Many places to call my 'home away from home'

We all work so much, it's a given that your work place is more than likely your secondary 'home away from home.'

For me, Progressive Field (better known as Jacob's Field) is really my 'home away from home' and more so this season than ever before!

I've even gone on the road with 'my Tribe' to Tampa, which ironically, though 2000 miles away, has become another 'home away from home' for me!

Not a bad place to visit on occasion.

I've been quite lucky...to have a friend down there. And it seems since he's moved away, we've seen each other more this year than in years past.

I don't have more vacation this year than last or the year before, but it does seem as if I have been off quite often. Each time I'm off, my co-workers will ask 'were you down in Tampa?' And luckily I've been able to answer a few times 'YES!'

So it just seems kinda funny that I was in Tampa last weekend and my best friend's back up north just 5 days later! This amazing life we lead.

Craig arrived in Cleveland and we continued where we left off just last weekend --cheering on our various sports teams: the Indians, the Browns, the Rays....sharing a few cocktails.....enjoying the beautiful weather which is a welcome break from 100 percent humidity down south, and just spending some more quality time together. This is bound to be yet another crazy week spent with good friends!

Life is too short to let it zoom by.....without enjoying the beautiful scenery.

My friend's mom is older. I encourage him to spend as much time with her but also say, NONE of us know how much time we have left. Age is not a quantifying factor. I never mean to be a downer, but I tell him --just one year ago, my Mom was still alive and now she's gone. Enjoy life. Enjoy family. Enjoy friends and what makes you happy!

Have as many 'home away from homes' as you can doing what you love doing!

From famine to feast

For initially not having a heck of a lot going on this week.....except work, WOW!

I was off today for a number of reasons, one of them being my 'boyfriend' Victor Martinez is in town!!

Figured I'd get my hair cut as well. Always enjoyable--I just love chatting with my hairdresser. And the hand and arm massages are to die for!

But besides that, at last check, I had nothing, nada, zilch. I have a very good friend coming into town next week so I was going to gradually prep for that, but come on, really what prep is needed?

Glanced down at my planner booklet, and every day is now filled in.....Tuesday very fortunate to spend some quality time with a very, very good and old friend of mine.....would not pass that up for anything.

One of our cars needs some work done, and now that the roofers are gone, I can actually get the vehicle out of my driveway.....

There is a wedding shower at work, which thinking ahead, I already have the gift and even have it nicely wrapped! No more last minute shenanigans!

Many people tell me, 'just say no, turn down events and happenings and you can get stuff done you need to do....'

But in the blink of an eye, without any extra events, my calendar filled up very quickly with 'must do's.'

Love being busy, but beware, it can just come up on you like a train out of control on the tracks people......

Embrace and enjoy every single day and live in the moment before it engulfs you and you've missed life!

Seeing old friends

(Mom, Me, Lydia)


I must admit, I have not gotten half the things I wanted to get done on this vacation.

It's tremendous not having to head into work.

Don't get me wrong--that's fabulous.

We still have doctors' appointments and such, but it's nice not having to rush around quite as much.

I've been able to enjoy meals with Mom, which has been a treat.

When I picked up my Browns' tickets, I visited with a friend I had not seen in quite a while. That was a special afternoon.

We've enjoyed most of the Indians' games. Mom was tired a few nights, especially after starting on some new medication, so we had to pass on some of the Indians' games, a family birthday party and a few other events....

Unfortunately, it's still been quite crazed.

I have not had a chance to call back a dear friend of mine from FLA all week long. I think he thinks I'm avoiding him. That's just the way of our world now. We don't have the luxury to sit around and do nothing. There is always something that must be done, must be tended to, an appointment of some kind to hit.


Mom and I were able to visit with a dear, dear friend of ours who we have not seen in at least 8 months. What a treat! She's a former co-worker but more like a sister to me. And she just adores Mom. She would do anything for her, and has!


Life is very hard. And being finite humans, all we can do is try to be the best people we can day in and day out. Each day, we get up, thank God for another day and try to make the best decisions we can for that day with what information and ingredients are tossed our way.


The 'old Danielle' would have been upset at not crossing off more from the 'to-do' list. But the new Danielle is quite content at what was accomplished and how life was lived this week.


Thank you Jesus!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

I'm torn on this holiday. Though not attached at this time, I still like sharing in on the festivities, wishing family and friends alike a happy day, and on those rare occasions when I have spare time (HA!), making special homemade treats for work and home!

My family likes celebrating life! And being very artsy crafty, I remember as a young girl Mom and my sister making the cutest sequined heart pins. When I got to an age where I would not 'stick' myself too badly, I too, began making those great decorative pins to wear and share!

Life is a wild ride and it sure is nice to 'TRY' to take the time, to find the time to enjoy and celebrate the essence of every day, not just the days which have a name or holiday attached to them!

Happy February 14, 2009 --which just so happens to be Valentine's Day!