Trying

My boss at work made a great point when we all went out to lunch a couple of weeks ago. The people who continually talk about "trying to have a baby" don't realize what kind of pressure they are putting on those they are talking around. When you actually stop and think about it, telling people you are trying to have a baby forces them to think about you and your significant doing things no wants to picture.

Face it. Outside of yourselves, no one wants to think about those things. No one... that is for sure. But how else can you discuss you and your partner being ready to try to become parents? I don't think there really is another effective way to talk about it. But I think there is something to be said about "thinking about it." I have thought about it a lot of late, as Kimberly and I are ... well ... you know... trying.

It is amazing how quickly the weight of a situation can come over you. I've been told over and over again I'd make a great dad. And I greatly appreciate anyone who has ever thought that or said it. But it just seems such an amazing task. Don't get me wrong, I know plenty of great dads. Mr. L, my uncle, my brother, and a long list of others who do a great job with their kids. But me? Me being a father, a dad, a pappy? You only get a couple of shots at it, and what if you screw up?

And then I realize (each time mind you), there is NO possible way, any single person on this earth is ever "ready" to be a parent. I think you can be prepared... you can give off every possible vibe of being the best parent ever... but until that baby cries in your arms for the first time, all is left to your imagination at best. Once that kid's life depends on you, all bets are off and "play" time is over. It's put up or shut up time.

I had the pleasure of heading down to Maryland to help watch my niece (and nephew who doesn't need watching) over this past weekend. Both of them are amazing kids and show me what a great influence good parenting can have. My niece is stubborn, and so very cute. My nephew is quiet, yet so very strong. And they are just amazing to watch grow, even from a great distance. It was a perfect time for me to be around them. It allowed me to take a deep breath and see what all the planning was for all at once... for two great kids like that, maybe somewhere in our future.

So, as Kimberly and I continue to grow as a couple and see where our lives take us. I look very much forward to being a father, a dad, a source of money for some 13 year old some day. I am scared at times, but welcome it as being the greatest challenge we'll face. And one I think we are (believe it or not) as ready as we are ever going to be!

The Big East Knows How to get Down

I am sure you have all seen this by now... but I just had to share.

No idea why this won't format correctly though...




Looooooooove it!

Joe & Clare's Wedding...

Kimberly and I put on our evening's best and headed over to Warren, NJ for Joe Pisapia and Clare Cardillo's wedding reception. We didn't make it to the ceremony, but made it to the Stonehouse at Stirling Ridge in time for the cocktail hour and p a r t y. We ran into Joe and Clare during the cocktail hour and they both looked fantastic. We hung around with Brian and Leigh and Mr. and Mrs. Alspach for much of the cocktail hour. Brian and Leigh's wedding is only a few months away in August.

Joe and Clare had a band played, believe they were called Around Town. They were solid and had plenty of people in the band to play. The place itself was gorgeous and as the sun went down there was a fire built right outside the ceiling to floor windows. As with all great weddings, there was a mix of great food, great people, and plenty of dancing. Joe and Clare led the way on the dance floor, making sure to involve everyone by getting themselves out there first.

For dinner, they had Halibut or Filet. The filet was fantastic. It was served with roasted potatoes, zuccinni, and asparagus. I hate asparagus, but actually enjoyed it as part of this entire meal. The dancing happened around all the various food items and, as is almost always the case, really picked up after dinner was finished. I think Joe and Clare had a great time, Kimberly and I sure did.

The whole night was made that much better by our table mates. Kurt and Geana Morris were to our right, Rennee Rifkin and her boyfriend were across the table, and to our left was Anthony, a good friend of Joe's, and Dhvani, also a very good friend of Joe's.

This wedding was the first one Kimberly and I attended as husband and wife. It was a somewhat surreal moment to be a guest and not have to do all the running around (though I still did to take pictures). It was a relief with a smal pang of missing something. Overall, I think it was a great wedding to be back part of the "normal population", and not the focus of attention. And its always great to see two people you care about join their lives together.

AIDS Walk 2009 - Done and Done

Kimberly, her cheerleaders from Bryant High School in Astoria, NY, and myself ventured in to Manhattan to take part in the AIDs Walk. I made the terrible decision to walk from Penn Station up to Central Park... three avenues and 25 blocks. That equates to around 2.2 miles when all is said and done. So, before even walking a step to help raise money for AIDs research, I put in 2.2 miles. Then came the 6.2 miles that took us through Central Park out to the west side of town and back into Central Park.

Around mile number 2 my knees began barking at me. Around mile four, my left hip decided to go all geriatric on me. And by mile six, I was in more pain than I can remember for a long, long time. I tried my best to suck it up and walk... but you know me... I had to complain. I didn't do too much, because a couple of Kimberly's cheerleaders were well out ahead of me in the complaining department. But all five of them made it through all 6.2 miles and seemed to be proud of themselves at the end.

Kimberly and her girls raised about 340 dollars to donate to the foundation. Thanks to everyone who donated and keep up the great work. As the economy continues to stink, its even more important to donate to these good causes.

Splash of Thai - South Ave

Kimberly and I ventured out on Friday night to the local Thai restaurant on the other side of the tracks here in Westfield. We went to Splash of Thai with Matt and Kate. Matt just finished getting his college degree and we were in the mood to celebrate. The service was very good and so was the food. We got an appetizer of "Assorted Rolls" which included spring rolls and a couple of raw tuna rolls. There was another roll included-which was fantastic- but we had nary a clue what it consisted of at all.

I got the "Drunken Noodles" and wasn't really sure what to expect. The food was great. It came with scallops, shrimp, and chicken and was just spicy enough for my liking. We also got a Hot Chocolate fondue thingermabomber. We had to order it before our appetizer came which was different, but it was well worth it. As an aside, I am not exactly sure what Kimberly and Kate got but they both enjoyed it. Matt got the Wild Boar Stir Fry... and enjoyed it. Said it tasted just like... pork. Thought I was going to say chicken didn't you?

I would highly recommend Splash of Thai. There menu is pretty big and should have something for everyone from those who can't handle anything spicy to those who really like a big kick.

Congrats to Matty on finishing school. Up next for him... consolodating those student loans!