Michael Jackson Memorial

I admit it. I was glued to the television and my Sirius Radio Tuesday.

I have been a Michael Jackson/Jackson 5 fan my entire life.

Did I fall to pieces when he passed away unable to carry on--no.

But, it's quite sad.

He was a genius when it came to entertainment, music, performing, writing, dancing--all which earned him the esteemed title 'King of Pop.'

Whether you liked him or hated him, you know about him and who he was. The simple fact that he had fans worldwide from the United States to Germany, Canada, Haiti, London, the West Bank and so on. ALL around the world. Be honest, what other entertainers can say that?

The Program began late, which I guess was understandable trying to usher everyone into the venue.

Then with the awkward beginning, I thought this may turn into a disaster.

However, when the ceremony finally began, everything fell into place.

Funerals or memorials are quite hard to get through if you are a 'performer.' I sing. I have done a number of funerals and it is hard to keep your composure, especially if the deceased is someone you know or someone close to you. You want to do your best but sadness overcomes causing a bit of crackling in your voice, tears streaming down your face.

Taking that into consideration, everyone did a fine job.

The program well put together. The only way it could have been any better is if MJ himself was in charge of this extravaganza.

I was surprised a few people were missing, but I'm sure they had their reasons.

It seemed every singer, performer, actor, segment hit home in some way and gave you a little different humanizing insight into this giant.

Smokey Robinson asking to see Michael's birth certificate not believing he was just a small chap....

Berry Gordy's family get together stories.....saying Motown was built on love and competition but love always won out. That's the way life should be!

Marlon telling the story of how they would come home after school, grab a bite to eat, and then watch the Three Stooges --my cousins and I would do that every day when my Aunt Lucy would watch us after school. Amazing!

The opening song, 'Soon and Very Soon,' is a song we sing regularly at my church. I just adore that song and wanted to start belting it out but thought better of it being at work!

Stevie Wonder saying God is good (which is something Mom says ALL THE TIME) and no matter how much we think we still need Michael, "God must have needed him more."

Kobe and Magic were great. Kobe sharing that Michael is in the Guinness Book of World Records for his charity...and Magic bringing laughter from the audience as he depicted he and Michael Jackson sitting on the floor of Michael's home eating Kentucky Fried Chicken!

Brooke Shields gave a nice, heart-warming pictorial of her best friend. "When we were together, we were two little kids having fun." I feel that same way about Craig, my best friend.

I don't want to exclude anyone but if you watched the memorial, you saw everyone.

I liked it all. A very fitting tribute done just right. I think my favorites were the musical tributes, especially John Mayer's performance, Usher's heart-wrenching song, Jermaine singing Michael's favorite song, 'Smile' and then Jennifer Hudson's performance.

I just love little Paris. She's not only adorable but you could see in her eyes how much she loved her daddy and adores her aunts and uncles. When she was up on stage, she was belting out all the words to both "We are the World" and "Heal the World." She must have listened to her Dad a lot.

There is absolutely no way on God's green earth that anyone could have scripted the finale with the entire family up on stage and Paris opening her heart to the world.

"Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could imagine and I just want to say I love him so much."

--Paris Jackson

Roddick vs Federer

(My first tennis raquet which I still have-- all beat up, splintered, yet an American treasure)

Riveting!

Magnetic.

Words can not describe history being made Sunday as two warriors battled.

Knowing I could not watch Breakfast at Wimbledon live, I actually Tivo'd the program. Normally when we set our DVR or tape a show, it sets there never to be watched again.

Not this time.

At the end of our long day, when the tv programming began to go down hill, our remote was our best friend.

Like magic, we were transformed back to the beginning of the Men's Wimbledon Championship Match between Roger Federer and Andy Roddick.

I could not stop watching or tear myself away. For 4 hours and 18 minutes (plus!) I was glued to the television.

Best seat in the house just like Sampras, Laver and Borg occupied.

I've always loved tennis. When I was a little girl, Mom sent me to tennis camp down near the old Aquarium. My cousin Johnny and I went each week. I was awful. He was pretty good. I don't even think I finished out the summer. Like everything I ever began as a young child, it quickly faded away and I was on to the next 'attempted endeavor.'

I wished I would have stuck with my tennis lessons or piano lessons because now, I really do regret tossing them aside.

However, doesn't mean I still can't enjoy watching a terrific match. Wimbledon, the French Open, the US Open....love 'em all!

The history. The pomp and circumstance. Regal. Rules to follow. Etiquette.

When I was a little girl, I dreamed of being one of the ball girls at a big match on Centre Court between my favorite tennis players.

Well, that never materialized, but it's nice to dream!

It's a shame someone had to lose because honestly Andy Roddick played the best match ever. He made 2 mis-shots and that cost him.

When all was said and done:

Roddick 7 6 6 6 14

Federer 5 7 7 3 16

Tremendous! Phenomenal! You did not want it to end and you wanted both to win!

I tip my cap to Roger Federer who made history by winning his 15th Grand Slam Title bypassing Pete Sampras.

At the same time I applaud Andy Roddick for giving his all, staying in the game up until the very last shot and 4 hours into the Match, still serving at 133 mph. WOW!

If Roddick had been playing anyone else, he would have blown them away, hands down.

It's times like these that make me realize WHY I love sports, WHY I look up to athletes (most of them), and that anything is possible if you believe, if you try, if you give your all, and never give up the desire to be the best you can be!

Family fun on the 4th

I'm glad we could all get together for a while on the 4th!

It was a hoot.

We laughed. Watched tv. Ate. Took pictures. Relaxed. Roasted marshmallows.

But more importantly, spent quality time together, which really does not happen much anymore in today's hectic times.

Every time we get together, I thank God that we all 'are' still around to share special moments and make new memories.

Mom and I had the best of both worlds.

We were able to visit with the family and then hit our 'home away from home,' Progressive Field.

We finished the night with our 2nd family, the Cleveland Indians.

Not only did the boys win, fireworks quite spectacular, but Mom and I spent a great night together.

However, there was one noticeable, bothersome item.

It's Independence Day, and unfortunately, there were those in the crowd of all ages who did not respect the meaning behind today.

They kept their hats on during the Star Spangled Banner...and men kept their ball caps on INSIDE when sitting down to dinner at the Terrace Club.

What is wrong with people?

Where has their sense of respect gone?

I can understand little kids. Not really. I can't understand little kids. Their parents should have properly 'home trained' them as to the proper etiquette.

There is no excuse for anyone to keep their hat on during any patriotic song....for folks (other than handicapped) not to stand....for anyone to speak incessantly during the National Anthem.....or for men to keep their hats on inside and while eating.

Remember, WHY we are able to celebrate the 4th of July people. There is more to it than having a day off, spending the day at the beach and then watching fireworks.

Happy Independence Day 2009!

Happy Independence Day!

A safe and happy holiday to all.

I hope that folks realize what transpired so many years ago to allow us to have the day off, enjoy time with family and friends, view fireworks, head to the ballpark, feast on picnic foods and realize what it means to be free.

Raise a glass to the United States of America and enjoy!

Holiday has already begun

Though it is only Friday, July 3, 2009, the holiday weekend has begun.

No mail delivery.

Less cars on the road.

Just the 'feel' of the day begins ushering in a full-fledged holiday weekend!

The Orchestra Concert-Fireworks took place last night on Public Square....Progressive Field will have their first of two holiday fireworks displays beginning tonight.

True, I have to work, but even the mood and feel at work has been tremendous. Fewer people, more parking spaces, but still getting the work done and kicking a little booty!

Have a fabulous Independence Day everyone.

The reason we are able to enjoy this long weekend, fun festivities, ballgames, picnics, fireworks, and parties today is because our forefathers fought for our freedoms so many years ago.

Remember those who made this day, this weekend possible.

Jumping thru hoops to shop at Heinen's

Oh, how I long for the olden and simpler days when I could go into a store and shop.

I could enter an establishment and spend my money without having to present a card of some kind, a card that is supposed to get me a better deal or prove that I am a 'member.'

Let's face it, I've had a CVS extra-care card forever but the coupons they usually spit out for me as a bonus are for products I never use. I know, I know, they are trying to peddle these products that need a little more promotion. Well, I'd rather they thank me for shopping there with coupons for products I buy on a regular basis.

And then, today, what a debacle.

Mom has had a Heinen's card for many years. I recently went through the rigmarole of filling out all the paperwork at the customer service counter to apply for a Heinen's card.

Only to find out --I can't write a check with this card?

What is up with that?

Many many months ago, I made a special trip to the Customer Service Booth and asked them for the proper paperwork for a Heinen's check cashing card.

I filled it all out and a few months later, received my official card which I have been using ever since at our normal Heinen's store.

However, today, we ventured to another Heinen's, where we shop on occasion. Mom had forgotten her card so I whipped out mine only for the clerk to tell me that I could not write a check with that card. Then what is it for???? Why do I have it????

She would not even look up Mom's card information since Mom left her card at home and forced me to charge the entire bill.


It's a vicious cycle --dishonest humans scam fellow human beings & businesses causing extra pre-cautions to be taken which include tedious paperwork, red tape, ownership of meaningless cards which may or may not help the consumer, and a lot of wasted time for everyone involved.

Geeze!!!!

Already July

Everyone is saying 'it is already July.'

What does that mean?

The Summer is not over. There is July, August, September and there have been years when it was warm into October. My cousin got married at the end of October and we were baking in our bridesmaid dresses!

So, folks. This is not a time to start lamenting and feeling blue.

Take each day, grasp it with all you've got, enjoy what God has tossed our way, and try to squeeze the living bejeebers out of every moment!