fishermen beware

For years, people have asked me about my name. Where did your mom hear that name? Did she make it up? Is it a family name? What does it mean?

According to a website called Behind the Name, I found the following:

LORELEI
Gender: Feminine
Usage: Germanic Mythology
Pronounced: lor-e-LIE, LOR-e-lie
From a Germanic name meaning "luring rock". This is the name of a rock headland on the Rhine River. Legends say that a maiden named the Lorelei lives on the rock and lures fishermen to their death with her song.

When I was younger, I hated it. With a name that ended in "lie" I was called "Lorelie lies" and other silly things that didn't make sense. I never heard Brittany or Monica being teased about their first names. It wasn't fair. I remember having a serious conversation with my mom about changing it. She had changed her own name from "Luzbeminda" to "LouAnne" so I told her I wanted to change mine from "Lorelie" to "Lorelee." I remember crying and saying that life would be so much easier for me. Of course, she didn't budge. My name would be "Lorelie" and that was it.

Through middle and high school, the names/words/phrases that rhyme with mine or the ones that made people laugh only got worse. Of course, the kids who had the worst names were always the ones doing the teasing so they wouldn't get teased themselves. By then, I was a lot more comfortable with my name since I had discovered that it really did exist out there, especially in music. NOTE: There was a time when I didn't think anyone had heard of the name "Lorelie." It wasn't on lunch boxes or license plates or t-shirts. Those were only for girls named, "Christina" or "Lisa" -- certainly not "Lorelie."

By the time I was 15, I found three songs with my name as the title:

1 -- Lorelei by Styx
2 -- Lorelei by The Pogues
3 -- Lorelei by The Tom Tom Club

I also discovered a Harry Connick, Jr. song that had Lorelei in the lyrics.

I know what you're thinking...What's with the "ei" at the end of everyone else's version of Lorelie? Supposedly, it's the way it should be spelled if you're going for the origin of the name. But, if you know my mother, you'll know that nothing can be the way it's suppose to be. It has to be different, unique, something special. Even in the midst of her name change, she wanted to make sure it wasn't spelled, Louann. She wanted Lou Anne. Space, capital "A" and an "e" on the end. That's one of the many things I love about my mother. She is very unique and because of it, I am too AND on top of it all, I embrace other very uniqe individuals. I don't want you to be like me and I don't want to be like you. JUST BE YOU! I AM LORELIE with an "ie" and am happy for it!

So, of course, the name, Lorelie, is becoming more and more popular now. The WB's Gilmore Girls has come on the scene with both lead characters sharing the name, Lorelei. The mother is Lorelei and the daughter is called Rory as a nickname of Lorelei. I'd never even thought there was a nickname for my name. Seriously, I had filled out applications with a line for nickname and every time, I would pause to try and think of something that would make sense. The show, of course, has become one of my favorite things to watch. It's focus is on the mother and daughter relationship in a small town setting with Rory's big dreams and Lorelei's big hopes after leaving her wealthy parents. The running theme is that she chose differently. Lorelei chose to have her own life because she knew what her parents life already looked like. It's not perfect and that's what makes it very inspiring.

So, if you're a Lorelei, Lorelie, Lauralye (actual spelling given to me on a coffee cup) or a (insert unique name), DON'T WORRY. Your name was given not to define you but to identify you only on the surface. You define you by the life you live, the choices you make and what you decide to put behind your name. I am grateful for my name because it isn't very common and it has grown to suit me but I still choose to stay true to me and my uniqueness.

Thanks mom. Through your uniqueness, you've taught me how to love mine.

we are the champions

VooDoo won the ball game last night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was up in the air whether we were going to play or not due to the weather but it ended up being a great game. Sarah set the pace with the first goal (what a beauty assisted by Bryce :-) )...Then Leah...Then Bryce...Then Jim. It was awesome! We won 4-0. It was a lot of fun. I am so glad Ted picked this game to come to instead of some of the other "sucky" ones. Ginger represented and made Michelle (who could not be there) proud! I guess we need to play in a dark, muddy and wet field more often.

Gin -- still want the SW/SA update. Love ya girlie!!!

the mayo jar and 2 cups of coffee

Thanks to Kena for the conversation today and the reminder below. She's "super"!

I know everyone has probably read this, but it's always nice to be reminded of why we are here on earth. Enjoy your life and family to the fullest...

The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee. A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles roll ed into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous "yes."

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. "Now," said the professor as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things--- your family, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained , your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car. The sand is everything else---the small stuf f. "If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

"Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad! you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."

mind fishing

• dreaming of people from years ago
• living with two cats (how did that happen)
• driving without full concentration
• walking in the rain with a new umbrella
• meeting someone's significant other for the first time
• going to a new restaurant
• engaging a total stranger and sharing an understanding
• reliving a traumatic moment in my best friend's life ( so didn't process the magnitude until today)
• loving what i'm wearing because it's so many of my favorite things
• enjoying a nice dinner with my husband
• avoiding green onions -- why are they on everything
• watching pepper's co-star - do i really look like her
• talking about people who are pregnant or who just had a baby
• experiencing envy for those who "naturally" have monday off
• reading everything -- newspapers, websites, magazines
• honoring trish's memory, her beauty
• disliking the parking lot on i-4
• celebrating the possibilities for ted with the great news
• knowing others are there to help whenever or wherever
• feeling the benefits of going to yoga last night
• wanting to change the world one moment at a time even with the smallest situation
• connecting with people through humor...laughing together is like nothing else
• being responsible and accepting and loving all of it
• being excited about life and what the next moment has for me
• wondering how my husband can look so cute while sleeping

so thankful today and every day

Weekend at the Ritz in Naples

So, I finally got to stay at a Ritz Carlton. Beautiful! So enjoyed the entire facility...the room, the pool, the meeting space. Everything was first class. I don't know if I will be able to stay anywhere else. Of course, I can't afford to stay at the Ritz unless it's at a majorly discounted rate like this trip but it's nice to suggest how difficult it will be to book anywhere else.

The free time in Naples at the District Conference was minimal. I did, however, take advantage of the pool before I left for Cape Coral. I finally got to peruse the Wall Street Journal and New York Times that was left on my door that morning. There was someone to make sure you had towels and someone else who made sure you had water or whatever else. There was a guy playing guitar by the pool to pre-recorded music. It was a nice touch. While I was on the phone with Joy, I kept saying that I don't think I could ever leave.

Believe it or not, my favorite part, as much as I rave about the Ritz, was not the hotel and all of its wonderful accommodations but rather the connections I made with a few of the attendees of the conference. Andrea and her husband of six years, Joe, was there for the weekend. I went to dinner with them on Friday night at EVOO. They were such a joy to be around and talk to...Of course, I have consistently enjoyed Andrea's company at meetings, breakfasts, events, etc. but this is the first time we've really gotten to spend some quality time together. She and Joe are just great. I kept thinking that Ted would've enjoyed being there too but he stayed back to take care of our diabetic cat. In addition to Andrea and Joe, I also got to see Geri briefly and Annetta. Allison from Ft. Lauderdale...Sarah from soccer...her friend Nicole. It was a very good networking experience. Well worth the trip!

I stopped by and had dinner with my mom on the way home. I got to see her creativity taking center stage in the kitchen. It's been awhile since I had been down to CC so it was a nice visit.

Happy to be back in Longwood and enjoying a nice Sunday with Ted and the koo's. They are my home which is why I love being there.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my JENNY!!

Jenny, Jenny, I wish I had your Chinese number...I would call and sing the best darn rendition of Happy Birthday to you over the phone. A text message just doesn't have the same effect.

To the only real redhead in CHINA -- HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

off to NAPLES aka Linda Land

PRSA District Conference begins tonight until Saturday. Next year, Orlando gets to play host. Can't wait to check out the Ritz. Full report upon my return.

play nice

played against a new team in red. red was an appropriate color since one of their players was ready to fight one of ours. totally ridiculous. we lost 2-1. we played very well but we just weren't shooting the ball. it was nice to have a cheering section there. go voodoo, go! soccer schedule and other info here.

remembering

a special day.

i was watching mtv's the hills last night and one of the girls said, "sometimes there are certain people you just never get over." the hills...a total guilty pleasure. it's almost as bad as cheyenne and making the band 3.

book of days

LEARN TO SEE.

I believe that everyone should journal with pen and paper -- it's more personal and special somehow. Journaling has been a part of my life since elementary school. I remember when I took notebook paper, folded it in half and stapled it down the middle and called it "My Diary." The book that I would recommend for anyone to pick up and read if journaling is of interest at all is "Leaving a Trace" by Alexandra Johnson. I am loving the lines of truth that comes through the page and keep nodding my head even when I am only nodding to myself while reading. Journaling has made me realize, acknowledge and push through who I am and what I want to give to the world.

i scored the winning GOAL

so, i decided to join up the sunday night soccer scrimmage and after arriving at 6 on a sunday evening, i realized that i would be the only girl playing for the evening. so i moved on and started playing. we were there until dark. it was great practice. then, the announcement "one more goal and then we go" was made and i had my chance. instead of passing it off, i took the shot and I MADE IT! it made the whole practice so worthwhile. of course, i will be returning this sunday evening to do it again. girl power!

Celebrate!

Happy Birthday Michelle, the newly graduated and now one year older, Michelle!

goodbye geoff!

tonight i went to a going away party. it was great to be there since a lot of people ended up coming down to the restaurant. bobi showed up for a minute to say hello and chat. always good to see her. i learned a lot of good stuff about the people i work with!

voodoo is back

WE SCORED A GOAL!!!

Soccer season started again and last night we played two games to open the season. We lost the first and tied the second. Great fun! It's nice to have so many new, new/old people back on the team.

I look so smashing in yellow. It's the only reason I joined the team...No, actually, it's all Sarah's fault. She's responsible for asking me to come out and play. Here's Sarah and I:

Love to Ginger and the youngest member of Voodoo, My My, who now has a little friend to hang with during the games!

It's on!!!

back from NYC

COOKIE FORTUNE (no joke, this was in the cookie I opened) --
YOUR CAREER PLANS LOOK BRIGHT.

while in nyc, i worked, went to chinatown, i learned more about cable and education through cable, got sick, got better, attended the prsa leadership rally, got to know amy lyn from jacksonville better, found great new york pizza, met trade pub reporters with kena, walked a lot, bought nothing, endured the rain, rode in a cab, went to dinner at tsampa with linda who is with child, journaled while staring at the statue of liberty, rode the subway, walked a lot, went to the TODAY show, ate breakfast at the CONDE NAST building on times square, walked a lot and went to ground zero. in addition, i went to a great dinner at the remi restaurant with bhn people and natalie morales from nbc. another great dinner at the world financial center with all the prsa leadership. amy lyn and i enjoyed the view of jersey across the hudson. glad to be home.

Make Way for the Presidents

PRSA Leadership Rally 2006 - NYC

Met up with my pres-elects from Ft. Lauderdale and J-ville (Allison and Amy Lyn with me in photo above) to learn more about how to lead our chapters in '07. It was so great to see everyone. We also got to meet the upcoming president in Tampa and Miami. That pretty much almost covers the entire state. Too bad AB and I were a little unstable the first day. I had the flu and she had fun. We were quite the pair!

Chinatown - NYC

Start spreading the news...Here we are in NYC! I was hanging with the Star Teachers on Canal Street. Took the F Train from 51st. Bought a dragonfly necklace and a couple of disosable cameras (hence the photos). Oh yes, I bought one other thing -- fake hair that doesn't look like fake hair. Loving the W Hotel -- very chic.

China Town with Raedell, Edna and Cherry

Star Teacher Awards Gala, Remi Restaurant, NYC

my Chinatown pallies - raedell and cherry

My new bright team - They are super!

off to NYC

will be in NYC for a week starting today and will return next Sunday. they've asked me to help with the chinatown tour. where's "my jenny" when i need her?

gratitude

Thank you for your visits, hugs, calls, cards, emails, thoughts and prayers during this difficult time of loss. Your love and support has been overwhelming and has provided the Johnson's with more than you'll ever know.


Patricia O. (Trish) Johnson

JOHNSON Patricia O. (Trish) Johnson, 63, passed away at her home on May 27, 2006 after a short battle with brain cancer. She was born in County Cork, Ireland on March 5, 1943, Trish arrived in the United States at the age of 9. She lived in Pelham Manor, New York until the age of 19 and moved to Jacksonville in 1962. She was pre-deceased by her loving parents John and Helen O'Connor and her brother Jerry. The outpouring of love from so many was a tremendous source of comfort to Trish and her family throughout her brief illness. Family members include her loving husband Ted S. Johnson; sons, Todd C. (Cindy) Johnson and Ted S. (Lorelie) Johnson, Jr.; daughters, Erin (Stephen) Chliveny-Pecot and Constance V. (Tori) Johnson; grandchildren, Craig, Matthew, Douglas, Miranda and Ruth; sister Maureen O. (Jim) Basset of Howie in the Hills, Florida. The Trisagion Service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 31st at St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church on Atlantic Blvd. A visitation with the family and reception will take place immediately following in the church hall. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, June 1st at St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church and internment will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. Pallbearers are members of the Order of St. Andrew - Archons of the Great Church of Christ; Peter Bouras, Jerry Felos, Sam Felos, Nick Furris, VADM Michael Kalleres, Ted Pappas, George Parandes & Dr. Photios Nichols. Honorary Pallbearers are; Alice Davis, Nancy Falloon, Tina Griffin, Patsy Johnson, Marcia Morales, Gail Thornton, Maria White, Margaret Yeager & Eunice Zisser.