Emotions ran wild as LeBron ran to South Beach

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!

Perfect end to a magical week

We've always been lucky when it came to vacations.....Mom showed us the world!

I can't believe the places we've traveled, the wonderful experiences shared, and memories made with my entire family!

When we get together, we make new memories but recount very, very funny old stories too bringing smiles from cheek to cheek.

This vacation mirrored vacations past.

Even with Craig's unexpected emergency surgery, A-W-E-S-O-M-E!

Rounded out the week doing whatever we wanted! A little sun bathing, walk in the metroparks, Legacy Village Concert on the Green, seeing very dear friends, REPEAT!

This whole week, my friend Craig (one of my best buds) and I threw our 'vacation rule book' out the window and had all new experiences. We hardly stayed to script to what we do everytime he comes home to visit his Mom.

As a final sendoff, I took him to an old haunt with a different name.....Kalies on Mayfield has delish breakfast so instead of stopping near the airport, treated him to a home cooked meal before he hopped on the plane, which would be serving NO food!

And for the 1st time since he left "the Cleve," no tears, no sadness when he walked through security and I made the long walk back to my car. Now, I DO cry because Hopkins Airport is so awful. The only restaurant they have where 2 people can share a meal before one departs is Dunkin' Donuts, on the outside of the security gates. AWFUL!

I had such a blow out week across the board with all of my family and friends, no regrets, no arguing with Craig, it was a great sendoff....knowing I'd see him again soon...knowing my life was rich, full of love, excitement, hopefully many more days and years of new memory-making ahead...I did not need anyone to make my happiness--just my own peace of mind and faith in God!

Now on the way to the airport, a sad occurrence as Our Lady of Mt Carmel had an overflow crowd as they closed their doors for the last time.

Dropped Craig off....more sun bathing......Indians.......a nice Father's Day dinner at my sister's with surprise special guests --THE DOGS!

What a perfect ending to a magical week!

Playing in the sand with the Cleveland Indians

Well, not really, but wouldn't that be a hoot!

It was Beach Weekend at Progressive Field!

I love this weekend.

They have done it for a number of years now and it's a treat for the kids and for those of us still 'young at heart.'

I'm a tropical girl anyway so sun, sand, and baseball = HEAVEN!

48 hours of Vitamin D

It was only 48 hours but the re-charging I may have needed. Or was it?

I consider myself to be on the cutting edge, adventurous, semi-spontaneous (as much as can be with MAJOR responsibilities) and a 'fun-loving lover of life.'

I'm proud of the reception I received when I called my best friend a while ago.

I initially emailed him not knowing that his computer has been on the fritz and he has not been reading any of the email I've sent pretty much since he left Ohio. (In some ways that's a good thing!!!)

Hearing his reaction to my initial 'fishing around,' I asked him --"Do you think there are any tickets left for the Tribe-Rays games?

At first, speechless (which is not his MO). Next, he slowly and confusedly asked, "Why? Are you planning on coming down?" And I answered, "Yes, I am."

Yet again, speechless.

I felt like I had really pulled a fast one on him, which is impossible to do.

He asked if I had gotten my ticket yet, which I had, which silenced him one last time.

Honestly, I did not believe it would happen. I was sure something would come up causing me to cancel the trip--Mom not feeling well, a development at work, any number of items to rain on my parade.

I had many tasks to complete before I could fly the friendly skies. I did not accomplish as much as I would have liked BUT more than I realistically thought I would conquer.

Being 'Miss Organized,' I had to orchestrate every movement, every action. Make sure all my ducks were in a row back here in Cleveland and then I had every minute planned out on the road.

Finally, time to depart. Things were going too well. Eerie feeling came over me.

True story: Knowing we are huge baseball fans, an acquaintance I see each Monday, Wednesday and Friday asked who the Tribe was playing? I said, "The Rays, in fact I am on my way to the game right now." They looked at me like I had gone off the deep end and could not believe I was jetting off to see my Tribe!

But, amazingly, everything went off without a hitch. I arrived early and had the most glorious 48 hours with my dearest friend in the world. How could I not enjoy my mini-vacation away from reality, responsibility and cool temperatures?!?!?!

Well, upon arriving in FLA --a little rocky as my purse spilled all over and I went fishing for lipstick, cell phone, lip gloss, keys.....I totally lost my lipstick lid which I still can't figure out since I was in the ladies room and there is only so much room in there?!?! There are huge signs saying 'do not leave your luggage unattended.' Well, I am crawling all over the restroom floor trying to gather my belongings --leaving my luggage unattended and thinking someone is going to think I am a nut looking under stalls! Great start, huh!!! Then because of my purse mishap, I missed the first shuttle tram. I'm thinking: D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R! It did get better from here on in.

The minute I arrived it was off to the Indians' Game.....with Mark DeRosa and Evan Longoria! Heaven! An Indians' Game in 92 degree temperatures! Double heaven!! I nice cool Bacardi-Diet Coke with ball park food! Tri-fecta!!!

Another true story: I was enjoying the company, the ambiance, the moment when I checked my phone and had 4 text messages. That's unheard of! Turns out, I had just been on TV and Matt Underwood and Rick Manning were talking about me on the air. Oblivious! The magic of cameras not right in your face. Apparently, Matt, who I had worked with, was telling everyone what I do and who I was....as I am taking pictures galore of my boys! Now, if that does not beat all and make a most memorable remembrance of this trip, nothing will!!!

(Sidebar --Ironically, while writing this at 339am in the morning, I am rousted. Duty calls and I must go help a family member in need. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE tending to family and friends. However, being away for 48 hours was free of interruptions such as these and totally necessary. It's too bad they only happen every 4 and 1/2 years & the only way I can get a little freedom and peace of mind back is totally leaving the state!!!)

I won't go into details of my fabulous weekend. A little mystery is good for the soul. Suffice it to say, Indians/warmth/good company/good seafood/sun/cocktails galore /jamming to really good tunes /not having to drive /not having to be in charge /not having to make any decisions /not having to wake up with an alarm clock or the beck & call of family members /laying by the pool /the list is endless.........

I really tried to enjoy every single second because Billy Joel told me --"it's just a fantasy, it's not the real thing, but sometimes a fantasy is all you need."

I knew before I knew it, I'd be back in reality and my 48 hours of Vitamin D would appear like a dream, a fantasy.

I did enjoy every single second. I knew it would soon come to an end but if I was lucky, I would try very hard to let the memories linger and incorporate, if possible, a little 'fantasy' into my every day life.

It re-charged me for the moment. Was it enough. Heck no. But, back to reality and but quick!

The freedom may be gone for another 4 and 1/2 years but I will cherish those memories forever!

No matter how many responsibilities we carry on our shoulders, no matter how alone we feel each and every day, God is carrying us during our toughest times. And, it's ok to dream. It's healthy to savor endearing moments and memories. And frankly, having the blessed life I have, I continue to make new memories each and every day. I still try to enjoy every single second, because it could be snatched in a heart beat.