I can't bear to repeat this story again.....it just rips my heart out.
But I would like to share it just the same.
Please click on the ATTACHED LINK to hear about my day at the office.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
I can not comprehend this...can you????
I am not saying one way or another how I feel about this, except to say I honestly can't fully understand cognitively how this can happen, in good conscience.
Here are two articles which came out days apart and appear to contradict each other (in my opinion). I don't get it. But you be the judge.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/randy-turner/gannett-executives-receiv_b_176435.html
http://gannettblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/breaking-gci-confirms-second-quarter_8045.html
Here are two articles which came out days apart and appear to contradict each other (in my opinion). I don't get it. But you be the judge.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/randy-turner/gannett-executives-receiv_b_176435.html
http://gannettblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/breaking-gci-confirms-second-quarter_8045.html
And away we go...
I enjoy January and February as my 'down months' so to speak.
I use them to recover from the zany year before as well as the holidays and just unwind until the next frenzy begins mid-March.
And away we go....
For a week when we had nothing planned except dialysis and work, what a week it was.
This is the first real chance I've had to share my thoughts even though every day in my head I drafted, in my opinion, a nice little anecdote! Being a writer, I really need to bite the bullet and invest in a laptop soon so I can jot down my thoughts anytime, anywhere, any place!!
We had nothing planned last week and then everything started to unravel. Not necessarily in a bad way.
St. Patrick's Day --a day fondly remembered every year being Uncle Johnny's birthday (RIP). Mom really misses him. I do too, but was away at college and then thrown into the work force around the time he was living with us. I regret not having that daily influence on me. He was a gem! XOXO
We made the traditional corned beef, cabbage and red potatoes.....and I even had time to whip up one of my unique, hand-made wreaths for the occasion! Not for anyone else, but finally one for us to enjoy and hang proudly on our front door!
Ironically, though I left EARLY for work, I was still almost 1/2 hour late with all the antics going on in downtown Cleveland. But for some reason, this year, I did not care! I took it all in, enjoyed the ride and the beautiful weather....as well as the horses driving by me as I inched my way to work!
A parishioner passed away, and I was asked to sing the funeral. I know it sounds quite morbid but I enjoy singing funerals, as well as weddings, and any other occasion, really, especially if I know the folks. Well, I've known the Kavalecz family my entire life. I did not go to school with their son, he was a few years younger, but we all grew up together. Michael's grandmother passed away at 88 years old. What a great life she had! I gladly accepted the request. Many of her family members listen to me sing each weekend at Mass and it was the least I could do to honor this great woman.
Her service was beautiful. A fitting celebration for such a faith-filled woman.
And that leads us back to the weekend.....the weekend that begins the ridiculously busy 'rest of the year!' I am glad I really did enjoy and utilize those few weekends in January and February where we could just veg and watch a few Hallmark movies, get some needed work done around the house, and enjoy Mom's company fully because those days are gone!
This past weekend began with an unexpected visit from a college buddy who was in town for only a few days. I persuaded him to pop in to the station for a tour so I could see he and his friends! What a great visit and kickoff to the weekend! It was great seeing John, Patrick and Dan! And the rest of the weekend just got better and better (except for the CSU loss).
I listened to amazing eulogies (nice job, Nolan!) at Tom Haley's funeral --a perfect final tribute to a wonderful human being. Kind of eerie that Tom passed away on his all time favorite day, St. Patrick's Day.
The usual singing at Church, except for Sunday morning when I was 'walking/jogging' the annual OLP Run for Peace! A beautiful day for a run. We had more sign up this year than any other year...hopefully, it will be a huge help for our elementary school! It's always good seeing folks you may not see very often come back, or get a chance to visit with those you do see every weekend.
Sunday was quite the whirlwind --heading to the race early so I could drop off a whole slew of bananas for the race......participating in the race....THEN taking probably THE quickest shower I've had to take in a while.....tossing on my favorite jeans and a sweater and popping back over to Church to sing the next Mass.....and then off to one of my most favorite days of the year: Fantasy baseball draft day!
Whew hoo, I headed on over to Herb's in Rocky River and met the guys! I am the only girl in my league.....my co-owner blew me off this year and did not show again so it was all me! One of my very good friends who is not part of the league but lives in River popped in TWICE and we had a wonderful visit. I even put Tommy on the phone to say hello to Mom. It made her day! She just loves him! Orlo, Tommy and I had a great discussion on the Catholic Church happenings. Orlo has insight into this issue since he has been working on this story. It's nice to get a clear perspective on what's been happening and what's left to occur. Nothing like a Herb's burger people! D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S!
The draft went well! I think (I'm making this up now) all the other guys know my wealth of knowledge on the game but they kid me every year as I profess to pick 'the all cute team!!!' And alas, I've done it again lead off by Grady Sizemore, Ryan Garko, and Andy Pettitte!! It's gonna be a good year!
Top off the weekend with a wonderful dinner with Mom, watching NCAA all afternoon and then taking a nap (I said it, I took a nap) after an exhausting weekend. Unfortunately, I think most of the weekends for the rest of 2009 will be like this one!
Cheers!!!!
I use them to recover from the zany year before as well as the holidays and just unwind until the next frenzy begins mid-March.
And away we go....
For a week when we had nothing planned except dialysis and work, what a week it was.
This is the first real chance I've had to share my thoughts even though every day in my head I drafted, in my opinion, a nice little anecdote! Being a writer, I really need to bite the bullet and invest in a laptop soon so I can jot down my thoughts anytime, anywhere, any place!!
We had nothing planned last week and then everything started to unravel. Not necessarily in a bad way.
St. Patrick's Day --a day fondly remembered every year being Uncle Johnny's birthday (RIP). Mom really misses him. I do too, but was away at college and then thrown into the work force around the time he was living with us. I regret not having that daily influence on me. He was a gem! XOXO
We made the traditional corned beef, cabbage and red potatoes.....and I even had time to whip up one of my unique, hand-made wreaths for the occasion! Not for anyone else, but finally one for us to enjoy and hang proudly on our front door!
Ironically, though I left EARLY for work, I was still almost 1/2 hour late with all the antics going on in downtown Cleveland. But for some reason, this year, I did not care! I took it all in, enjoyed the ride and the beautiful weather....as well as the horses driving by me as I inched my way to work!
A parishioner passed away, and I was asked to sing the funeral. I know it sounds quite morbid but I enjoy singing funerals, as well as weddings, and any other occasion, really, especially if I know the folks. Well, I've known the Kavalecz family my entire life. I did not go to school with their son, he was a few years younger, but we all grew up together. Michael's grandmother passed away at 88 years old. What a great life she had! I gladly accepted the request. Many of her family members listen to me sing each weekend at Mass and it was the least I could do to honor this great woman.
Her service was beautiful. A fitting celebration for such a faith-filled woman.
And that leads us back to the weekend.....the weekend that begins the ridiculously busy 'rest of the year!' I am glad I really did enjoy and utilize those few weekends in January and February where we could just veg and watch a few Hallmark movies, get some needed work done around the house, and enjoy Mom's company fully because those days are gone!
This past weekend began with an unexpected visit from a college buddy who was in town for only a few days. I persuaded him to pop in to the station for a tour so I could see he and his friends! What a great visit and kickoff to the weekend! It was great seeing John, Patrick and Dan! And the rest of the weekend just got better and better (except for the CSU loss).
I listened to amazing eulogies (nice job, Nolan!) at Tom Haley's funeral --a perfect final tribute to a wonderful human being. Kind of eerie that Tom passed away on his all time favorite day, St. Patrick's Day.
The usual singing at Church, except for Sunday morning when I was 'walking/jogging' the annual OLP Run for Peace! A beautiful day for a run. We had more sign up this year than any other year...hopefully, it will be a huge help for our elementary school! It's always good seeing folks you may not see very often come back, or get a chance to visit with those you do see every weekend.
Sunday was quite the whirlwind --heading to the race early so I could drop off a whole slew of bananas for the race......participating in the race....THEN taking probably THE quickest shower I've had to take in a while.....tossing on my favorite jeans and a sweater and popping back over to Church to sing the next Mass.....and then off to one of my most favorite days of the year: Fantasy baseball draft day!
Whew hoo, I headed on over to Herb's in Rocky River and met the guys! I am the only girl in my league.....my co-owner blew me off this year and did not show again so it was all me! One of my very good friends who is not part of the league but lives in River popped in TWICE and we had a wonderful visit. I even put Tommy on the phone to say hello to Mom. It made her day! She just loves him! Orlo, Tommy and I had a great discussion on the Catholic Church happenings. Orlo has insight into this issue since he has been working on this story. It's nice to get a clear perspective on what's been happening and what's left to occur. Nothing like a Herb's burger people! D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S!
The draft went well! I think (I'm making this up now) all the other guys know my wealth of knowledge on the game but they kid me every year as I profess to pick 'the all cute team!!!' And alas, I've done it again lead off by Grady Sizemore, Ryan Garko, and Andy Pettitte!! It's gonna be a good year!
Top off the weekend with a wonderful dinner with Mom, watching NCAA all afternoon and then taking a nap (I said it, I took a nap) after an exhausting weekend. Unfortunately, I think most of the weekends for the rest of 2009 will be like this one!
Cheers!!!!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
The waiting game...
And we wait.
One of the most nerve wracking days I've experienced in a long time.
And we wait.
The fate of all the churches in the Cleveland Catholic Diocese rests in the hands of one man, Bishop Lennon.
And we wait.
The phone rang early Saturday morning and I sprung from the makeshift bed/love seat I've been sleeping in during Mom's rehabilitation.
Nothing yet, and we wait.
The cars of the cluster committee began gathering at the Church Rectory awaiting the arrival of 'the letter.'
And we wait.
Finally, shortly after noon, 'the letter' was hand delivered. The cars left one by one.
Our Lady of Peace had been saved....and hopes that Father Gary would continue to be our fearless leader???
The Bishop says this re-configuration will only strengthen the church in the long run.
But, at this juncture, it appears no one has won. The fruits of this laborious process are months if not years away from being realized.
We are saved, but two churches in our cluster are being closed.
I can not even fathom the mindset of the parishioners at Epiphany and St. Cecilia.
I don't know how I would feel had the tables been turned. It was just awful waiting imagining all outcomes.
I do know having Father Gary at the helm and the character and strength of this parish WILL turn this situation into a positive....and will conquer any roadblocks placed in our way as we strive even harder to continue serving the least of God's children & spreading the Good News.
Today, though on the surface it may look like a time to rejoice, we mourn and pray harder than ever before for the Cleveland Catholic Diocese, the future of the Catholic Community in Cleveland, and for everyone who is going to bed tonight hurting, crying themselves to sleep wondering why it 'appears' as if God has abandoned and forsaken them. (He hasn't. He's closer than you he's ever been. Please don't give up.).
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Cleanliness is next to Godliness (and subjective)
I consider myself to be an organized neat freak and a clean fiend.
Yet, with added responsibilities in my life, I've acquiesced to whatever I can do right now.
And that's not too much at this point and time (but I know God still loves me).
My personal rooms are atrocious.
I finally got to the kitchen floor and it was not half bad underneath. The kitchen actually cleaned up very nicely, especially after I washed down the walls too.
I will say that my house is more cluttered than anything, with a bit of dust. But, it's ok! Baby steps, I say. Rome was not built in a day!
There IS a difference between filthy, dirty, unlivable, cluttered, and dusty.
Not that I was 'dirty' before, but I have a heightened sense of cleanliness hoping to keep Mom safe from illness, disease, and germ-ridden carriers.
I try keeping my work station at my job straightened, and since it is shared, wipe it down when I arrive and just before I leave for the next person.
At this point, I'm in the middle. There are folks on either side of me on opposite sides of the spectrum. Just when I think I'm really letting something go and slipping, I witness someone much worse.
And, in my quest for clean, there 'appear' to be others even more zealous. But are they?
I've run across a number of folks over the last six months who 'appear' to be clean addicts on the outside, but they don't talk the talk.
For instance, someone who touts the 'clean' life and goes to obsessive 'extremes' of the likes I've never seen before YET constantly runs their hands through their greasy hair (to the point of a nervous twitch) --well, that kind of repulses me.
I rope in this category: chaos and tardiness. Someone who is incessantly tardy or has an air of chaos constantly surrounding them has potential for a dirty disaster (in my opinion).
Someone touting to be a neat freak but smokes--oxymoron.
I'm sure everyone will have their own version and definition of 'clean' or 'dirty' but as long as we try to LIVE the clean life and do the right thing, I'm sure we will always be on the side of 'Godliness.'
Yet, with added responsibilities in my life, I've acquiesced to whatever I can do right now.
And that's not too much at this point and time (but I know God still loves me).
My personal rooms are atrocious.
I finally got to the kitchen floor and it was not half bad underneath. The kitchen actually cleaned up very nicely, especially after I washed down the walls too.
I will say that my house is more cluttered than anything, with a bit of dust. But, it's ok! Baby steps, I say. Rome was not built in a day!
There IS a difference between filthy, dirty, unlivable, cluttered, and dusty.
Not that I was 'dirty' before, but I have a heightened sense of cleanliness hoping to keep Mom safe from illness, disease, and germ-ridden carriers.
I try keeping my work station at my job straightened, and since it is shared, wipe it down when I arrive and just before I leave for the next person.
At this point, I'm in the middle. There are folks on either side of me on opposite sides of the spectrum. Just when I think I'm really letting something go and slipping, I witness someone much worse.
And, in my quest for clean, there 'appear' to be others even more zealous. But are they?
I've run across a number of folks over the last six months who 'appear' to be clean addicts on the outside, but they don't talk the talk.
For instance, someone who touts the 'clean' life and goes to obsessive 'extremes' of the likes I've never seen before YET constantly runs their hands through their greasy hair (to the point of a nervous twitch) --well, that kind of repulses me.
I rope in this category: chaos and tardiness. Someone who is incessantly tardy or has an air of chaos constantly surrounding them has potential for a dirty disaster (in my opinion).
Someone touting to be a neat freak but smokes--oxymoron.
I'm sure everyone will have their own version and definition of 'clean' or 'dirty' but as long as we try to LIVE the clean life and do the right thing, I'm sure we will always be on the side of 'Godliness.'
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Bittersweet thanksgiving
Today we begin the 2nd full week of Lent.
Everyone could relate to Father's homily. Tremendous as usual.
As I sat through my last Mass reflecting and thanking God for everything he has given me (which is so much more than I deserve)....praying for Mom's continued strong recovery....thanking Him for my gift of singing (which so many people have told me is a joy each weekend), I know I am truly blessed!
Yet in the same rejoicing moment, an empty feeling of failure hits. I glance around church seeing friends of mine with their kids. I thank God for their friendship, yet become sullen. Bittersweet moment. Bittersweet thanksgiving.
I see friends who I knew growing up. They met someone, got engaged, got married, and had 1, 2, 3, or more kids. I think of friends I work with who have families. Though they say it's not an issue and may not even notice they do it, they spend much more time with my other married friends and their children than me. I'm the 3rd wheel. It's not a great feeling. Family meets family out for dinner. I don't have children, so I'm not on that exclusive list.
In that millisecond of thanking God for so much, I also realize I am lacking (in my mind, possibly not God's mind). I know this is silly because I have accomplished a lot in my life and have done much good which includes carrying out the life-long mission God has bestowed upon me with my Mother.
It 'appears' as I continue walking in one place on the treadmill of life, everyone else is moving on, moving up around me. I know that's not the case. But, in this world we live in where the norm is for a girl to always have a boyfriend, eventually get married and have kids, I don't fit into that mold and feel like an outcast at times. What do I really have to show? I know what I have to show and it is A LOT! But the stereotypical American observer looking in may not see my great accolades, my tireless efforts, and the countless lives I have touched.
When all is said and done and when Mother does eventually pass on, I don't have the "American family" to go home to, to help me get on with my life.
Thankfully, I quickly snap out of that moment of pity back to reality. I LOVE my life. I've accomplished more up until now than I ever dreamed in my entire lifetime. I do wish I had the stereotypical family with the loving husband and 2.5 children (hopefully one day God will send them to me.) What I really need God's help with this Lent is realizing my gifts and giving me the strength to use them, even when others scoff at me....dealing with how other people treat me because I don't fit into THEIR mold.....and having the courage to be me and like it, no matter what anyone else says or does to me!
Everyone could relate to Father's homily. Tremendous as usual.
As I sat through my last Mass reflecting and thanking God for everything he has given me (which is so much more than I deserve)....praying for Mom's continued strong recovery....thanking Him for my gift of singing (which so many people have told me is a joy each weekend), I know I am truly blessed!
Yet in the same rejoicing moment, an empty feeling of failure hits. I glance around church seeing friends of mine with their kids. I thank God for their friendship, yet become sullen. Bittersweet moment. Bittersweet thanksgiving.
I see friends who I knew growing up. They met someone, got engaged, got married, and had 1, 2, 3, or more kids. I think of friends I work with who have families. Though they say it's not an issue and may not even notice they do it, they spend much more time with my other married friends and their children than me. I'm the 3rd wheel. It's not a great feeling. Family meets family out for dinner. I don't have children, so I'm not on that exclusive list.
In that millisecond of thanking God for so much, I also realize I am lacking (in my mind, possibly not God's mind). I know this is silly because I have accomplished a lot in my life and have done much good which includes carrying out the life-long mission God has bestowed upon me with my Mother.
It 'appears' as I continue walking in one place on the treadmill of life, everyone else is moving on, moving up around me. I know that's not the case. But, in this world we live in where the norm is for a girl to always have a boyfriend, eventually get married and have kids, I don't fit into that mold and feel like an outcast at times. What do I really have to show? I know what I have to show and it is A LOT! But the stereotypical American observer looking in may not see my great accolades, my tireless efforts, and the countless lives I have touched.
When all is said and done and when Mother does eventually pass on, I don't have the "American family" to go home to, to help me get on with my life.
Thankfully, I quickly snap out of that moment of pity back to reality. I LOVE my life. I've accomplished more up until now than I ever dreamed in my entire lifetime. I do wish I had the stereotypical family with the loving husband and 2.5 children (hopefully one day God will send them to me.) What I really need God's help with this Lent is realizing my gifts and giving me the strength to use them, even when others scoff at me....dealing with how other people treat me because I don't fit into THEIR mold.....and having the courage to be me and like it, no matter what anyone else says or does to me!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Could not believe my ears
I admit it, I am being judgemental.
I am also old enough to see how times were 40 years ago, 30 years ago, 20 years ago, 10 years ago and today.
When my youngest niece was graduating from grade school and entering high school, I saw a dramatic change in social etiquette, discipline, manners, and respect for others.
Unfortunately, the changes were not for the betterment of mankind and precipitated by insecure parents wanting to be their child's BFF rather than their Parent.
Don't get me wrong --not ALL parents were on board with this movement. There were still parents who acted responsibly, showed their children love & respect, were nurturing, encouraged high self esteem, as well as enacting discipline when necessary --and their kids came out AOK!
Those parents pampering their children, letting them do anything and run roughshod over them have produced selfish, self-absorbed monsters.
As I was listening to the radio the other day, I could NOT believe my ears.
The mother of a FOUR YEAR OLD requested the 'Barbie Girl' song for HER FOUR YEAR OLD SON. The mother went on to say that her 4-year-old son loves the 'Barbie Girl' song. Now, I'm thinking if this kid loves the 'Barbie Girl' song, it is because his mother, babysitter, friends' mothers, or some adult listens to it all the time.
Have you ever heard that song?
In my humble opinion a 4-year-old should not be listening to this song, which speaks of a rendezvous between Barbie and Ken. I'm sure there could be a myriad of interpretations. Possibly the initial meaning by the artist was innocent. But if you just listen to the words at face value, a 4-year-old should not be privy to this type of language.
Some of the lines include:
I am also old enough to see how times were 40 years ago, 30 years ago, 20 years ago, 10 years ago and today.
When my youngest niece was graduating from grade school and entering high school, I saw a dramatic change in social etiquette, discipline, manners, and respect for others.
Unfortunately, the changes were not for the betterment of mankind and precipitated by insecure parents wanting to be their child's BFF rather than their Parent.
Don't get me wrong --not ALL parents were on board with this movement. There were still parents who acted responsibly, showed their children love & respect, were nurturing, encouraged high self esteem, as well as enacting discipline when necessary --and their kids came out AOK!
Those parents pampering their children, letting them do anything and run roughshod over them have produced selfish, self-absorbed monsters.
As I was listening to the radio the other day, I could NOT believe my ears.
The mother of a FOUR YEAR OLD requested the 'Barbie Girl' song for HER FOUR YEAR OLD SON. The mother went on to say that her 4-year-old son loves the 'Barbie Girl' song. Now, I'm thinking if this kid loves the 'Barbie Girl' song, it is because his mother, babysitter, friends' mothers, or some adult listens to it all the time.
Have you ever heard that song?
In my humble opinion a 4-year-old should not be listening to this song, which speaks of a rendezvous between Barbie and Ken. I'm sure there could be a myriad of interpretations. Possibly the initial meaning by the artist was innocent. But if you just listen to the words at face value, a 4-year-old should not be privy to this type of language.
Some of the lines include:
- you can brush my hair, undress me everywhere
- kiss me here, touch me there, hanky- panky
- you can touch, you can play, you can say I'm always yours Oooh Whoa
- come on Barbie, let's go party
- make me walk, make me talk, do whatever you please
- I can act like a star, I can beg on my knees
- come jump in, be my friend, let's do it again
- hit the town, fool around, let's go party
- Oh, I'm having so much fun...well Barbie we're just getting started...oh I love you Ken
Hearing that a mother let her 4-year-old listen to this makes it clear as to how some young boys, teen boys, and young men can become conditioned to be rapists, stalkers, perform sexual assaults, or worse!
I am still stunned--actually, no I'm not. I see parents out there who should NOT be parents.
And unfortunately, it's those parents who have created a generation of selfish, abusive, destructive, amoral, uncaring individuals who, hopefully will self-destruct before they bring the good ones down!
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