Least favorite holiday weekend

When I was a little girl, Labor Day weekend was tolerable. On one hand it meant I'd build a fort in the living room and have my own sleepover watching the Jerry Lewis Telethon all night long. At that time it was more entertaining though it included its share of inspirational stories. However, I'm not sure that they had as many stories to tell or share. That's where I became acquainted with so many stars, entertainers, musical groups, and really broadened my horizons learning so much in that 24 hours. I think I also gleaned my passion for music and dance at that time.

By Labor Day weekend, some years school had not begun. Other years, it had just begun and we already had a boat load of homework which I'd just plug along through all night long.

Labor Day Weekend meant the end to summer, which saddened me. Still does today.

There were a few bright spots through the years. Labor Day weekend meant the Cleveland National Air Show and Cleveland Indians' baseball. My Mother, God love her, wanted to be a pilot and even skydive. Well, she never did either, but I'm sure she's doing them both now that she has entered Heaven. Uncle Johnny was in the Air Force. Wherever we'd go visit him, we'd stay on the Air Base with him surrounded by planes, Air Force personnel, and that regimented way of life.

I can only imagine what it must feel like being a pilot because watching the beautifully intricate maneuvers of the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels brings chills, tears, and wonderment every single time. It never gets old and never will.

What would be perfect would be sitting at old Cleveland Municipal Stadium during the air show so you not only saw the ballgame but planes buzzing around the entire time --many times scaring the bejeebers out of the ballplayers at prime times during the game.

No matter all the good memories, the summer coming to an end always made this particular holiday weekend bittersweet.

Looking back over the last 5-7 years, Labor Day weekend became more depressing. I'd usually ask for the day off, mainly so I could take Mom to a different dialysis session, then she could rest up a little and if she felt up to it, we'd hit the Indians' game. While Mom was at dialysis, I'd do a little cleaning. Well since I've not really cleaned since Mom has passed, the house is really due for a fall cleaning session this year.

Very stress-filled moments and days lead up to Labor Day 2011. I was not looking forward to this weekend at all but was going to try and make the best of it. Cleveland always has exciting events & fun stuff happening year round. Labor Day weekend kicks it up a notch with a bazillion festivals including the Great Geauga County Fair, the Oktoberfest, the Air Show, baseball and many newer happenings such as the Taste of Hudson, just to name a few.

So I, though broke, was determined to try something new every single day. My mantra has always been 'you don't have to have money to have fun.' I truly believe that fact.


Saturday, my nephew's band Founding Fathers played at Market Square. It was simply a beautiful summer day. Family first! I ventured over to Market Square and enjoyed cheering on my nephew and his fellow band mates. They are wonderful! I had front and center seats on the curb right in front of the band. It was perfect. And my heart was filled with joy as I watched people walk by dancing to the music, especially this cute little boy and girl, who could not have been more than 2-4 years old, dancing up a storm to my nephew's music. So proud. In between sets, I buzzed around The West Side Market. What an absolutely divine day! I've been visiting The West Side Market my entire life which included familiarizing myself on the main stands there through Mrs. Donley's freshman colloquium class. You don't even have to buy anything. Walking around people watching all day satisfies the soul. I did buy some fabulous chicken because I decided to try my hand again at Mom's famous breaded chicken and fine tune my mashed potatoes, should I ever have to whip them up for a potential new beau (he said mashed potatoes are his favorite, nothing else, just a huge plate of mashed potatoes!). Nothing tops off breaded chicken, homemade mashed potatoes and corn like a nice Molson Ice! Living the life, I'm telling you!

So far, so good on this bittersweet weekend.

Sunday could not have turned out any better. I headed down to work where I had a front row seat of the Air Show AND the Cleveland Indians' game WHILE I worked out in the gym! Pinch me. I've been trying very hard to get a great work out in every day and so far, so good! Sunday night, though I did not really have plans with anyone, I ventured solo to the Taste of Hudson. A new experience for me. My co-workers' band was playing at the event and later that night Michael Stanley and Tommy Dobeck. How could I go wrong?

Sure enough, I ran into a few other co-workers, heard phenomenal music all night long and even ran into one of my dearest grade school buddies. I could not have asked for a better night! Well, I could have, but I did not want to be greedy and press my luck! Wink, wink!


Through this all, in the back of my mind, unsettled thoughts of a dear friend who is going through a really rough time....yet I am trying my best to deal. God does not give us more than we can handle at one time. And in Sunday's gospel and homily Father shared that if no one else loves me, God does. The Lord calls us to imitate Him. That is what I am striving to do. Uplifting thoughts this bittersweet weekend.

Added to the mix, we just found out that a lifelong family friend is on her death bed. Again, all we can do is pray for her and her entire family.


I can not complain about anything. Compared to what my new friend is going through with his Mother passing away and our family friend who is preparing to see the Lord, I have absolutely no right to feel down about anything. Adversity and life in general puts everything into perspective. Mom taught us to do God's will and be there for our friends (well, she taught us so much more, all good!).

That said, I am human. I may know in my head what to do but my heart says something else. The Labor Day Weekend up 'til Monday was fantastic. But there was that underlying presence of stress and a heavy heart. Let's face it. 2 people dying. Summer coming to an end, which for me at this particular time is a symbol of a new budding friendship which unfortunately, has been cut short and is coming to an immediate end forever.

Monday I was heading to the Indians' game with a co-worker-- a very cool guy who I really enjoy spending time with who makes me laugh.

As we walked to the game, he suggested popping into the bar across from Jacob's Field for a shot of Whiskey! PERFECT idea. I told him, if the Indians win, this must be a regular tradition. Regardless, it took the edge off of my stress-filled week and made for a phenomenal end to Labor Day Weekend 2011. The Tribe lost but I had an awesome time at the game with my friend laughing and enjoying my boys of summer! Jacob's Field is my home away from home!

All in all, Labor Day Weekend 2011, even with the stress and sadness, had its glimmering moments. However, this will never be a favored holiday. No matter how great the weekend may be, at the very end, you are always reminded that the summer is coming to an end....fun times are slowing down.....and the cold harsh winter (which could be construed as the cold, rough times of life) is right around the corner. Grrrrr.

5 games plus Jim Thome: Pinch me!

I'm determined to get my life back on track, take care of me, and continue scratching duties off of my overwhelming 'to do' list.

It was an amazing beginning....the hard part will be continuing on the straight and narrow.

Out of the goodness of his heart, a dear friend who used to help me with Mom has taken on the task of being my personal trainer. He's absolutely awesome! I worked out with him all week long...and am back down below what I weighed when I turned 40 years old. I've made such great strides I never ever want to ever find myself back where I was -- which is 40+ pounds heavier.

Not only have I revved up the workout schedule, but I saw five Indians' games last week, including the return of the beloved Jim Thome! Two weeks ago, I'd never have believed that I was so into my workout schedule and that Thome would be an Indian again.

I guess miracles can happen and anything is possible.

The day that boosted me over the top was the day-night double header. Walking back and forth from Progressive Field is an amazing workout in itself. Walking back and forth 4 times in one day with a rigorous hour long workout in between just blew my mind, but I did it and felt so pumped up at the end of the day, not to mention, I caught a foul ball at the first Indians' game --that REALLY revved me up!

Let's try and keep this streak going.....not only the baseball streak but the workout as well as organizing a pretty messy life which is a great life, but in total chaos at this very moment! :)

Tangled in a spider web, sinking in a sand trap

Against my better judgement, I've gotten sucked into the huge spider web and can't seem to find my way out. Or I feel like I'm sinking in a sand trap.

Though I'd rather meet someone in person, get to know them, and make new memories 'THAT' way, I've gotten roped into the way kids today talk: via texting.

I enjoy conversing with my new text buddy but my head is spinning. We chat like buddies then we have crazy conversations like we are more than buddies.

Frankly, I am confused. We've discussed soooooo much, I do feel as if I know him. I do feel akin to him and I've told him absolutely EVERYTHING about me. I can share anything and everything with him. I feel so comfortable with this fellow human being. But there is no freaking way I should let myself get attached to anyone until I meet them in person. That has not happened thus far and every time I ask if it will, there is no definitive answer and I wind up in the dog house.

Last week after I received a text of six little words, I actually ran to the bathroom at work and threw up. Yes, it was stupid. First, ridiculous thinking I knew what my text buddy was saying in the context of a text. I will be the first person to say text messages are meaningless. They are words that could go anyway and you don't know what they mean until you hear them in person.

Second, to get upset over a guy is going against everything I believe in--no one should get upset over a guy via text, over the phone or in person.

Yet, yes, I feel close to this kid. I so would like to start a friendship, friends only situation, with this awesome individual. There have been dozens and dozens of signs over the last three weeks convincing me that we should be friends. I believe in signs. When two people text the same message to each other at the same time, it's a sign. That's what happened one night during a thunderstorm. When in casual conversation I shared the random fact that I love the smell of Skoal Wintergreen and that's his brand, I take that as a sign. When I tell him one of my favorite beers is Molson Ice and he is drinking that beer at the time, that's a sign. There have been so many other coincidences that I can not let this friendship go, not just yet.

Not sure what's swirling around in his head about me? I'd like to think he feels the same bit I just don't know.

Yes, I got so upset over a guy it made me physically ill. It was an absolutely chaotic hour. And what really gets me is that I was messaging a friend of mine....and my text buddy was responding to the texts I was sending my friend. That irked me a bit. I wanted to talk to my friend in confidence and it appeared as if she was sharing my situation with my text buddy by his responses to me..... not good.

It was a crazy 48 hours filled with emotion. I'm not sure what to do or how to handle this situation. All I can do is first and foremost pray to God and Mom to help me, to give me the strength to do nothing and put this situation in their hands off of my shoulders. Next, I just need to be me, be the person Mom taught me to be, be a good friend and a good Christian and hope that in the end, I will have been a good friend to my new text buddy.

They have tons happening in their life, but so do I.

Fortunately, Saturday night, when I received another text that seemed like our friendship had been disbanded I was with two very very good friends who told me how lucky I was, who reminded me they and so many other good people are in my life and conked me on the head telling me how absolutely blessed I am.

I would not in any way shape or form hand back the last 21 days for the world. I've enjoyed conversations with my new friend. I've enjoyed meeting, if only via text, someone that 3 weeks ago wasn't even a blip on my radar. He has made me smile every single day for the last 21 days. I've been on cloud 9.

God is good. I need to keep saying that....God is good....God is in charge. What will be will be and God never ever hands us anything we can not handle.

At the very least, this summer in my life --May thru the present, will make one hell of a romance novel! Thank God I've been taking notes and jotting down the most important memories! Whew hoo! I am the glass full girl and I, of anyone, know how to make delicious lemonade when handed a basket of sour lemons! HA!

We need more cowbell in the rain!

The last week has been one I'd never ever imagined, concocted, or even scripted in a dream in a million years!

Just the simple fact that I have a new text buddy who, most of the time is amazing.....yes, we've had a few rough spots but always seem to get back on track.

I had a schedule change due to vacations. A very nice change of pace! And honestly it seemed I was at the station MORE because of it as I would work, work out and then hit the Tribe game! Going to the Indians' games has become beneficial to my health as well as a great source of pleasure! I park at my office and walk over to Progressive Field. Those days I get a workout in, BONUS! The days I don't, I still get a nice downtown walk going!

One of the days I worked I totally overslept! I NEVER do that. I jokingly the day before told my relief to call me if I wasn't in at a certain time....sure enough, I jinxed myself. I got up 18 minutes before I was supposed to be at work! I called him and said, dude, I'm up but I may be a few minutes late!

God was truly on my side. I threw on an amazing outfit, gathered my lunch, and headed to work. I made EVERY SINGLE LIGHT! I was not speeding but it was a different shift than I normally work and the light pattern had changed. I got to work only a few minutes late and knew that I owed God a HUGE HUGE favor!

And then it was the Feast of the Assumption weekend! A family tradition! Sunday I went to the Indians' game which wound up being rained out and postponed. Even in a delay, I had the most delicious time at the ballpark. We played a few innings--David Huff was pitching a doozy! Then the skies opened. So I ventured up to the Terrace Club and just sat in my place on the floor watching other MLB games! 1/2 way through the delay, the most delightful little boy and his father came over to sit by me. He was a doll! We had the best conversation about beginning school and his lunch breaks at school....and how the administrators are quite annoying with how they quiet people down and get attention. It was absolutely awesome! He shared his fishy crackers with me and then when the couch opened, offered me a seat next to him on the couch!

He really was a doll and reminded me of my friend's adorable little boy, who hopefully one day I will meet.

Finally, they called the game and off I went to change for the Feast of the Assumption. I was NOT going to pass this up.

There may be a little rain in the air but it's tradition. I needed to get my Italian food fix on and light the candles we light every single year at Holy Rosary church!

I changed and headed down to Little Italy. I was meant to be there! It all came together! I was supposed to meet two friends but they got chased away by the rain. I wound up seeing my sports producer and his friend! Then I saw an old colleague, Commander Tom Stacho. I did my normal walk around and taste and squirrel away food to take home plus I grabbed some to give to my Aunt when I saw her at mass the following day....

But my highlight, besides lighting the candles and saying a little prayer, was visiting my friend's fried dough stand! ALWAYS a delight! And this year just made my week!

In the meantime, my new pal and I had been texting back and forth.....it was nice. But I was on a mission and he was going to have to wait. Especially after the skies opened again.....one downpour and I put up the umbrella. It lasted about 5 minutes and away the umbrella went! I went to Michael's stand and saw he and his lovely wife and children. After talking just a few minutes the skies opened yet again...but this was furious and would last longer. So he ushered me under his stand to safety and we all talked, shared memories, caught up, feasted on fried dough and made new wonderful memories.

At one point, it was apparent the rains would not be stopping for a while so the band in the center of the venue started playing to entertain those stranded.....and that's when the fun really began. A stand two down from Michael's had all of these instruments --cow bells, horns, tambourines, anything you could imagine. They started doling them out, passing them down so that everyone could play along with the band! It was magnificent. The kids had the most fun of course! This vivid image that will last with me forever IS truly what makes new memories --surrounded by friends, family, tradition, and the guts to live life to the fullest and make lemonade when you are handed lemons!

U crazy kids & ur texting

I still have the old archaic phone. I'm ok with that for now because I don't have enough money to get a new one and I don't have a job or position that requires me to be attached to my email 24 hours a day.

I did up my texting plan because every single guy I've met this Spring and Summer seems to want to text rather than talk on the phone or meet in person.

What is it with young kids and guys and texting rather than having a heart to heart conversation?

I'd much prefer talking to someone on the phone so I can hear their emotion, their inflection, and get a detailed rundown of a conversation rather than abbreviated words to get a possible point across?

I'd much rather be in the same room with someone holding a conversation with them as we get to know each other, fire question after question immediately as it pops in our heads without that delay from "oh wait, I have to type on my cell phone the proper response" only to have the person on the other end misconstrue what the heck is being said.

I've been speaking with a new friend for a few weeks via text. For some reason, he doesn't want to speak on the phone. He's had much adversity in his life just since I've known him so I totally get why we've not met in person yet plus our schedules have not meshed. But one of my mottos is if something is important to you, make it happen. I personally would have stayed up really late or gotten up really early to accommodate his schedule. I've found that guys soooooo do not do that for females. Or maybe I've just not found the right guy who thinks of the girl first.

I must admit some of our conversations, scratch that, pretty much all of our conversations via text have brought me great joy, smiles from cheek to cheek and much laughter. You could even say they bring butterflies to my belly and fireworks! So yes, speaking via text has the same effect as in real person but it's quite weird. My friends will ask, "Have you met him yet?" I say no but we speak for hours on end each and every single day. They say, "He needs to ask you out on a real date." And I concur.

My older relatives say "Whatever happened to picking up the telephone and just talking?" Yes, I agree with that too!


But at the end of the day, looking back at some of the texts of the day have made me beam, have brought butterflies to my stomach, and have made me want to press onward with whatever 'this' is.....

If I'm having a bad day, looking back at an old text will brighten my day. It's quite amazing.

We have gotten to know each other on many fronts via the text method....but there is sooooo much left out there for us to explore and learn about each other.

We've even shared nice pictures so both of us know what the other looks like....

Since we've been talking we've said goodnight every single night and good morning every single morning. It's simply wonderful. But I miss that one on one in person communication. I really crave that right now. Just friends everyone. I just want to meet this new friend and pal around, watch a game, watch him play hockey, share a pizza, or anything innocent just to get to know each other a bit better.

Unfortunately, his mother has become ill so he had to head back home to Vancouver. Something that I can say has never ever happened to me is having a hot man text me that he had to climb up on his roof to talk to me. My pal told me before he left that reception is awful at his Mom's home. I really did not expect to talk to him for a week or two while he was tending to his Mom. Then poof --one day at work I received a text that just made my week. He said he had to climb up on his roof to talk to me because he wanted to talk to me. I admit, my heart melted over and from a text message. And yes, I can understand how this mode of communication can not only be easy for those who have a hard time speaking but easier to say what's really on your mind ....and yes, brings great joy as well.

With the good also comes the ugly. I don't even know this guy yet we've had a few 'arguments' via text. I did not think they were arguments or even worthy of cross words but apparently the person on the other end of the text mistook what was being said, twisted it, and hence WHY I would rather speak via the telephone or in person! VOILA!

I do vote for the phone and in person. I fear that will not happen for a while or ever. But for now, I'll take this mode of communication.

And I thank God every single day for my new text buddy.

Congratulations Colleen and Jeff!

What a whirlwind week! It began just over a week ago as I met someone new, if only through texting....but the real buzz of the first week of August were all the preparations for my youngest niece's wedding!

We've known it was coming for months yet it's been action packed with shopping and hair and nails and final preparations for the big day!

Colleen and Jeff are simply perfect for each other! They definitely complement each other and the love exudes for all to see.

It was a no brainer when Jeff entered the picture that he was truly a member of our family even before the official reciting of the vows of matrimony.

So Monday I got a dress.....Tuesday I shopped for accessories for my adorable party dress including amazing matching shoes, a wrap, a clutch, and a few other items. I usually hate shopping because that constitutes spending money which I never have. However, this trip to the Mall rocked as I was texting my new friend the entire time. He makes me laugh, he makes me smile. Those 2 attributes are quite important to me.

Finally, mission accomplished! It was only Tuesday and I had everything I needed for my niece's wedding! I contemplated Spanks --NOT happening. Those are awful. They are made for women who are thin and don't need them. There is absolutely no freaking way someone like me with a belly can yank those suckers up around my belly and hips. Thankfully that company has the rich and famous thin models brain washed into believing that they need them so those rich folks can spend all their money!! HA!

Got the nails done.....finally, THE DAY!

Colleen's vision and planning for this wedding simply amazing. She did everything! She was in charge of every idea, every decoration, every final flower and candle placement. We all gathered at Manakiki Saturday morning to put the final touches on her big day. Yes, there were many nerves inside everyone but that's expected. The bottom line, we did it. We set up the three rooms she and Jeff were using for their nuptials. Everything looked beautiful. Could not have had a better day or place to tie the knot.

After a quick lunch....and giving Colleen an early surprise gift: her long lost Elephant hat which we purchased in Canada about 25 years ago, we were all off to get our hair and makeup done.

Then back to the venue for the real deal.

Everything went off without a hitch. It was a bit warm but it was perfect and every single wedding guest had the most memorable time. Colleen was so worried it would rain. It did but God (and Gram) had everything under control.

During the wedding ceremony, which was outside under the trees and sky, you could hear the rain but no one ever felt it. God made it just so that it cooled the day, and enhanced this miracle about to occur, but did not affect it in any way shape or form! It was simply perfect. And at the conclusion of the service, the rain ended, the sun came back out and it was party time!

We all danced, sang, and ate the night away surrounded by close family and friends under the beautiful Cleveland sky....Sara gave an amazing speech and Colleen had the most delicious lemon cake made just for family. Honestly, everything was P-E-R-F-E-C-T!

I concluded my day talking to my new buddy......and then meeting Colleen and Jeff back out at Manakiki Sunday morning to finish cleaning up and fetching last minute items we'd left the night before.

I royally pissed off the golfers as the management let us park at the snackbar doorway to load our cars. Oh, well. Get over it! As one final parting gift from Manakiki, the girl Colleen was working with gave us the most delicious grilled hotdogs I'd ever tasted! MMMMM.

We all gathered at my sister's to unload and reload and eat, for there was a ton of food left over from the wedding, and more importantly visit with my friends, "the girls" --Colleen's 2 chihuahuas!

I could not believe how exhausted I was but everyone was......I headed home and took a nap.....Sunday was pretty much a wash out!

And fortunately my boss gave me Monday off due to me working the following weekend.....every minute of that 4-day weekend was definitely needed to recoup from the wedding of the year!

I raise my glass to two of the nicest, classiest, most adorable people in the world: Colleen and Jeff....and love you so very much! I am blessed to have you both as family! I love you! XOXO

Love,

Auntie Dani (one of the coolest people you know)

My new friend has calming effect on me

Holy moly!

Not even a flooded sun room and busted fridge can rattle this girl who has been talking non-stop to a nice, new, charming friend.

We spoke for hours on end last night....I finally went into the Sunroom around 430 a.m. to find a flood! No. I did not freak out. I matter-of-factly assessed the situation, got my sham wows to start mopping up the excess water and make sure my computer system was not submerged.

Well, some computer wires were damp so I asked for assistance on Facebook before I had to unplug myself from the world.

I moved the love seat, unplugged everything, got all the computer stuff to safety, texted my sister to call me when she awoke and texted a great friend who is a computer whiz.

Still not rattled. Thank you new friend.

I finally got the water up and laid down more sham wows.

I needed a few hours of sleep so I napped on the love seat until my sister called and my computer friend called me too..... I asked my sister to put an addendum on fb for folks who can help to call me since I was unplugged! My computer buddy was gonna be in the neighborhood so he was going to try and stop by as well.

I contacted Sears who said they'd be out in 3 weeks. No can do. I called a local mom and pop fridge fixer and boom --God was on my side. They were actually in the neighborhood! They fixed my problem ipso facto pronto! My very good friend put my entire computer system back together. I am ever so indebted to him for the rest of my life! I really do have good friends and Mom as my guardian angel always watching my back.

Never did the smile leave my face through this adverse situation. Thank you new friend!

Breath of fresh air

God works in mysterious ways. I've been very unlucky this Spring and Summer in the man department and a few of my girlfriends are not happy about how a few humans of the opposite sex have treated me.

One of my pals said, "I'm gonna find you a nice boy." Well, she just may have found a great boy.

After hemming and hawing, I told her she could give her friend my phone number and sure enough, he texted me.

What a gem! I don't even know him and am 'in like' with the dude! He's absolutely perfect! I'm not really going to say much more because I'm sure I'll jinx it and this time next month, I'll be back to crying myself to sleep or very disenfranchised with the male persuasion. But for now, I have a nice new friend who I really enjoy speaking with and sharing things and getting to know.

He won me over in the first 5 minutes....especially when he said I needed a change of scenery from my bf's --my Cleveland Indians -- because hockey players are much better looking! He IS simply P-E-R-F-E-C-T!

As I said, God really works in mysterious ways.....and is always totally in charge.

Ervin Santana's no-hitter

I can't believe I witnessed a no-hitter. Pumped!


Just as unbelievable as the reception when I arrived into work.... everyone expected me to walk in wearing black mourning the no-hitter just pitched against my Cleveland Indians! When they saw my eyes beaming and heard me talking a mile a minute so excited, jaws dropped to the ground.

I tried explaining that when you go to the ballpark, if you see that your team is not going to win, the next best thing is witnessing history. That my friends is what happened on July 27, 2011 as The Los Angeles Angels' RHP Ervin Santana pitched his 1st no-hitter. Now, ironically, the Indians DID score a run but got no hits. Quite the exciting game (though UGLY for my Tribe with 5 errors). David Huff pitched yet another gem with nothing to show for it except a loss. I was 1 of 21,546 fans to experience a historical sports moment. Would not trade it for the world, even though the Indians came out on the short end.

Just a superb day at the ballpark all around! And when the 9th inning hit, the fans left, myself included, began cheering for Ervin Santana to successfully achieve this great feat.

I can not put into words how exciting it was to be in the ballpark to see, feel, smell, and take in the vibe being doled out about what was about to happen. As a true baseball fan, the excitement brought chills up and down my spine. You know when a truly great moment is about to occur, and sure enough, it did!

Congratulations Ervin Santana! I'm sorry you pitched the game against my Indians but I am very blessed and lucky to have experienced baseball history in the making!

Just like a giddy school girl

It's hard to fathom the unbelievable turn of events this week putting a spring in my step and twinkle in my eye.

One of THE hottest weeks in Cleveland this summer coinciding with a heated romance with one of the hottest guys I've ever met. My new friend from the bar and I have been talking/texting this week. He seems to show interest as I've already seen him 3 times.....our schedules completely opposite causing a slight glitch in this relationship. He's substantially younger than I causing a rift as well, though age means nothing to me. However, when I told one of my girlfriends how old he was, she gave me a glowing compliment!

Honestly, I'm not quite sure what to expect. It could be a short lived fling or pan out to be something much bigger. I've learned through the years to take each day as it comes, as a gift from God and just roll with it. I am rolling with it as this very hot guy has me feeling like a giddy school girl again.

He has me being more attentive to myself, my successful fitness program which was just about to stall, and has me feeling ways I've never felt before. We are flirting, acting like school kids, having fun with each other and enjoying the moment. Isn't that what life is all about? For me it is with what has happened in my life over the last few years. You never know when life will be plucked out from under you.

Unfortunately, through the giddiness, I still have an underlying uneasy question--with weekends being the only time we can really get together because of our work schedules, why haven't we? I just have a bad feeling this romantic interlude will be hitting a wall soon, turning cold, though that's not my intention.


The entire weekend like a fantasy! Saturday night I hit the Indians' game, which was postponed due to rain, yet I was still there for 3 hours and spent a bunch of cash --and they never even played! How's that for ya!!!! The whole evening though simply magical. My guy and I texted back and forth all night ....but again, WHY couldn't we have gotten together? The game was postponed. What is going on here? There is never sheer perfection. Always one factoid that just doesn't sit well or make sense. Just like that square peg in a round hole.

Because the Indians' game was postponed, the Lifehouse Concert was moved to Sunday after the game. Simply amazing. Lifehouse helped me get through the days and months after Mom passed away. I'd listen to them while working out and driving to work. They gave me hope, they too, put a spring in my step and made me feel like a giddy school girl with their music. I could not believe I was sitting in Progressive Field so close to the band that helped me get through a very rough time in my life, which continues to this day. For that hour they played, I was in heaven transported to a place where there were no problems, no sadness, not even any issues concerning my new 'friend' and whether or not it will really last.

Exciting few weeks

How could I ask for anything more? Summers in Cleveland never disappoint. The last few weeks my Cleveland Indians have been up and down but still very exciting! How can you beat 'beating' the dreaded Yankees, then Carlos Carrasco dueling CC Sabathia, Pronk's walk-off come back win all heading into the All-Star Break where Cleveland's representation consists of Asdrubal Cabrera, Chris Perez and Manny Acta.

I was fortunate to experience a dear friend's very first ballgame at Progressive Field and trip to the Terrace Club for girls' night out!

On the man front, an unprecedented summer like no other, though absolutely nothing has panned out yet.

In the movie, "Pretty Woman," there was a scene where the twins were speaking of Edward's 'flavor of the month.' Ironically, it seems there have been different boys stepping up to the plate each month....May had a charming boy-next-door suitor who still remains a friend....June brought a social media pal, who again, still remains a friend. July just brought an unsuspecting charming friend who I met at a station party in a bar of all places, and I instantly fell for his smooth lines. I violated many of my rules, one being never meet anyone in a bar! I could not resist. Where will this go? Who knows, but all my friends say just have fun and savor each moment.

My mystery man tossed me a line like I've never heard before charming me to no end. We have
a mutual friend so when I thought he left without saying goodbye, I still had a glimmer of hope knowing both of us could track each other down through our mutual friend. And sure enough, I received an email from my mystery man ....which started this unsuspecting rollercoaster ride leading who knows where?!????! I've seen my mystery man a few times already. Fingers crossed.

On the home front, very proud that I am finally crossing a few things off of my 'to do' list including important doctor appointments.....for the first time in a long time I feel as if I am catapulting the highest mountains....with an uneasy background feeling of 'what if' waiting for all of my test results. What will be will be.


Finally, wrapping up this whirlwind stretch at the "Taste of Tremont." What a tremendous festival. If you've never been before, please go next year.... you will sample the greatest fare of foodstuffs, adult beverages and music like no other. This street fair a small slice of the pie encompassing what happens in Cleveland, Ohio all summer long. It's a great place to live. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else in the world!

Nothing better than beating the Yanks!

Independence Day 2011!

There is absolutely nothing more American than baseball! After an excellent 4th with the family eating, laughing, relaxing, playing with the pups, and just spending quality time with those I care for freely doing what I love in this great country I adore, on to the ballpark!

A fantastic match up: The New York Yankees against my Cleveland Indians! Josh Tomlin battling A.J. Burnett. SS Derek Jeter in the midst of his quest for his 3K hit! Would it happen here? Could it happen here? Anything is possible. We are in the United States of America, and it is Independence Day.

What an amazing evening at the ballpark! A fantastic sold out game surrounded by Cleveland AND New York fans. Cleveland and the Indians really put on a great show for all of our visitors. Be proud C-Town! The pre-game festivities moving for the 4th....and the fireworks shows at Progressive Field are THE absolute best you've ever seen around!

My Indians did not disappoint. A tremendous game to take in and feel proud about being not only an American, but a Clevelander and Cleveland Indians' fan. The scrappy boys played hard and strong. Austin Kearns hit his very 1st homer of the season to put the Indians ahead and they kept tacking them on to beat the Yankees 6-3 ultimately. Derek Jeter just back from the DL and went 0-4. Yes, I cheered him back as did the 40,000+ fans who flashed their cameras everytime he came up to the plate.

Carlos Santana's homer in the 8th sealed the deal. Josh Tomlin pitched a fantastic game. He became the ONLY pitcher in MLB to pitch at least 5.0 innings in each of his first 29 career appearances --since 1919! Tomlin went 7 innings then enter: The Bullpen Mafia! Tony Sipp, Vinnie 'boom bah' Pestano and Chris Perez entered the game and held it for their buddy Josh Tomlin.

I am a true baseball fan. I enjoy watching Major League Baseball (and minor league baseball too). I see talent for what it is worth. If a member of the opposing team makes a great play, I'll clap and give kudos where it's due. The Indians are my boys, but yes, I think I may have a favorite player on every team. The New York Yankees are a talented team. Some of you may say that is absurd, of course they are one of the best. Well, they are good. The New York Yankees get calls they should not because they are the Yanks. They make their share of mistakes. And I can not believe how arrogant A-Rod is strutting around his spot at 3rd base. I'm not a fan. Yes, I do like Jeter, Teixeria, Posada, and other dreaded Yanks.

I don't know what it is but even though winning is always accompanied by a tremendous feeling, beating the New York Yankees has it's own special feeling. You've not experienced that feeling of sheer ecstasy and satisfaction until you've sat in the stands at Progressive Field and watched the Indians pummel the Yankees or just win by one. It's a feeling like no other with any other team (except maybe the Red Sox) where you want to scream at the top of your lungs and party all night long after a win.

Yes, Independence Day 2011 brought that feeling to all Cleveland Indians' fans past and present. You feel like hugging everyone you come in contact with while wanting to just jump out of your skin and float on cloud 9. It's truly a phenomenal feeling that you never want to release. For the moment, after seeing the Indians beat the Yankees and one of THE best Cleveland fireworks shows ever, it is time to savor this feeling. I wish I could bottle it.

Sitting out in the open air watching my favorite sport & my favorite team on the 4th of July epitomizes what it means to be an American to me. I thank my forefathers from the bottom of my heart allowing me to be at this point where I can be me, say what I want, do what I enjoy, have hobbies and passions that bring tears of joy to my eyes knowing that no one can take any of this away from me.

Thank you, I love you, I have no idea how to pay you great forefathers back except to try and live the life you began and emulate you all as best as I can standing up for this great country and her ideals while keeping the definition of freedom ringing loudly!

Dream vacation!

I gauge the success of my vacations by how long they feel and this one felt like it lasted a month! But I've experienced something I've never felt before. A let down. For the first time ever I lost energy and felt a huge let down realizing I had to get back to reality. Mind you, my reality rocks but I still felt like the air had been let out of my sails.

The rest of my week rolled along....hitting the final Indians game with my sister and aunt....visiting friends I'd not seen in eons.....witnessing a visible sign from Mom --her trademark rainbow letting me know everything will be ok. I enjoyed the Larchmere Porchfest....and capped off the week at the Metromix birthday party. I can not believe how each day towered atop the previous day's festivities. Absolutely uncanny.

Funny the roads we travel....6 months ago I was hoping to be with my Indians in San Francisco this past weekend. An unrealistic pipe dream, but it's good to dream and reach for the stars! So, I watched my boys on TV ....and took the road less traveled which lead me down much greener pastures over the last five days.

Life is good! God is good. I truly am blessed.

I just broke my own rule

I went against everything I've been preaching for years. Do NOT talk to strangers. Do NOT meet people online. Sheesh.

Social media sure makes it hard to follow my rules. But it sure is fun and makes life more interesting! I made an exception to my rule that I don't accept Facebook friends I don't know in any way, shape, or form. Last week one of my fellow tweeters began a conversation with me about my Indians. I'm especially careful on Twitter since pretty much anyone can follow you and your whereabouts, definitely not as secure as Facebook or LinkedIn. But, I enjoy reading his articles and he mirrors my enthusiasm and love of the game of baseball so I threw caution to the wind. He friended me on Facebook and I friended him back.

We really did hit it off and have been chatting and talking Tribe for the last week. On day #4 of my fantastic vacation I was supposed to meet my new Twitter and Facebook friend at the Indians-Rockies game, the SAME day I was named the Season Ticket Holder Fan of the Game. Fan of the game meant I got a new Indians hat, I was up on the Jumbotron waving like a dork while they announced me and I was supposed to get some Indians extra bucks, which I never received :( Things just seemed to get better and better this week. Or did they? I should have known that there would probably be a slight snag somewhere along the way. Oh, I hit it! I met my new baseball friend but unfortunately did not get to spend as much time as first thought.

The game was good....meeting my new friend extraordinary....and I was doing what I live for --watching my boys out in the beautiful Cleveland summer enjoying my favorite sport!

Can't ask for much more! I've made a new friend (you can never have enough friends!) whose love of and passion for this great game parallels mine! Hopefully, my new found friend and I can talk baseball for a longtime to come....

Yes, my terrific vacation does keep rolling along..... :)

Jimmy, I have a message from Bob Costas!

You have got to be kidding me!

I must be the luckiest girl alive. My vacations always rule --totally epic. This one no exception! 2 of my dearest girlfriends and I hit the Indians' game....starting with a nice dinner up in the Terrace Club at Progressive Field! We had so much to catch up on and as we gabbed, a familiar man walked by. I quietly said, trying not to move, 'Is that who I think it is?' First of all, I have no idea why I was whispering in this paralyzed state. 2nd of all, my girlfriend said, 'don't make any sharp movements, yes it is.'

NBC Sports guru Bob Costas had just walked into the Terrace Club. I know a number of the staffers so we asked WHY he was in town? Apparently he has a group of friends who live in Cleveland who he visits a few times a year. When Costas realized there was a game going on, he thought it would be cool to have dinner at the ballpark and take in the game. And, I'm sure no one says NO to Bob Costas!

We still gabbed and caught up. I had my back to the man so my other 2 friends were on 'Bob Costas Watch!' Finally, he rose and was exiting the TC. My friend nicely asked if he'd mind taking a picture with us. Costas, quite gracious and soft spoken agreed. This was probably my one and only chance of ever seeing and speaking with this sports broadcasting icon. So, I put the usual 'shy Danielle' away for the next few minutes. I mustered up enough gumption to introduce myself and tell him where I work. You see, believe it or not, Bob Costas and I have a mutual friend. I know it's very hard to believe. But we do. The 1st words out of his mouth were asking about our mutual friend. I gave Bob the update on our friend, who is currently in the hospital....he was so kind and asked me to relay get well wishes to our friend.

Don't get me wrong. Meeting Bob Costas was quite the thrill. And I have a picture to prove it! But the bigger thrill for me was texting my friend with Costas get well message as soon as Mr. Costas walked out of view.

My friend was shocked. Not so much at the greeting but that we had actually run into Bob Costas at the Indians' game and had the chance and guts to speak with him. And my pal was very thankful for the text and well wishes.

The rest of the night & game with my 2 friends absolutely tremendous --making many new memories!

And friends, yes, I am batting 1.000 on this magical vacation so far. Let's keep it going....

Always have a deck of UNO cards in the loge

Day two of vacation and the task at hand was to top day one. I never say never but I knew it was going to be nearly impossible! No, not impossible. We had a fighting chance as my family had the opportunity to enjoy the Indians' game from a loge. I've been quite lucky and blessed through the years to have sporadic opportunities to enjoy my favorite sport, my all-time favorite team from the confines of a loge, or even one time, from the field boxes. Now that was a tremendous experience for Mom, me and our family!

And, sure enough! We topped day #1 of vacation! First, just having the entire family together (except my nephew, but he has enjoyed a loge before!) was quite an experience! We all like baseball. The kids used to go to the games more with Mom and I when they were younger, but I know deep down inside they will always cherish this game, the Cleveland Indians' memories we made through the years and have a special place in their hearts for our Tribe!

It was just a beautiful day --well, until the rain delay! More to come on that!

The Pittsburgh Pirates were in town, a national league treat we don't see very often. And honestly, whenever my family gets together, there is an abundance of laughing, everyone talking at once, and feasting on delicious food!

So, the game was cruising along.....and then the clouds opened and we were in the midst of about an hour rain delay. Now, let's get this straight. We are in a loge. We did not have to scramble up the stairs to dry land. We had sufficient quantities of foodstuffs. We were surrounded by family and friends. The Indians were playing other baseball games on the huge scoreboard. And, most importantly, Sara brought -- The UNO cards! For the next hour or so, an entertaining display of who possessed the best UNO skills and ruled the roost!

In the midst of our UNO marathon, every so often, a radar check on everyone's smart phones. Yes. When the smart phone showed a clearing, our faithful grounds crew scampered out and started removing the tarp to loud cheers!

Our boys were playing baseball in no time....

Boy, did we get our money's worth! Not only did we sit through a rain delay, extra innings my friends! But wait, there's soooo much more.

With 2 on in the 11th inning, rookie Cord Phelps (who I'd just met the day before at batting practice) steps up to the plate and hits a walk-off homerun. His 1st homer to win the game! The Indians beat the Pirates 5-2 in 11 innings.

Yes, day #2 certainly topped vacation day #1. Can I keep the streak alive?

Batting practice from the field, really?

How does this happen to me? There are so many parallels in my life yet the experiences are miles apart. 1 year ago on day #1 of my vacation, I had a friend in from out of town. He 'pooped' out early & I was determined not to let day #1 of my vacation fizzle out. I called another buddy of mine, who unfortunately has since moved to Chicago. He invited me to a party and day #1 of vacation 1 year ago ruled. I kept thinking 'how in the world will I continue to top the 1st days of my vacation?'

Fast forward to 1 year later, today. The out of this world experiences so new, fresh and different from a year ago, but the sentiment remains: "What is going on and how in the world will I ever top the 'awesomeness' of the start of this vacation?"

On day #1 I traveled to my college alma mater and shared lunch with so many outstanding people I'd not seen in months and even years. Not one second of the experience bad. I love the trek to my alma mater driving the open roads--so close to the city yet far enough away to be considered 'God's country.' A beautiful day with the sun's rays dancing on the roadway. Once I get to a certain point, I'm able to pick up HOT 101 out of Youngstown and jam the entire way to the chosen land! All the memories come streaming back each inch, each landmark, each milemarker I pass. Our meeting place chock full of memories including the world famous Freddy burger, which is a given if ever in G-Ville! I so did not want to leave these peeps. Normally, I'd dance the night away with all of them. Believe it or not, I had to tear myself away from this part of my memory making day to head to yet another unbelieveable once in a lifetime adventure.

When it rains, it pours. Everything stacks up on the same day or weekend.

My peaceful ride back to the city kept my dream weekend flowing along....again jamming to HOT 101 (until my border where it just became a fuzzy static jumble).

Next stop: Cleveland Indians batting practice -- from the field! Are you kidding me?

I was given a wonderful opportunity for myself and 2 friends to watch batting practice from the field --Indians batting practice! I met my 2 pals Meghan and Loren at the media gate where about 20 other folks were given the same opportunity! We waited. The wait seemed so much longer than it really was anticipating what was about to happen. Yes, we were escorted down to the field right behind home plate to watch my boys take their swings and field their positions. Absolutely ridiculous. I had to keep pinching myself.

Now, doing what I do for a living, we all know that you can not go on the grass. That is a no-no. The Cleveland Indians' grounds crew takes great pride in their masterpiece. When the PR women gave us two rules, of course one of them was 'do not step on the grass!' I just busted up laughing and gave my friends the long history of how long we've been told 'not to step on the grass!' The other rule was 'do not distract the ballplayers.' Ha! I think the ballplayers should be given a set of rules as well. Many of them were happy to have fans down there to flex their muscles to --fans who were beaming from cheek to cheek watching their heroes. They'd give us glances, smiles, as we had to keep a heads up for the periodic balls that would come rolling or flying our way from the players.

Honestly, this swirling dream simply too good to be true. We all received batting practice t-shirts, and were able to get our pictures with 2 of my fave players: Cord Phelps and Jack Hannahan and the skipper, Manny Acta. Then my friends and I, of course, got a picture of the three of us as proof to our whereabouts Saturday afternoon! All the heavy hitters were out there with us (except Pronk). My jaw was touching the field (but not the grass) as my eyes wandered from player to player to player and we just took it all in.

Trevor Crowe, currently on the DL, looks like he's coming along. He had family or friends down there. It was kind of funny. The people he was with wanted him to sign their jersey in Silver. It had to be in Silver. So of course, the PR woman being prepared tossed him a Silver pen. While he signed, his family asked my friend to hold their designer purse and they made sure they joked "don't steal anything!" This kind of stuff just doesn't happen in my everyday real life.

I recently made a very nice new friend via social media. While we were there, he texted me asking if I was heading to the game. I texted him, "are you kidding, I am already here just waiting to watch batting practice from the field.' I was beaming! The entire experience from start to finish simply perfect. Batting practice to the game to a post game concert with performances by Donnie Iris and the Cruisers (in honor of the Pittsburgh Pirates) and then Cleveland's hometown favorite Michael Stanley and the Resonators (in honor of my Cleveland Indians).

At the end of the night, it was hard for me to come back down to earth after a magical day.

And again, I asked myself, 'How in the world will I be able to top any other days of my vacation?'

Is his keyboard stuck?

There are so many mysteries still lurking about today: The mystery surrounding God, Heaven, Angels, etc. being the biggest. Does the Loch Ness Monster exist? Did Marilyn Monroe really kill herself or have a little help? Why do the New York Yankees never get a bad call from the umps?

I'm going to let the experts debate all of the above through the end of time, which is yet another mystery!

I just want to know, "Is his keyboard stuck?"

Mind you, "his" is interchangeable -- a revolving door -- plethora of names ...until the end of time!

I will never understand boys. Yes, I am 'Danielle a day late and a dollar short." I'm the most organized, hip, on top of things person, unless it comes to men. When I was younger I was the 'studier' while all my girlfriends were going out on dates every night. When I was in college I was a great 'buddy' though that was not my goal! Then life and work hit.... and the 'wrong' men!

Life is too short to date a person you can't stand. I believe I am a pretty good judge of character. I am usually spot on when it comes to a first meeting. If I'm not only physically attracted to but blown away by the gentleman's many attributes including: humor, kindness, love of baseball, music variety, chivalry, intelligence, zest for life, spontaneity, equal time for fun and work, blah blah blah, then he does not get a second meeting (usually).

If God continues putting this person into my life, which has happened time and time again, I DO listen to God and keep an open mind.

When God mysteriously placed someone into my life last month out of the blue, after no contact with him for years, I thought, hmmmm? But I was quick to say 'whoa nelly' and step back. This 'friendship' appeared to be online and texting. We were supposed to get together twice to no avail.

I'm all for the mantra you can never have enough friends. And I'm even cool with keeping in touch via email, facebook, or texting. But I really thought something would come of this. I'd met the kid back in the 90's. Why was he resurfacing?

Another mystery is why boys start the whole messaging, emailing, texting 'balls to the wall' and then cool off, slow down, stop. Yes, they meet 'new' email friends. They meet new 'real' friends. They can't multi-task. They lose interest. They move on. But I'll still never get it, especially when THEY initiate the friendship or begin a conversation.

My 'May' friend was texting me at all hours of the day, waking me up at 630am in the morning with 'Morning Sunshine!' and would not stop all day long. I must admit, I loved the attention. I really did. To have a hot guy telling you you are on his mind throughout the day...and out of the blue getting a 'pick me up' in the midst of a rough day, it was tremendous! I came back from FLA and all of a sudden, the keyboards on his computer and cell phone went dead.

Is his keyboard stuck?

Oh, I take that back for the moment. I did get an actual email he sent that said "We are great, wonderful, everything is fine." And then the power company must have turned off his electricity moments after he hit 'enter.'

Am I that boring, unattractive, or disenchanting that he keeps hitting the 'zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz' button?

Is this a sign that I should run far and fast because he's the kind of guy who only knows how to hit the 'iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii' button?

For the record, I am disappointed with my 'May friend.' Don't worry boys, I never kiss and tell in my blog posts, or even trash guys. But I really believe this is an issue that many women deal with and honestly, it's a true mystery to me. I've been enamored with my 'May friend' for years....really thought we could at least have a cool friendship, if nothing else.

But, honestly, I'm sooooo over it. This not only happened with my 'May friend' but happens with my pal I've known for 14 years who I keep in touch with, and another life long friend I still keep in touch with... My friends who matter know at times this behavior gets under my skin, and they really don't have an answer for me. But again, with my friends who matter, we actually talk, see each other, and I love them immensely so I'll let the stuck keyboard every once in a while slide with them! Men are just hot and cold. Katy Perry was onto something!

Thank goodness I DO believe in the mystery of God. I DO believe that one day God will either give the great guys I know 'in person' who tease me all the time the guts to maybe ask me out, if that's in the cards. Or he'll send a new angel into my life to show me that there are still working keyboards out there that actually spell out 'WE.'

ps Why the Yankees never get a bad call will ALWAYS be a mystery :)

Euphoria

I would have died for my Mother. I would have endured all the pain and suffering she had the last years of her life in a heartbeat if I could have switched places with her. I hope with the way Mom raised me & my home training I would do the same for any family member of mine, and I hope good friend...or really anyone who needed my help.

Well, today, I realized I think I really do know what loving someone feels like (besides a family member).

I have a dear friend who had a bone marrow transplant today. He and his family ARE family to me. For the first time in a long time I realize how important someone is to me, how much I love them, and can not even imagine them not being around.

When word started trickling back that my friend made it through his operation with flying colors and was feeling strong, I could have soared or leapt over the tallest downtown Cleveland skyscrapers. Nothing could have snuffed out my happiness, yet I did not believe that happiness could become euphoria. Think again.

I can not even believe I was able to contain myself for the rest of my shift, the rest of the day. My cell phone text jingle went off. Having absolutely no clue who was texting me, I took a glance.

My eyes opened up as big as shiny silver wheels on a spiffy souped up sports car as I read the text from my friend, who had just endured surgery. "Thanks Daniella....everything's going well...it was an incredible day."

I burst into tears of joy, could not sit down for the rest of my shift and just raised my eyes up to Heaven thanking God that he'd given me the gift of not only friends, but love. Some never really experience the love of others or loving someone else let alone being surrounded their whole lives by family and friends.

I've got it all!

Friends fuel our gas tank (the heart)

When I make a friend, I plan on having them for life. Oh, I understand that God puts people into our lives and we in others' lives for specific reasons and once that task is complete, maybe we drift apart. But honestly, I don't go into a friendship thinking it will end one day.

Some people attack a marriage saying, "If it does not work out I'll just get divorced." WRONG!

And that's the way I address every friend I make. Yes, I'm still trying to figure out why there are some former co-workers I keep in touch with and others not. It's quite the mystery to me.

But those people I may not talk to on a regular basis are still part of my history, my life, and helped form me in some way, leaving me tremendous memories forever and only making me a stronger person from their finite stint.

So, the last few weeks have been chock full of fantastic friends who have helped me make new memories. My first stop down memory lane was Reddstone for the 50th birthday of a former co-worker. I was just touched that he invited me to share in his big day. Again, I was going alone and a bit uncomfortable to dive in to this endeavor solo, but my love, respect and admiration for Kenny outweighed my fear. And am I glad I took the leap of faith. I had the absolute best time I have had in a while. Not only did I get to see a friend I've known for at least 25 years, I saw dozens of other friends, former co-workers, and new friends. I ran into the son of a man who hired me not once but twice. I am secretly stalking Doug on Facebook (ha ha). He knows it! Just kidding everyone! I've known this family nearly my entire life ... my niece used to babysit for Doug and his sister. They truly are a part of my history, a very happy part of it! Had I not gone to this shindig, I would have really missed out on a slice of my past building up an even stronger future.

Oh, yes, I am truly blessed by those I've had in my life. And gladly I can say every day I am surrounded by so much love and laughter. We laughed at old stories, reminisced on the good, the bad, and the ugly (which all looks good now). Another person at the party also tried hiring me many times. He said, "Danielle, you were smart. You'd always get a free lunch out of me and then say something like, 'I really love what I'm doing and where I am doing it!'" He's right!

Where else could I have had a Birthday Guinness ice cream cake? It was GOOD!

And if the entire evening did not bring a permanent smile to my face, the very cute guys who hooted, whistled and hollared when I left just left me floating on cloud 9. I felt pretty and apparently others thought the same -- not the usual guys who come onto me, but really, really cute guys!

Next stop down memory lane -- a sports luncheon with Manny Acta and the boys at Executive Caterers at Landerhaven. My co-worker Dave Chudowsky was emcee. How could I miss it? I really hate these things because I wind up sitting with people I don't know having to make small talk, which I lack. As soon as I walked in, I saw current co-workers, former co-workers, the PR guy for Landerhaven, who is my buddy, and felt like a queen! Ironically, my friend Mike sat me at a table right next to a woman I have known for at least 20 years. My heart jumped with joy, I could not contain the smile on my face, and again, was so happy I chose to attend this event rather than let fear keep me away.

And my final stop down memory lane this week believe it or not took me some place I'd never been in Cleveland -- Whiskey Island. Wow! I love it there! A jam packed day of Belmont racing, singing Mass for my Uncle Bill, dining with the family, and then meeting probably one of my best friends in the whole world for a cocktail or two. Well, 8 hours later, I had shared so many new memories with old and new friends alike. I'd met Katie's friends and mixed with them swimmingly well....we had a blast at Cropicana on Whiskey Island, met The Naked Cowboy (I had no idea who he was), heard a band I used to listen to often at a friend's bar, and then moved onto yet two other familiar stomping grounds surrounded by old friends!

I can not even tell you the magical week it's been....and the fantastic places I frequented is a small reason for the magical haze....but the friends fueling my gas tank (my heart) closed the deal and brought it all home sweet home!

Always nice to be back in the CLE

No matter where I've been, and I adore traveling, I get a chill and tear in my eye when I touch back down in my hometown, the CLE!

After a fantastic jaunt to Tampa, Florida, I really could not wait to get home...and ironically when I touched down on Memorial Day it was much HOTTER here in CLE than I had left it in TPA! Nice!

There are so many wonderful skyline vantage points in CLE but one that's amazing is traveling the 490 bridge with the steel mill flame on the right and a delicious skyline to my left of the city, the ballpark, skyscrapers, and the city I adore and will for the rest of my life.

When I arrived home, it was soooo nice to still have a day of vacation where I could celebrate Memorial Day with my family and then my first day back at work, we had a baby shower for a co-worker so it seemed like a "play day!" When I walked into work and saw Brandon's lovely family including his week old baby, my heart melted right there. That warm and fuzzy moment would pull me through to the end of the week!

Life is good!

TPA through different eyes

People are amazed, and I must admit, I stun myself as well.

Deep down inside, I'm quiet, shy, and introverted.

No one believes me when I share that factoid.

It's true!

But among the millions of characteristics & gifts Mom instilled in me, one was follow your heart & dreams no matter what...

My dear friend of 14 years was notorious for asking me, "If you are so afraid of doing stuff alone and so shy, why are you always going to events?"

Good question. Valid question. My drive to enjoy life and those things that do bring joy supercede my fears, at times.

This past weekend I embarked on an adventure unlike one I've had in a while. Oh, yes, my family has been hitting FLA every year since I can remember. I have been frequenting different areas of FLA for the last 14 years with a very dear friend.

Once my friend moved to FLA 6 years ago, I'd pop down to see my Indians and usually wind up visiting him for a few days....last year bonus year hitting the Indians' games AND the Browns away opener in Tampa!

Well, this year I was not about to miss my Indians in Tampa.....and airfare reduced to a manageable exhorbitant price so I chose to bite the bullet. But, there is something different between my dear friend of 14 years and myself.

We are just friends, best of friends for so long, but for the 1st time I truly understand how the phrase "irreconcilable differences" originated & how people can divorce ....or worse, I have a vague, foggy idea of why someone strays and has an affair.

Honestly, we went from being inseparable to our theme song being Taylor Swift's "The Story of Us!" Trust me, listen to the words and that IS us!

Our friendship has taken an about face. We are currently on opposite ends of the spectrum. That in itself is not bad. People change, grow, move on, take different paths, mature, or whatever.

What's a bit quizzical is the process, how this whole new relationship evolved, and what underlying circumstances may have spurred it on over the last number of years. How long has the friendship been deteriorating? I did not really think it was....at the accelerated speed. I did see 2 people changing a bit, especially after losing my Mom when my priorities changed and I valued life even moreso, and friendships more than 'things' whereas others in my life focus on tangible items more than human relationships.

I don't see one horrendous action causing the schism.

My friend has been through a challenging year medically speaking.....dealing with more than any one person should have to endure. However, through it all there have been rays of light including well spent time with relatives he normally does not see. You have to look at the good in every situation, even if it's difficult to gleen a meaning.

So I'm heading to TPA Memorial Day weekend and basically am on my own this trip....may not even see my friend of 14 years.

I was not sure what to expect or how this weekend would shake out, though it's a yearly trip I take. It's taking quite a different spin.

Looking back, I had the best time on my new adventure. I picked a fabulous hotel which treated me like a queen....in the part of town I was quite familiar with and so very close to my friend, should he want to visit with me.

I had to take 2 roads to the ballpark, that's it!

I could not have asked for better weather....everything really was simply perfect!

I did wind up seeing my pal .....the 1st time quite comical. He's still nursing a broken foot. I arrived after a fantastic flight full of Indians fans, a bachelor party, and the Indians' pitching coach as well as beat writer Paul Hoynes.

My hotel was minutes from the airport. It seemed everything was just rolling along swimmingly well.....I ran into my pal's grocery store to grab suntan lotion....ran straight by him as he was sitting in the handicapped cart. When I turned around he was just sitting their laughing at me, the crazy tourist groping her sun tan lotion hoping to spend as much time in the FLA rays as possible!

We caught up and had a really nice conversation....that's why I'm not really sure what is happening?

I hit the games, quality sun time in the pool, and just relaxed as much as I could.

Saturday I spent more time with my buddy....we visited and watched a movie....Again, quite a pleasant time together.

My dream weekend was rolling along......everything without a hitch......made sure I picked a hotel that had computers so I could keep on top of my Tweeting and Facebooking.....as well as check in for my flight from the hotel.....wonderful pool.....free breakfast......welcoming rooms.....found the perfect radio station in town to jam to all weekend long.... 24 hour room service. Honestly, I could not have asked for a better weekend! And of course, my Tribe every single day! I've been to Tropicana Field so often, I know it as well as Progressive Field.....and after Saturday's game, the Avril Lavigne concert --yes, the one where she swore because her mics were not working. Well, when she swore, they WERE working! But all in all, a great concert!

Honestly, things that normally do NOT happen to me happened this entire trip....for instance, no one ever calls me on my cell phone.....well, I spoke to my Chicago friend....plus a new friend I've been chatting and texting with of late back home.....he wanted me to email him a picture of his girl Avril, and I obliged! Extraordinary!

The weekend was fantastic, reinforcing that I CAN travel alone and have a blast!

My final day I was supposed to dine with my buddy.....after the game, I checked in with him and he said a friend had popped over to his house.....well, I must admit I was a bit peeved....I'm pretty good at rolling with the punches but when I will not see my buddy for the rest of 2011 and he sees his best FLA friend 365 days a year.....I was just confused.

Dinner was delayed ....and then we hardly spoke. The first awkward time all weekend.

And honestly, I'm really not sure if I will ever talk with him again.....but I think I am ok with that for the first time in our 14 year friendship.

After I departed dinner, I relaxed back at my fantabulous hotel and got to visit with yet one more friend who currently lives in Tampa but is from Ohio....a former co-worker of mine. What an absolute treat! We chatted for at least 3 hours all night long.....it was sooooo wonderful catching up with someone I'd not spoken with in many years.

My final day out of this world. From my hotel to the airport to check in my rental car to check my luggage and get to the gate only took 22 minutes. Absolutely no lie. CLE definitely not that efficient!

Even though I saw TPA through different eyes, I enjoyed what I saw and really like the strong, new person I've become & have evolved into over recent years & experiences. Oh sure, I wish I knew what was happening with someone I used to consider my best friend. But, I will put this situation into God's hands realizing that everything happens for a reason. What is meant to be will be.