Nickelback - Gotta Be Somebody (Best Quality) + Lyrics!

It's been quite the week swirling with bubbling over emotions.

Mom winding up in ICU twice with so many unknown variables...leaving me feeling helpless, overwhelmed, and pondering my future.

2 female friends, both with child, having complications with their pregnancies--one outcome tragic, the other a false alarm scare still on course.

Intense conversations with close friends into the wee hours of the morning--comforting at times...yet on the other hand, exasperating and futile in some instances.

Thanksgiving arriving in the midst of this chaos. Wonderful seeing friends and family and thankful for so many blessings bestowed on me, yet our Matriarch missing from this year's festivities.

Thanksgiving ushers in the 'official' start of the holiday season, which is my favorite time of the year.

This weekend we lit the first candle in our Advent journey toward Christ's birth.

And whichever channel you tune into, either a hopeful holiday movie or romantic tug of war between boy vs girl.

I love this time of year, tho my stress level skyrockets with added duties as I kick into high on my 'over achiever' quest.

Yet I did find solace in the likes of 'White Christmas,' 'Notting Hill,' 'Must Love Dogs,' 'Miracle on 34th Street,' and 'Two Weeks Notice.' Just a hopeless romantic at heart.

I saw my niece interacting with her new boyfriend. I miss those days when I would meet someone new that I thought I could like (not the crazies on the bar scene). Like characteristics would bring us together and we'd make up the rest as we went along, finding out something new in each adventure. Those days have been gone for a while.

Right now, I have friends who I love dearly. We can finish each others' sentences because we know each other so well. Not much mystery remains. We would die for each other and watch each others' backs.

Yet, this emotional week has made me realize, I DO want to meet someone eventually. Mom said, 'some people were not meant to be married...were meant to be alone.' Was she saying that because she does not want me to meet anyone? She does need me very much right now. Or because she does not want me to feel badly about being alone. I told her I hope God has a plan for me and my Mr. Right, because I DO want Mr. Right one day.

Being shy, I was never really into the dating scene--though I have ALWAYS been a huge fan of great looking, chivalrous members of the opposite sex (still am!).

Seeing these romantic movies has given me a new glimmer of hope. The protagonist in each movie held back, and oftentimes did not share what was in his or her heart. Eventually, being a movie, the guy usually got the girl and everything worked out perfectly.


I do believe God has a plan for me, even if negative vibes creep in occasionally.

God WILL be there for me during illness, loneliness, when I feel I have the world on my shoulders, during unsettling economic times, when I've given up hope, and when I get freaked out by fear of the unknown future at hand....and when I least expect it yet most need it, HE will send in Mr. Right.

Truly blessed

Happy Thanksgiving!

It should not take a specially named day for us to realize day in and day out how truly blessed and thankful we are....but I suppose everyone could use a nudging now and then.

I am grateful that I was raised and instilled with the teaching to thank God every day for what he has done for us and the gifts he has given us (spiritually, emotionally, and tangibly).

I've had a good life. I still do. I would not trade it for anything. I've been surrounded by loving family and friends my entire life in a laughter-filled world. I still have a mother to guide me through life's mazes, when I need her, and who shares my daily occurrences.

This holiday ushers us into one of the most holiest seasons for me. I only hope I can live up to your expectations, utilize my gifts wisely and to the fullest extent, and be the person You made me to be.

Thank you.

(P.S. Thank you, God for the gift of wreath making! The picture is a wreath I made for Mom's dialysis center.)

I wanna be as cool as my Mom when I grow up!

I've got very big shoes to fill but I'm gonna try.

I want to be as cool as my Mom when I grow up.

She has this charm which immediately draws folks to her and they are hooked for life.

At the end of their conversation, she knows almost everything about them --and vice versa --and remembers it! Heck, I can not even remember a person's name when I first meet them! Let alone anything that transpired in that conversation...

I could drone on and on and on and on..snap out of it....but I really realized how cool my Mom was when we watched the American Music Awards the other night.

Not only did she know who the Pussycat Dolls were, the Jonas Brothers, Jimmy Kimmel...but got extremely excited to see The New Kids on the Block perform live (as did I)!

Amazingly enough, she's got a keen sense for music, similar to mine. I can honestly say I do know a little something about music and about writing lyrics. Though I do like much of the music today, it does not hold a candle to the likes of Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, then add to the list Chicago, Seals and Crofts, The Supremes, Steely Dan, The Beatles, Elvis, America, and so many other musicians who actually wrote their own lyrics, musical scores, and had impeccable performance skills, not to mention their sweet harmonization.

We both balk at those artists who scream at the top of their lungs thinking they are creating music...who repeat the same line over and over and over and over again....and those who claim they 'want to be The Beatles or Elvis' (though, at times, 'he' does have a good singing voice, if he would just focus on a better choice of lyrics)...


I thank my Mom for her influence....for opening my eyes, ears, and mind to a wide range and variety of movies, authors, musicians, delicacies, and pretty much living the great dream in this life! I'm a much better person for it (especially with my love of baseball and scrabble!!!!).


Thanks Mom!

O.A.R. 'Shattered'

It's funny yet at the same time wonderful at how, in this great country, everyone can express their own opinion.

When it comes to music, I've found each song may have a completely different meaning and interpretation for each soul who listens.

This song, for me alone, has many different meanings within depending on how I feel and what conditions exist.

When I have been pushed to the brink and almost shattered (whether by work, overwhelming responsibility, exhaustion, betrayal, disappointment, rejection, what have you) something always brings me back. First, it is my faith...but not far behind, usually music (such as this song) that picks up my soul. And then I start thinking of the great people in my life...my experiences....hobbies such as baseball that keep me going....

A totally different interpretation from the same person, me, is how I gravitate to certain people in my life. I can honestly say I have good friends. Upstanding, salt of the earth people. There are those one or two folks who are good friends but get you in trouble. Well, I find that there is one in particular who I can not break free from and 'always turn the car around!' God must have it that way for a reason!

Man of unshakable faith

Mom and I were blessed and honored to be able to attend the funeral Mass for Mr. Herb Score.

The rain showers came down in droves as church-goers side-stepped puddles forming on the outside of St. Christopher's Catholic Church in Rocky River while emotions were overflowing inside before the service even began.

Not only have we been admiring fans of his on-field notoriety our entire lives, but his broadcasting prowess shines like no other star. No one will ever emulate Herb's broadcasting finesse. If that was not enough, Herb's off-the-field and out-of-the-broadcast booth accolades shone even brighter. Fortunate to have made his (and Nancy's) acquaintance a number of times, Herb Score's faith and devotion to his God and his family was priority number one. This unshakable faith dictated who Herb Score was and how he lived.

All who knew him or knew of him came to the same conclusion: Herb WAS a man of unshakable faith....who always put God, family, and everyone else first....never spoke a terse word....and never felt sorry for himself.

Not only am I proud of my Catholic upbringing but truly enjoy being an Italian Catholic in Cleveland, Ohio.

Growing up, family, religion, wakes and funerals were all part of my moral fabric. To this day, I check the obituaries each day to see if a friend or distant relative has passed. When in college, there were classmates of mine who had never set foot inside of a funeral home. I was raised that death is not and should not be a sad occurrence. When someone dies, we may mourn their exit from this earth but in the next heartbeat, we celebrate because we believe that they are in their final resting place possessing eternal life with the Creator.

I am one-hundred percent certain that Mr. Score entered Heaven being greeted by his God, St. Jude, his Mother and Father, his daughter, other family members, and the best dog-gone baseball team EVER!

Score's funeral brought its share of tears. But there was so much more laughter in this celebration of a great life, a stellar man.

St. Christopher's was overflowing with family, friends, fans decked out in Cleveland Indians' garb, former colleagues and teammates. The altar was full of priests including St. Christopher's Father John Clebo, Bishop Roger Gries, and homilist Father Gary Chmura of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church (Father Gary's complete Homily is at the bottom of this entry).

The funeral was perfect. Being a devout Catholic, he had the traditional Catholic Mass at the Church he loved. His closest friends and family members ushered Mr. Score's casket into the celebration and out to his final resting place. A dear friend of the Score family, Father Gary Chmura, was asked to give the homily. At the end of the celebration, how fitting to have 3 men who knew Herb best eulogize this disciple. During the three eulogies, some tears were shed, but so much more laughter rang out as each reflected on personal memories and some wonderfully, funny stories about this legend. Each man recollected Herb's faith, passion for his Catholic religion, love of his family and profession --all of the attributes that shaped Herb Score.

Bishop Roger Gries spoke a few words on Herb's love of the Catholic Church. His most memorable award was not an honor bestowed on him as a ballplayer or broadcaster, but when he was chosen Catholic Man of the Year.

Cleveland Indians' broadcaster Tom Hamilton eloquently gave insight into his friendship as well as broadcasting relationship with Herb for so many years. Hamilton shared the story of his first game as Herb's partner....as they drove to and from the ballpark listening to Frank Sinatra ....and after his first game when Herb offered to buy him a beer, he knew they'd be surefire friends! Hamilton said he was new, it was his first game, he did not know Herb or know if he even liked beer, but after his very first game, he sure could use a beer (being from Wisconsin and all!). Miraculously, Herb offered to take him out for a beer. Hamilton said he already felt at ease! Herb went to get a few beers and came back empty handed. Hamilton asked if they were out of beer....and Herb said 'yea, they only have Miller light!' From that moment on, Tom Hamilton knew they would have a long-lasting friendship.

Hamilton also commented on Herb's wardrobe. He said day in and day out Herb wore the best of the best wardrobe. When asked what he was wearing or where he got it, Herb shrugged and commented he did not know....Nancy picked them out ....Nancy layed them out....and it was his job to put them on! Hamilton teared up a bit as he spoke of Score being the only man, besides his father, who gave him the best advice...

Rocky Colavito 'stole the show' so to speak. Rocky gave the first eulogy (which is why Bishop Gries' remarks were short and sweet!). Mr. Colavito was Herb Score's very best friend, they were like brothers. They were roomies in the minors, the majors, traded a day apart (Rocky to Detroit while Herb went to Chicago), kept absolutely no secrets from each other. After they each went their separate ways geographically, they still stayed life-long friends.

Rocky looked back on Herb's career with rave reviews. Both he and Herb did not believe Herb's career was over after he was struck in the eye. And they were right. Herb continued to play into the 60's.

Rocky shared so many delightful stories. I must share one about Rocky. During the course of his eulogy inside St. Christopher's Church, he inadvertently used the word 'hell.' The first time it came out of his mouth, he turned to the priests and the congregation and apologized. No worries! Toward the end of his story-telling, sharing yet another fantastic memory, the word 'hell' came out yet again. He whipped around to the row of priests apologizing profusely. Father John turned to Rocky and said 'Rocky, that's two strikes, one more and you are out!' Everyone laughed and knew that Herb was listening and laughing right along...

One other story I'd like to share from Rocky is the night of Herb's eye injury, May 7, 1957, against the New York Yankees. Rocky said he saw Gil McDougald hit the ball and was looking into the outfield to see where it would land. Nothing. No ball. He got this awful feeling in the pit of his stomach. He looked into the infield and saw his best friend laying on the pitcher's mound. He sprinted as fast as he could from the outfield, put his glove under Herb's head and was by his friend's side. They took Herb off the mound. The inning was not over. They were still in the middle of play. Rocky could not wait for the 3rd out. At the end of the inning, Rocky again sprinted from the outfield down the long tunnel into the clubhouse to see how his friend was doing. When he arrived inside, trainers and doctors were tending to Score. He asked his buddy how he was doing. Herb did not complain, did not dwell on the pain, did not even feel sorry for himself. Rather, he said to Rocky --'what are you doing here? We're in the middle of a game. Get back out there!'

Herb Score's funeral Mass lasted over 2 and 1/2 hours. It did not feel that long. It truly was a celebration of a wonderful man's life on this earth. Herb's physical body may be in absentia, but his spirit and the memories we have will live forever inside each and every one of us--until we all meet again!

Below is the complete transcript from Father Gary Chmura's Homily for Herb Score's Funeral Mass.

Herbert Jude Score: 11/15/08: St. Christopher's Catholic Church

"The man who should be standing here today is Father Thomas Kelly. Father Kelly, part of Herb’s life and the life of his family for sixty years, is unable to travel because of age and illness. For the next few minutes I am honored and humbled to stand in his shoes.

Sometimes the true greatness of a man is only recognized in his dying - only revealed in his death. It’s not that suffering reveals anything new about a man’s character – it’s just that, for some reason, what has always been there becomes visible to us.

Think about Pope John Paul II, an author, linguist, athlete, AND THE pastor who traveled the world to meet his flock. It was only when we watched his body surrender the strength we were so accustomed to over to parkinsons – that we realized how much he merited the title that some have already tagged onto his name, John Paul the great.

Even Jesus – after all the healings, the miracles, the preaching – ended up with a tiny handful of followers and believers. It was only on the cross, in his final words, that we realized the greatness of his heart and the depth of his mercy – “Father, forgive them.” “Woman behold your Son – Son behold your Mother.” And to a man suffering alongside him – “today, you will be with me in paradise.” On that Friday afternoon when his eyes had already closed in death, it was only then that a centurion, a pagan, looked up and said – truly this was the son of God.

There are many here today who can and should speak about the greatness of Herb as a ball player, an announcer, a husband, father and grandfather. I’d like to talk to you about the greatness of Herb that I witnessed – Herb after the accident, Herb in his physical decline, Herb in his dying and in his death, because no matter how famous he was or could have been, no matter how well known he became, his true greatness, his character, was best revealed in his last years, days, and hours.

I want to talk to you about Herb who could have become a bitter and angry man, but would not dream of receiving communion without confessing his sinfulness and first being absolved. I want to tell you how he struggled to make the sign of the cross when I blessed him in the hospital – and was only able to complete it with the assistance of his helpmate and life partner, Nancy, who had been at his side for more than fifty years and who for the last years had been his hands, his legs, and his voice.

Like Christ on the cross, he didn’t complain. Like Jesus in his last moments Herb’s concern was not centered on himself it was for those gathered around his hospice bed. During the last mass Herb attended on Sunday – his eyes sought out the face of every person gathered in his room. Maybe it was only after seeing that gathering of family and friends, realizing Nancy would be cared for and that his family would be there for each other that he received viaticum and commended his spirit to God.

But just so this doesn’t sound like a canonization I also want to tell you about the Herb who had more than a little of the devil left in him. Nancy, this story is new – even to you - and up front I want to apologize for being Herb’s accomplice. We were at Bill and Kathleen’s in Florida seated around a coffee table covered with before dinner snacks. Because you were watching his diet when you decided he had more than enough you pulled his wheelchair a little away from the table and made him promise not to move it back. When you went to the kitchen to help with dinner Herb thought it over and came up with a brilliant solution – a way to keep his promise to the woman he loved and get some more cheese at the same time. He didn’t move his chair – he promised you he wouldn’t – instead he asked me to push the table closer to him so he could reach it without moving his chair. Then when you were coming back he had me pull it away again – and, until today, he got away with it.

Sometimes a person's greatness is only recognized in their dying and their death – but we are not witnessing anything new – Pope John Paul died – exactly as he lived – with courage and complete confidence in GOD. Jesus died exactly as he lived – with mercy, forgiveness, and selfless love.

SO... was Herb’s death impressive – yes, but only because he died the way that he lived - As a man of unshakable faith in the good lord – a man who loved his family more than his own life – a man of unspoken charity and virtue.


His death was holy, because he was holy.
He died like Christ, because he lived like Jesus.
He died as a believer, because his life was guided by his faith.

Is it any wonder that we have gathered here to mourn in the way St Paul tells us -- to grieve with hope.

Many of you know that Herb had a great devotion to St. Jude – the patron of lost causes. St. Jude’s day is celebrated on October 28th. I thought that would be a great day for Herb to die – to celebrate the feast with his friend in heaven, but Herb and Jude had other plans. Evidently, for Jude this time of suffering represented no lost cause – but a hope filled preparation for their meeting in heaven.

I’ve got to end with just a little baseball. Toward the end of his career hall of fame pitcher, Hal Newhouser, saw Herb pitching as a young rookie and remarked that he "would trade all of his past for Herb Score's future." and right now I would do the same …….. for today I am willing to bet everything I have and everything I own that Herb’s future began on November 11 when he stood tall and strong again before the God he served all his life and heard the words promised, by the almighty, to those loyal to him. Well done good and faithful servant. Come now and share your masters joy."

Herb Jude Score

Cleveland Indians' pitching legend and long-time broadcaster, Herb Score, passed away at his home in Rocky River Tuesday morning with his wife and family at his side.

He was 75-years-old and had been ill for sometime.

In my line of work, I had been alerted a few weeks ago that he was not doing well, and unfortunately, may not have much time left.

We had a tribute story ready to go when he passed.

I wrote a personalized remembrance on my work blog.

It's been interesting and so moving reading the various newspaper articles, web stories, and viewing television reports on Mr. Score's passing.

Each story has the basic information about his baseball career, his tragic accident, how he catapulted into a tremendous broadcasting career, retired and then how the last years of his life had been plagued with tragedy after tragedy.

Every single story also contained personalized remembrances from every single writer or broadcaster. Herb Score affected every person he touched in so many ways.

His rich tones, so soothing. I could listen to Herb call a game all day long! In fact, I used to sit on the porch alcove at our old house with my homemade score card and chart the entire Indians' Game from pre-game to post-game. I'm sure I still have those score cards up in our attic somewhere!

Most of the articles touched on his 'Herbisms' as well as the classic way he'd call a game. Every once in a blue moon he would make a blunder, but for some reason, with Herb, it did not matter. He was such a class act, so unassuming, not taking himself too seriously, that he would correct the mistake with his own special flare! One of the greats! A brilliant broadcaster. They really do not make them like Herb anymore. The mold has been broken.

More important to me than any of the baseball jive was his faith and love of his God, of his religion. I truly believe that his rich, faith-filled life made him the person he was and gave him the strength to endure and survive every cross he had to bear.

From his pitching days, especially on the day of his injury, you could see how much faith he possessed. When he was laying on the pitcher's mound bleeding and in pain, he prayed to his favorite saint, St. Jude, to spare his sight. Ultimately his sight was spared. Though he did not continue with his pitching career, St. Jude and God allowed him to stay in the business he loved so much.

He named one of his daughters after St. Jude.

He was very involved with his church.

And, what inspired me most, was when my family and I would go on our baseball jaunts to watch the Tribe in various cities. We'd wind up being on the road on a Sunday. We'd find the closest Roman Catholic Church and attend Mass before heading to the game. You'd always see the Catholic ballplayers at Mass, including Mr. Herb Score, giving thanks to God for their gifts and their talents bestowed on them by God. It was quite moving.

God rewards good people. God truly rewarded Herb with his wonderful wife, Nancy. Nancy and Herb were the perfect couple, the epitome of love and happiness. Their faith helped them survive this long and weather the storms tossed in their direction. And they did!

I have no doubt that Herb Score is front and center on the 'pitching mound in the sky' blowing away the likes of Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle, Shoeless Joe Jackson, Roger Maris, and THE BEST baseball team ever assembled!

Herb, you will truly be missed.

And you are one of the 1st people I'd love to bump into and play catch with when God opens the pearly gates for me.

The road most traveled

I should have known better.

I did know better.

I've experienced this Sunday after Sunday.

I've dealt with this day in, day out after Cleveland Indians' Games.

I've lived through it during Cleveland's worst snow storms.

However, I just figured 'it would be ok.'

And though it took me over an hour to get home from work, it was ok.

I tried leaving work to downtown traffic gridlock. I waited. And waited.

Why did not I stay late for unfinished business like I've done so many times before?

I tried going 'the other' way in order to maneuver around the town. Bad move.

Though I was not at this game, I was in the midst of the flavor of the game.

That was kinda cool.

I saw downtown spots I have not been able to see in a while.

And for whatever reason, the long commute home was bearable. It did not fluster me.

I cranked my car radio, took some cell phone pics of the scene, and enjoyed the moment!

New life

I am truly blessed. I've always felt this way and know what a wonderful life I have.

However, there are many in this world who are in the midst of chaos, despair, sadness and a feeling of hopelessness.

Well, today is a new day.

Today is the beginning of what could be the turnaround for a better life for all of us in the world and in the United States of America.

Do not give up.

Do not despair.

There is new life.

Hours away from freedom

Anticipation on many fronts.

Who will be the next president of the United States? We all have our choice but who will it really be?

Election days for me are always crazy due to my craft and career choice.

Will casinos in Ohio become a reality?

The list is endless.

But most importantly, the disturbing 'blame game' commercials which air around the clock will come to an end and go dark in just 6 and 1/2 short hours.

The phone calls at every hour of every day hopefully will stop.

I can not understand the phone calls. The phone rings and you pick it up yet there is no one else on the other end of the phone? Or the phone rings and you don't pick it up yet they don't leave a message on your answering machine? What is the point of the phone call if the person on the other end is mute? And by the off chance a message is left, it is so long, it usually cuts off before the message has actually ended?!?!?! (Same thing with telemarketers, which unfortunately will probably not end after this election)...

I look forward to no more calls from Minnesota and Maryland and all over this great land:
506.227.3529
952.400.1110
240.696.7345
877.565.0143
866.346.2708
877.622.6264


Good riddance!

Macy's: 150 Years

I love this commercial! I get all choked up everytime I see it and I'm sure we'll see it often through the holiday season!

Youngest choir member

We have a new addition to our church choir--he's young, handsome, hip, and has one strong set of pipes!

Baby Jack!

Kay and Tyson have become a welcome addition to our Choir over the last few years.

They brought Jack into the world. He was baptized this morning at Mass.

What a doll. His presence alone makes you realize the greatness yet gentleness of Jesus Christ.

Jack was a dream this morning! All dolled up in his all white suit and tie. Never made a peep! Tyson says after the first week or two of his birth, he became very observant watching everyone and everything, following movement and attentive to everything in his sight line!

Our choir director, David, already has great plans for young Jack!

Congratulations again to Tyson, Kay, and Jack! May you make beautiful music together and live in harmony for many many years to come!

Fall back

I've been anticipating this moment for the last 9 days!

I know, it's silly.

You say, 'Danielle, just go to bed an hour earlier and you will get an extra hour of sleep.'

I feel like a kid at Christmas opening a gift. The gift of one more hour to do whatever I'd like--and right now, I'd love to utilize that hour to sleep.

When I was younger, I'd get an extra hour to drink. Well, if I were hanging around with my best friend, that would be my wish again! I still have it. 3 weeks ago, I don't think there was a day I went to bed before 5am. It was great! So I know I still have it! For now, my wish is to sleep.

The downside is that this momentous occasion occurs Saturday to Sunday. I can't sleep in on Sundays. I must be up early to Cantor Mass. But at least I do get that extra hour before duty calls.

Starting around 8pm, I keep saying "it's really 7pm" and so on and so on.....

Well, right now it is really 1145pm and believe it or not, I can not wait to finish watching my episode of Law and Order...maybe another one...and then off to dream land with this magnificent gift we've been given tonight...

Sweet Dreams!