The memory-making machine in full gear

Staying on schedule VS Seeing good friends

Cleaning VS Making new memories

Getting enough sleep VS Catching up with long, lost friends

Thrifty VS Spending a little more $ than you have because you only live once

Working out VS any of the above (this is a tough one)

Tossing normal schedule out the window to spend quality time with someone very special?

This summer, after the last 18 months I've had....the last 5 years I've had....the last 8 years I've had, I've opted to focus on people rather than anything else.

I've gotten some criticism (including harsh words from myself because my to-do list continues growing and growing).

Then factor in the guy vs girl mentality. I know some great guys but if there is one common thread among 'most' men I know at least--they care more about 'things' and 'agendas' rather than people or memory-making.

I have one friend who is probably my best friend in the whole wide world. I love him to death. But he has the exact same schedule week in, week out --when he washes his car, goes to the grocery store, washes clothes, eats, gets up, visits with friends, blah blah blah. It drives me nuts. He'll come into town for a visit and I can pretty much set the stage for the week ahead.

Well, the last time he was in town, I tossed the rule book out the window and we had 'the best' week we'd ever had since he started coming back home.

That has been my summer and particularly this past week.

I know once the weather cools down, my nose will be to the grindstone to work in the yard, the house and attempt to catch up on everything I've neglected. It will get done.

Sunday I went to the Indians game with a girl from grade school and her daughter. What a fantastic time! Not only did we have a tremendous brunch together in the Terrace Club enjoying the Tampa Bay-Tribe Game, but I spent the rest of the day with Sheila, Loren and their whole family topped off with sharing a delicious home-cooked meal!

Monday night an old college friend, her daughter, and I caught up at the Yankees -Indians game. Kim and Lauren and I relived old memories and made some new ones as we got wrapped up in the "Will A-Rod hit his 600th home run phenomenon?" It actually was quite exciting whether you love or hate the Yankees. Every pitch to A-Rod, thousands of flash bulbs erupted just like a million points of light! I enjoyed seeing all the cars from New York spending money in our fine city!

Wednesday, I thought I was just meeting a friend to get my football tickets when we threw caution to the wind and decided to grab an impromptu lunch together to catch up. I had not seen Michael in over a year.

Don't get me wrong. I enjoy 'things,' being organized, and having meticulous surroundings. I used to be the most organized person anyone knew and clean to a fault. That's a segment of my life which one day I will get back.

However, when you have 2 very close relatives taken from you unexpectedly, and your best friend is required to move 2000 miles away for a job, your outlook on life becomes slightly altered. You turn within to delve deep as to what is really important in life.

You seize each and every moment because the next moment may never come.

Congratulations Adam and Stephanie!

Words can not describe the day I've had with my family and old friends.

As I drove home from Adam and Stephanie's wedding the tear flood gates opened. Not due to sadness but happiness.

An all day affair. We attended the ceremony in the afternoon, then my family shared a meal in between the ceremony & reception.

We all always have fun when we are together. My sister and I wanted to take pictures in our fancy new dresses. My niece mocked us for taking pictures in the parking lot of Mulligans!

Then my nieces were texting to make sure they did not buy the same dress. Always a hub of activity and fun stories being told around the table!

Backtrack to the ceremony--When we arrived at the church, we gradually made our way inside waving at and chatting with those we had not seen in a while.

One of the most memorable moments for me personally was seeing my cousin Johnny's family and his children running at warped speed into my arms.

No one has really done that to me since my own nieces and nephew were little tikes themselves.

It felt SOOOO good to be loved and wanted by someone. The last person who made me feel like they truly needed & loved me was Mom.

I think my oldest niece could not believe they did that....it felt wonderful!

Then, the cutest little girl was passing out wedding programs. Turns out she was the daughter of a grade school friend I used to have the biggest crush on (a million years ago and he knows, so I am not letting the cat out of the bag!!).....he married a wonderful woman and they have 2 beautiful daughters. The little one kept eyeing my shoes! Little did she know I too was eyeing her shoes and whole outfit! What a doll!

The service was quite moving. So wonderful seeing relatives young and old, distant and close all in one gathering place.

Then break time where we all rested, changed, and started on round two of the day!

When you go to a wedding you never know what to expect! Fortunately, our night was filled with love, laughter, sharing, great food & drink, visiting with family & friends, and crazy dancing on the dance floor for almost 4 hours!

I don't think any of us wanted to leave but eventually we did shortly before the wedding ended.....

Again, so many highlights from start to finish. We were all seated together just next to the head table. Adam and Stephanie are super wonderful people. Adam is the son of my 1st cousin--Tommy's dad was Mom's brother.

I've always felt closest to this particular family and my cousin Diann and John's family. I'm quite lucky to be associated with all of these people.

Again, I can't verbalize the laughter, jokes, smiles, picture-taking, and visiting with those we may have not seen in a while.

Adam and Stephanie had a photo booth set up for their guests to take pictures as remembrances of the big day. One set went to the bride and groom and the other set to the guests. What a hoot! Such fun and a great idea so they knew who attended. Just seeing Uncle Sam in his Uncle Sam hat was tremendous as 5 of us did our 'Charlie's Angels' poses!

Seeing Adam's gramma jamming out on the dance floor was priceless....as well as being part of this memorable day.

Life is sooooo good.

Stars re-aligning

Take matters into your own hands.

Most problems that occur stem from mis-communications.

This week, gradually, it appears as if my stars are re-aligning.

I've not spoken or even texted with my best friend in 12 days.

I could not take it anymore.

And sure enough, we needed to talk things through.

I hadn't a clue why he had not called or texted.

His words, "I thought you were mad when you left so I wanted to give you your space."

Well, I was angry and disappointed--but as I told him, best friends should be able to rise above and work through anything.

I've known this friend 13.5 years --not long in the scheme of how old I am --but the fact that we have stayed in touch, on a very regular basis and still see each other 2 or 3 times a year is more than I've kept in touch with anyone else, especially those who have moved away.

I take that as a sign that we are life-long friends no matter what happens.

I have revamped our friendship parameters because of recent actions, but that does not mean the friendship has to end. In fact, hurdles often make friendships stronger.

In recent posts, I've mentioned how this week I'm on the bandwagon of the band Train--listening non-stop...and their CD "Save me, San Francisco" rocks!

The CD, a great reflection of my life and a number of current relationships. Every single song depicts of scene from my life.


I'd like to think 'Parachute' or 'This Ain't Goodbye' or even 'Brick by Brick' mirror our friendship.


Plus I had to tell him I was going to wear my Evan Longoria t-shirt to work! I promised him I would!

Make time for special people

One never knows how a day will unfold, and that's what makes life so extraordinary.

Yesterday while working out I get a text from a VERY dear friend asking if I am working? Fortunately, I was and got a chance to see my 'sister!' Yea, I luv ya Monina!

Then what began as getting an oil change and light fixed the next day turned into one of the best days!

I always go back out to my dealership in Portage County for my oil changes because they are wonderful people....I take them treats....and then I pop into see the guy who sold me my car and take him treats as well!


Plus, the drive quite relaxing with the wind blowing through my hair jamming to my favorite tunes --flavor of the week this week: Train!


For the 1st time ever, they were really backlogged so I had to wait 1.5 hours. No worries.


I said my prayers, I relaxed, I chatted on the phone and sent a few texts.


Funny thing happened--the shop was so full I opted to read outside. As I was getting up from the concrete parking barrier, my white flip flop broke! Oh no, think fast, what to do?


Well, I did have 2 more pairs of shoes in my car --which was getting worked on.


How in the heck was I to get to the service desk without going totally barefoot and seeming very back country-ish?


Well, thinking 'what would Mom do?' I rifled through my purse and got out anything sticky!


Just before I was to go into the dealership again, I used some sticky female items to tack down my foot to the shoe as well as a few sticks of gum.....


Though it did not work as well as I'd hoped --it did the trick until I could get back to my finished car and swap flip flops!



What a funny situation. Loved it!


After my car was finished I spent much needed quality time with two people who mean much to me.



I did visit Kenny for a few minutes before I left the dealership....he said my beautiful eyes looked happy....he knows Mom and knows all I've been through over the last 17 months. He was so thrilled to see me (as I him) and was happy that I was progressing after our barage of tragedies.


The day only got better.....I was fortunate to visit with a very dear friend of mine who I have been playing 'tag' with --unable to get together. A weight lifted off my shoulders as I spent quality time with him, his dogs, and really spoke in person. No texts. No chats. No email. Person to person next to each other. It felt sooooo good. I really missed him.





His dogs love me --but what's not to like?!!!!!

Joy of watching baseball with new and old

What a weekend!

Filled with baseball, friends, family, and all that matters to me.

Saturday night I had the distinct honor of sharing the Cleveland Indians' baseball game with 2 friends who had never been to an Indians game or the Terrace Club.

What a joy! Let's face it. I learned from the best (MOM!) and want to share our love of baseball and the Cleveland Indians!

Not only spending time with good, genuine friends, but trying to impart on two people WHY I adore the game of baseball and 'my' Cleveland Indians. An absolutely magnificent experience had by all!

My friends had the entire reader's digest version: Terrace Club experience, rain delay, tarp pulling, extra innings, watching the game from our seats, and a come from behind win!

BONUS!

And fortunately a fabulous experience had by all --Lisa and Bob are hooked and said they'd LOVE to come back for more! Two more converts! I'm proud to have been part of the conversion!

Sunday enjoyed the game with two 'old' friends who are well versed in the game of baseball...but I had not seen them in a little while. What a great day catching up with Lydia and Marilyn!

Both miss Mom so much (as do I). Marilyn was so cute. She refused to sit in "Mom's seat."

Mom IS and will always be at the Cleveland Indians' games with us and in our hearts!

We love you Mom! I love you more, Mom! XO

Emotions ran wild as LeBron ran to South Beach

WOW!

In the words of Dennis Eckersley as Manny Ramirez slammed that homer in the 10th inning to win the game-- W-O-W!

I need a vacation to recover from my long weekend.

Actually, believe it or not, I had a fantastic weekend in Tampa with one of my best friends.

However, I am not going to lie --it was riddled with a few emotional moments and much drama.

The 'old' Danielle would have let the drama ruin her weekend. Not this time suckers!

Let's face it, I was in Tampa FLA with the exact same weather as in Cleveland, Ohio. Boy do I LOVE summer!

In the company of a very dear friend, planning on visiting with a few other old friends, and in the same town as "my" Cleveland Indians all weekend long. Pinch me!

My family used to go to FLA all the time...still able to hit it at least once a year and everyone knows it rains every day in FLA but only for a fleeting moment. Not one stitch in 5 days! You have got to be kidding me!

I had a momentary visit with a former co-worker, Kim Fatica. What a treat to see him. Planning on visiting with him later this year as well.

Just not having to drive for 4.5 days would have been enough, but that was one of the many cherries on top of my ice cream sundae all week long! Can't beat fresh seafood, sandy beaches, baseball, sun, poolside, not having to wear any undergarments, palm trees, cocktails every hour on the hour, good music, and no worries or responsibilities.

Not sure what this means--when we entered The Batter's Eye, the bartenders Rick and Grant recognized me and started fixing my cocktail? Hmmmmm. I can understand with Craig and Ben because they LIVE there but me, once a year? Either I'm in there every game I'm in town OR very memorable. I'd like to think I am someone no one could ever forget! I do know my way around the Trop very well! Does not compare to Jacob's Field but it has its charm!

The day/night progressing very well until the texts and calls began streaming in about LeBron going to the Miami Heat. There are some things you just can't control. During the Indians-Rays game I just burst into tears behind the Indians dug out with no chance of stopping. I can't believe I got so wrapped up in the whole LeBron saga but apparently it affected me more than I ever imagined.

Even though this had no bearing on my life, I felt as if I'd been betrayed yet again. At that very moment, I felt as if I could trust absolutely no one and everyone in my life would continue using me and letting me down.

The night kinda went downhill from there as we went home after the game and watched the tivo'd 'Decision' coverage and I continued sobbing my eyes out.

I know right about now, I will get comments that say "LeBron is not worth the tears" and a million other comments. Folks, some things are beyond one's control. You gotta pee and just let loose. Same thing with the tear ducts sometimes. They begin and don't shut off until the falls run dry.

The 2nd day I was in FLA, a bit more drama as I could not long on the Internet or Face book. Now, originally I made an agreement with myself that I would be phone and computer free for 5 days. I tried cheating and got burned. Could not log on and got peeved. I did throw a short temper tantrum but snapped out of it as I visited with my friends Rick and Grant in the Batter's Eye again at Tropicana Field! I also text messaged a sweetheart of a friend a few times who was back in the Cleve which lifted my spirits!

I gave my first Rayhawk haircut. I'm guessing Ben shaved his entire head after I left because of a slight 'unevenness' in the back. I did my best!

A slight uncomfortable moment as a drunk friend acted a bit inappropriate. That did not even bother me. It's the fact that my best friend did not stand up for me and tell our other friend to knock it off. That's when I truly felt my worth with my 14-year friend...and knew I had to back off on this friendship for a while.

The last bit of drama came at the end of my visit as I did not wanna leave....kind of an awkward feeling encompassed my last night and the morning I was leaving. My host never even got his caboose out of bed until the very second I was leaving. I don't rate much in his eyes apparently.

Mixed signals continue after 14 years. I could not take these mixed signals 14 years ago and I am ending them now. No more. I'm getting too old for this --I'm not a mind reader and deserve more respect than head and reindeer games--especially after ALL I've done for my friend with any kind of support he has needed over the years, including lotsa money. The well has run dry on many fronts my friend.

Overall, the trip WAS a complete success. There is always bound to be drama--especially when connected to me! What a breath of fresh air and wonderful visit with dear friends, more baseball, and a feeling of no responsibilities--if for just a little while.

I adore my tan!

When I arrived home, though I missed Craig and FLA, it was sooooo good to be home. Traveling, always a joy, but I enjoy coming home to Cleveland. A true Cleveland girl!

The drama continued as I fully expected to get together for drinks or dinner or just catch the home run hitting contest with a friend who I'd been missing for quite a while. Yet again, mixed signals and a major miscommunication. I was very disappointed, you could even say heart broken. But I made the best of it. I made myself a nice cocktail, unpacked, and relaxed. I had a fabulous phone conversation with another dear friend who set me back on the right track.

No more head games. No more miscommunication. No more being the door mat for some of my friends. I am seriously reconsidering these two very important friendships and where and how I'd like to proceed.

All in all, the Tampa weekend was just what the doctor ordered on many fronts --to relax, enjoy baseball and the sun, and re-evaluate my future. Mission accomplished!

"The Decision"

Funny how life unfolds.

Another amazing week in my life.

A few days ago I received a visit from a dear, dear grade school friend and her family. Just when I was beginning to doubt myself and wondering about a few current friendships/relationships, Susie showed me that there ARE true friends out there who will be there forever.

Heck, Susie and her family are from North Carolina and I had a wonderful visit with her. I can't even get together for coffee/pizza/or a baseball game with another amazing friend who lives only 30 minutes away. Go figure!

As the week began, I had grandiose plans and mountains I wanted to conquer before I hit the sandy beaches of Tampa, FLA.

As the week progressed I realized what was realistic and downsized my plans. The "new" and improved Danielle did not freak out that everything would not get done. I'm very content knowing I am not superwoman (though most think I am! I will let them believe what they want).

And so the week brings us to now! I leave for TPA before the sun pops up and am not going to go to bed as I finish packing & finish up last minute things...

But more importantly, "The Decision" is due tonight between 9:10 p.m. and 9:20 p.m.

It's already all over the internet that LeBron James is heading to the Miami Heat so what's left to say?

Amazing that LeBron and I may be in the same state this weekend. Funny how life plays out.

I can't let the outcome cloud my long weekend with one of my best friends and my boys, the Cleveland Indians!

As one of my favorite actresses says, Que Sera Sera....

Felt like the super model who never got asked to the Prom

No, I don't see myself as a super model. But I do have many of those extraordinary qualities (lol)!

Here's the background--so you see all these super models, stars, actresses who are beautiful, popular, vivacious, blah blah blah, get interviewed on Regis and Kelly, The Today Show, Leno, whatever! And during the interview they always say, "I never went to any of my proms because all the guys thought I already had a date or thought I was stuck up."

I don't get these feelings very often, but unfortunately, Independence Day ushered in this awful realization. And to top it off, I did not fit into my 'supermodel' cutoff flag jeans shorts. But by golly, I will by Labor Day people! I will! And I will look HOT! However, no one will see me (and below explains why!!! LOL!)

Did not get invited to one single, gosh darn cook out, party, picnic, anything. And of course, being a normal day off, my family did not plan any big shindig for once! Rats! When I saw all these alleged facebook friends talking about all the cookouts/parties they were attending, I screamed at the top of my lungs! Really. And I realized that I could have the big "L" on my forehead.

I have many, many male married friends who of course can not invite me to any of their events because wives don't like their husbands hanging around cute, single girls....

For the most part, many of my married female friends have stopped calling me because I'm single without children, so come on, what do we really have in common anymore? (Now now, I DO still have some very endearing married female friends --and you know who you are, all 2 of you!!! lol).

Some of my single friends call me when "I'm the last resort" and they have nothing better to do.

And my other single friends were working. My sister and I popped into work after the fireworks and they all said, 'if we would have had a party, you WOULD have been invited!' I think I believe them because I do have a handful of true blue friends--very blessed!

Do I not get invited because for so many years I was Mom's caregiver and had to pass on events? Maybe....but that equation has changed.

Do I not get invited because everyone else in the world is connected to their own family and they just don't have room for a single interloper? Possibly. But I thought I had better friends than that!

In the past, I would have been hanging with my BFF, who unfortunately had to move to FLA. Maybe because I hung with him so long, I myself shunned many people. Could be?

Now, before I start getting the emails and messages saying 'hang in there' or 'snap out of it you B_ _ _ H,' this feeling did not last long.....you should know me by now. 1/2 of my family wound up getting together and having a pretty good impromptu party....then my sister and I hit the downtown fireworks!

I am amazing! I am fun! I really know how to live life and will continue to do so, with or without road blocks....

I'm just used to the parties we used to throw when Mom was alive--she'd be cooking for days. There were soooo many of us who always hung together. Then Mom died and....

I am lucky because my family usually gets together for so many events, holidays, birthdays, gambling jaunts.....just so happened the one day out of the year we did not, no one else included me and I nearly had a mental breakdown.

Being the party planner of the family, this was a lesson that I should be aggressive and next time choreograph something --even if it's for ME or 1/2 of us --so I don't get this awful pit in my stomach again that makes me want to throw up.

But I don't get it. I'm the one who is always so giving to everyone else yet....oh well. Let it go. They will get theirs one day!

I am my Mother's daughter. I am quite strong. I do know how to make my own fun and if others don't want to have the fun with me, they can go.... I just am used to sharing life with others.....I enjoy sharing baseball games, events, dinners, movies, concerts, memory-making times with others. I thrive on being in a big familial or friend group laughing so hard we all pee our pants, making so many good times that we recount time and time again......

I don't think just because someone has not found that someone special yet, they should be penalized. This topic played out many, many times on 'Sex in the City' and apparently still very prevalent today. If you are not married, you are an outcast. If you don't have children, avoided like the plague. If you don't smoke, shame on you!

If Mom and God are smiling on me, one day I will find my special someone. But if I don't, I pray they give me the peace of mind to be me, the best me I can be, and the strength to handle 98 percent of this couple oriented world (even if the couples are MISERABLE!). I have faith.

In the meantime, I'm sure this sick pit will return to my stomach 2-4 times a year....but, those other 361 days hopefully will be PRICELESS!

Thanks Jesus! Now, the countdown is on for "Op. TPA" and I am ready to go.......

A week of firsts

Ahhhh!

The funny thing about this entry is that this has been a week of many firsts for me....and I can not share many of them with you!

Psyche!

Tuesday I had an experience --one of which I'd never had before! Overall, very good! Found out a few things about myself which I'm not sure I wanted to hear but definitely an eye opening, wake up call to good health.....never thought I'd be there! But hey, a girl has to do what a girl has to do! I'm in the midst of trying to take back my life and get back on track.

Thursday--just a delightful day at the ballpark! At the end of the game I was beaming with my girlish grin....

Friday's visit to my spa unlike any I've ever had! WOW! An amazing service they offer, and just the needed boost necessary to get me out of my doldrums and over my blue funk. I just hope others notice and are very pleased with the outcome! What a girl won't do for the men in her life! A gift to me for the last few weeks I've had, and heck, to celebrate the World Cup!

When I awoke Saturday morning, had no idea the path the day would lead me......hit the Larchmere Festival, which was superb! What a day! On the way to the event, I stopped by an authentic lemonade stand and bought a delicious, thirst quenching glass for the 1st time in I'm guessing 25 years. Enjoyed the live music, vendors peddling their unique items, homemade foodstuffs, had a fabulous chat with my best friend from Tampa while walking up and down the corridor, and reconfirmed why I adore the Larchmere neighborhood as much as I do.

Then no trip to Progressive Field is ever like the last! I sat next to the most adorable little boy who made the trek with his dad. Seeing the game as well as the fireworks through this little boy's eyes was amazing. I also met the members of the U.S. Olympic Bobsled team & touched their gold medals. I'm told while I was enamored with the Olympians a foul ball hit my chair. I can take this as a sign that IF I had been there, I may be at the emergency room right now!

For a week that started out with absolutely nothing planned, I can't fathom the way it finished and the way I've grown as a person.