WOW!
In the words of Dennis Eckersley as Manny Ramirez slammed that homer in the 10th inning to win the game-- W-O-W!
I need a vacation to recover from my long weekend.
Actually, believe it or not, I had a fantastic weekend in Tampa with one of my best friends.
However, I am not going to lie --it was riddled with a few emotional moments and much drama.
The 'old' Danielle would have let the drama ruin her weekend. Not this time suckers!
Let's face it, I was in Tampa FLA with the exact same weather as in Cleveland, Ohio. Boy do I LOVE summer!
In the company of a very dear friend, planning on visiting with a few other old friends, and in the same town as "my" Cleveland Indians all weekend long. Pinch me!
My family used to go to FLA all the time...still able to hit it at least once a year and everyone knows it rains every day in FLA but only for a fleeting moment. Not one stitch in 5 days! You have got to be kidding me!
I had a momentary visit with a former co-worker, Kim Fatica. What a treat to see him. Planning on visiting with him later this year as well.
Just not having to drive for 4.5 days would have been enough, but that was one of the many cherries on top of my ice cream sundae all week long! Can't beat fresh seafood, sandy beaches, baseball, sun, poolside, not having to wear any undergarments, palm trees, cocktails every hour on the hour, good music, and no worries or responsibilities.
Not sure what this means--when we entered The Batter's Eye, the bartenders Rick and Grant recognized me and started fixing my cocktail? Hmmmmm. I can understand with Craig and Ben because they LIVE there but me, once a year? Either I'm in there every game I'm in town OR very memorable. I'd like to think I am someone no one could ever forget! I do know my way around the Trop very well! Does not compare to Jacob's Field but it has its charm!
The day/night progressing very well until the texts and calls began streaming in about LeBron going to the Miami Heat. There are some things you just can't control. During the Indians-Rays game I just burst into tears behind the Indians dug out with no chance of stopping. I can't believe I got so wrapped up in the whole LeBron saga but apparently it affected me more than I ever imagined.
Even though this had no bearing on my life, I felt as if I'd been betrayed yet again. At that very moment, I felt as if I could trust absolutely no one and everyone in my life would continue using me and letting me down.
The night kinda went downhill from there as we went home after the game and watched the tivo'd 'Decision' coverage and I continued sobbing my eyes out.
I know right about now, I will get comments that say "LeBron is not worth the tears" and a million other comments. Folks, some things are beyond one's control. You gotta pee and just let loose. Same thing with the tear ducts sometimes. They begin and don't shut off until the falls run dry.
The 2nd day I was in FLA, a bit more drama as I could not long on the Internet or Face book. Now, originally I made an agreement with myself that I would be phone and computer free for 5 days. I tried cheating and got burned. Could not log on and got peeved. I did throw a short temper tantrum but snapped out of it as I visited with my friends Rick and Grant in the Batter's Eye again at Tropicana Field! I also text messaged a sweetheart of a friend a few times who was back in the Cleve which lifted my spirits!
I gave my first Rayhawk haircut. I'm guessing Ben shaved his entire head after I left because of a slight 'unevenness' in the back. I did my best!
A slight uncomfortable moment as a drunk friend acted a bit inappropriate. That did not even bother me. It's the fact that my best friend did not stand up for me and tell our other friend to knock it off. That's when I truly felt my worth with my 14-year friend...and knew I had to back off on this friendship for a while.
The last bit of drama came at the end of my visit as I did not wanna leave....kind of an awkward feeling encompassed my last night and the morning I was leaving. My host never even got his caboose out of bed until the very second I was leaving. I don't rate much in his eyes apparently.
Mixed signals continue after 14 years. I could not take these mixed signals 14 years ago and I am ending them now. No more. I'm getting too old for this --I'm not a mind reader and deserve more respect than head and reindeer games--especially after ALL I've done for my friend with any kind of support he has needed over the years, including lotsa money. The well has run dry on many fronts my friend.
Overall, the trip WAS a complete success. There is always bound to be drama--especially when connected to me! What a breath of fresh air and wonderful visit with dear friends, more baseball, and a feeling of no responsibilities--if for just a little while.
I adore my tan!
When I arrived home, though I missed Craig and FLA, it was sooooo good to be home. Traveling, always a joy, but I enjoy coming home to Cleveland. A true Cleveland girl!
The drama continued as I fully expected to get together for drinks or dinner or just catch the home run hitting contest with a friend who I'd been missing for quite a while. Yet again, mixed signals and a major miscommunication. I was very disappointed, you could even say heart broken. But I made the best of it. I made myself a nice cocktail, unpacked, and relaxed. I had a fabulous phone conversation with another dear friend who set me back on the right track.
No more head games. No more miscommunication. No more being the door mat for some of my friends. I am seriously reconsidering these two very important friendships and where and how I'd like to proceed.
All in all, the Tampa weekend was just what the doctor ordered on many fronts --to relax, enjoy baseball and the sun, and re-evaluate my future. Mission accomplished!
