I am a writer! Regan is my name. Thus, Regan’s Reflections! Doyle’s has asked me to share my writing talent and I am happy to oblige this awesome website. Sarcasm, sensitivity, humor, creativity, mystery are my specialties. I hope you will stop back often to enjoy my latest reflections. Laugh, cry, wonder, question with me as I explore this new avenue for my writing!
Rooney’s Reflections 6
Deshaun Watson Destroys Dreams
BOOM!...and it ended just like that. If you have been reading my posts you know I have been a die hard Browns fan all my life…until now. Why, you ask? The simple answer is the acquisition of Deshaun Watson. But the answer runs much deeper than that for me. Deshaun Watson destroys my dreams of the Browns in the Super Bowl. Even if Watson and the greedy administration go or even win a Super Bowl, I will not celebrate. Hollow victories turn dreams into nightmares. I can break it down like this.
Leadership vs. Management
WOW! How could I be so fooled? I really thought that Stefanski, Berry and Haslam were perfect to guide the Cleveland Browns into a new era. And we did have glimpse of that early on. Now what I see is lip service, trying to rationalize a choice that smacks of hypocrisy. When you are an effective leader you look to guide, shape and support your team. Not so with these three. Impatient managers looking for the quick fix to win a Super Bowl. Really? You betcha.
In the past twelve years, the Browns have had NINETEEN different quarterbacks. The three blind mice are following in the footsteps of their more recent successors. Pretty sure, as with the others, they will keep wondering “who moved my cheese!” Managers want results and fast. Leaders can see when they have a championship team that with time will succeed and take them to the top. Pay the price of leadership, not millions to one person who is dividing the fan base and causing upheaval. A true leader and coach understands the intangible elements of bringing a winning team to its city.
Justice vs. Injustice
Now let’s get to the heart of the matter. The victims. After the Browns disturbing press conference where they attempted to justify their decision, I needed to research the other side. After I did, I could not understand how they viewed Watson as somebody they are unequivocally comfortable with their organization. WOW. To have such faith in a man who is at the center of some pretty serious allegations is mind-blowing. Here is another eye-opening article to read. I am sure the Browns hope you do not read it. Perhaps they did not know any of this in their “thorough” investigation!
When you listen to the interview below, you will see a woman, Ashley Solis, whose dreams of healing others were destroyed. She is brave to step forward. Some may think she is after money. But no amount of money is going to bring back her dreams or give her her life back. Or protect her from death threats she received after coming forward. Then think of 21 other women…perhaps also living her reality. What are the odds that Watson is telling the truth? I am a gambling woman, but I would not bet on that!
As a woman with a great deal of career experience in a man’s world, I am familiar with injustice. Thank God not to the extent of serious abuse. But I know all too well it exists. Watson will go on with his life never taking responsibility for any of it. And the Browns are helping him.
Integrity vs. Deceit
Transparency. Yeah, right. So whether you are a Baker Mayfield fan or not, the fact remains that the tricky trio treated him deceitfully. Put aside that they were deceiving the fans. Just consider Mayfield who led us to the playoffs, played injured, and inspired the grumpy, but lovable city of Cleveland. He was terribly misled on so many occasions, I have lost count. To me this demonstrates the lack of integrity on part of the Browns. The way they handled this situation was sloppy and careless, showing no respect for the hopes and dreams of Baker, the man. So why, now, should I believe anything they say about Watson. They betrayed our trust as fans on so many levels.
Ethics vs. Moral Ineptitude
The current administration of the Cleveland Browns has shown its true colors. They look desperate. The Cleveland fans have longed for a winner for so long, but going after a person who has been accused by 22 women of sexual impropriety is outrageous. The irony is the Browns think they are being “transparent” trying to spew reasons for their devastating choice. In reality, the Browns are sending a clear and frightening message that a person’s behavior on the football field is more important than how they treat others. In fact, they are willing to pay millions for it. As a woman, I am quite familiar with the “good ole boys” club and I am so proud of the women who are coming forward to tell their troubling stories of abuse. Where there is smoke there is fire. As a former fan I am not sticking around to see the support of moral ineptitude scorch any semblance of ethical decision-making.
Time to find a new team.
Rooney’s Reflections 5
A First-Grader’s Innocence
Born and raised Catholic, I sure have some great stories to tell. Starting at the beginning, in grade school we were terrorized by the nuns. As a first grader I had the misfortune of being a perfectionist. I asked the smartest girl in the room where we were supposed to put our names on our test. Before I knew it my teacher Sister Mary Raymond, a husky Irish nun, was barreling toward me. She thought I was cheating so she grabbed my test from my tiny hands and slapped my innocent face with the back of her hand, once, then twice and then delivered a third final blow. Everything was a blur, but I could still feel her impending presence. In her long veil framing her chubby face and her leather belt around her waist, she towered over me. My thoughts drifted back to the little boy who was made to kneel in the corner on marbles. I surely was about to be strung up in the corner with her huge rosary beads that were dangerously dangling from that thick belt.
For some reason she let me go to the rest room and when I returned no one spoke of the incident again. I am pretty sure in the following days Sister Mary Raymond recognized her error and felt guilty. She was always giving me fig newtons and holy cards. When I told my mother about the incident she said to me that I must have imagined that happening. I briefly insisted, but now looking back I realize the utmost trust our parents and all Catholics placed in the religious. Today the pendulum has swung the other way and rightly so!
But has the pendulum swung too far, where now teachers are constantly questioned and their expertise easily dismissed? I know from my own experience as a teacher and administrator, when it comes to respectful dialogue, some parents have definitely lost their way. Let’s restore the balance.
Rooney’s Reflections 4
Not for the Faint of Heart
It is tough being a Browns fan and is not for the faint of heart Let’s just say I speak from many years of experience. To give you an idea of how long, I saw the great Jim Brown play live and in person at Cleveland Municipal Stadium. A native Clevelander, my father nurtured in me a love of sports and in particular, a loyalty to our Brownies. I am a true Browns fan, hating the Steelers, Art Modell and still saddened by The Drive and The Fumble.
Let’s take a quick look back to restore our hope, especially after last night’s defeat to the LA Raiders 16-14! Before the days of the Super Bowl the Browns played in 1964 National Football League Championship Game. It was the 32nd annual championship game, held on December 27 at Cleveland Stadium.The Browns were led by second-year head coach Blanton Collier, quarterback Frank Ryan, running back Jim Brown, and receivers Gary Collins and rookie Paul Warfield. This was the Browns’ eighth NFL championship game appearance since joining the NFL in 1950, but the first in seven years. There were over 79,000 fans that watched the Browns win, shutting out the Baltimore Colts 27-0. Since we could not get tickets, my very clever father made a motel reservation for my family in Fremont so we could watch the game on TV. It was the first NFL title game to be televised by CBS but blacked out in Cleveland.
What is the reason for this stroll down memory lane? I am hoping to remind the fans that our roots are rich in success and victory. Watching Baker Mayfield and the Browns team of today, I believe we can recreate and rekindle the greatness of the past. The Browns and, we the fans, are no strangers to adversity and our journey has been one of highs and lows for sure. Though we tend to remember the lows, Browns fans are resilient. If you are a Browns fan like me, you believe in your team and trust that the patron saint of football, St Luigi Scrosoppi (I discovered him last night in a desperate attempt to foil the Raiders), will intercede for our Brownies next time. Can you feel the pendulum swinging? Believeland!
Rooney’s Reflections 3
The Bait of a Bible-Thumper
Is there a heaven and a hell? What a question to discuss with a bible thumper. Even worse imagine it’s someone in your family! Here’s how it went down.
One family member referenced that Pope Francis said there is no hell. I happen to agree with the man and unfortunately for me articulated that fact. That’s how it began.
Suddenly I am attacked by another family member who asks me, “Where in the Bible does it say there is no hell? There are so many references to heaven and hell in the Bible.” I reply with, “You know the Bible was written by man, right?” That of course was a mistake. Why didn’t I just keep my mouth shut? I am a born and raised Catholic and believe that the Bible is sacred, but not necessarily literal. Something is now being waved at me and I realize, it is a copy of the Bible. There is my “sweet’ relative thumping the Bible. Great, now I’m being lambasted and I feel my face getting beet red. Keep your mouth shut I think. Too late, My Irish is up. I reply, “You know there are books of the Bible missing, right?” She responds, “Look in this bible and you will see that there IS a heaven and hell.” I forcefully reiterate, “It is written by man and there are books missing!” I look at her face and I recognize the look of someone who has put on armor against me and needs to slay the dragon, ME!
I come to my senses finally before a war begins. After all we are surrounded by number of stunned family members. I calmly begin offering the peace pipe by saying, I respect you but…
She interrupts my attempt by making it painfully personal. “Well, I do not respect you!” I am crushed by the words. Recalling the moment still brings a tear to my eye. “Who is this person, I think. My next words, “I need to get out of here.” I began crying.
Well, to finish the drama, she runs to my sister-law who left the room, while a few try to console me. She finally returns to the scene and hugs me and says she is sorry. I hug her back and apologize too. I still feel the pain of the words even as she hugs me. Today, I am not sure what I am sorry for, but I take responsibility for responding to the bait of a bible-thumper.
Never talk religion or politics even with some family members! Stop by again for more of Rooney’s family experiences!
Rooney’s Reflections 2
What is Your Why? Bet you have not heard this one before!
It may be the result of the pandemic, but it appears that people have become more introspective in the recent past. Whether it is business, career, spiritual or personal life, more and more people are asking themselves “WHY am I doing this?” Simon Sinek has written a boatload on this which is great food for thought. Some go to the emotional reasons, asking the question “what makes you cry?” Others look for outward answers claiming their families, their children as their “Why.” I do it for them they proclaim. I respect that, BUT….
I was just at a business conference where they were belaboring this question. Speaker after speaker, many with tears forming in their eyes, stated it was for my little baby, my children, my husband or wife, my mother or father. I was waiting for someone to be unique and at least remember their dog. Now I am not saying that these are not very important reasons to motivate you, but they are not by a long stretch the most powerful and lasting “WHY?”
For me the answer goes so deep it reaches your “soul” purpose. In other words, going to the core of your being, to discover what fulfills you, will yield so much meaning. The answer to this question is really all about YOU. It is a simple answer, but a complex journey to discover who you really are. I reflect on prior experiences and I see where my “why” became unhealthy. Striving to make others happy instead focusing on being happy myself caused much pain!
Much older and wiser now
Much older and wiser now, I guess my point is simply, YOU are your best WHY. The process is about discovering your “soul” purpose and who you really are. What do you want, what does that look like, feel like, smell like, taste like? We are earthlings reaching for a better life and a purpose for living. Our Divine Source within us has the answers.
Rooney’s Reflections 1 :
Beware: Three Types of Shoppers in a Grocery Store
I am inspired to write this short piece of sarcasm after my last trip to the grocery store. Being quite the experienced shopper, I have tons of stories about the types of shoppers I have encountered in my trips down the aisle. Being the organized person I am, I will divide these shoppers into categories and I am sure on your last trip to the grocery store you definitely encountered at least one of these species!
TYPE ONE
The first category is called The Oblivious Shopper. They truly are in a world of their own! Look for these following traits. A deadpan look, a blank stare, they hardly ever blink. They are dangerous with their carts as they meander down the aisle. Beware turning corners! When they are around they cluelessly cut you off and never appear conscious of your presence. Be even more aware of these shoppers if they have children in tow. Their children can be found running up and down the aisles, occasionally knocking down displays or unable to find their owners. An OS almost lost their child as the little boy attached himself to my cart. He was shocked when I asked him, “What are you doing?” Based on his shocked look, I would venture a guess that one day he would follow the path of an oblivious shopper.
TYPE TWO
The second type of customer is The Indecisive Shopper. They always seem to stand in the exact spot where your item is located. Uncertainty prevails as they check the expiration date or conduct extensive price comparisons. My favorite however is the shopper who needs consultation. You will find them on their phone talking to another person who can not make up his or her mind either. Oh well, let’s try the next aisle you think to yourself and I’ll try later. You spin your wheels to another aisle in the hopes that there is something on your list. Nope. So you double back and peek around the corner only to see that IS has been joined by another family member weighing in on the item.
TYPE THREE
My favorite is The Athletic Shopper. Flying up and down the aisle you dare not move in their way. Should you dare to move, you are whisked away in the race hoping to make it to safety. You can only imagine how they drive a real car. Cutting you off at every turn, they will not be deterred from their items. Reaching in front of you to access something on the shelf, you are clearly invisible to them. Trying to be understanding, you think to yourself, they are probably on a mission to get home before their favorite sports team begins their game. They are agile, quick, and focused on the finish line. After too many encounters you decide you do not need to go to the gym after all.
Phew, I feel better, at least until the next time I have to go to the grocery store. Stop back again to see where Rooney’s reflections takes us next!
Response Magic