plum head of the week 3.19.08

when i read my mom's answers to the plum head questions i started to cry. not sure why, i just did.

my father passed away when i was nine leaving my mother to raise my sissy and i by herself. thankfully we have a very large greek family with lots of aunts, uncles and cousins so she had a great support system but that doesn't mean it was easy.

she did the best she could, spoiled us rotten, gave us great educations and lead by example. the sacrifices this women made for my sister and i, always putting us first, i will never forget. even though at times i can still be such a brat about things, i hope she knows how much i respect her.

we fought A LOT when i was growing up. i was rebelling, didn't care what she said, basically i was naive. i didn't realize how smart and savvy my mommy really is. i get it now, finally after 27 years. as much as she wants me to be happy i just want the same for her.

so my friends all know my mom as stepho. a name that was coined while i was in high school actually visiting cleveland. it stuck and now not only do all of my friends call her stepho, her friends are starting to do the same. hilarious.

also my mom is a freaking nazi for mistakes on my blog. calls me CONSTANTLY like you have a misspelling here, i wish you wouldn't say "booze", i wish you wouldn't curse, blah blah blah. it's like she checks my blog every second of everyday. i think she's obsessed. it's pretty comical. the thing is though, the second she tells me there is a mistake i instantly change it. she's my voice of reason.

mommy, i love you. thank you so much for being there for me, i wouldn't be who i am today without you. now let's go get my new car : )

Where are you typing from?
Canton, Ohio

Occupation:
“Dry Cleaning Queen” of Stark County, Ohio. Trying to redirect that, never thought it would be my career.

Relationship Status:
I have gone the full circle, back to single, for quite awhile now.

How do you know me?
I gave birth to you, so that makes me your Mother. Alexa was in a real hurry to get out too, what a surprise. Her dad and I went to the hospital at midnight and she was born at 1:40 A.M.

If you had to sell Cleveland to someone, what would you say?
Great theater district, museums, the lake, lots of sports, etc. Sissy was right, just ask Alexa, she is a huge fan.

What’s your favorite part about Cleveland?
Alexa, “my baby” of course…and well there is the shopping, the restaurants...

If you had a last meal on earth what would it be?
Sooo easy. Grilled corn on the cob with butter, cheese, chili powder and lime. My mouth is watering, yum. Barbecue baby back ribs, Taggart’s chocolate pecan ice cream (Canton’s finest) and maybe some watermelon. Let’s throw in a Mojito too. It sounds like I am not Caucasian, well Greece is close to Africa, ha.

What’s your signature wedding drink?
Vodka, soda and lots of lemon.

Favorite Book?
Well, I am a bigger magazine reader. I enjoy nonfiction more, like all the Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen (he is from Cleveland) “You” books. What happened to a favorite movie question? But I would have way too many of those.

Would you rather be the celebrity or in the entourage?
I’m not sure, I could do either. It depends on what kind and how big of a celebrity, to make a final decision.

Dream vacation destination?
I have two. I want to go out west to the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, etc. with my daughters (on going family thing I ALWAYS wanted to do). Second, charter a private yacht with skipper and staff. Cruise all over the Mediterranean Sea, hitting all the different islands and countries. Stopping and staying, where and when we want, for at least a few months. Alexa and Sissy are invited to come too.

Favorite restaurant? (preferably in Cleveland)
Don’t have one. I have many I like a lot, depending on what food and atmosphere I am in the mood for.

What’s your favorite blog (besides cleveland’s a plum)?
I don’t read any other, on a regular bases. So only this one, of course!

Least favorite day of the week?
Tuesday is it.

What’s the oddest thing you have ever publicly witnessed?
I don’t know how odd…..college kids actually streaking across campus in the seventies. It was a big thing then. Plus the panty raids, to name just a couple of things from back then.

What’s the next big thing you are looking forward to?
Not much going on, just summer, warm weather, sun. And of course the next time I get to squeeze Sissy’s face.

What is a juicy bit of information that you think your fellow plum heads should know about me?
As many of you know, Alexa and I fought ALL the time. Being her mother and raising her alone, she was ALWAYS a challenge and there was NEVER a dull moment. As I am sure many of you know and can tell from this very entertaining blog. Well, since she has moved to Cleveland we FINALLY get along much better, thank God!! I don’t know how much more stress I could endure. It just took her a bit longer to get it together, but I always had faith it would happen. She is great and I am proud of her. Now this doesn’t mean she still isn’t a pain sometimes. And I did have a few other juicy bits of info, but my better judgment told me to refrain from going public. Lucky for her I love her so much.