Quite the surreal day. It seems like forever since the Twin Towers went down yet it seems like it was only yesterday.
A day that should be remembered, if only to prove that Americans and the United States are strong and will not let a catastrophic event such as that defeat us.
Yet, a day that should not have a lot of fanfare, which connotes 'celebration.'
I was away from the television this September 11th and besides the flags at half staff and the date on the calendar, I did not see much to remind me of that fated day.
I guess each September 11th, each of us should reflect in our own way on what happened back in 2001 and strive to be stronger and united while we cherish our freedoms and families. Ultimately in the end, hopefully the righteous will triumph and defeat evil.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
God is good
Mom has this saying she uses often, but does not overuse. When times are tough yet situations seem to work out, she says 'God is good.'
When a friend or stranger goes above and beyond, she says 'God is good.'
When parishioners come up to her amazed at how far she has come back, she says 'God is good.'
This weekend our church held their annual Chinese auction and picnic.....this year's festivities echoed the Olympic theme in honor of the recent Beijing Olympics because it was a 'Chinese' auction. Parishioners were urged to wear garb from their country or 'olympics-oriented' attire as well as bring a dish from around the world! There were games for the children....a fun time for all involved!
Parishioners and businesses donated some wonderful auction gifts. We bought a number of tickets for the auction, not necessarily to get a gift, but to support the church we love!
On a whim, we put a ticket in almost every little auction baggie and more than one in those that we actually would not mind winning!
When they got to one of the auction items and called Mom's name, I realized that God IS good and he has total control over what we do down here.
I also realized that God knows, at times, I need a 'sign' in this crazy world that he is still there.
Mom won 2 hats which say 'God is good all the time.' She also won a t-shirt which tells you who to call when you get into the top 10 binds and trouble spots --like Matthew, Mark, Jude, etc....just one of the most imaginative shirts I've seen!
God IS good!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Don't stop believin'
Music keeps me young and energized! I don't know where I would be without it!
I'm the best person to go to a concert with and the worst!
I live in the moment at each concert I attend...take it all in.....enjoy it to the fullest. My short term memory, on the other hand, hinders my concert experience.
We can be on the 3rd song and though I danced and sang to the opening song, for the life of me, I can't remember its name! Doesn't mean I am not enjoying myself, just means my memory is shot!
I take pride in knowing a little bit about music and when I go to a concert, I am immediately drawn to one of the band members and watch them all night. I close my eyes and see if the group sounds just as good live as on their recordings. And, I just love listening to the harmonizing and backup singing. A good group has perfect harmonies, complementary back up music.
Enter: Heart and Journey! Cheap Trick was pretty darn good too...but Ann and Nancy Wilson are always spot on. God gave Ann a strong set of pipes! Journey is one of the tightest groups around. Neal Schon is a genius and a crazy guitarist! Jonathan Cain is my man in this band. He's part of a great collaborative team, keyboards, guitar, harmonica and vocalist. When I think of Journey, I think of phenomenal keyboards and Jonathan Cain never lets us down!
(Cheap Trick)The night was great (except for the little usher man that would not let us take any pictures! The website said cameras ARE welcome --small, disposable and digital but he reprimanded me and from there I just acquiesced and enjoyed the sweet sounds!).....
Just 5 guys --2 guitarists, keyboards, drummer and vocalist --that really pack a powerful punch! They rocked. They were on the money and never let up. Their new stuff is tremendous. Can't wait to get 'Revelation' and jam to 'After all these years!'
There is absolutely nothing like listening to your favorite songs performed LIVE by the original band mates (most of them) under a beautiful starlit night! Pinch me!!!!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Flat as a pancake
I just love my little car. It's old. But over the years I've become even more attached to it making it harder and harder to part with it.
I know one day I will get a new fangled car with satellite radio, a camera to view the scenery when backing up, and so much more....one day...
After stressing over the periodic problems I have when starting my car, I totally missed the tell-tale signs of a 'flat as a pancake' rear tire.
I did hear something flapping in the wind as I left for work. I just thought it was yet another creak.
It drove fine. Never even felt like I had a flat tire until a good samaritan woman honked and told me my tire was flat.
I still could not believe it. My baby was driving perfectly!
I only had a few more blocks to go for work. I arrived at work in hopes of finding someone to help me. George helped me put air in the tire to see if there was a slow leak or if a nail was visible.
I fear coming down at the end of my shift having yet another flat tire. My boss and the girl I relieve are gems! Rita said I could go up the street to get my tire fixed and Lisa said she would set on the desk until I got back.
Now, the stress is gradually leaving my system. And when I came across the little Amish woman sitting in the waiting room with me, it totally left.
There is always someone worse off. This little Amish woman was in town with her son, who recently had a kidney transplant. He must come into Cleveland each month for his checkups and tests. They had a three hour drive back to Sugar Grove PA. I felt awful. My 'inconveniences' are REAL hardships for so many others.
And the kicker--they finished with my car first but I'm fairly sure she got there before me. Just doesn't seem fair.
I know one day I will get a new fangled car with satellite radio, a camera to view the scenery when backing up, and so much more....one day...
After stressing over the periodic problems I have when starting my car, I totally missed the tell-tale signs of a 'flat as a pancake' rear tire.
I did hear something flapping in the wind as I left for work. I just thought it was yet another creak.
It drove fine. Never even felt like I had a flat tire until a good samaritan woman honked and told me my tire was flat.
I still could not believe it. My baby was driving perfectly!
I only had a few more blocks to go for work. I arrived at work in hopes of finding someone to help me. George helped me put air in the tire to see if there was a slow leak or if a nail was visible.
I fear coming down at the end of my shift having yet another flat tire. My boss and the girl I relieve are gems! Rita said I could go up the street to get my tire fixed and Lisa said she would set on the desk until I got back.
Now, the stress is gradually leaving my system. And when I came across the little Amish woman sitting in the waiting room with me, it totally left.
There is always someone worse off. This little Amish woman was in town with her son, who recently had a kidney transplant. He must come into Cleveland each month for his checkups and tests. They had a three hour drive back to Sugar Grove PA. I felt awful. My 'inconveniences' are REAL hardships for so many others.
And the kicker--they finished with my car first but I'm fairly sure she got there before me. Just doesn't seem fair.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
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)
I will continue wearing white shoes!
I know Labor Day has passed, but I will continue wearing white shoes!
First of all, I am a rebel at times (ok, stop laughing those of you who call me miss goody two shoes!)....
I have a very cool pair of white flip flops with some bling that have a few more fancy steps in them!
And most importantly, on a day when it hits 92 degrees, anything goes! I certainly hope we continue having these balmy temps deep into September, October, and further!
Ahhh, Cleveland will soon sprout palm trees everywhere, and oh, how I would love that!!!!!
Monday, September 1, 2008
For Jerry's Kids
This time of year has always been bittersweet for me, even as a little girl.
Whoever the infamous 'they' are claim that summer is over come Labor Day. I think that is poppycock. I was in my cousin's wedding at the end of October wearing this wonderful long, hot purplish dress in 87 degree temperatures!
I don't like to see Spring and Summer go. I am a girl of the tropics!
As a youngster, this time of year meant back to school. Now, I loved school but that meant vacation was over.
As an adult, it still means back to school --waiting for buses to and from work...and 20 mph school zones whenever I go anywhere throughout the day!
It meant baseball season was almost over, which is an awful time of the year.
It also meant and still means the Muscular Dystrophy Telethon for Jerry's Kids. I would get set up in the living room like a sleepover stocked with blankets, pillows and snacks (and of course my homework because many times school had already started) and 'try' to stay up all night to see my favorite performers and listen to the testimonials from people suffering from this horrible disease. Jerry was and is one of my favorite entertainers. What a story he has to tell. A few years ago on the telethon, he too, was suffering from an illness. Today he looks wonderful after battling back himself.
Times have changed. The telethon used to be on so many stations including WJW. Now, it's hard to find. It was an 'event,' though for a sad cause. There were more firemen out collecting money as we ventured to the Indians' games and Air Show each Labor Day Weekend.
I loved the Jerry Lewis portion but always cherished coming back to Cleveland and seeing Big Chuck and Lil John performing crazy skits to get the giving people of Cleveland to help this cause. And through the good and rough economic times, we did! WJW also had 'local celebrities' galore who I always loved seeing. They may be Cleveland celebrities, but they made us proud. The likes of Drew Carey, Michael Stanley, Barnaby, Del and Tom, Jack Carlin, Klinger, and so many more....
God Bless Jerry Lewis for taking a cause he believes in and making it one of his life's missions. He and all of his 'dedicated' who donate their time, efforts, talents, and so much more for his kids have made a difference in this world, whether they know it or not.
Whoever the infamous 'they' are claim that summer is over come Labor Day. I think that is poppycock. I was in my cousin's wedding at the end of October wearing this wonderful long, hot purplish dress in 87 degree temperatures!
I don't like to see Spring and Summer go. I am a girl of the tropics!
As a youngster, this time of year meant back to school. Now, I loved school but that meant vacation was over.
As an adult, it still means back to school --waiting for buses to and from work...and 20 mph school zones whenever I go anywhere throughout the day!
It meant baseball season was almost over, which is an awful time of the year.
It also meant and still means the Muscular Dystrophy Telethon for Jerry's Kids. I would get set up in the living room like a sleepover stocked with blankets, pillows and snacks (and of course my homework because many times school had already started) and 'try' to stay up all night to see my favorite performers and listen to the testimonials from people suffering from this horrible disease. Jerry was and is one of my favorite entertainers. What a story he has to tell. A few years ago on the telethon, he too, was suffering from an illness. Today he looks wonderful after battling back himself.
Times have changed. The telethon used to be on so many stations including WJW. Now, it's hard to find. It was an 'event,' though for a sad cause. There were more firemen out collecting money as we ventured to the Indians' games and Air Show each Labor Day Weekend.
I loved the Jerry Lewis portion but always cherished coming back to Cleveland and seeing Big Chuck and Lil John performing crazy skits to get the giving people of Cleveland to help this cause. And through the good and rough economic times, we did! WJW also had 'local celebrities' galore who I always loved seeing. They may be Cleveland celebrities, but they made us proud. The likes of Drew Carey, Michael Stanley, Barnaby, Del and Tom, Jack Carlin, Klinger, and so many more....
God Bless Jerry Lewis for taking a cause he believes in and making it one of his life's missions. He and all of his 'dedicated' who donate their time, efforts, talents, and so much more for his kids have made a difference in this world, whether they know it or not.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
