Ah, Fantasy Baseball is back!

Nothing like hooking up with your fantasy baseball buddies you've not seen for a year and going head to head!

Settling in with a nice Herb's Burger, all your sheets, stats, baseball magazines strewn about crossing off every name that gets picked.

Started off picking someone our commissioner had his eyes on --oh oh!

You can always tell when you've not only made a good choice but a pick that everyone else in the room wanted by the huge sigh & franctic page turning looking for someone else!

My team partner is always the silent and absent partner! He says 'he has better things to do!'

Well, honestly, I have a list of 87 active things to do right now and it continues to grow, but to take 2 hours out of my Sunday to relax, clear my head, and spend quality time with some cool people seemed like 'the thing' to do this weekend!

For a girl, I pick a pretty mean team year after year but we have not won it all for a while.

I'm the only girl in the league and one of the many standing jokes is that I pick 'the all cute team!'

And I do! This year moreso than ever! Come on, Mauer and Morneau, Cabrera and Longoria, my boy Casey Blake, Grady, Werth, Choo, Jake Westbrook, ahhh, the list is endless of my 'all cute team' and some of them are actually very good!

Rockin' at the Moodog Coronation Ball 2010

Getting advice from all sides...and one of the winners is 'get out and do stuff.'

That's in my nature.

I've always been quite active, always on the go. Can't keep me down.

I have not withdrawn or stopped living.

Some days I WISH I just had 72 straight hours with no obligations, no appointments, no work, no singing, no Church, nothing in order to make a small dent in cleaning, organizing, getting in a really good work out, or just taking a nap.

That was not in the cards this weekend.

My Uncle's back in the hospital, and unfortunately, he's very sick.

Each weekend means lots of singing and time spent at Church.

Saturday night was the annual Moondog Coronation Ball Concert at Quicken Loans Arena. This year's acts included Paul Revere and the Raiders, The Turtles, Little Anthony and the Imperials, and Grand Funk Railroad.

When I go to a concert, I rarely remember what the 1st song was, all the songs in between or what the encores were. I don't have a photographic memory. One of my best friends can recite the whole play list from a McCartney Concert back in the 70's and every concert he's ever been to. God love him!

But I do remember the great music, the feeling it brought, who I am there with, seeing living musical legends and I'm usually drawn to a specific person in each band or musical act.

Maybe it's because I am musically inclined and have always been in choirs or some kind of singing group so I focus on as much of the 'behind the scenes' as the actual performance.

The Keyboard /Piano player for Little Anthony and the Imperials, aside from being hot, was their musical director. Watching him direct the entire band and keep in sync with Little Anthony and the Imperials intrigued me. He had the entire stage --which consisted of maybe a dozen or so people, following him. And one particular song (of course, you don't expect me to remember the name), they kept going up and changing keys ....and his arm movements to keep them as one --PHENOMENAL! How can you not love this group which has performed in 6 decades belting out some Police --'Every breath you take!'

One thing I learned at college from one of the best Choir Director's I ever had --Damaris Peters Pike --'Watch me at all times!'

It's true --you MUST watch your musical director so you can roll with the changes, cut off together, improvise, take breaths at the appropriate times, get quiet or loud, and be one.


It was rough. Last year Mom and I went. We sat in the handicapped section. It was a cluster. But it was such a joy hearing her belt out every single tune because, frankly, I had the coolest Mom in the world! I loved hanging out with my Mom. I cherished going places with her while there are other kids who like ditching their parents or leaving the nest the first chance they get!

I remember last year's concert as if it were yesterday and had such fun with Mom!

This year, I was so close to the stage I could almost touch it. Great vantage point! Of course, I did not have my camera. But, I did not stress over it or regret anything. I lived in the moment and took it all in.

I knew Mom was there in spirit listening to these guys because she just adored music of all kinds, was the biggest cheerleader for Cleveland and cherished the fact that Cleveland was where Rock and Roll began! We rarely missed a Moondog Coronation Ball Concert.

All the acts were tremendous. I was impressed at how many members of Paul Revere and the Raiders had been together for so long. Oftentimes you have the original band member surrounded by young guys. Not so here. And the lead singer used to be with the Letterman! Holy cow! I love them and still have some of Mom's record albums! That's right, record albums!

The Turtles LOVE coming to Cleveland. They are due back for Memorial Day Weekend. What's there not to love about C-Town! And so entertaining as well as talented. The entire audience belted out 'Happy Together.'

And last, but certainly not least--Grand Funk Railroad. Hearing 'We're an American Band' LIVE brought chills. Every single artist in the band has a long resume of fabulous--from the original members who rocked the house to other members, who've been with the band for a long time, yet came from the likes of 38 Special, Meat Loaf, Kiss, Bob Seger, Robert Palmer, Billy Squier, Michael Bolton.

I must admit, I was so tired and a bit depressed this weekend, I told my friend in Tampa I was contemplating blowing the night off. That's not me! And, I am so glad I got all dolled up and hit the town because the heart of Rock and Roll is still beating.....in Cleveland!

I barely 'walked' for peace!

Sunday exhilarated me in a number of ways...

Up at the crack of dawn to participate in our annual 'Run for Peace!'

Let me stop you right there. The name of the race is 'Run for Peace!'

I started out jogging...when I finally caught my breath after the 1st street, I volleyed between jogging and walking for peace.

I dedicated the race to Mom...even made a donation in her name as a sponsorship....and hoped her tennis shoes would lift me up (they did!). I'm still amazed how many people came up to me telling me they think about her every day. One dear friend got a tear in his eye just talking to me about Mom.

Ah, heck, as long as it's for a good cause....I did not collapse on the course...and actually finished, it's a good day! And I finished in enough time to 'jog' over to church and still sing the 11am Mass!


Then the main reading (Jn 8:1-11) on this Fifth Sunday of Lent revolved around the line: "Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her."


Needs no explanation or break down. The way all of us should live every single minute of every single day.


And I am happy to report--this just in-- The 5th annual 'Run for Peace' a complete success as it brought in a little over $11,000 for the youth of our parish.

What a fire ball!!

Last week a good friend and long-time parishioner passed away.

Alberta's 95 years on this earth were exciting, rich, and full of life!

More importantly, they were surrounded by family, friends and constantly praising God.

Her health had been waning over the last few years. She's perfect now! All 4 feet+ and 95 pounds (if that!).

I am honored to be able to say my family knew Alberta and her son Carl for years and am quite blessed for the time spent together. We'd talk baseball, religion, and how Alberta enjoyed being a part of her sewing group.

Carl's dedication and attentiveness to his mother was tremendous. Being a caregiver= a blessing surrounded by great joy! I know first hand and would repeat in a heart beat everything I did for Mom!

Alberta and my Aunt Lucy were best friends.

Alberta and my Mom were quite close as well.

The 1st image that came into my head when I heard she had passed were Mom and Aunt Lucy welcoming her into Heaven, a place that all three of these faith-filled women strove for their entire lives.

It's extremely hard losing people. I am still having a horrible time dealing with the death of Mom. But, that said. My faith in God keeps me going, keeps me grounded, and gives me the strength when I feel so hopeless, lost, and alone.

Knowing that there IS a place after this purgatory currently consuming us is quite calming...a place where we will be reunited one day with those loved ones who have gone before us. It's comforting.

And what's even more consoling is realizing that our loved ones are safe, healthy, pain-free, and at God's right hand enjoying eternal life.

Alberta, you will never be forgotten--your class, your humor, your faith and friendship!

Sunday is a day of rest

You're kidding me, right?

Let's re-cap.

I had planned to make this a 'catch up' weekend because there is no way in heck to get everything done in just 48 hours, but I could give it a jump start! I need months, if not years!

Sometimes things don't turn out as planned.

I got a text Saturday night from a dear friend and that was the end of my 'catch up' weekend. I was off to see the very funny movie, 'Valentine's Day.' I strongly suggest seeing it! In fact, I'm sure I will see it again!

However, I still had 'must do' obligations.

Sunday, the Choir was hosting the final Lenten Soup and Bread Luncheon.

So after the movie, I trudged home, and whipped up 7 loaves of Irish Soda Bread! Cake! No, bread!

So what if my head did not hit the pillow until 430 a.m. and then the alarm went off barely 3 and 1/2 hours later.

This is a typical day in my life!

Every day Mom's words and actions reverberate time and time again. Mom always gave it her all. Always made every occasion special. I will never give 1/2. Mom taught us how to throw a good party and by golly I was gonna make sure our Lenten Soup and Bread was a success.

And it was! We had delicious soup, Irish Soda Bread (thanks Mom and Mrs. DeGrandis!!!), hot cross buns, decorations, Irish cups and plates and napkins. The works!

A total success!

Next stop (unexpected): the house of my best friend's Mom. I drove by on the way to my Aunt's and saw Claudia's car. So I popped in for just a few minutes and visited with Mrs. S., Claudia and her daughter. A nice treat for all involved. I had not seen them since Mom's birthday party. WOW! That seems so very long ago.

Mom taught me sometimes you have to go off track, veer off your schedule, take the path less traveled in order to fully engage and live a fulfilling life.

I vow to carry out Mom's words, follow her path, and keep her alive every single day of my life. Her legacy will live on in my actions now.

Next stop: My Aunt and Uncles to help them revamp their bathroom!

Yet again, success! My sister and oldest niece with her husband helped transform the bathroom to make it easier to navigate for my uncle, who is recuperating.

What a satisfying afternoon. Afterward, we all watched MY Cleveland Indians and spent quality time together.

It's days like these I can't get upset with myself. I may not have crossed much off of my original 'to do' list but I sure did accomplish tons. I truly do believe, life's richness consists of the journey along the way, not necessarily the final destination!

Unraveling more and more each day

The snow never stopped in February carrying over into March. It came down and continued piling up.

And then it seemed as if, within days, we had temperatures of 76 degrees!

When the big thaw came, it uncovered many casualties of winter: cracked asphalt, vehicle tracks on the grass, salt-stained driveways, mowed over plants, the missing stick which guides the plow guy, and this uniquely crafted bird nest which had fallen from its perch atop the gutter plummeting down to its earthly resting place.

This nest had been a fixture atop the side door for at least 2 years if not longer.

Everyday we'd look up there to see if there were any signs of life. Some days yes, some days we could not see anything but we could hear the beautiful songs coming from the residents.


When I first saw the bird nest just laying there, my heart broke for the family living inside. I checked to see if there were any eggs, any birds which had taken their tumble with it.

Thankfully, nothing.

Mom always taught me never to get too close to a nest, or any 'house' an animal concocted for you never know what diseases linger inside.

However, I could not stay too far away marveling at the precise handy work by these creatures of God.

Each twig intertwined one by one. When all is said and done, there must be hundreds interwoven together.

This is one of those miracles which would make Mom say, "this is a true sign there is a God" or "for those people who don't believe in God, all they have to do is open there eyes and take a look at this miracle!"


Then my next thought went to my life these days.

It's rough. Each day is a struggle where I feel like my life is unraveling faster and faster, just like this bird's nest.

But, I am Marianne's daughter. I'm never down for long, especially since Mom and God lift me up every single day.

It's A-M-A-Z-I-N-G the signs they give me to carry on and to show me that they ARE the other set of footprints in the sand.

I take a deep breath and marvel at what I accomplish each day. Getting there may be chaotic but I always make it to the finish line.

Completing each hour may appear impossible. When it's one of those days where I don't even get into the shower until 8 minutes before I am supposed to leave for work .....or I am so overwhelmed by my long to-do list that I roll over when the alarm goes off and sleep until 55 minutes before I have to leave for work, it's a wonder I get anything done.


It was not always like this. And this is NOT me. In fact, when I was describing this to my best friend in Tampa, he was speechless. I thought I had put him to sleep. Finally, he snapped out of his coma and said to me, "Snap out of it! This is not you. You were the one who had every second of every day planned out in Key West! The one who never needs any sleep. That's the girl we need back!"


I think I've moved into the next phase of grieving where at first, I was crying everyday, but now I feel so overwhelmed, I can not deal with life and retreat.


Once I get up and moving, I DO! I conquer everything and complete great feats, though maybe a little rushed. And when I see the mountains I've moved in the course of the day, I am proud of who I am, of where I came, thankful to God from the bottom of my heart, and energized NOT to give up. I definitely can not get through the day without Mom and without God.

I really don't know why I am still here, but I know God is in charge and has a plan for all of us so I have to keep plugging along and never dispute Jesus Christ.

Mass was very difficult today. Father announced that one of Mom's dear friends had passed away. She was 95, soon to be 96, but she was a fireball. The first vision that came to my head was Mom and Aunt Lucy greeting her at the pearly gates. I'm sure they did. They were all such good friends.

But, it brought me down. And the flood gates opened at Church again but I had to sing. And, that's my first example of how Mom and God are there for me. When I am set to sing, I do it.

What happened next, as usual Jesus brought me right back up.

Two songs particularly brought me back to life.

Words from 'There is a Balm in Gilead':
There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole
There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin sick soul
Sometimes I feel discouraged and think my work's in vain
But then the Holy Spirit revives my soul again

Don't ever feel discouraged for Jesus is your friend
And if you lack for knowledge, he'll ne'er refuse to lend.


Then we sang 'The Glory of These Forty Days' which really brought me back:
So Daniel trained his mystic sight, delivered from the lion's might


Every day, God delivers me from the lion's might and saves me! I can't let God or Mom down, ever!


At the end of the day, though the newspapers are in a huge mound in my living room from November, 1/2 of them unopened....the mail tossed in one huge pile while the recyclables tossed in another strategically placed circle on the floor.....no clean clothes to speak of and dirty ones strewn about.....shoes dotting the carpet wherever I felt like kicking them off......and my to-do list continues to grow....at the end of the day, I have MADE it to the end of the day with help from my guardian angels.


And, I vow to never give up or completely let my nest unravel.

The normal OSCAR drill

I can replay this scene year in, year out.

I enjoy watching the red carpet before each Oscar awards, yet I don't know all the stars' names and every last detail about them.

I prefer 'The E' red carpet coverage with Ryan Seacrest, Giuliana Rancic, and Jay Manuel over ABC's. Watching Kathy Ireland, Sherri Shepherd and Jess Cagle was awful--the most awkward 30 minutes of my life as either all 3 had way too much botox this weekend or they attempted to keep their faces and 'held in' stomachs in check for the entire 30 minutes. I felt like saying at 8:31pm, 'ok, now you can breathe!!'

I rarely see the movies up for any nominations, though have heard of them. Once they come out on video, I am there!


Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin were a hoot. I must admit, I laugh a lot but my humor preference compared to most does not jive. I can be watching Leno or 'The Office' or a movie and 99 percent of the room is rolling on the floor and I, for whatever reason, am not finding the bits funny?!?!? But I LOVED the skits between these 2--who are two of my faves!


You can't miss when you have Sandra Bullock, Meryl Streep, George Clooney, Bradley Cooper, and a room full of superstars all together. Life is good!


Did you all notice how George Clooney's Italian goddess was claiming her territory! WOW! Good for her, it IS her territory!


And then after the Oscars, the final chapter for me is the next day with Joan Rivers, Giuliana Rancic, Khloe Kardashian Odom, and Jay Manuel for the 'Fashion Police' Show! What a hoot!


Show over. We'll re-rack this same entry in a year for Oscars 2011!


For a complete list of winners and much more Oscar coverage, CLICK HERE!

OLP mini reunion

You look mah-velous!

My friends and I are still at that age (knock on wood) where we look the same. OK, so some of us have gained weight and possess streaks of hair resembling blond but not really (I speak for myself only!!). I'm not going to push it but it boggles my mind.

Whether it be college friends, high school friends, or as my theory proved true this weekend, even grade school and kindergarten friends.

I made a vow so many years ago that I would really come to life, fine tune myself, and make my 40's tremendous spring boarding into the rest of my days--looking better than I ever have. I thought more mature yet young enough to still live. Look at all those actresses who look perfect at 65 years old and beyond. I refuse to get botox or do major reconstruction, but figured with good grooming and fitness, I could prolong the 'change over' into oldness.

Well, up 'til now my theory has plummeted to the point of crashing. My dog died....my best friend moved over two thousand miles away....I've packed on the pounds double my brassier size.... and as you all know, just recently lost my Mother and best friend in the whole wide world.

I'm a mess. However, I am not through my 40's yet people. Far from it! I can't give up and intend to rebound from the disastrous way my 40's began.

This weekend was just the rejuvenation my life needed as well as my self esteem.

The main reason I use Facebook, besides work promotion, is to stay connected with friends. I've abandoned the games, the apps, the gardens, all of that extemporaneous frivolity and prefer to keep in touch with people who are dear to me.

Recently, I re-connected with a friend from grade school. Sue lives out of town but was coming back for her brother's retirement party. I was fortunate enough to get the invite, and better yet, was able to attend.

Wound up being one of the best nights I've had in eons. I re-connected not only with Sue, her sister and nieces, but with others I'd attended grade school with including: John, Teresa, and Sal. Holy cow, this was just what the doctor ordered!

We were near mirror images of years ago!!!

Working in my field, there are times when people are pre-occupied with what I do and who I do it with. It was such a breath of fresh air to be with people who actually liked me for me, accepted me for me and did not care what I did, how I looked, what kind of car I drove or how little money I made!

It's true. When you re-connect with old, true friends, it's like time never passed! You continue right where you left off not missing a beat.

We all laughed, shared good times, recounted story upon story of the 'good old days' and, at least for me, felt a lot of love surrounding us.

I was floored at how everyone remembered my Mom with such endearing memories...all of them asked about my cousin who was in the same grade with us....and there were so many things which at first I'd forgotten but after memory jogging became so vivid as if it were yesterday! Teresa said one fond memory was how Mom would always throw me a birthday party! And she said --a really good one!! And that's true. My birthday was so close to Christmas that Mom, until the day she died, always made out my birthday to be something XTRA special!

Time flew. I had planned on peeking in at the Happy Dog where my nephew's band was playing and then skipping over to where my 'new found' friend John was Deejaying, but the next thing I knew, over 5 hours had passed and it was almost closing time!

We vowed to get together periodically and try, at least once a year, to really have a serious reunion.

I, of all people, know in today's hectic times it is almost impossible to spend quality time with all of those we care about like in the 'good old days.' But, at least I know that I still possess these life-long solid friendships. If I really needed something or support, I can turn to these friends. And I really believe that I will keep in touch with my forever friends!

Play Ball!

What more is there to say?

Today Cleveland Indians' Spring Training baseball officially kicks off down in Arizona against the Cincinnati Reds amongst the cactus plants, palm trees and lots of sunshine!

New state, new city, new ballpark and new league (the Cactus League) makes for what should be a very exciting Spring Training as well as regular season.

Yet another reason for me to try and re-charge my run down battery and get a little more 'spring' in my step.

I've been in a 'major league' rut for a number of reasons over the last 4 months....hopefully this 'first pitch' is just what the doctor ordered!

Play Ball and Go Tribe!

The 'firsts' continue

I don't dwell on things since Mom's death but many 'things' just crop into my life.

I knew that each day was going to consist of many 'firsts.'

Well, here's another one.

I was asked to drive one of our visiting priests to another church for a mass he was saying. Gladly!

It not only gave me a chance to get to know him better, do a good deed, but attend morning mass to start the day off properly. And it did! What a wonderful way to begin the day but with the Lord.

I wound up driving past the dialysis center Mom used to attend 3 times a week. This is the 1st time I've been back over there since Mom died.

An eye opener in many respects. Not only just being over there, but Mom and I would keep tabs on the landmarks on either side of the CDC. On the right, condos were going up. Well, they are now up. I can hear what Mom would be saying right now!

To the left, a new Speech and Hearing Center, which took the longest time to come to fruition. We'd drive by each day and Mom would comment on each little new nuance! One day we actually saw people inside and she was overjoyed. Now, it is totally complete.

It's hard to explain to another soul what I am going through. I know there are many other people on this earth who also lost Mom and I do not doubt they are grieving horribly. Every single day people I see from our church, our neighborhood and even my work tell me how much they miss Mom. But there was no one in this world who loved Mom more, spent as much time with her, and now, is just trying to get through each day and piece together a life left behind.