Thursday, January 22, 2004

Don't frown because it's over, smile because it happened...

As promised, I have a few new pictures for you to take a gander at. Starting back on December 18th when Miss Kate Cummings accompanied me to the 2003 ESPN Holiday Party held at the Aqua Turf in Southington, CT. What a night. For starters, let me just give you an idea of how LARGE this was. I've had all sorts of banquets at the Aqua Turf. Baseball banquets, my sister Christine's wedding, Senior Proms, etc. In those cases, we rented out ONE room. What does ESPN do? They freakin' rent out the ENTIRE AQUA TURF!!! Unbelievable. Open Bar all night... Hot/Cold snacks... not to mention the fact that took a shed that is used for lawn equipment (tractors, mowers, etc.) and transformed it into ESPNZONE - The Sports Bar. Did I mention I enjoy working for ESPN?

So onto other things... The job is approaching 6 months (how long I've been with the Company). So there is definitely a little buzz about WHERE I might be headed... nothing is formulating yet but it makes for good conversation. I'll keep y'all posted on the who's, where's, what's, and why's as they become available.

Then of course... what's an Blog update without the bestest kid this side of the Mississippi. As my sister put it, the Next American Idol - Jack Johnson. My sister has yet again amazed me with a total site re-vamp and more Jack pictures to boot. Rock on Care... can't wait to learn all of your new web tricks. This latest picture is Godfather and Godson taken at the Rice Family Xmas Party. I was fortunate enough to have Kristen come and join our crazy family for a day of memories, Christmas cheer and babies babies babies...She FINALLY met JACK for the FIRST TIME! I think he made a good impression on her too! ;)

I need to get to bed. But lastly I want to leave you with a wonderful picture taken of my late Grandmother and Grandfather Rice. My mother's parents. Grandpa passed away back in 1991 and just recently my Grandma passed away only 18 days ago. I forget the exact date of this picture - but with all of the recent family events we came across a bunch of old pictures. Here's one taken on the wedding date of my Grandparents.

It was ironic how she passed and days later I went and saw Big Fish in the theatres. Those who have seen it know what I mean. If we continue to tell the stories and teach the lessons she taught us - she'll live on forever in all of us. The last few years of her life I can imagine were quite difficult with her slight memory loss. Now that she's passed on to join my Grandfather in Heaven, I can't help but picture the two of them together like they are in this picture without a care in the world - looking down on us all - simply HAPPY to be together again.

Good night bloggers...

Fly away to somewhere new...

Wednesday, January 21, 2004

Sunday, January 18, 2004

A few words...to break the silence.

I'm back. Just briefly tonight... it's already 11:09pm and you know who has to work tomorrow. I know most people have tomorrow off but I jumped at the chance to work. It's time and a half and I could use a few extra $$$ right now. Especially after I just dropped my entire checking account on my car insurance...

I'm hanging in there. I've been going through my life these days with a different perspective. Not sure how to describe it... I can't be sad, things in my life are really working out. The job is going nicely... and good things are happening for me and my opportunities to move into another department... I enjoy living at home: My parents are great and I can save $$$ at the same time.

I guess it's weird now that people have been talking about "going back to school." I think it is really starting to hit me that I don't have to go back to school right now. Down the road, I have all intentions of getting my masters, but right now I am where I am. People are heading back to schools in Boston, Pennsylvania, NYC, UConn... and I'm here.

It was a good weekend. I got to see a lot of people that I haven't seen in a while at Steve's surprise birthday party. GREAT times with various people not to mention the irish car bombs that we enjoyed throughout the evening. I guess I just never appreciated the times I had at school. I know that is a random statement to make while I'm talking about a great weekend. But I always had somewhere to go... "Where's the party tonight?" "Who's place are we going to now?" "What am I going to drink tonight?" And now I'm home and I only see some of these people from time to time. Kinda makes me wish I was back at UConn... so things could be the way they used to be. There are several things I would have done different. Situations I would have acted differently. People I would have treated different. Ok ok... kinda crossing that line now. I better stop while I'm ahead.

Happy Birthday Steve... hope we can all keep in touch.

You give me love over... love over this...