It's how it is and how it always shall be.....

I'm fiercely independent.  I like things done my way.  I'm Type-A.  I love a good hearty debate. I even enjoy more to argue.  I can't stand someone who gives me the look of "oh your not doing it right" and doesn't offer to lend a hand.  I hate criticism, unless you have a firm example of how you messed up as well. 

I always tell it to you straight. Sugar coating is not my specialty.  And if I don't like you, you know it.  

I've spent the past few months really thinking hard about how all of this needs to change.  And one thing I realized is that, it really doesn't.  It is who I am.  It is what people know me as.  And you know what?  I'm totally fine with that.  

I'm one who fights for the underdog.  And if I think you are ignorant chances of us forming any kind of acquaintanceship let alone a friendship are slim to none.  

The positive in all this?  I'm as loyal as they come.  It doesn't get much deeper then that folks.  

Just some good realizations I've pondered for awhile and that I'm finally shedding some light on.  

**Releases a good sigh of relief** 

Big Dan and Big Russ....

Today's news of the sudden death of Tim Russert caught millions of people off guard.  I've spent most the evening watching the news.  Laughing along with stories and crying with the devastation of someone who died far too young.  

As someone who isn't afraid to share her opinion on what I think, what I believe and who I plan on voting or not voting for in November I looked forward to a good debate on Meet the Press every so often.  I watched Tim Russert because he was one of us.  He truly admired politics but adored the power of the American people.  I don't know of any other journalist in my time that really made me feel as though he wanted the best for Americans.  He wanted the issues addressed and every question answered.  No one else could ask a question so distinctly and so passionately as Tim Russert.  He did it for the American people, never for his career.  He was one of us.  He was honest and a true American.  

Besides an amazing journalist Tim Russert embodied Buffalo.  I've heard his Buffalo roots mentioned over and over again tonight.  He loved this town.  He believed in it and most of all he was proud of it.  I don't expect everyone who lives in Buffalo to stay in Buffalo.  I expect people who leave to realize that the people, the history and the working class sensibility are things you will never find anywhere else.  He knew this and everyone who remembers him does too.  

My mom had just finished reading his book Big Russ and Me, literally today while on vacation down south.  The book highlighted the truly touching relationship with his father.  Which is why this day is so much more personal for me.  

Today, my dad lost his job.  He's known as "Big Dan" to everyone he worked with.  It's fair to say that I'm only where I am now because of my blue-collar upbringing.  Somewhat like Russerts background.  I've seen my dad work 12 hours a day to be home every weekend to spend every minute with his girls.  I've seen his determination to work hard to give my sisters and I a good quality of life.  

In watching all the news today about how Tim was so proud of his upbringing has put into perspective my life with my dad.  I only have one role model and that's my dad. I just hope that I've made him proud so far.  

The Russert family is in my prayers and I pray for Big Russ and that this Father's Day he can realize how he raised one hell of a Irish Catholic kid from South Buffalo. 

Go Bills!  

My ROSIE!

How could you not love that face!!!!!!!

I love my dog.  Rosie.  She is a shi-poo and the absolute cutest thing ever.  I'm over my parent's house today doing some laundry (thanks mom and dad)  and in reality I'm using it as another excuse to come see Roise.  Since moving out it's been tough not having her around to greet me when I get home from work or snuggle up in my bed in the morning.  That was the best!  My mom headed to work after Rosie slept in her bed all night and then for the hour I had before I got up Rosie always came down to my room to cuddle.  I miss that :(  Even when I come to visit she doesn't leave my side.  

Many of you may have heard she was attacked by a pit bull a few months ago.  It was such a traumatic thing for my family.  My mom of course held it all together but I still to this day don't know how she could when she witnessed the entire attack.  Nothing, mind you, has been done about the dog who attacked her.  Believe me we called police and the SPCA, and NOTHING!  My parents have since gotten a lawyer to file for the vet bills from the owner.  We're waiting.  

But after about $2K in vet bills Rosie is still kicking.  Slightly nervous around bigger dogs but tough as nails.  How a 2 year old small toy dog can be ok after that and major laser eye surgery in a matter of 4 months is beyond me, but she is.  

Within the next few months we've decided to start her up in some companion training classes.   She's been a great companion to a good family friend of ours with dementia and my mom noticed how calm she is around people, especially senior citizens.  The goal is to have her come to work with me everyday to visit with the residents.  We have a lot of dogs that like to come in and visit with residents, and the residents absolutely love it.   I'm really hoping that Rosie will be able to put a smile on so many peoples faces.  She does for me!

My Summer To-Do List

So I do this every year.  Blog about the numerous things I hope to accomplish this summer.  This summer is going to be a real treat as I really want to get in everything I've never done in Buffalo while I can.  Chances of me sticking around in Buffalo by next summer are running very slim.  (A blog for another time) 

1.)  Allentown Arts Festival--ok so I've been here once or twice but this year I can walk to it, so even more fun! 

2.)  Bacchus Wednesday night movie night--again say I'm going to go and never get there, this year's line up is a must! 

3.) Artpark on Tuesdays!! Blue Rodeo and Celtic Night, woo hoo!

4.) Starry Night in the Garden--Vanessa Carlton, $40 and some VINO!  With complimentary wine glasses...you can't beat that

5.) Juneteenth Festival--  

6.) Tift Nature Preserve-- Tragic that I have never been..it'll be a great Saturday afternoon chill period

7.) Wear a seersucker suit (or at least some pants)-- But let's go for the suit!  I've always wanted to wear one.  When everyone lived in the south it was the greatest thing.  And well Artvoice recommends it.

8.) The Elmwood-Bidwell Market (every weekend)--In an effort to eat healthier, why not also buy locally.  I hope to take a short walk down my street every Saturday to take advantage of the farmers market

9.)  Doing up Niagara Falls like a tourist--Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, Jet Boat , the huge ferris wheel on the Canadian side and finish it off with some ice cream at Twist of the Mist

10.) Letchworth State Park--Never have I been and I'm hearing its gorgeous.  Camping trip there for sure.  

11.)  Go on a picnic

12.)  Actually get through 18 holes of golf

13.)  Play tennis at least once a week 

14.) Go mountain biking

15.)  GO to the Griffis Sculpture Park down in Springville

16.)  Seneca Pow Wow---Who can say they've gone to a pow-wow on top of the fact it's our regions history

17.) Doing Tai Chi in Johnson Park

18.)  Check out the Moondance---tried putting a party together but it's hard to 60 people to do anything.  

19.)  Pick my own berries--We drove all around Eden, NY last summer with my mom and aunt and could not find one place that did this, because they were all out!?!? I'm getting a head start this year. 

20.)  Ride the new rollercoaster at Darien Lake

21.) Buy a bus pass

22.) Walk everywhere

23.)  Take a boat around Hoyt Lake...word is they'll be back in late June

Oh and did I mention I want to lose 10 lbs?   Notice that's why I barely mentioned every single crazy festival this year.   :)  

I'm back....

Alright kids.  I'm back.  Blogging again about everything.  Life, work, friends, school and everything in between.  

I'm making an executive decision to start putting it all on the line here.  I'd be lying if I said I wanted to watch what I said on here because some people have taken it upon themselves to use my blog as their sounding board.  Guess what? It's MY sounding board. Step off.  So now it's all about saying how it is and how I feel about everything.  Nothing goes unsaid.  

I was out with some friends this weekend and a few of them pulled me to the side to "chat".  Some needed a shoulder to cry and some just needed someone to "tell it like it is" And "tell it like it is" is my specialty.  I'm glad I could help someone figure something out because finally someone didn't sugarcoat it for them.  Don't get me wrong I'm not going around picking out everyones weaknesses (I leave that to more ignorant assholes) I just would hope people would do the same in return and to those people who I respect, it's ok.  

I treasure my friends opinion and advice about my life.  Why?  Because they know me the best. However, there is a fine line between knowing me VERY well and telling me like it is and THINKING you know me and offering your two cents.  I don't like that. 

So here's to some good old fashioned blogging.  Its what everyones been waiting for.    

Buffalo sucks....huh?

Yes, folks this will be another insightful blog about how Buffalo is ever-changing and expanding little by little, slowly but steadily to win that brain drain race.  If you don’t want to hear it, I suggest signing off now. This one is a goodie. 

The past few days I’ve come across some great articles on the Buffalo Niagara region, so many in fact I’m listing them for your viewing pleasure (Some stories may not be available due to that 2 week time barrier, so deal) 

One of my favorites:  I’ve said it countless times over and over again.  Even Dave Matthews can see it!  Our region is surrounded by the Great Lakes, something you may not think is important but this article proves what we got, that even California wants! (And Vegas, for your casino crazies)

http://www.buffalonews.com/home/story/361226.html  “Special Report: State of the Great Lakes”

 

Donn Esmonde column.  Have I said how much I love this guy?   I totally channel him when I read his columns, I just know it!  The guy hits the mark on this one.  Taking advantage of the Buffalo Niagara regions historic landmarks and architecture is something everyone MUST do this summer.  I plan on it.  Since coming back from China and realizing my picture taking skills aren’t half bad, I’m going to put them to good use this summer, by walking and exploring, something only people who are open-minded enough to do, do it.  Don’t know where to start?  I highly suggest that you check out the Buffalo Niagara Convention and Visitors Bureau’s web site TODAY!  Ed Healy from the CVB does extremely well to showcase the best places to view our amazing scenery, www.visitbuffaloniagara.com

http://www.buffalonews.com/donnesmonde/story/362073.html “’Wow’ factor proves we did history right”

 

Look at this kids.  It’s a STAYCATION!!! I love it.  I’m not sure about you but I’ve already signed up for a bus pass this summer, because I refuse to pay $60 for each fill up. I’m proudly using public transportation the way it should be used, that means daily folks.   But I digress.  Another way to save at the pump is taking a mini-vaca locally.  Check back to this blog for my travels locally this summer. I plan to finally experience the Tift Nature Preserve and emerging and developing waterfront (believe or not folks, there are some things already popping up so CHECK IT!) as well as going to the Buffalo Historical Society on a rainy day.  Just a few to mention. 

http://www.wgrz.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=58399 “Gas prices got you down? Go on a ‘Staycation’”

 

Tai Chi in the Park!!! Who’s going?  It’s in my planner, so join me. June 11 at 7pm  http://www.buffalorising.com/story/t_ai_chi_in_the_park#sca  “T’ai Chi in the Park” 

Last but certainly not least,  Buffalo the #3 cleanest city in the US!!!! We were a steel town folks?!?!?! You don’t go from red skies off the lake at the Bethlehem Steel plant full of pollution to the #3 cleanest city in AMERICA easily!  Tell me how that’s done?  I’ll tell you….Wind Energy.  Love it!

http://www.rd.com/advice-and-know-how/americas-top-5-cleanest-cities/article15223.html Reader’s Digest “America’s Top 5 Cleanest Cities” 

Buffalo Rising story:  http://www.buffalorising.com/story/we_are_3#sca

 

So that’s what I got.  Stepping off my soapbox now. Talk to you soon! 

Why it's essential to make yourself happy!

So Friday night the big mans and I decided to go out for some dinner. This time we knew we were in desperate need to try something new. We headed over to Hutch's Restaurant on Delaware Avenue. A cute and modern bistro just as you get into the heart of the city. We fell in love. The food was absolutely phenomenal and I found myself a little upset that I have never tried it before. At the moment, Hutch's tops our list of favorites in Buffalo.

Which again makes me happy. It's what I love about Buffalo. You find new and interesting restaurants all the time. That's IF you take the time to do it and step out of your comfort zone. I'm really hoping with my master's thesis/final project, I'll be able to incorporate this kind of momentum into something viable and fun. But we shall see. For now it's off to designing two print ads for my campaign. Now, I just need to find something that works so I'm thinking of parking my arse down at Spot Coffee sometime this week for some inspiration.

Another thing that makes me happy is the work I'm doing. It's finally your good old fashioned PR work. What better place to jump into it then at a non-profit. I like the work I'm doing and I LOVE who I'm doing it for. People who matter and deserve a wonderful and comfortable place to live and be happy at 70, 90 even 100 years old! I think this type of work couldn't have come at a better time in my life when I needed to finally focus on myself and the work I love to do. Cut the drama, cut the fat and move on with my life and my goals. It's liberating!

All in all I'm so happy to be working on a master's project like the one for Buffalo. Our advisor has said do something you know you'll still love by the time your finished. And no matter what I always love something about Buffalo. I hope you do too.