Joy Drop: OK Blue Jays, let's play ball!

Friends, what an absolutely fabulous fall Friday. Let's get to it! 

I have been elated that I got a chance to go apple picking last weekend with some family. MacIntosh apples are absolutely the best. I don't bake a lot but I do make a fantastic apple crisp. Here's a little micro vlog I created about my day! I was so happy to get out there and grateful my sister-in-law, Shalah, organized it because autumn is by far my favourite season. 

The Toronto Blue Jays are in the playoffs! Their first game is Friday against the Seattle Mariners in a best-of-three wild-card series.

The Jays are the only professional MLB team in Canada and therefore very beloved. The Montreal Expos were relocated to D.C. in 2004 and became the Washington Nationals. But amidst all the joy and actually trying to figure out playoff baseball I appreciate all the excitement in the air.

I appreciate the candour of Jays pitcher Alek Manoah, who is approaching this series with so much poise. When asked about the pressure to perform, Manoah replied, "Pressure is something you put in your tires."

He added his perspective and I think it's something we can all learn from. I knew my investment in a Blue Jays jersey was a wise one! 

Speaking of learning, Toronto Raptors guard Fred Van Vleet has created a scholarship program for Black and Indigenous students at the University of Toronto's Rotman Commerce Program. The first recipient, Abdullahi Hassan, recently met the Raptors' star and was grateful and excited. It's important to recognize the possibility and power that these programs offer young racialized students. I love this for everyone involved.

Last week, the very first recipient of the Fred VanVleet scholarship, Abdullahi, was able to meet with Fred to chat