Roddick vs Federer

(My first tennis raquet which I still have-- all beat up, splintered, yet an American treasure)

Riveting!

Magnetic.

Words can not describe history being made Sunday as two warriors battled.

Knowing I could not watch Breakfast at Wimbledon live, I actually Tivo'd the program. Normally when we set our DVR or tape a show, it sets there never to be watched again.

Not this time.

At the end of our long day, when the tv programming began to go down hill, our remote was our best friend.

Like magic, we were transformed back to the beginning of the Men's Wimbledon Championship Match between Roger Federer and Andy Roddick.

I could not stop watching or tear myself away. For 4 hours and 18 minutes (plus!) I was glued to the television.

Best seat in the house just like Sampras, Laver and Borg occupied.

I've always loved tennis. When I was a little girl, Mom sent me to tennis camp down near the old Aquarium. My cousin Johnny and I went each week. I was awful. He was pretty good. I don't even think I finished out the summer. Like everything I ever began as a young child, it quickly faded away and I was on to the next 'attempted endeavor.'

I wished I would have stuck with my tennis lessons or piano lessons because now, I really do regret tossing them aside.

However, doesn't mean I still can't enjoy watching a terrific match. Wimbledon, the French Open, the US Open....love 'em all!

The history. The pomp and circumstance. Regal. Rules to follow. Etiquette.

When I was a little girl, I dreamed of being one of the ball girls at a big match on Centre Court between my favorite tennis players.

Well, that never materialized, but it's nice to dream!

It's a shame someone had to lose because honestly Andy Roddick played the best match ever. He made 2 mis-shots and that cost him.

When all was said and done:

Roddick 7 6 6 6 14

Federer 5 7 7 3 16

Tremendous! Phenomenal! You did not want it to end and you wanted both to win!

I tip my cap to Roger Federer who made history by winning his 15th Grand Slam Title bypassing Pete Sampras.

At the same time I applaud Andy Roddick for giving his all, staying in the game up until the very last shot and 4 hours into the Match, still serving at 133 mph. WOW!

If Roddick had been playing anyone else, he would have blown them away, hands down.

It's times like these that make me realize WHY I love sports, WHY I look up to athletes (most of them), and that anything is possible if you believe, if you try, if you give your all, and never give up the desire to be the best you can be!

Unassuming hero makes history

It was electric! Exciting! You just knew something special was about to happen!

And it did.

Cliff Lee, one of the most unassuming individuals around, made history by just doing his job, what he loves!

Lee became the 1st MLB pitcher to reach 20 wins this season.

Lee is the 1st Indians pitcher to win 20 games since Gaylord Perry achieved that milestone back in 1974.

Cliff Lee said it himself, all cylinders were working. He was on his game and his fellow teammates did their job behind him in the field and with their big bats!

What a magical night for everyone in the stands.

Cliff Lee was just named the American League Pitcher of the Month for August '08 after going 5-0 with a 1.86 ERA, tossing a complete game during that span.

It was a treat to experience this historical night with Mom. She was tired from dialysis but was determined to go to the game. All cylinders were working on our end too! I was lucky enough to have the night off or we would not have been able to witness history together!

Thank you, Jesus! We are truly blessed! Life is good! God is good! We are not gonna ever let anyone tell us differently!

(last photo courtesy: Chris Kunz)

Blown away!

I had yet another 'brush with fame' Wednesday. We had quite the crazy day at work. Baby showers, important visitors, lots of interns running all over the place. Quite a day out of the norm to say the very least!

I won't be able to express my thought as precisely as I'd like to...but basically, I was blown away and impressed by a very gracious, sweet young man. Braylon Edwards. He rocks! He was visiting and just won me over.

Soft spoken, funny, friendly, and so gracious to everyone 'gawking' and going up to him. And when word got to him that I was a HUGE fan but a bit embarrassed to go up and bother him, he welcomed me with open arms and said 'why were you afraid to talk to me....no reason to be!'

Thanks, Braylon!

This is something I've wanted to delve into but have not had the time or all the knowledge. But I'd love to see a story on the great athletes we have in town. Fans see them on the field and hear when something controversial happens or when they strike out four times in one game. However, what Cleveland fans do not see about their Indians, Cavs, and Browns (and Gladiators) is the 'behind the scenes' philanthropic activities many of these athletes pursue and are connected with on a daily basis.

Braylon not only dazzles fans on the field, but continues doing good for this community whether granting a young child's last wish before he dies and THEN paying for his funeral or donating literally millions of dollars to a certain charity. Braylon is not the only one. Many of the athletes in this town DO support Cleveland by their charitable actions off the field as well as on.

Thanks to all of you! Just yet another reason I LOVE THIS TOWN!