All in a day's work!

I've gotten better at saying 'no.'

In fact, the word 'no' has, at times, become my best friend.

There is absolutely no way I could do everything required of me on a daily basis without saying 'no' every now and then.

Today is a perfect example.

Here is just a sampling of the main events on my plate today:

Race for the Cure

Hiram College Alumni Volunteer Day

Singing at Saturday Mass

the Local Emmy Awards, of which I was nominated for an Emmy

The Cleveland Indians Baseball Game

I cut out only a few of these items still leaving quite an action packed day.

If I would have done them all, I'd would not be writing this entry right now.

I always find it quite amazing that by eliminating just ONE item off of my agenda, I'm still able to conquer so much.

Remember, just say no now and again, and you'll feel less stress and quite liberated!

Try it, you'll like it!

Patriot Day 2009

Many years since that fateful day.

The United States has survived.

I've survived.

I am extremely proud to be an American living in this great country.

But there are times when, unfortunately, I get the feeling that many do not share my patriotism.

Those days at Progressive Field when 'The National Anthem' or ' God Bless America' comes on the P.A. system and there are still those men who refuse to take off their hats or even stand up.

I hoped that the events back on September 11, 2001 would have pulled the nation together.

It did for just a short while.

There are some factions and people who have drifted further apart. They think of themselves only, march to their own drummer and never think of their fellow man.

It begins in Washington D.C. when politicians and leaders can not compromise to quickly resolve an issue.

Unfortunately, with the passing of Ted Kennedy, it will only get worse in D.C. Senator Kennedy was one of the last true politicians who fought for people's freedoms, worked hard for his constituents, and resolved so many problems swiftly through compromise.

I take today and the actions which occurred in 2001 quite seriously.

I will never forget and hopefully have become a more compassionate, loving, and patriotic person who loves this country and the foundation she was born upon with my whole heart and soul.

Small bird takes his last breath

Such a helpless feeling.

The irony of it all.

Mom and I were at a hospital for a physical therapy session --hospitals, where lives are saved oftentimes....when a small little bird, one of God's creatures, loses his life.

Surreal.

We were just standing by the parking garage elevator when all at once a small little black bird with purple and yellow detail crashes into the window or 'something,' falls to the ground, and takes his last breath.

And there was absolutely nothing we could do.

Jerry's kids

It's that time again.

Labor Day weekend is synonymous for the Jerry Lewis Telethon for MDA.

When I was a little girl, I'd make a fort in the living room with pillows, blankets, my books to do my homework, snacks, and stay up all night watching Jerry Lewis and his telethon for Muscular Dystrophy.

I liked seeing all of my favorite stars, but believe it or not, I understood what the true meaning behind this event revealed.

It's truly amazing what one man can do.

When I am feeling down, hopeless that I am not making a difference in this world, or sorry for myself, I just think of Jerry Lewis.

He is one person who started a cause which has helped millions of people to date.

He was extremely ill himself and has overcome that malady.


I'm not quite sure where I got the energy or what possessed me, but this year I stayed up all night long again watching my favorite entertainers, hearing the stories of hope, and witnessing the good will still left in the world today by CEO after CEO handing over checks in the thousands and millions for Jerry's Kids.

If the heart-warming stories don't get you (and they should), it's the performances like Jerry singing a wonderful song to his daughter or Jack Jones singing a duet with his daughter. You have a cute girl group from Texas belting out a great song, violinist Joshua Bell, or the jump rope team amazing the crowd.

If one of these scenes does not evoke any type of emotion and urge to make this world a better place, well, there's a problem.

Keep your eyes to the skies

Bittersweet times ahead.

Labor Day weekend ushers in the 'unofficial' end to Summer, though we may have weeks if not months left of nice weather!

I love Cleveland.

We always have a blow-out Labor Day weekend with the Indians usually in town, the Air Show, the Taste of Cleveland, live music all weekend long, the Oktoberfest, the Geauga County Fair, and so much more!

Speaking of bittersweet times, you know Mom is not feeling well if she skips the Indians Game.

Today was one of those days. Mom passed on the game and I went with a dear friend of ours.

I really enjoy the Indians' games this weekend because more than not, you will have air show planes buzzing by throughout the entire game!

You better keep your eyes to the skies: for the planes and the foul balls!

Sure enough, the roar of the planes kept the Indians and Twins on edge for half of the game but gave the crowd something to cheer.

What a treat!

I am determined NOT to let this weekend be the end of my summer. We've still got a lot of Indian summer living to do!!!!

Long and wonderful legacy

I attended the wake of a man I never knew today.

Yet, just by walking into the funeral home, I could tell he lead a meaningful, giving life with a long and wonderful legacy.

I know one of his children and 2 of his grandchildren.

By the end of the wake, I had met all 9 of his children and their spouses and children and other family members.

He has left lasting memories for so many years to come through his family, friends, and every single person he has touched through his 75 years of life on this earth.

Being Catholic, I've grown up with a rich, spiritual upbringing and have attended wakes and funerals my entire life.

I am ok with death, for the most part, knowing that even though we may selfishly miss our loved ones, they are in a much better place just waiting for us to eventually join them in due time.

Standing in the 'greeting line' today, it finally dawned on me why my friends with so many siblings look at me quizzically when I tell them all I have to do for my parent. My friends with large families never had to do it all.

When my friend Lydia's sister was dying of cancer, all of her siblings, many many nieces and nephews, cousins, elderly parents and so many more took turns being with her sister so she was never alone, took care of her sister's family, and were a huge support group to help each other cope with their situation.

Even though they were in the midst of a horrendous situation, I thanked God that they had such a large, loving family and extended family.

Each step I took in line, every floral arrangement I passed, and each picture memory montage I glanced through made me realize how really alone I am in this labor of love God has bestowed on me.

I started feeling so overwhelmed for when my parent passes away.

But then something my grandfather said quickly put a little smile on my face, "if you did not visit me or bring flowers to me when I was alive, don't bring them to me when I'm dead!" I never knew my grandfather but have heard my uncles say that phrase time and time again.

I know God and every family member who went before me will give me the strength to endure whatever happens in this life. I will handle it. What I don't think I can tolerate or handle: people who never paid any attention to us during life all of a sudden crying their eyes out.

My sister is lucky. She has children who will console her, and one day, if she ever gets ill, will take care of her.

God has not given me the gift of children or a husband, and honestly, at this stage in my life, probably never will.

But, I firmly believe God will provide, will never abandon me, and will be by my side always!

4:45 a.m. comes way too early

Why bother going to bed?

We have a medical procedure today and even though the doctor probably won't arrive at the crack of dawn, we are expected to check in before the Plain Dealer even gets delivered.

My only saving grace is that we are in our own room with television and quiet time to try and nap...

And, at the hospital where we are, at 8:00 a.m. sharp they say morning prayers.

Gives quite a bit of solace to the last few weeks we've had, which have been filled with stress and physical pain for all involved.

But as Matthew says in 6:27, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"

Words to live by. . .