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.

Felt like I was in a commercial

Simply the most amazing weekend I could have imagined, in light of the last few which consisted of being blown off by a boy, grieving Mom, yet feeling the love of family and friends & the anticipation of a well needed break away from my normal routine in the tropics!

It began Friday when I got an unexpected surprise I never imagined....from a very dear friend who absolutely made my day, weekend, and month. I will hold the gesture in my heart forever.

Next up: Is this real or a commercial where I am sprinting through the airport??

Holy moly! I buzzed out to Thistledown to share in our tradition of Preakness Race Day....

Next stop: Racing home to sing Confirmation where Bishop Lennon would preside over the service.

Now the service began 5 minutes before my Indians' 1st pitch. I knew I'd miss 1/2 of the game. What I did not know is that it would be the quickest game so far, and I'd miss 2/3 of the game. At the conclusion of the service, I literally ran home, after Father Gary told me to text him the score of the game! I had my play clothes laid out...quick change artist. God was on my side. I got downtown in record time because everyone was already there! I pulled in the Q Arena Gateway garage and the nice man let me park in the very 1st spot! I proceeded to remove my shoes and run from Q Arena to Progressive Field. I had police officers and fans hanging outside waving and cheering me on! Am I on candid camera?

Once inside, I saw we were already in the 7th inning....

My friend Matt and his Mom had been there from the getgo for OSU night.

My pal Dave Summers was actually sitting right behind us.....

For the 3 innings I caught, it was a blast! And my pals waited until I arrived to sock the game-winning homer! Thank you Indians!

After the game, we hit the Hard Rock basking in the glory of a phenomenal outcome....

When we left, I was amazed and impressed that my friends walked me to my parking garage so I did not have to go alone....it was still daylight with tons of people around but what a chivalrous gesture.

Sunday: another big event! Colleen's wedding shower! What a glorious afternoon surrounded by family, friends, laughter, and lots of love (and good food!!)....

I could not have asked for a better weekend for a jump start and revving up....only to get better in the coming days with a matinee Indians game mid week and then whisking off to TPA for more Indians, Avril Lavigne, sun and palm trees!

There's a purpose, at least for a few weeks

Yes, I'm a bit revved with a purpose, at least for now, and the next few weeks....

Was it my mysterious texter who will probably be just that, my elusive texter? Maybe. Whatever revs me up, I'll take it for the moment.

Yesterday I treated myself to a well needed extravagance which will suit me just fine when I'm enjoying the sand and sun in FLA next week!

Every single day this week and next, the crack of dawn will be calling my name to cross important tasks off of my 'to do list.'

Normally the most organized in the bunch, I've not lost that trait, it just hides at times.

The list girl! Guilty as charged! Every day I wake up to a list of things that must get done, that should get done, that it would be nice if they did get done, and then of course those tasks which can get moved to the next day, the next week.

I must take care of things for my niece's wedding shower, for a baby shower happening when I get back from vacation, and of course packing for my Memorial Day break! These are all non-negotiable.

I really feel good like I have a handle on this as well as my fitness...as I've been going at least 10,000 steps each day. I'm pumped and loving life right now! Thank you Jesus!

Ground Hog Month? Again

This month is turning out to be a carbon copy of May 2010, which on one hand is a heavenly thought, yet on the other hand, a rocky omen to what turned out to be a total let down, wind out of my sails happenstance in 2010.

On the bright side, my fitness, toning down movement continues in the right path.....not at the swift pace it had been traveling, but it has not stalled. I'm progressing toward the -40 pound mark and am quite proud at my accomplishment to date, but what's even more exciting is how my family and friends seem to be even more excited and proud of me and continue giving me the needed encouragement necessary to keep this project alive!

A bittersweet comparison: I still have my LIVE Christmas tree up surrounded by the rest of my Christmas decorations. If my tree is still alive, why take it down, right? But, a con is that I'm in the same rut I lived last May, and don't have any zest or drive to do anything including packing up my Christmas decorations for the year.

On the plus side, this is a month with many family celebrations....birthdays, Mother's Day, the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, remembrance Masses for family members, which allow all of us to gather, feast, laugh, and spend quality time together making new memories.

Teetering back to the dark side, it's Mother's Day. I miss my Mom more this year than last year. Those who said it only gets better may have been speaking for themselves solely but should not speak for others. 2011 has been an extremely hard year for me in every respect. This Mother's Day is 10x worse than 2010, especially the week leading up to the commemoration.

However, I made a vow when Mom passed never to skip over a special occasion, holiday, birthday, tradition, or event we'd all share. I'm very into keeping all of our family traditions alive until the day I die.

I waver back and forth with the single - attached status as well. There are days I totally enjoy being a bachelorette being able to go and do what I want when I want with whom I want....last week leisurely walked around the Farmer's Market enjoying the beautiful weather and the sights and sounds.... however, I'm thinking of my niece's upcoming wedding and am dreading going alone.

Then poof! As happened 1 year ago to the date, I began getting text messages from someone I never expected. It happened in 2010 to rev up the back end of May 2010, bringing me back to life....and it happened this May. I was speechless and stunned. But for the moment, I will savor it, take it all in, and just accept what is happening.

It's amazing how so few words can inject so much life into someone.

But yes, it appears that they were just words with no substance or meaning behind them. My friend, who I've actually been familiar with for a million years (as my Aunt always says!) & I reconnected on Facebook amazingly enough. I met this lad doing a commercial promotion shoot for work years ago. He's been on my radar ever since but I'm fairly confident I've never been on his radar, until recently.

Why on the radar now? Still not quite sure about that answer, but I won't refute it. This past weekend, we actually made a date to get together. Yes, a formal date. I should have known it was too good to be true.

I had dinner with the family and timed it out perfectly so that I could get home, change, and be ready for 'the date.' I'm still scratching my head whether he ever intended to meet me or .....He was quite convincing .....as he kept pushing back the meeting time due to a family emergency (which was legit, I checked).... I couldn't let the adult cocktails and hor doerves go to waste.

Everything happens for a reason right? It was quite funny actually. My girlfriend was worried about this 'date' so we had worked out a code should anything go awry and I need assistance....well, I gave her the 411 on how the night panned out, and though it pained my mind, it eased her's immensely!

Fortunately, the day after the miffed 'date' was another family event which as usual lifted my spirits and got me looking to the future....especially a future filled with baseball, my niece's wedding shower, and a jaunt to see my Tribe on the road soon.....oh there is hope on the horizon!

You have no idea

I'm blessed to have 'guardian angels' interspersed in my daily life on a regular basis.

One that God unexpectedly plopped into my life is the nice man and I believe forever friend that sold me my car after the awful mishap way back when....

Of course, he immediately hit it off with and just loved Mom, but who didn't!

And, because of his tutelage and amazing treatment from day 1, not a visit to the dealership goes by without me popping in to say hello to all the guys, bringing treats, and my pal nicely blocking out time from his busy schedule to visit with his friend!

I think, at times, I know more about the man who sold me my car than some of my friends I've known for nearly a lifetime. It's that one-on-one speaking that we set aside for 1/2 hour or so every time I visit. It's NOT an email, it's NOT a text. It's what I love most -- speaking in person to a friend and visiting, catching up, or making new memories.

I simply can not believe what he did for me the last time I had my car serviced. Needless to say, he went above and beyond the call of duty for me since I needed to leave my car overnight in order to get to work on time. For a fleeting moment, I actually felt like I imagine movie stars and athletes are treated regularly.....I walked into the rental car store and was greeted like royalty. They had my car ready, bent over backwards for me, and could not do enough to make sure I had everything I needed.

I used to get that treatment when accompanying Mom, but never on my own.

Until today. And this may be my one and only time I feel like this! ha ha.

I realize it's a business transaction and if the customer is happy, they may come back for more.

But there is something with my agent, Kenny, who really does go above and beyond. If that means he's the best salesman around, then he is and he does his job like no other. But, there is that human side, that compassionate friend which most sales people really don't have (at least sales people I've run into who give you their scripted pitch, day in day out).

I'm blessed to have run into this person during the course of my lifetime. God knows exactly what he is doing every minute of every day. Every move has a meaning and a reason. We can waste valuable time trying to figure it out, can actually fight some of God's moves or sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!

I love being a passenger in God's delicious sportscar traveling those back country roads, top down, Sirius Radio blaring!