This is a special holiday blog:
I'm not one to get caught up in the holiday spirit but I felt this needed to be said:
First, I'd like to take this time to thank all of my readers for checking out my lil' ol' blog. I never expected to get any readers outside of my home base here in Queens, NY. But I've had hits in CA, SC, HI, MN, Canada, and even Italy. To all of you, thank you! I hope you hang on tight and buckle yourselves in cuz this train ain't stoppin' any time soon! :)
Secondly, for this holiday season, I'd like to take some time to thank some people for being in my life. I won't name names - sorry to disappoint you. =)
To those of who who have had my back through the darkest of nights and the worst of storms; to those who have been fair-weather friends and those who kicked me when I was down; to those with whom I've shared my greatest triumphs and successes; to those who have broken my heart and caused me pain; to those who have shown me joy and taught me to love; to those who I have known my whole life and those who I've met recently; to those who I have lost touch with and those who I have reconnected with; to those who have offered me sage advice and those who have led me astray; to acquaintances I've known for brief moments and to those who will be in my life forever; to those who overreact to me and my ways to those who totally get me; to the wingmen and the cockblockers; to my alcoholics and my non-drinkers; and to those who I will grow apart from and those who I have yet to meet...
Thank you for being a part of my life. I do not take the time to measure how big or small your contribution has been because, ultimately, without any of you I would not be the man I am today.
My hope this Christmas (and holiday season) is that you recognize the impact that others have had in your lives and that you take some time out to appreciate them even if it's in a small way. I can't ask anyone to be anything more than who they are. And for that I appreciate you, reader. Thank you for taking time to visit my page.
During this holiday season, may your days be full of joy, hope and love, may your cups be full, and may you enjoy the time spent together with family and friends for these are the moments that create memories for a lifetime.
To you, faithful reader:
Merry Christmas. Happy Hanukkah. Happy Kwanzah.
Until next time......
P.S. Be sure to check out the Special Xmas edition of the MCB on the right column of this page.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Playlist #4 + A Week in My "New" Life
Hi again and welcome back,
This will most likely be my last entry before Xmas so milk it for all it's worth. =)
This week's playlist includes songs I'd LOVE to karaoke to but don't have the vocal range to do them justice (there are also a few that I can sing but would probably chicken out on... can you find them?). hehehe:
Hotel California - Eagles
Smooth - Santana (feat. Rob Thomas)
Hello - Lionel Richie
Wanted Dead or Alive - Bon Jovi
Sueños - Juanes
Little Sister - Queens of the Stone Age
Home - Daughtry
You Sang To Me - Marc Anthony
Anytime - Brian McKnight
Save Room - John Legend
Open Arms - Journey
A Song For You - Donny Hathaway
Ain't No Sunshine - Bill Withers
I Believe - Blessid Union of Souls
Praying for Time - George Michael
There are plenty of others but these are the ones that come to mind now.
"Quick" recap of the week
I had a blast this week between seeing old friends, seeing old old friends, and making new friends. I'm sure all the drinking I did helped cloud my judgment but I certainly have fond memories of this week.
Tuesday - I had drinks with Alexis (I've known this man since the 2nd grade!!) who I had to bring up to speed regarding the recent changes in my life.
Now, we always had this tradition (between him, myself, and our ragtag childhood crew) to meet at the same Dunkin Donuts and just talk and talk and talk for hours about anything and everything. It was part therapy session, part catch-up, and always fun for us all. The location of this Dunkin Donuts will not be disclosed for the sake of our privacy (and also b/c it's not the same since they've redecorated it a few years back). But since many of us have moved on, the only ones left in NYC from the old crew are me, 'Lex, and Matt.
As we were waiting on line to get coffee and snacks, we looked at each other and realized we didn't really want anything off of the menu. Rather than sit there empty-handed, and technically trespassing, we decided to hit up a bar instead. This was the first time we have EVER drank together. After nearly 25 years of friendship, and countless memories (I perhaps have forgotten more memories than I can actually remember), it took us this moment, this place, this time, to find ourselves driving to a bar. It was great. To just kick back and relax. Explain how things went down with my ex. Talk about what the future holds for me (and him).
On a side note... I hadn't drank in so long (beers, liquor, or wine) that I got really really "nice" off of 3 gin and tonics. Looking back on how I used to drink, if the old me were there he'd call me a "lightweight" and a "pussy" (not necessarily in that order... lol)
Wednesday - Went out to Brazil Brazil. I kept teasing that I had a horrible time that night but it was only because my friend Noe (who was hosting) made it seem like it would be this big party. In the end, it was basically a handful of his co-workers and two outsiders (myself and another mutual friend). If I knew it would turn out to be more like Noe's office party, I would've declined from the get-go.
The caipirinhas were pretty good. Def not the best I've had but by far not the worst. For anyone that goes there, a word of advice, don't drink the flavored caipirinhas. It's more of a gimmick to get people to drink the traditional Brazilian beverage. Though I am very much a purist with drinks (and food), the flavored drinks were over-powered with the addition of the fruit juice (which seemed to be from concentrate). If you go there and order a caipirinha, stick to the basics.
Friday - Plans to meet an old friend fizzled as the bad weather rolled into town. By the end of the night, when the weather seemed to let up a little, I tried recruiting some people to head out but to no avail. In the end, decided it was better to stay home and give my liver a break.
Saturday - Sofia has completed her first year of life today! And I was there for the festivities hosted by the Amaya family. If you've befriended me on facebook, check out the album. Had a great time with my fave lil lady!!
Then it was a rush to my house (after dropping two people off) to make my "infamous" sangria: what I like to call my BFS (Best F'n Sangria). Then, left to pick up two more people before heading in to God's Armpit (a.k.a. Staten Island).
Now, now... To be fair... I think I'm going to refrain from disparaging the borough further until I give it a fair chance. So, if any of you can give me good reason to go to SI (other than to visit friends on their b-day or to go to the Botanical Gardens), forward them my way.
Had an awesome time at Mari's house. Got to see some people for the first time in years and saw others for the second time in the day. lol. Good times, good times. I had planned to stay until maybe 11-ish so I could get home before the next bit of snowfall. I ended up leaving at almost 4:30 in the morning. Everyone liked the sangria. And I got home safe and sound despite the icy roadways. I also found a parking spot pretty quickly so I was very happy about that as well. =)
Sunday - Slept off the night before and watch the Jets lay an egg and the Giants win a big game.
Which reminds me... I have no major allegiance to either NY football team. But at the start of the season, I decided to place a bet on who I thought would win the Super Bowl this season. Last year I won a decent amount with the Giants (who weren't given much a chance in the preseason, which made it worth putting a little $$ on them).
This year, the Cowboys and Patriots were the odds on favorites to make it all the way. The Giants were listed as 25-1 to win it all. And, for as much experts argue that it is impossible to repeat as champs in this day and age, I felt the Giants were a better team this year. So I put $20 on them to win it all this year (and to give me a payout of $500 for my efforts). I also noticed that the Jets were listed at 30-1 so I put down $10 on them. A bit of a long shot I know... but it didn't seem unreasonable that Brett Favre would give the Jets a lift and who knows what can happen in the playoffs.
A few weeks ago, I looked like a freaking genius as it seemed like both NY teams would lock down their division titles. Today, I shake my head as the Jets let some games get away from them. I now have my hopes (and potential gambling earnings) in the Giants basket as they clinch home field throughout the postseason. It will be interesting to see if they can make it to the Super Bowl under completely opposite circumstances to last season (where they had to win all their playoff games on the road).
We'll what comes of this. It would be nice to have a NY v NY Super Bowl though it seems more and more unlikely by the week.
Anyway... I'm off to take care of last minute Christmas shopping, planning the next "week in the life of", and enjoying the waning days of my vacay.
Until next time faithful reader, HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!...
This will most likely be my last entry before Xmas so milk it for all it's worth. =)
This week's playlist includes songs I'd LOVE to karaoke to but don't have the vocal range to do them justice (there are also a few that I can sing but would probably chicken out on... can you find them?). hehehe:
Hotel California - Eagles
Smooth - Santana (feat. Rob Thomas)
Hello - Lionel Richie
Wanted Dead or Alive - Bon Jovi
Sueños - Juanes
Little Sister - Queens of the Stone Age
Home - Daughtry
You Sang To Me - Marc Anthony
Anytime - Brian McKnight
Save Room - John Legend
Open Arms - Journey
A Song For You - Donny Hathaway
Ain't No Sunshine - Bill Withers
I Believe - Blessid Union of Souls
Praying for Time - George Michael
There are plenty of others but these are the ones that come to mind now.
"Quick" recap of the week
I had a blast this week between seeing old friends, seeing old old friends, and making new friends. I'm sure all the drinking I did helped cloud my judgment but I certainly have fond memories of this week.
Tuesday - I had drinks with Alexis (I've known this man since the 2nd grade!!) who I had to bring up to speed regarding the recent changes in my life.
Now, we always had this tradition (between him, myself, and our ragtag childhood crew) to meet at the same Dunkin Donuts and just talk and talk and talk for hours about anything and everything. It was part therapy session, part catch-up, and always fun for us all. The location of this Dunkin Donuts will not be disclosed for the sake of our privacy (and also b/c it's not the same since they've redecorated it a few years back). But since many of us have moved on, the only ones left in NYC from the old crew are me, 'Lex, and Matt.
As we were waiting on line to get coffee and snacks, we looked at each other and realized we didn't really want anything off of the menu. Rather than sit there empty-handed, and technically trespassing, we decided to hit up a bar instead. This was the first time we have EVER drank together. After nearly 25 years of friendship, and countless memories (I perhaps have forgotten more memories than I can actually remember), it took us this moment, this place, this time, to find ourselves driving to a bar. It was great. To just kick back and relax. Explain how things went down with my ex. Talk about what the future holds for me (and him).
On a side note... I hadn't drank in so long (beers, liquor, or wine) that I got really really "nice" off of 3 gin and tonics. Looking back on how I used to drink, if the old me were there he'd call me a "lightweight" and a "pussy" (not necessarily in that order... lol)
Wednesday - Went out to Brazil Brazil. I kept teasing that I had a horrible time that night but it was only because my friend Noe (who was hosting) made it seem like it would be this big party. In the end, it was basically a handful of his co-workers and two outsiders (myself and another mutual friend). If I knew it would turn out to be more like Noe's office party, I would've declined from the get-go.
The caipirinhas were pretty good. Def not the best I've had but by far not the worst. For anyone that goes there, a word of advice, don't drink the flavored caipirinhas. It's more of a gimmick to get people to drink the traditional Brazilian beverage. Though I am very much a purist with drinks (and food), the flavored drinks were over-powered with the addition of the fruit juice (which seemed to be from concentrate). If you go there and order a caipirinha, stick to the basics.
Friday - Plans to meet an old friend fizzled as the bad weather rolled into town. By the end of the night, when the weather seemed to let up a little, I tried recruiting some people to head out but to no avail. In the end, decided it was better to stay home and give my liver a break.
Saturday - Sofia has completed her first year of life today! And I was there for the festivities hosted by the Amaya family. If you've befriended me on facebook, check out the album. Had a great time with my fave lil lady!!
Then it was a rush to my house (after dropping two people off) to make my "infamous" sangria: what I like to call my BFS (Best F'n Sangria). Then, left to pick up two more people before heading in to God's Armpit (a.k.a. Staten Island).
Now, now... To be fair... I think I'm going to refrain from disparaging the borough further until I give it a fair chance. So, if any of you can give me good reason to go to SI (other than to visit friends on their b-day or to go to the Botanical Gardens), forward them my way.
Had an awesome time at Mari's house. Got to see some people for the first time in years and saw others for the second time in the day. lol. Good times, good times. I had planned to stay until maybe 11-ish so I could get home before the next bit of snowfall. I ended up leaving at almost 4:30 in the morning. Everyone liked the sangria. And I got home safe and sound despite the icy roadways. I also found a parking spot pretty quickly so I was very happy about that as well. =)
Sunday - Slept off the night before and watch the Jets lay an egg and the Giants win a big game.
Which reminds me... I have no major allegiance to either NY football team. But at the start of the season, I decided to place a bet on who I thought would win the Super Bowl this season. Last year I won a decent amount with the Giants (who weren't given much a chance in the preseason, which made it worth putting a little $$ on them).
This year, the Cowboys and Patriots were the odds on favorites to make it all the way. The Giants were listed as 25-1 to win it all. And, for as much experts argue that it is impossible to repeat as champs in this day and age, I felt the Giants were a better team this year. So I put $20 on them to win it all this year (and to give me a payout of $500 for my efforts). I also noticed that the Jets were listed at 30-1 so I put down $10 on them. A bit of a long shot I know... but it didn't seem unreasonable that Brett Favre would give the Jets a lift and who knows what can happen in the playoffs.
A few weeks ago, I looked like a freaking genius as it seemed like both NY teams would lock down their division titles. Today, I shake my head as the Jets let some games get away from them. I now have my hopes (and potential gambling earnings) in the Giants basket as they clinch home field throughout the postseason. It will be interesting to see if they can make it to the Super Bowl under completely opposite circumstances to last season (where they had to win all their playoff games on the road).
We'll what comes of this. It would be nice to have a NY v NY Super Bowl though it seems more and more unlikely by the week.
Anyway... I'm off to take care of last minute Christmas shopping, planning the next "week in the life of", and enjoying the waning days of my vacay.
Until next time faithful reader, HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!...
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