2008 Wrap-Up

I truly can't believe 2008 is over. It went so fast. Honestly, where did this DECADE go? It seems like yesterday that we were all worrying about Y2K and ringing in a New Millenium. I am hoping 2009 is a great year for all of us. We have a new President who gives us a lot of hope. Let's all pray he lives up to what he promised us during the campaign, God knows we need it!

2008 was a very different year for me. Full of highs and lows. I must say, a lot more highs than lows. I got engaged, moved into a new home with Jen, started planning a wedding, and a lot of other great stuff. As I sit here with 31 hours left in the year, I am thankful for a lot.

I am thankful for Jen. She is an amazing person...anyone who can put up with me for this long, and under the same roof, must be great. She has made my life a lot more complete and I am excited about our wedding, but more so, about our marriage and life together.

I am thankful for the new friends I've made this year. Our neighbors are truly great people. We all look out for each other, get along so well, and enjoy each other's company so much. I am glad we picked this house, not only beacuse the house is great, but mostly because of the friends we have made.

I am thankful that I got the opportunity, through Facebook, to reconnect with dozens of people I had lost touch with over the years. I look forward to getting together with many of them in 2009 and catching up. I am also thankful for the people I've kept in touch with over the years, my friends. Vito and Margaret, Supplymadam (Lisa), Amy, and so many more people. Although I don't get to see everyone as much as I'd like, keeping in touch by email, phone, etc means a lot to me.

I am thankful for our pets. As much as they drive us crazy, we love them. To think Bruce was just two days away from death in 2005, and the fact that he is living a full, happy life with us makes me so happy.

I am thankful for the 20 years I knew Kevin Farley. Although we lost him this year, I have the greatest memories of him. He was a great influence in my life and he will never ever be forgotten. In a world full fo people who are "fake" and poor role models, Kevin was genuine, down to earth, and a true role model. He treated people so well and made a difference. The world needs more of that.

Family. Although my Mom still drives me a little nuts, even from North Carolina, I am glad our relationship is solid again. I am glad I got to see her and my Brother a couple of times this year. Brian is the best. I am also thankful for Jen's family. From the beginning, they have made me feel like part of their family...even before the engagement. I love spending time with them.

I truly hope that 2009 is a great year for all of us individually, and as a country. Let's all make the most of it!

Digital TV

I'm not sure about you, but I am tired of these Digital TV public announcements telling us that on February 17, 2009 all TV will be digital and that if you still have an antenna, you'll need the converter box.

Ok, it is 2008, almost 2009...who the fuck is still using rabbit ears? Maybe the person who now lives in the Unibomber's cabin in Montana...but in the NYC-Metro area????

What's even funnier is that the commericial goes on to say "log on to www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/digitaltv.html for more details." Now...if someone is too fucking cheap or out of touch with the world, that they still have rabbit ears...isn't it safe to say they don't have an internet connection or even KNOW what the fuck the internet is?????

For those sipping your "Old Milwaukee Beer" in your one room cabin, in Wyoming....get the converter box...or you'll be watching your non working Philco TV come 2/17/09.

Christmas Wish List

Christmas is fast approaching, whether we like it or not. So, in the spirit of the Holiday, I am putting together my wish list. Since I already have the greatest woman, a new home, health, and a crazy dog and cat...what more could I ask for????


Although we adore all of our neighbors and socialize with them often, I wish for a young couple WITHOUT KIDS to move into the neighborhood.

A Christmas season free of panhandling Santas outside of the stores and malls.

Parking spots at shopping centers for REGULAR, non-Christmas shoppers. There is nothing worse than wheeling weekly groceries 5 miles uphill because Christmas shoppers took all the spots.

To lose the extra holiday weight by the end of January.

For the bastards at Lincoln to go out of business, if not by Christmas, I am sure it will be taken care of in 2009.

A government bailout of us! How about paying off the house, our credit cards, school loans, and our wedding???? Sounds fair. I'll even ride a bike to the meeting to ask for the funds.....corporate jet my ass.

Of course, health, happiness, success and great things to all my friends and people I care about. I've learned this year, more than ever, who those people are.

A Working Class Hero

Today marks the 28th anniversary of John Lennon's death. Each year I pay tribute to John on this day by remembering what he stood for and by listening to his music all day. In the crazy world that we find ourselves mired in today, we can use a man like Lennon to speak out against injustice, war, and other social issues. He is gone but not forgotten. Elton John's "Empty Garden" says it all. RIP John.





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pC-COpl9hJA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qC_1bNptTjc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gcdz1IRVoM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ulghD5JkmU

Our First Tree and Snowfall

Yesterday Jen and I got our first tree here in our new home...and just hours later our first snowfall....how great is that? Here are pictures of some of our decorations/tree/snowfall....