Cleveland Rocks!

Ok, first of all, what is with the video stopping in the LEAST flattering frame? I mean, hello! I look like I'm stoned or something.....anyhoo...

Well, bloggers, I am loving C-town! Every time I come back and hook up with my friends (who are still there for me after 20+ years even though I don't live here anymore) and my family, it rejuvenates me. You can always pick up exactly where you left off. The people never change, they just get older. But the scene is still the same. Last night I met my friend Debbie at a "dive bar" where the patrons were mostly my age or older to see a local rock band (Alias) that she likes. I was apprehensive to say the least. I mean, I haven't been in that scene for YEARS! So when I first walked in, and was blasted with the sounds of the band right inside the door, I just thought, ok, here we go, buckle up! I sat uncomfortably at a high top table with a beer (something else I rarely drink anymore) and watched in amazement all the old rocker chicks who still had their hair either feathered or long and curly. They danced alone or with friends, they didn't care. They just wanted to rock out. No one was dressed up, there were a lot of leather jackets, hockey shirts, football shirts, tattoos, levis and beer and shots flowing. The music was so loud you had to scream to the person next to you to be heard (my voice and ears are still recovering). The smell of beer and alcohol was all around. The dart boards had been dimmed for the night in preparation for having the band, so the tables had been rearranged under the boards and were not in use. The solitary pool table just inside the door stayed busy all night long. I really wanted to play, but not tonight. There were no fruity drinks being served, nor wine either. Thankfully, the smell of smoke was not in the air, since smokers still had to go outside, but there was a steady stream of them going in and out throughout the evening.

Going to the bathroom and waiting in line with women in various stages of inebriation and having to wait for the single toilet that was available....we all made small talk and were friendly and introducing ourselves. When they found out I was visiting from California, they asked me what it was like. I found myself saying....I'm still a Cleveland girl no matter what. I have lived there for 11 years and have a husband and children whom I love dearly, but in all that time, I have only 1 dear friend who is like the kind you find in Cleveland, and a couple of former work buddies that I am in touch with but never make time to get together. And that's just it...no one makes time for each other. I went to my cousin's on Friday night, and they managed to get all my friends from way back when together in less than 2 day's notice. EVERYONE CAME! Even those who couldn't bring their spouses or girlfriends came because it was me and they wanted just to see me...it had been more than 10 years since I saw most of them. I was so grateful and happy and surrounded by love. It was amazing. I am soaking it all up. I am loving every minute.

And when I go back to CA, I will take these happy memories with me and look forward to my next visit. I will force my friends to see me more because I love it and need it. I will continue to teach my kids that this is what matters, the love of your family and friends. Nothing else. Not fancy cars or fancy clothes or what neighborhood you live in or who you know or any of those other superficial things that seem to drive life in La La Land. Humble beginnings, REAL people, genuine affection with people you know well or just have a connection with for the first time. This is what makes me who I am, these are my roots, these are my people. I love it, and them, dearly.