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!

Baseball matinee

It does not get much better than this!

An Indians-Red Sox matinee out in the open air with the sunshine god holding me in the palm of his hand.

I guess I am a loner, though I don't want to be alone forever, especially when I get old.

I enjoy hitting the ballgame at noon alone under the pounding sun in the open air, temps in the 70's.

There's nothing like watching Major League Baseball to get your juices flowing at the same time relaxing your mind, heart, and soul.

I hate to admit it, but not having a spouse or children at this juncture, this is one of my only true joys. I guess my Cleveland Indians are the children who bring extreme joy to my life.

My Mother used to tell me I was her everything, her reason for living who brought her total joy.

Well, I understand now what she was talking about.

In the course of a 3 hour baseball game, I can run through the gamut of expressions and emotions--and usually do.

There were more people on hand that have been at any game I've been to all season, except for opening day. What an exciting day!

From the very young to the very old sitting side by side enjoying the pure game of baseball. The players from both teams giving it their all. Sometimes outstanding defense and a pitching gem totally outshines a mammoth homerun.

Thursday's game simply awesome. An Indians win 1-0 still allowing me to get to my next event on time.

It really doesn't get much better than this.

The only thing that would have made it come close to perfection is either Mom sitting next to me or the man of my dreams enjoying baseball as much as me.

Shoeless was NOT going to stop me

You'd never know I was as old as my birth certificate says.

I don't feel that age.

I hang with younger kids.

I'm told I don't look that #.

And I've been carded at least 4 times over the summer. Whew hoo!

Thank you, Mom. That is one of many attributes and gifts you have given me and I so love you for it.

I had the honor of attending the Indians' game with 2 co-workers who realistically could be my daughters. But, I just have the best time whenever we go out.

I hope they have the same fun times.

Carrie and Caitlin are a hoot and we had just a crazy time.


Again, the folks in front of us totally eavesdropping on all of our conversations.



And they were enamored with the blond girls in my company. I am not blond. I'm ok with that fact! I kinda like my dark, Italian hair with my light blue eyes.

I must admit, I can not believe how I can still partake of the adult beverages.

After the game and great fireworks show put to music (where we screamed the lyrics at the top of our lungs), we met up with Bethany and her friends. Yet, more laughs and memory-making.


Now, in the midst of the fun and frivolity, my flip flop began giving way.


Those who wear flip flops regularly know what I am talking about. It starts feeling looser. You glance down and see that sure enough, it is getting looser and the spot between your toe is even giving way and may bust open at any moment.


You have to clench your foot and consciously lift your foot every time you take a step.


I could not have that happen.

The night was still young. I had at least 3 or 4 hours still ahead of me!

So, in fashion of my younger days --at college, or when we'd go to Browns' games at old Municipal Stadium, I yanked off the shoes and walked barefoot through the streets of Cleveland.

I did not care.

Threw caution to the wind and loved it actually.

From Progressive Field to Harry Buffalo.....through East 4th (which is AMAZING these days--love it!) down Euclid Avenue through Public Square....over to West 6th and the Warehouse District!


An amazing feat that my feet did not get sliced up or worse.


Each establishment we entered, I'd put on my shoes for a fleeting moment until we got in and then poof --slipped them off because with each step, the plastic support was loosening.


Quite a liberating feeling to dance on the dance floor at Dive Bar barefoot and play Foosball barefoot! Just like I was back at college roaming around campus at 2:00 a.m.


Into the Rooftop Bar. The shoes immediately came off as I was required to walk at least 36 steps to get to the rooftop, and once up there, up and down a few platforms.


No way Jose.


Once up there, what a beautiful sight of my fair city. The music blasting, pounding through your whole body, the drinks freely flowing, and a breeze that made it all worth it as you glance out at the city skyline.


Finally, the night had to come to some sort of conclusion.


I had been up since 5:00 a.m. My other friend actually had to go INTO work. She was a trooper drinking water all night.


We decided to head back together --walking.


Never once felt afraid or unsafe to navigate the streets of Cleveland in the wee hours of the morning --shoeless!


And once we left the Rooftop Bar, I was required to be shoeless for the rest of our trek as my flip flip busted into 2 pieces before our very eyes. Caitlin was nice enough to ask if I wanted to get a taxi.


Heck no, this was the perfect ending to our daylong adventure.


We walked back to our cars, having a wonderful conversation, I feeling as if I was a kid again.


And deep down inside, I think I still am!