Leepshin,
I touched a Ray...Miss you much!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Jordin Sparks - 'Tattoo'
My 2009 makeover has begun.
Each year I look back and marvel at what I've accomplished and at what tremendous opportunities came my way. But there are usually a handful of items that continue getting bumped to the next year because of missed opportunities, laziness, or my hour glass just simply ran out.
I'm proud of what I've already achieved and conquered in 24 short days.
Unfortunately, there has been collateral damage from my conquests.
I've not spoken to someone I 'deemed' my 'best friend' in 25 days.
Part busy-ness with Mom, trying to keep MY head above water, work, and a dozen other 'excuses.' Part I voiced a minor rant (possibly construed as criticism) at the conclusion of last year expounding on new starts, changing, growing, glass half full, it's better to give than receive, well you get the picture!
My friend has been a huge part of my life for the likes of 12 years. He was forced to move due to the job market, and though a huge void in my life, we kept in touch.
I love him dearly, always have, and always will.
You say, 'stop writing in your blog and call him.' Not that easy. I AM trying to grow, better myself, get more organized this year, and become a better me.
I can not live in the same rut, conjure up the same conversations day in and day out....or even see the same clothes or haircut from 12-years-ago! Has to be a two-way street, with sacrifice and giving on both sides.
Non-negotiable.
The irony of it all--my father once told me, "I screwed up. I need a little time to makes things right, get my act together, and then I will come back into your life." I still have NOT seen him since that conversation oh so many years ago.
I hope that is not the case in this situation.
All I can do is try to get through the day successfully...Mom is priority one.....my work.....everything else, and if at the end of the day, I have time for me, then that's a bonus day! I'll continue chipping away at my 'to-do' list and hope that, in the end, everything else will work out!
This song TOTALLY reminds me of my best friend. I think of him every single day of my life. We've lived through too much not to....every song on the radio prompts the resurrection of an amazing memory. However, this song hits a bullseye.
Thinking of you....always......
Thursday, January 22, 2009
How?
In my mind, this is a rhetorical question.
I couldn't do the 'How' without the 'Who' --God!
How else could I have:
I couldn't do the 'How' without the 'Who' --God!
How else could I have:
- been scrubbing, cleaning into the wee hours of the morning
- lay my head on my pillow at 530am Thursday morning
- rise and shine again 3 hours later
- errand-city
- keep tabs on a parent who is battling some stomach virus
- repeat dialing all day efforting Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction tickets, to no avail
- continue shoveling and salting
- clear out a whole slew of garbage in time for 'garbage day'
- grocery shop, especially for our big 'Night of 1,000 Dinners'
- dump a bunch of glass recyclables at the local recycle stand
- cross of 1/2 dozen items from my 'to do' list, but adding a dozen more
- wrap my final Christmas gifts which need to be sent in the mail Friday
- oh yea, WORK!
Be careful for what you wish! There was a time when I envied the likes of Diane Keaton in 'Baby Boom' and Melanie Griffith in 'Working Girl.' Oh, I said, 'how I wish I were like them!!!!'
Big mistake.
I hate to admit this, but in the midst of today's crazy day, I had to resort to taking a 'birdie bath!' I thought the days of 'birdie baths' were locked away with my youth. Think again, soap scum breath (when I do that, doesn't have the same effect as Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon).
I do take great pride in the fact that I am the lowest maintenance you could get, ever! I value being able to get completely dressed from head to toe including earrings and makeup and hair and contacts within minutes!
I sure look together. Thank God no one can see my insides!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
We ALL have to bring about change
I've shared in past entries my feelings on politics.
I'm not a huge fan of the 'shenanigans' so often displayed by 'shady' politicians.
I am patriotic, sentimental, emotional. I love my country, the United States of America.
I would not want to live anywhere else in the entire land.
When it involves the purest of ideals and the premise of our forefathers, I am on board all the way with political ideology.
This weekend kicked off an extremely emotional time for me.
It began Sunday as I sat watching the special presented by HBO at the Lincoln Memorial.
Phenomenal. Perfect. Well, near perfection except for Jamie Foxx's over the top rant.
The producers' impeccable planning and well choreographed presentation deserves accolades and kudos.
Simple, to the point, swift moving, as it kept its captive audience informed and entertained every second of the ride.
Never a dry eye in the room during the 2 and 1/2 hour show.
For me, anytime music, history, entertainers and patriotism collide, mountains move.
Then, the moment we've all been waiting for --Inauguration Day. I could not get enough of the pre-festivities, ceremony, and post Inaugural Balls.
Ironically, Mom had a doctor's appointment. Though we wanted to cancel, it's so hard these days to get an appointment (one of the many problems with health care that, hopefully, President Obama will remedy) with a doctor so we kept it. We, too, choreographed our every movement in order to experience all of the festivities.
While we drove out to the doc, we listened to the radio. Once inside, Mom was vehement about being no nonsense and rushing the nurses along so we could get back to witness history.
Something this country MUST get back to is its patriotism. Once inside the medical building, you would not have guessed that history was being made. No TV's on the big event. Not even a radio tuned into the happenings. Whatever happened to the days of my youth when we, though at school, would stop class, gather around a television to watch a shuttle launch or a presidential happening, or even watch the opening game of the Cleveland Indians' baseball season??
Nothing.
President Obama can start the ball rolling, but each and every one of us has to board the train to bring about change.
We ALL must change our mindset. For those who have hate in their heart from past disappointments, they must let it go. For those who were persecuted because of their race, color, heritage, background, religious beliefs, convictions, they must rise above and turn the other cheek. For those who fought in foreign wars and still hold grudges against the enemy, they too, must forgive and join hands with their fellow man.
President Obama, the 44th President of the Free World, can only do so much with his staff. It's up to each and every one of us to help solve the problems facing society today.
It may be gradual, but no one should give up.
It's like I tell Mom--slow and steady wins the race, one step at a time. No one gets up out of a hospital bed and runs the Boston Marathon. If you want to run a marathon, you start out slowly. One mile.....then try for two miles....and so on and so on. One day, you will be strong enough to go the distance and even if you don't win, at least you ran and completed the race giving it your all!
I also believe the US is one huge puzzle. It is not complete without every single person contributing in some way to its peace, harmony, and success. If one piece of the puzzle is missing, there's chaos.
President Obama can get the US back on track, but he can't do it alone.
We do need a change, even though I believe President Bush tried his best and was doing, what he thought, was best for this country. Being President or the Leader of a country is probably one of the hardest tasks to undertake, only second to the Secret Service Men who guard the Commander.
I was glued to the tv all day. I had chills every step of the way. I held on to each spoken word, each dignitary shown, and the feeling of hope which suffocated everyone taking in this momentous event.
I don't understand WHY the same feeling people have on a day like today or around the holidays can not linger longer.
All sides, both parties were involved in a love fest. WHY can not they continue that correspondence and carrying on day in and day out. Along the way, people will disagree, but should be civil and discuss their disagreements.
Politicians should NEVER do something just because its what their 'party' would do. They should use their brains and sometimes their hearts and conscience when making decisions.
I know there are Americans who never heard a word Obama sounded or ever listened to his running mates, but rather voted FOR Barack Obama or AGAINST him solely because of the color of his skin.
That is totally irresponsible and must be stopped.
I hope that those who watched the events surrounding Inauguration Day gleaned much of what I did and came out with a feeling of hope, faith, belief in myself as well as my fellow countrymen, and the strength to press on, even through tough times.
We experienced history. I know we experienced history that has never been witnessed before. However, I still do not look at President Obama as an African American President. I see him as a man who I respect and my President. I listened to him today as my new leader who resurrected ideals from his predecessors that made this country so great years ago! We CAN be great again if we just believe and work together!
I wish others would be able to get past the whole 'color issue' on all fronts. Yes, it should be noted and recognized for what it is. Martin Luther King Jr, Rosa Parks, and so many others all stuck to their convictions and beliefs to bring equality for ALL OF US! But, when it all comes down to it, we are all human beings, living breathing human beings and race, nationality, what language we speak, how tall we are or fat we are or rich we are for that matter should not mean a thing. We need to look within at someone's heart and soul and mind.
I'm lucky. I do have a good life and usually look at the glass half if not totally full! But, I do understand that there are folks out there less fortunate. Don't give up. The one thing we can not do is ever give up.
EVERY child should be told they can be whomever and whatever they want to be. EVERY human being should be treated with the utmost respect and dignity ALWAYS!!!!!!!
I'm overjoyed and rejuvenated as a new day dawns, a new President leads, and a new hope sets on the horizon to bring America back to life and back to its glory days.
I'm not a huge fan of the 'shenanigans' so often displayed by 'shady' politicians.
I am patriotic, sentimental, emotional. I love my country, the United States of America.
I would not want to live anywhere else in the entire land.
When it involves the purest of ideals and the premise of our forefathers, I am on board all the way with political ideology.
This weekend kicked off an extremely emotional time for me.
It began Sunday as I sat watching the special presented by HBO at the Lincoln Memorial.
Phenomenal. Perfect. Well, near perfection except for Jamie Foxx's over the top rant.
The producers' impeccable planning and well choreographed presentation deserves accolades and kudos.
Simple, to the point, swift moving, as it kept its captive audience informed and entertained every second of the ride.
Never a dry eye in the room during the 2 and 1/2 hour show.
For me, anytime music, history, entertainers and patriotism collide, mountains move.
Then, the moment we've all been waiting for --Inauguration Day. I could not get enough of the pre-festivities, ceremony, and post Inaugural Balls.
Ironically, Mom had a doctor's appointment. Though we wanted to cancel, it's so hard these days to get an appointment (one of the many problems with health care that, hopefully, President Obama will remedy) with a doctor so we kept it. We, too, choreographed our every movement in order to experience all of the festivities.
While we drove out to the doc, we listened to the radio. Once inside, Mom was vehement about being no nonsense and rushing the nurses along so we could get back to witness history.
Something this country MUST get back to is its patriotism. Once inside the medical building, you would not have guessed that history was being made. No TV's on the big event. Not even a radio tuned into the happenings. Whatever happened to the days of my youth when we, though at school, would stop class, gather around a television to watch a shuttle launch or a presidential happening, or even watch the opening game of the Cleveland Indians' baseball season??
Nothing.
President Obama can start the ball rolling, but each and every one of us has to board the train to bring about change.
We ALL must change our mindset. For those who have hate in their heart from past disappointments, they must let it go. For those who were persecuted because of their race, color, heritage, background, religious beliefs, convictions, they must rise above and turn the other cheek. For those who fought in foreign wars and still hold grudges against the enemy, they too, must forgive and join hands with their fellow man.
President Obama, the 44th President of the Free World, can only do so much with his staff. It's up to each and every one of us to help solve the problems facing society today.
It may be gradual, but no one should give up.
It's like I tell Mom--slow and steady wins the race, one step at a time. No one gets up out of a hospital bed and runs the Boston Marathon. If you want to run a marathon, you start out slowly. One mile.....then try for two miles....and so on and so on. One day, you will be strong enough to go the distance and even if you don't win, at least you ran and completed the race giving it your all!
I also believe the US is one huge puzzle. It is not complete without every single person contributing in some way to its peace, harmony, and success. If one piece of the puzzle is missing, there's chaos.
President Obama can get the US back on track, but he can't do it alone.
We do need a change, even though I believe President Bush tried his best and was doing, what he thought, was best for this country. Being President or the Leader of a country is probably one of the hardest tasks to undertake, only second to the Secret Service Men who guard the Commander.
I was glued to the tv all day. I had chills every step of the way. I held on to each spoken word, each dignitary shown, and the feeling of hope which suffocated everyone taking in this momentous event.
I don't understand WHY the same feeling people have on a day like today or around the holidays can not linger longer.
All sides, both parties were involved in a love fest. WHY can not they continue that correspondence and carrying on day in and day out. Along the way, people will disagree, but should be civil and discuss their disagreements.
Politicians should NEVER do something just because its what their 'party' would do. They should use their brains and sometimes their hearts and conscience when making decisions.
I know there are Americans who never heard a word Obama sounded or ever listened to his running mates, but rather voted FOR Barack Obama or AGAINST him solely because of the color of his skin.
That is totally irresponsible and must be stopped.
I hope that those who watched the events surrounding Inauguration Day gleaned much of what I did and came out with a feeling of hope, faith, belief in myself as well as my fellow countrymen, and the strength to press on, even through tough times.
We experienced history. I know we experienced history that has never been witnessed before. However, I still do not look at President Obama as an African American President. I see him as a man who I respect and my President. I listened to him today as my new leader who resurrected ideals from his predecessors that made this country so great years ago! We CAN be great again if we just believe and work together!
I wish others would be able to get past the whole 'color issue' on all fronts. Yes, it should be noted and recognized for what it is. Martin Luther King Jr, Rosa Parks, and so many others all stuck to their convictions and beliefs to bring equality for ALL OF US! But, when it all comes down to it, we are all human beings, living breathing human beings and race, nationality, what language we speak, how tall we are or fat we are or rich we are for that matter should not mean a thing. We need to look within at someone's heart and soul and mind.
I'm lucky. I do have a good life and usually look at the glass half if not totally full! But, I do understand that there are folks out there less fortunate. Don't give up. The one thing we can not do is ever give up.
EVERY child should be told they can be whomever and whatever they want to be. EVERY human being should be treated with the utmost respect and dignity ALWAYS!!!!!!!
I'm overjoyed and rejuvenated as a new day dawns, a new President leads, and a new hope sets on the horizon to bring America back to life and back to its glory days.
Monday, January 19, 2009
FOCA does not encourage freedom
I am just learning more about the "Freedom of Choice Act" or FOCA.
I don't have all the facts yet, and I've learned, in situations like these, both sides never give all the facts and what information they DO give out is quite slanted toward each sides' views.
But, from what I have read, I already have a spin.
A group of friends and neighbors are lobbying hard to get people, primarily Catholics and those against abortion, to send post cards and letters to local politicians voicing concerns with the "Freedom of Choice Act."
Apparently the United States Council of Bishops is lobbying as well against this legislation.
The way I see it, whether you are for or against the act of abortion, this bill appears to go against freedom and everything being an American stands for --the right to choose what you want and not be forced to do something by police guards on every corner or armed guards coming into your household.
Right now, woman have abortions. And there are doctors who have no problem performing them. So if a woman wants an abortion, she goes to a doctor who will perform the procedure.
However, this FOCA bill would take away the freedoms and any rights of folks against abortion.
American taxpayers, regardless of beliefs, would be forced to fund abortions.
States would be forced to allow partial-birth abortions, regardless of what the majority in the state vote on...
Doctors, nurses, Catholic Hospitals and any health care professional who believes abortions go against their beliefs, morals, ethics and religious preference would be forced to perform them anyway, against their will. That certainly does not sound like a 'freedom of choice.'
The issue becomes a government decision --where the government tells you what to do and runs your life....rather than the female and her family making the decision.
Is that really what and who we want to become?
I don't have all the facts yet, and I've learned, in situations like these, both sides never give all the facts and what information they DO give out is quite slanted toward each sides' views.
But, from what I have read, I already have a spin.
A group of friends and neighbors are lobbying hard to get people, primarily Catholics and those against abortion, to send post cards and letters to local politicians voicing concerns with the "Freedom of Choice Act."
Apparently the United States Council of Bishops is lobbying as well against this legislation.
The way I see it, whether you are for or against the act of abortion, this bill appears to go against freedom and everything being an American stands for --the right to choose what you want and not be forced to do something by police guards on every corner or armed guards coming into your household.
Right now, woman have abortions. And there are doctors who have no problem performing them. So if a woman wants an abortion, she goes to a doctor who will perform the procedure.
However, this FOCA bill would take away the freedoms and any rights of folks against abortion.
American taxpayers, regardless of beliefs, would be forced to fund abortions.
States would be forced to allow partial-birth abortions, regardless of what the majority in the state vote on...
Doctors, nurses, Catholic Hospitals and any health care professional who believes abortions go against their beliefs, morals, ethics and religious preference would be forced to perform them anyway, against their will. That certainly does not sound like a 'freedom of choice.'
The issue becomes a government decision --where the government tells you what to do and runs your life....rather than the female and her family making the decision.
Is that really what and who we want to become?
Friday, January 16, 2009
Finally!
Something happened that I have not experienced in months, if not years!
When it happened, I was beaming from ear to ear.
I could not contain myself.
In fact, I was bursting with joy from every orifice.
People were wondering 'what happened' as I hummed a joyous tune showing my sheepish grin.
OK, get your mind out of the gutter, everyone!!!!!!
Gotcha!
I was driving home the other day....and encountered a maniac driver.
I was outraged because this moron was speeding, passed a Cleveland Police squad car, and kept accelerating.
The Cleveland Police squad car did NOTHING. Absolutely nothing. In fact, the squad car eventually made a left hand turn and let the driver breaking the law continue on his reckless endeavor.
Not really my concern or problem, but still causing a little bit of outrage on my part.
And then it happened! FINALLY!
This selfish, pompous traveler sped through the intersection of East 71st and Chester and was captured on candid camera! The sight I love seeing, as long as it is not me--the red light camera flash went off in its full glory capturing the license plate of this lawbreaker!
He knew what had just happened. Slammed on the brakes, slowing down to below the speed limit. By this time, it was too late, much too late!
The rest of our trip, he drove the speed limit or below.
A day late and, soon to be, many dollars short.
When it happened, I was beaming from ear to ear.
I could not contain myself.
In fact, I was bursting with joy from every orifice.
People were wondering 'what happened' as I hummed a joyous tune showing my sheepish grin.
OK, get your mind out of the gutter, everyone!!!!!!
Gotcha!
I was driving home the other day....and encountered a maniac driver.
I was outraged because this moron was speeding, passed a Cleveland Police squad car, and kept accelerating.
The Cleveland Police squad car did NOTHING. Absolutely nothing. In fact, the squad car eventually made a left hand turn and let the driver breaking the law continue on his reckless endeavor.
Not really my concern or problem, but still causing a little bit of outrage on my part.
And then it happened! FINALLY!
This selfish, pompous traveler sped through the intersection of East 71st and Chester and was captured on candid camera! The sight I love seeing, as long as it is not me--the red light camera flash went off in its full glory capturing the license plate of this lawbreaker!
He knew what had just happened. Slammed on the brakes, slowing down to below the speed limit. By this time, it was too late, much too late!
The rest of our trip, he drove the speed limit or below.
A day late and, soon to be, many dollars short.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
The kindness of strangers
My college psychology escapes me, but I am sure there is a theory on why we tend to be kinder to strangers than those we know and love.
Today, Mom and I experienced an overwhelming outpouring of kindness and love from total strangers.
A very good friend of the family passed away. Mr. Oklessen's memorial service was this morning, amid the blustery snow storm blanketing northeast Ohio.
Mom really wanted to attend and I was singing.
The simple process of going to Mass turned out to be quite an extensive mission, which I started mapping out last evening.
We were ok, for the most part, on getting to church. A bit wet and snow covered, but successful.
After the service, we enacted our exit plan. A miracle sprung into life right before our very eyes. People we'd never met or seen before were extending their help in assisting Mom on this tedious journey through the snow.
Without even asking if we needed help, men grabbed Mom and whisked her across the street to the church hall for a luncheon the family was throwing.
Before I even knew what was happening, my friend Coach Sam, and his fellow 'guardian angels' had safely transplanted Mom from the Church to the Hall.
A true testament that there is hope in today's world.
After lunch, the very same thing happened. I had pulled the car right up to the doorway, apologizing profusely as I blocked everyone's exit for a few minutes. Before I could even get out of the car, fellow luncheon patrons had escorted Mom into the car along with her walking aid.
Mom and I were speechless, awestruck and ever so thankful to God and his 'guardian angels' down here on earth (one of which we know was Mr. Frank Oklessen!).
I guess, for me, sometimes I am more thoughtful to strangers because of these random acts of kindness that continually happen to Mom and I from virtual unknowns.
It's those I know and love who let me down...who have to be given an invitation to help us (even when the need seems so blatant to the naked eye)....and when they finally, begrudgingly assist, usually fall short of our real needs.
Today, Mom and I experienced an overwhelming outpouring of kindness and love from total strangers.
A very good friend of the family passed away. Mr. Oklessen's memorial service was this morning, amid the blustery snow storm blanketing northeast Ohio.
Mom really wanted to attend and I was singing.
The simple process of going to Mass turned out to be quite an extensive mission, which I started mapping out last evening.
We were ok, for the most part, on getting to church. A bit wet and snow covered, but successful.
After the service, we enacted our exit plan. A miracle sprung into life right before our very eyes. People we'd never met or seen before were extending their help in assisting Mom on this tedious journey through the snow.
Without even asking if we needed help, men grabbed Mom and whisked her across the street to the church hall for a luncheon the family was throwing.
Before I even knew what was happening, my friend Coach Sam, and his fellow 'guardian angels' had safely transplanted Mom from the Church to the Hall.
A true testament that there is hope in today's world.
After lunch, the very same thing happened. I had pulled the car right up to the doorway, apologizing profusely as I blocked everyone's exit for a few minutes. Before I could even get out of the car, fellow luncheon patrons had escorted Mom into the car along with her walking aid.
Mom and I were speechless, awestruck and ever so thankful to God and his 'guardian angels' down here on earth (one of which we know was Mr. Frank Oklessen!).
I guess, for me, sometimes I am more thoughtful to strangers because of these random acts of kindness that continually happen to Mom and I from virtual unknowns.
It's those I know and love who let me down...who have to be given an invitation to help us (even when the need seems so blatant to the naked eye)....and when they finally, begrudgingly assist, usually fall short of our real needs.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Tied together by a piece of the puzzle
Every new year since I can remember, my sister (the artist), paints a picture with bright, vibrant colors interwoven. You know you will always see rich blues, purples, pinks, oranges, yellows, greens...
When the masterpiece is complete, she chops it up.
You say, WHY?
She cuts this single painting into numerous pieces to distribute to family and friends.
She may make each piece into a specific shape or actually make them into puzzle pieces so that each piece interlocks with the next. This year's shape: a musical note.
On each piece, she writes a blessing that we can refer to all year long including the year and then usually her 'john hancock.'
On the side of our fridge, we have dozens from throughout the years.
This year's blessing states: 'Dear God, We shall sing and dance in your love divine in 2009.'
Each person that receives a blessing is connected, not only by familial or friendship ties, but by our very own little piece of the master puzzle.
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