CATHERINE THE GREAT

We were heartbroken to learn of the passing of our dear friend Catherine Darin.

We met Kay in the late 1980s when we literally ran into her in front of the bleacher entrance at Tiger Stadium. Such a tiny woman, the crowd seemed to swallow her up. We were so fortunate to bump into her. She was passing out flyers from the Tiger Stadium Fan Club. She had a darling Irish brogue and told us about a meeting to be held at the Gaelic League. At her encouragement John and I attended and our lives were forever changed.

We loved and admired Catherine. She was both fragile and fierce! A perfect combination of grace and courage. We adored her and will miss her terribly.

I am sure there is some pretty good baseball to be seen in heaven and I imagine Catherine, Eva and Lou are all having a great time. We didn't Save Tiger Stadium but our memories of it and the three of you will never die.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Last night the Mydols played Sounds and Spirits at the Magic Stick to raise money for C.O.T.S. Some of the best bands in Detroit were there. (I finally got to see the Satin Peaches!) As I was on stage looking at the crowd (some old friends from high school dropped by--see photo), I realized how lucky I am to be living my dream. Sure, the Mydols don't have gold records and Grammys, but we have had plenty of rock and roll moments (like last night)--maybe more than we deserve for 4 moms who have a hard time finding room to practice as much as we should.

With the release of our little 5 song promo CD, and our upcoming appearance on Gene Simmons Family Jewels next spring, I am looking forward to a great year for the band. In 2010 we'll be back in the studio recording more songs and hope to be everywhere there are moms and kids with dancing feet next summer!

HOLIDAZE ARE HERE

For the first time, since I was 14-years-old, I have a holiday break. No school for the next two weeks (though trust me I have plenty to do.) Like tomorrow night--the Mydols will perform at Sounds and Spirits at the Magic Stick. It starts at 8 PM and we go on early. It's $15 and all proceeds to C.O.T.S.

SANTARCHY 2010

We're headed down to the Gaelic League tonight to celebrate Santarchy. Here's a picture from our very first one. That's John and I in the front row on the left.

HAUTE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

My fellow classmate Susonya Davenport is a shopping guru. She's volunteered to give my readers some hot holiday tips on where to find the best bargains on the web! Here's her advice:

Don’t have a lot of money, but still want to look good wearing the latest designer fashions?

Invitation-Only websites are the hottest thing I’ve come across on the internet. I am SOOOO addicted…LOL

Everyday there is a different sale by a different designer. My claim to fame is a $335 pair of Gucci sunglasses for only $110.

Shop for your children, husbands, home, or treat yourself to something special.

You have to be invited by an existing member, so below are the invitation links.

Click the links below (or copy and paste link into browser) and JOIN TODAY it’s FREE.

HAPPY HAUTE~LODAYS!!!!!!

Gilt Groupe
http://www.gilt.com/invite/sedavenp
Beyond the Rack
http://www.beyondtherack.com/member/invite/B5224BC
HauteLook
http://www.hautelook.com/invite/SDavenport669
Billion Dollar Babes
https://www.billiondollarbabes.com/register/u/b6c5dfcfced39873
The Top Secret
http://www.thetopsecret.com/TS/Member/RegisterByInvitation.aspx?InvitedBy=sedavenp@yahoo.com&Email=sedavenp@yahoo.com)
RueLaLa (They give you $10 credit…Just for signing up!!!!)
http://www.ruelala.com/invite/sedavenp

CHANGING MY HABITS

If I want to start my own company I have got to be a good leader. For the past several weeks I have been in leadership training. As a result, I am learning a lot about myself and doing a lot of self examination. Last we looked at habits and explored different mindsets. We were asked if there was a habit we needed to apply to change our mindset.

For me, I need to get in the habit of responding to my email quicker--and honestly and directly. I need to STOP this weird avoidance behavior I have developed. Uh, lately I am afraid to open certain email. I'll flag it and not open it for days out of fear. I recognize certain senders and I JUST know they are going to ask me for something--small favors. And it's totally fair for them to think I can help them out. I have always done so in the past. But these days--I really need to focus on my own business. I feel like if I open certain email I'll be trapped into working on something I don't have the time for out of guilt.

BUT, I realize this is not fair. People are waiting for me and if I can no longer help, I need to be direct and tell them--so they can move on. And I need to realize they'll understand. So, I am going to make it a habit to address email as it comes AND I am going to be more direct with friends about what I can do and what I can't. I think people will respect me a lot more if I respond quickly and forthright.