching our breath before the World Series starts tomorrow. I'm just about recovered from Game 7 against Cleveland, and now it's on to the Colorado Rockies. The 2007 post-season is different for everyone it seems, as compared with 2004. I guess it's like losing your virginity...as much as you repeat the act it is enjoyable, but there's nothing like your first time (unless, of course, you can recall 1918).

Considering the warm weather and the continuation of baseball season, it's hard to believe we're nearing Halloween. But I'll take it!

Go Sox!

What Will Be, Will Be

Waiting for tonight's baseball game is about to drive me around the bend. But I posted Youk's picture before the last win and since our backs are against the wall now in the ALCS, I thought I should post again.

Just wanted to wish the Red Sox well and hope that we extend the season for at least six more games. I'm not ready for the off-season and I hope they aren't either.

Go Sox! (Photo courtesy of Kelly at Sittingstill.net!)

Been a While...

This has been an odd week. First, there's the summerlike weather. It's October and we're still sleeping with all the windows open? It's October and I'm still watering the flowers? I don't mind in the least. I think reality will set in soon enough.

It's also been a busy week for us - had the house painted early in the week (in two days - man, those dudes fly!). Didn't expect to get that job finished this season, but the painter called and said he had the time and the weather is cooperating, so we figured we might as well get a jump on the spring chores.

Bobbers went on a short business trip to D.C. He rarely travels alone, but I think he had a really good time and enjoyed the seminar on the latest in digital high def video. But I also am very glad to have him home!

My friend Susan and I added another fun night to our Longest Goodbye Ever this week. Her husband was also away on business so I spent the night with her on Wednesday. We had a nice dinner together and watched the Sox and Josh Beckett beat the ever-lovin' stuffing out of the Angels in the first playoff game of the ALDS. Best part? Sitting with Susan in our pajames with our feet up on the coffee table, sipping red wine, munching on a bar of dark chocolate, watching the game. Now that's entertainment. (Ted, I also pointed Susan to your blog to let her know there were other wild-eyed Sox fans in NC.)

Then, there was last night. After my usual Friday afternoon swim, I came home to watch the MFYs lose to the Indians. Boy, was I cheering for those damn bugs! I have a suspicion that the fans of Red Sox Nation will NOT let Joba forget about them in the years ahead. "The Curse of the Canadian Soldier?" Sounds good to me!

Afterwards, we were glued to the Sox-Angels game. Dice-K was a bit shaky but luckily Tito had a quick hook. The bullpen was O.U.T.S.T.A.N.D.I.N.G. They no-hit the Angels for the last five innings of the game. I believe the Red Sox bullpen is to be feared in the playoffs this year.

And, boy, did Manny come through! That home run was as sure a thing as I've EVER seen when it left his bat. Sailed one into the early morning darkness at around 1 a.m. this morning. I love this picture (from Boston.com), which an internet buddy (JET) called the 'Largest Game of Simon Sez Ever.' I love this team.

So, how was your week?

The Cincinnati Kids

A funny thing happened on the way to the women's clothing department at Nordstrom's today. My husband sauntered up and calmly says, "When you're done here you might want to go downstairs. Kevin Youkilis is down there and a line is forming to meet him."

What? A member of the 2007 AL East Championship team downstairs and I'm supposed to continue shopping? In retrospect, I suppose the poor man had difficulty deciding between my love of shoe shopping and my love of the Sox. But, I dropped everything and got in the rather short line. Kinda felt foolish without any Sox garb or children in tow, but I did have a camera and a notebook for him to sign.



So, what did Kevin and I talk during my approximately 90 seconds of contact?

Me: I have just one question for you: Skyline or Gold Star?

Youk: Skyline

Me: Eastside or Westside?

Youk: Eastside, Montgomery

Me: Where did you go to school? Moeller?

Youk: No, I'm Jewish. Sycamore

Me: My brother-in-law went there.

Husband drags me away...

Me: Nice job this year. Good luck!



Too funny for words. I had to wonder how the heck Youk managed to get to the Natick Mall at 1 pm after partying the night away. I know I was exhausted and I went to bed at a decent hour.

So, that was my excitement for today.

Congratulations, Red Sox! Bring on the Angels!



Just another note: One of my nieces may have been in Youk's graduation class at Sycamore High School. Beth, if you're reading this, let me know if you know Kevin, ok?

Stress

Lots of people get stress. Sometimes it's on the job. Sometimes it's from dealing with your spouse or in-laws. It happens sometimes when you're behind the wheel of a car or riding in an airplane. Your heart races, you feel sick to your stomach, you develop a twitch in your eyelid. You can't sit still or speak coherently.

Although I am anything but a Type A personality, I get highly stressed while watching baseball in late September and October. It's a terrible problem for me. The first time I remember it happening was in 1975. (Yeah, I'm OLD, get over it.) It was Game 6 of the World Series. I was watching the game with my college roommates in Amherst, Massachusetts. Carlton Fisk strode to the plate and hits his fateful home run. I was devastated.

Yes, I was then a Cincinnati Reds fan. I remember running off to bed, a complete sore loser, while everyone else cheered downstairs. The next night, I went to a bar to watch the Reds beat the Red Sox in game 7, allowing me to have the last laugh. If I had known then what I know now, I would gladly have wished a World Series win on the Red Sox.

Next time it happens is 1986. Again, game 6 of the World Series, except now I'm fully committed to the Red Sox. I'm fairly confident that the Sox are going to do it this time. That is, until a certain ball rolls through a certain first baseman's legs. I remember exactly where I was standing near the steps in our living room when this shocker occurred. I also recall not being able to face game 7, and trying to half-listen to it from the bedroom as the Sox went down to defeat.

It's now 2003. Sox are up by several runs in game 6 (what is it with game 6, anyway?) and a certain Red Sox manager won't remove Pedro Martinez from the game as the MFYankees tie the score. No, I wasn't in the living room when the winning run is scored by Aaron *bleeping* Boone in extra innings. I was in bed with a pillow over my head, trying desperately NOT to hear the cheering, right before my husband turned the TV off.

By 2004 I was burnt to a crisp on post-season baseball. I watched the Sox sweep the Angels in the ALDS. I watched the first two games of the ALCS, won by the MFYs. I skipped game 3 after coming in late and seeing the lopsided score. I was pessimistic on the morning after game 4, but woke up to see the heroics on TV. Papi wins the game in extra innings! Although still too nervous to watch game 5, I once again awaken to news of Papi winning the game. It's time for game 6. Had plans with friends that night, and they had the game on but we weren't in the room. We settled for getting scores shouted to us from the basement family room. Schilling was pulling it out! I drove home with the radio on and watched the last several innings...but not without stress, especially when Slappy took a swing at Arroyo. The next night? No problem. I stood in the exact place that I stood in 1986 and jumped up and down as the Sox beat the Yankees in the greatest comeback in the history of sports. By then it was no problem to watch the World Series - every game, every inning, nearly stress-free.

This history is one of the reasons why I so enjoyed the Sox-Yanks games early this season. They were completely fun, especially the night that Manny, Drew, Lowell and Varitek hit consecutive home runs. The MFYs were in free-fall and I could watch the games with utter composure.

Now, tonight is the last game between these two rivals this season. On Friday, I watched one pitch of the game and it happened that Sid the Sloth hit a double. *Click* I was off to a different TV station. I was able to follow along with the bad news of this game on the internet, with the good folks of Surviving Grady. Yesterday, I played jazz all afternoon while the game played and was finally able to turn on the TV about the sixth inning when the Sox were safely ahead.

What to do tonight? And more importantly, how do I get over the stress factor and actually try to enjoy these games? It's fairly certain that the boys will make the post season and short of getting a lobotomy, I want to watch the games. What do you all suggest?

Labor Day Gratitude

The news is good around Casa Beckperson, so this post is merely a catch-up of miscellaneous happenings. Since I'm not clever enough to wrap it all up in some meaningful, profound way, let's just say that I have a lot to be thankful for this Labor Day. Here's some examples:

First, the Sox. The lead is up to six games in the AL East, thanks in large part to the rookies, which is rather odd considering the amount of money the Sox spend for big-name players. Last night's game delivered a most unexpectedly wonderful result in the form of Clay Buchholz, who threw a no-hitter in his second major league game. We caught the last six innings of the game and it was exciting as hell. Stood and applauded in the living room as he recorded the final out: a called strike three on a poor, hapless Oriole. Today, additional rookies (Jon Lester and Jacoby Ellsbury, Hideki Okajima, to name a few) provided the fireworks that led to another win. This news, coupled with the Devil Rays taking two of three from the MFYs, makes for a truly happy weekend.

Second, we had another unexpected delight on Saturday when we spent the day in Lowell, Mass. Unbeknownst to us, Lowell (an old mill town in northern Massachusetts that is frequently disparaged) has turned into an up and coming arts community. We went specifically to see the exhibit of the original "On The Road" manuscript being shown at the Lowell National Historic Park. But, we ended up having a great day of visiting some interesting art exhibits, buying some jewelry from local artisans and enjoying a nice walk around the Market Street area. We especially enjoyed visiting the "Revolving Museum," an arts collaborative currently featuring art from local elementary and high school students. If you're ever in the area, it appears that Lowell is becoming THE place to be. My sense is that many artists being pushed out of the high rent space in Boston/Cambridge are moving here - and it couldn't be better for all of us.

Finally, Bob and I are on packing tonight for 4 nights/5 days in Chatham, at the elbow of Cape Cod. And the weather is going to be spectacular: mid-70s to low-80s for highs and almost always pure blue skies. Although we could use the rain, I hope it waits for another 6 days before it makes its appearance. Looking forward to some good seafood, meeting up with a couple of friends along the way (I hope) and beautiful views at our ocean-front hotel. We are a coupla lucky people, that's for sure.

Happy Labor Day everyone.

Blogging Excuses

Over the past weeks since we returned from Ireland, I've been thinking quite a bit about updating the blog and adding the latest news from hereabouts. But that isn't getting me anywhere, as you likely have noticed.

Let's just say the summer's getting in the way. I haven't been blogging when it's hot (no a/c at my house, kiddies), or when I'm working (yeah, full time..sucks), or when spending quality time with Bobbers (went away last weekend for an overnighter!), or when I'm pooped (10 pm bedtime? you got it), or when I'm watching the Sox (still 10 games up!), so it leaves me precious little time for this poor little blog. But I do ponder my next post during my daily commute or when I'm falling asleep (when I seem to get my best ideas), so eventually it will come out in pixel form on this space. I'm sure you're all waiting with bated breath.

In the meantime, here's a few pictures from the Sox game we went to the other night. It was a gorgeous night at Fenway. My good buddies, SMG and Mr. SMG and E enjoyed it as well. You know Boston is baseball-crazed when we pay $30 for standing room. But it was on the new right field deck, with its own restroom, bar and food stand, so there were some benefits. They've done a remarkable job keeping that 95-year-old park up and running. And, yes, my boys won the game, too.

Bobbers and I will be going to another Sox game next Saturday - it's supposed to be on Fox, so anyone outside the greater New England area can also watch. (We have a seat this time, too!)

State of the Nation

All's happy in Red Sox Nation, in case you were wondering. As of today, we're eight games up in the American League East. Yesterday's game was one for the ages.

For 8.5 innings, it was probably one of the quietest (even boring?) games this season. Red Sox were going quietly into the loss and our ace, Josh Beckett, had been taken out of the game early due to a finger "avulsion." (If you know what that means, you're better than me...I had to Google it, which brings you to some of the most hideous medical pictures. Be careful if you go there.) Orioles were leading 5-0 when we came to bat in the bottom of the inning.

With one out, the catcher drops an easy pop-up. From there, all hell breaks loose. Papi doubles home the first run, the bases were then loaded and the pitcher walks a run in. Then Varitek doubles a couple more runs in - score now 5-4. And finally, with Julio Lugo at the plate and the bases still loaded (2 outs), he hits a high chopper to the first baseman (Kevin Millar!), who fed the ball to the pitcher covering first.

OOOOPS, the pitcher misses the catch, crossing first base with an empty glove. Two runs score. Sox win 6-5! If I didn't see it with my own eyes, I never would have believed it.

Things are looking great this season, to say the least. Still a long way to go, but we appear to be positioned well for the long haul.

Go Sox!

My Dinner With David

When I attended college (mostly spent in a pot-induced haze), I was a student member of the university's Speakers Bureau. Each student was asked to host a speaker during the course of the year. As luck would have it, I was assigned David Halbertstam, author of "The Best and the Brightest," a Pullitzer-prize winning book about the JFK/LBJ team that got us entangled in the Vietnam war.

So what did I do? I cooked the only thing I could afford and had experience with...a spaghetti dinner, and invited him to the ramshackle house I shared with three other students and a drunken sot named Scott (That's a story for another day.) This thrilling dinner date took place around 1976, after Mr. Halbertstam was already well-known, probably more regularly dining with major politicians and other hoi poloi. And here he was, stuck eating a cheaply made spaghetti dinner, surrounded by a bunch of semi-conscious students. As I think about it now, I don't recall having a lucid conversation with the man; didn't ask any questions, simply fed him and the friends I had coerced into joining us, and delivered him to the speech on time. Can't imagine what he must have thought, or how many dozens of these dinners he had to sit through. But I recall Mr. Halberstam as being friendly and relatively easy to be with as he sat in our messy house in his business suit.

It makes me sad to read that David Halberstam died in a car accident today. Since our dinner together I have often enjoyed his commentaries on some of the more erudite talks shows, like Charlie Rose or NPR. (A favorite quote from David was when he was going through a long story explaining how he had a 'small epiphany' about something and it's been a favorite phrase at our house for years. How the hell does one have a small epiphany?)

Recently, I discovered he was a huge baseball fan, and if I had only known that in 1975, we would have had more to say to each other. RIP, Mr. Halberstam, and sorry for being such a crappy hostess. Wish we could have a do-over.

BTW: THE RED SOX SWEPT THE WEEKEND SERIES WITH THE MFY's!!! Last night, they hit 4 freakin' home runs in a row. Way happy today. GO SOX!

Three Amigos

Summer is coming. Here's proof:

What a Face!

You gotta love this face, eh? In a little over 10 days from now, we'll get to see him in a Sox uniform. Can't come soon enough.