Badass Babysitter

Last night, I was talking with my parents about movies I distinctly remember from my childhood, an eclectic group ranging from one of the best Family movies, "THE GOONIES" (and one of John's favorites), to Disney classics, to the slasher horror movies of Nightmare on Elm Street (the Freddy Kreuger movies). I asked my parents why they let me watch rated "R "movies at such a young age and they replied, that of course, they did not allow it. John, being the badass older brother, allowed it when he was in charge of Mike and I as our babysitter. I distinctly remember one night when John was left in charge and the three of us watched "Nightmare on Elm Street 3:Dream Warriors". As a second grader, I was excited to watch a rated "R" movie but I was also terrified out of my mind. In order to soothe me to go to sleep, John put in "Mary Poppins", one of my favorite Disney classics and a complete opposite of a slasher film. Although John's plan seemed like a stroke of genius for a 9th grader, I distinctly remember my nightmare that night of Dick Van Dyke going through a shredder and running to Mom and Dad's room and the next thing I know they are calling out John!!!!!! Now, "Mary Poppins" will always bring back a hysterically funny memory of John, although at a dear price to Bert the chimney sweep!
Thanks John for trying your best to take care of your younger sister while still being a cool dude.

John's Birthday Dinner in Dupont

Happy Birthday John!

And to mark this occasion, we celebrated a smaller tradition this past weekend for John; a good follow-up to the amazing kickball and kegger fest down in Southern Maryland on his birthday. Gina, I, and making her first appearance, Ariana, celebrated John's birthday at Levante's in Dupont Circle, one of his favorite restaurants in DC (free advertising for Levante's, not an official sponsor).

Although John was always partial to ordering the Pides (Turkish pizza), the Iskander Kebab was one of the better dishes that he craved from time to time. The great outdoor sidewalk seating is reminiscent of European restaurants; although for this tradition we tend to bring our own wine. No wine remembers John better than a $6.95 bottle of Virginia Tech Hokie red wine, and luckily enough, every year that we explain the tradition to our waiter, they never fail to waive the $12 corking fee.

Happy Birthday, John...34 years and counting!!

4th Annual JW Kickball & Kegger Fest

In true John style, a hearty party was held yesterday as we celebrated the 4th Annual JW Kickball & Kegger Fest. Thanks to all who made the day such a joyous event. Click on the following photo to see pictures of the delightful afternoon.

4th Annual JW Kickball & Kegger Fest

Save the date: June 18, 2011 for the 5th Annual Kickball & Kegger Fest in honor of JW.

34 Years Ago Today

To My First Born Son:

It was Fathers' Day then, too; the day that you came into this world, June 20, 1976. Our lives, of course, became enriched beyond description from that moment forward. We were blessed with having you with us physically for over 30 years. Your presence has not, however, ceased since then. You continue to touch the lives of those who love you, family and friends alike. Even more so, you have a positive affect on so many who did not have the privilege of knowing you in this life but can still experience your presence and love of life through those who did know you and who you have touched in such a profound manner. Thank you, JW, for making me a father for the first time 34 years ago; thank you for making me the man I have become.

For those not familiar with it, John's birth story can be found here.

A Special Godfather for a Special Girl

Last weekend, John's niece, Ariana, was baptized in John's old parish, the one which his mom & dad still attend and from which John was buried. Ariana is fortunate to have a tremendous man such as John as her uncle and now she also has him as her godfather. Everyone needs someone in Heaven watching out for them and Ariana is fortunate to have her Uncle John fulfilling that role. John's dad had the honor to stand in for John at the actual Christening. The cirdle of life continues. Click on the picture below to see more.

Ariana Grace's Christening

Running with John in Quantico

Well, John, it's summertime again, and it is time to lace up those running shoes and run some races. This year, your niece has taken on the role of cheerleader and motivator. Yesterday, we went out to run the Marine Corps Crossroads 17.75km race down in Quantico. It was a good race, good weather and a good length.

However, John was never partial to trail running. In his days of running Rock Creek Park in DC, he would always stick to the paved trails. In that, this race went a little off-road; with a lot of gravel trails through the forest and a lot of hills. But it was a good challenge none the less.

Luckily enough, we have a number one fan in Ariana, and will continue the tradition and motto:

"Running with John!"