The new "Facebook Fever" is to post 25 random things about yourself. I thought I would also post it here for those who don't necessarily subscribe to Facebook. You are supposed to publish 25 random things about yourself and then ask 25 other people to do the same thing. Here is my compilation...
1. I hate mushrooms!
2. I love fish, but I hate fish soups.
3. I have a ridiculous fear of spiders. One night I was sitting in a chair and one crawled across the carpet towards me and I jumped from the chair onto the couch and through a cutout in my wall into the other room.
4. I spent the first 8.5 years of my professional life working as a full-time frat boy at my college fraternity.
5. If I get the hiccups, I have to leave the room because they are so loud.
6. I’ve always wanted to star in a Broadway Show!
7. I will always have season football tickets to WVU Mountaineer football games, even if I live in a foreign country.
8. I want to live in Australia for a year.
9. One day I want to open a little Italian restaurant.
10. In high school I was driving a date home in my parent's car and we were doing something we shouldn't have been doing while I was driving and I ran the car into a ditch. There was mud all over the passenger side and under the car and I told my rents that I got stuck in a driveway.
11. Rocco and Gianna are my heart and quite possibly the closest children to my own that I will ever have.
12. Blood is not thicker than water. Many of my friends are closer to me than some of my own family.
13. I always cry when I hear “Ave Maria” or “On Eagles Wings.” Always.
14. I have very eclectic taste in music and it defines who I am.
15. I could run for hours and completely lose myself in nature. And sometimes I do!
16. Some friends and I decided it was a good idea to have a party in my parent’s backyard one night while they were out of town. Somehow we all ended up skinny dipping in the neighbor’s pool and someone peed in the sink.
17. I’ll admit it…I drool when I sleep. And I talk in my sleep too!
18. I have a huge man-crush on Barack Obama. There, I said it! Are you happy, Dash? :)
19. When I was little, I used to carry around a stuffed elephant, and while I would suck my thumb, I would scratch my nose with my index finger. I still scratch my nose with my index finger. And when I was cleaning out my mom’s purse after she died, I found the tail of the elephant with a St Christopher medal on a safety pin in her change purse. It lives in a drawer next to my bed now.
20. In high school, our football team was so bad that people would come to the game to watch the band perform at halftime and then leave. I am glad I was in the band.
21. I like Vegemite. And I like Vegemite and lettuce sammiches.
22. College was the best four years of my life.
23. In 5th grade, all of the boys pooled our money together to buy Playboys and keep them in the coat room. That lasted five minutes until our religion teacher found them. Detention for a week. Ironic now, isn’t it?!?
24. My brother is my best friend. I talk to him every day.
25. I didn't try sushi until 2 years ago and now I love it!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Magical Confetti
There is something magical about going for an early morning walk with someone special and as you are walking, the first snowflakes of the day start to fly. This morning that someone special was my dog Jack, but nonetheless, he is a pretty special guy to me. In fact, he is laying on his back under my feet right now, with his paws in the air, whining for me to rub his belly. Wouldn’t it be nice if all boys did that?!?
I digress.
Those first few flakes always catch me off guard. We are always taunted with these little snow showers and flurries and the prospect of a two hour delay, but inevitably it fizzles out and we are forced to bundle up and wander into the cold and grey winter morning with our gloves, scarves, and horrendous winter boots. Why is it that women get such fashion forward winter boots and men get Todd Palin-esque snow-shoe or backwoods trekking boots?
Again, I digress.
After I decided that it was in fact starting to snow and I was lucky enough to witness the first few flakes of the day, a smile came across my face. There was just enough of a sun to reflect little bits of light all around the morning sky. It was almost as if someone up there was having a party and throwing confetti to celebrate, maybe telling me to celebrate a little too. This made me reflect a little on a lot of things. New and old friendships. Upcoming vacations. Warm blankets and cold feet. It is amazing that something as simple and sweet as a snowflake can chase away the winter blahs, wipe the sleep from the eyes, and awaken the warmth of the soul. Keep in mind, however, that this sweet and simple feeling didn’t bring any extra warmth to my fingers or toes. They were still numb.
And now as I sit waiting for the sauce for my baked ziti to cook down a bit more, I can’t help but look out the window at a squirrel running across the power lines. A bird is fluttering on the ground looking for a snack. But really, what I am looking at is the snow magically falling to the ground, creating a soft and beautiful white confettied blanket for the earth. I am reminded that there are indeed many reasons to celebrate. And many more memories to be made.
But for now, it’s time to bundle up and take the beast out for a walk. I only hope that the magical falling snow brings a new sense of warmth to my fingers and my toes, as well as my soul!
Be well friends! Enjoy the party!
I digress.
Those first few flakes always catch me off guard. We are always taunted with these little snow showers and flurries and the prospect of a two hour delay, but inevitably it fizzles out and we are forced to bundle up and wander into the cold and grey winter morning with our gloves, scarves, and horrendous winter boots. Why is it that women get such fashion forward winter boots and men get Todd Palin-esque snow-shoe or backwoods trekking boots?
Again, I digress.
After I decided that it was in fact starting to snow and I was lucky enough to witness the first few flakes of the day, a smile came across my face. There was just enough of a sun to reflect little bits of light all around the morning sky. It was almost as if someone up there was having a party and throwing confetti to celebrate, maybe telling me to celebrate a little too. This made me reflect a little on a lot of things. New and old friendships. Upcoming vacations. Warm blankets and cold feet. It is amazing that something as simple and sweet as a snowflake can chase away the winter blahs, wipe the sleep from the eyes, and awaken the warmth of the soul. Keep in mind, however, that this sweet and simple feeling didn’t bring any extra warmth to my fingers or toes. They were still numb.
And now as I sit waiting for the sauce for my baked ziti to cook down a bit more, I can’t help but look out the window at a squirrel running across the power lines. A bird is fluttering on the ground looking for a snack. But really, what I am looking at is the snow magically falling to the ground, creating a soft and beautiful white confettied blanket for the earth. I am reminded that there are indeed many reasons to celebrate. And many more memories to be made.
But for now, it’s time to bundle up and take the beast out for a walk. I only hope that the magical falling snow brings a new sense of warmth to my fingers and my toes, as well as my soul!
Be well friends! Enjoy the party!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Mom's Eulogy
My brother and I asked our dearest friend Rosemary Thomas to deliver a eulogy for Mom. While Rosemary and I have shared a very special relationship for many years, she and Mom also became very close. Mom considered her one of her own. The following are the beautiful words Rosemary dedicated to Mom.
"And so it goes…who would have imagined we would be here at this point in time to say farewell to Justine. If ever we needed a reminder that time is precious – this is it.
Glenna Justine Hines Mainella started her life’s journey in the hills of central West Virginia in a place we call Webster Springs. After graduating from high school, she made her way to Fairmont – discovering what would become her new home and home for the next 50 years.
Don’t you know that she brought with her that caring nature and kindness that we all came to know and love through the years. And don’t you know that her strong work ethic and fun-loving spirit helped shape her circle of friends immediately.
If you knew and witnessed Justine and Vonda together, I am sure I am not the only one convinced they could have been the inspiration for Lucy & Ethel and probably were Laverne & Shirley too. We have all witnessed the embodiment of “soul mates” just by watching these two women co-exist for 50 years – as roommates, working together, raising children together, never living more than a mile a part…and talking and sharing a part of every single day.
Vonda reminded me on Monday evening that Justine took care of the world, she was so good hearted she was such a good woman.
There are so many questions surrounding how we got to this point but to seek answers would only limit our ability to share memories, to reflect on what she meant to us, to celebrate the life of this kind, thoughtful caring woman.
Displayed prominently in Justine’s living room, I found a small plaque which says so much about how she lived everyday. The words of the Serenity Prayer are these:
God, grant me the serenity to accept
the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can, and
the wisdom to know the difference.
Not only did Justine live these words, she taught her boys to live by them as well.
David and John, you both must know that you are surrounded by the loving hearts and arms of so many. We are here with you because we love her too and we will be here, we will be with you in Michigan and Indiana long after today.
We will not forget this special lady who never forgot a birthday, never accepted “I’m not hungry” as an appropriate response to “What can I get you to eat”, never missed a chance to brag about her boys, never failed to provide a voice of reason for her girl, never forgot to be a great friend, never left without sharing a smile and NEVER stopped loving Izzy from the moment they met and fell in love.
Yes, Justine was giving and thoughtful. She could also be a little bit stubborn…in case you didn’t know. John and David, let’s just say it doesn’t appear that those attributes, (including the stubbornness) skipped a generation. Both of you dug you heels in these past difficult days and you were determined to do one thing, and one thing only…you did exactly what you mother wanted.
As we think of the words to Country Roads, it’s not at all difficult to envision Justine and her life’s journey that literally touched us all somewhere along the way…
Almost Heaven, West Virginia – her love for this place made for lots of memorable Sunday afternoon car rides to the Falls and the Farm and special vacations to places like Cass Railroad, Dolly Sods, Coopers Rock, Seneca Rocks and more.
She and Izzy welcomed family and friends to come share special times in their home among the hills, and they made sure that no matter how far away life took their boys through service to our country, learning, and professional careers – country roads would always bring them back home safely.
Justine Mainella will always be remembered as a loving mother, a devoted wife, a priceless friend, a wonderful daughter and sister, a very special grandma and so much more…
Cookies, lasagna, freettis, ham, Jell-O salad creations, sauce and meatballs…and that’s just what she made for John on a weekend…she did loved to cook! Lucky for her we were all so polite that we would never dream of not eating…and usually licking the plate because it was so delicious.
Yes Vonda, you were right, Justine took care of the world. Her time here on earth ended far too soon for us, but we need to remember God has a different plan for his newest angel.
Together we need to embrace the words of the Serenity Prayer and accept that this path was not meant to be changed…but let’s think of all the courage she had and honor her memory by supporting David, John, Vonda and their families and know that we can shape how we approach the future.
Justine knew the difference between what she could and could not change. She made the most of life, she wanted the most out of life for her boys, she shared her life with the love of her life, she valued quality of life and we all know our lives were made better – just because we knew her.
We love you Justine!"
Presented by Rosemary M. Thomas
In loving memory of Justine Mainella May 21, 2008
"And so it goes…who would have imagined we would be here at this point in time to say farewell to Justine. If ever we needed a reminder that time is precious – this is it.
Glenna Justine Hines Mainella started her life’s journey in the hills of central West Virginia in a place we call Webster Springs. After graduating from high school, she made her way to Fairmont – discovering what would become her new home and home for the next 50 years.
Don’t you know that she brought with her that caring nature and kindness that we all came to know and love through the years. And don’t you know that her strong work ethic and fun-loving spirit helped shape her circle of friends immediately.
If you knew and witnessed Justine and Vonda together, I am sure I am not the only one convinced they could have been the inspiration for Lucy & Ethel and probably were Laverne & Shirley too. We have all witnessed the embodiment of “soul mates” just by watching these two women co-exist for 50 years – as roommates, working together, raising children together, never living more than a mile a part…and talking and sharing a part of every single day.
Vonda reminded me on Monday evening that Justine took care of the world, she was so good hearted she was such a good woman.
There are so many questions surrounding how we got to this point but to seek answers would only limit our ability to share memories, to reflect on what she meant to us, to celebrate the life of this kind, thoughtful caring woman.
Displayed prominently in Justine’s living room, I found a small plaque which says so much about how she lived everyday. The words of the Serenity Prayer are these:
God, grant me the serenity to accept
the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can, and
the wisdom to know the difference.
Not only did Justine live these words, she taught her boys to live by them as well.
David and John, you both must know that you are surrounded by the loving hearts and arms of so many. We are here with you because we love her too and we will be here, we will be with you in Michigan and Indiana long after today.
We will not forget this special lady who never forgot a birthday, never accepted “I’m not hungry” as an appropriate response to “What can I get you to eat”, never missed a chance to brag about her boys, never failed to provide a voice of reason for her girl, never forgot to be a great friend, never left without sharing a smile and NEVER stopped loving Izzy from the moment they met and fell in love.
Yes, Justine was giving and thoughtful. She could also be a little bit stubborn…in case you didn’t know. John and David, let’s just say it doesn’t appear that those attributes, (including the stubbornness) skipped a generation. Both of you dug you heels in these past difficult days and you were determined to do one thing, and one thing only…you did exactly what you mother wanted.
As we think of the words to Country Roads, it’s not at all difficult to envision Justine and her life’s journey that literally touched us all somewhere along the way…
Almost Heaven, West Virginia – her love for this place made for lots of memorable Sunday afternoon car rides to the Falls and the Farm and special vacations to places like Cass Railroad, Dolly Sods, Coopers Rock, Seneca Rocks and more.
She and Izzy welcomed family and friends to come share special times in their home among the hills, and they made sure that no matter how far away life took their boys through service to our country, learning, and professional careers – country roads would always bring them back home safely.
Justine Mainella will always be remembered as a loving mother, a devoted wife, a priceless friend, a wonderful daughter and sister, a very special grandma and so much more…
Cookies, lasagna, freettis, ham, Jell-O salad creations, sauce and meatballs…and that’s just what she made for John on a weekend…she did loved to cook! Lucky for her we were all so polite that we would never dream of not eating…and usually licking the plate because it was so delicious.
Yes Vonda, you were right, Justine took care of the world. Her time here on earth ended far too soon for us, but we need to remember God has a different plan for his newest angel.
Together we need to embrace the words of the Serenity Prayer and accept that this path was not meant to be changed…but let’s think of all the courage she had and honor her memory by supporting David, John, Vonda and their families and know that we can shape how we approach the future.
Justine knew the difference between what she could and could not change. She made the most of life, she wanted the most out of life for her boys, she shared her life with the love of her life, she valued quality of life and we all know our lives were made better – just because we knew her.
We love you Justine!"
Presented by Rosemary M. Thomas
In loving memory of Justine Mainella May 21, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
The conversation begins again
I can hardly believe it has been three months since my last post. Quite a lot has happened to me in these past few months and I promise to catch up over the next few days. I have a lot to say—to my friends, my past, my present, my future, and to myself.
At some point in our lives, everything seems to come together. At least for a minute.
We find the perfect job, the perfect home, the perfect restaurant, car, pair of jeans, music, the perfect lots of things. We take a chance on all of these things. What is it about us that makes us take that chance and why do we keep taking them? Is it the passion behind taking the chance that makes us keep coming back for more?
There is something dangerously intriguing about taking a chance. Will the job work out? Will the car still run in a year? Will the jeans always fit the way they do in the fitting room? Will we end up with a broken heart? With each of these questions, we find an answer, good or bad.
And yet we do keep coming back for more. But that is what is so magical about the chance. Even if things don’t always go as planned, we pull up our big girl panties and start looking for the next adventure. For all of the bad, the good is still so sweet. Perhaps that is why we keep taking chances.
At some point in our lives, everything seems to come together. At least for a minute.
We find the perfect job, the perfect home, the perfect restaurant, car, pair of jeans, music, the perfect lots of things. We take a chance on all of these things. What is it about us that makes us take that chance and why do we keep taking them? Is it the passion behind taking the chance that makes us keep coming back for more?
There is something dangerously intriguing about taking a chance. Will the job work out? Will the car still run in a year? Will the jeans always fit the way they do in the fitting room? Will we end up with a broken heart? With each of these questions, we find an answer, good or bad.
And yet we do keep coming back for more. But that is what is so magical about the chance. Even if things don’t always go as planned, we pull up our big girl panties and start looking for the next adventure. For all of the bad, the good is still so sweet. Perhaps that is why we keep taking chances.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
What's in a number?!?
When I originally started thinking about this posting, I had just been a part of three conversations on age and maturity. But, I knew that something was telling me to write when yesterday and today at lunch, I had two more conversations about turning 30 and the feelings around it. The first conversation was at home at Christmas with some friends; the second was with another friend at New Years; the third was this same friend’s blog I read (not a real conversation, but close enough); then yesterday’s and today’s were with two different donor friends of mine.
I guess turning 30 for me was never a big deal. After all, it was just another year. And, let’s face it--I was ready to be done with my 20s. While I had a lot of fun and lots of great memories, there was something about turning 30 that made me feel like I was starting over. Maybe I have finally arrived.
Finding someone to share these “glory days” with me has always been a challenge. I am very particular about what I am looking for in a relationship, even in my friendships. There is both a degree of intellect and smart that I want in a partner. I want someone who can carry on an intelligent conversation and is passionate about something (anything), but I also want someone who can walk into a social situation, carry themselves well, hold their own in a crowd, and not look like a fool. And I’ve met plenty of people who are one or the other, but very few who are both. The one’s who are both are usually taken or out-of-reach. The most common denominators I have found are that most of these people are at least 30, very close to it, or have shared many of the similar life experiences that I and my friends have shared. One of my donor friends was very candid and adamant in his belief that for gay men, true relationships don’t start until you are 30.
Can we truly find both of these traits in a person and package them with good looks, a love of good food and wine, and a need to travel? Or am I being too high maintenance? Is my friend right in saying that we should just throw caution to the wind, sleep our way through our 20s, and then settle down when we finally turn 30?
I’m not sure what the right answer is, but I do know that I am not willing to compromise anything that I want in a partner—in a friend. Sure, there will always be some give and take, but maybe that should be reserved for choosing bottles of wine, restaurants, and life in the bedroom.
All joking aside, no one said it would be easy, they just said it would be worth it. And having been through 30 years of this business, I want it to be really worth it!
Be well, friends, and here’s to having arrived!
I guess turning 30 for me was never a big deal. After all, it was just another year. And, let’s face it--I was ready to be done with my 20s. While I had a lot of fun and lots of great memories, there was something about turning 30 that made me feel like I was starting over. Maybe I have finally arrived.
Finding someone to share these “glory days” with me has always been a challenge. I am very particular about what I am looking for in a relationship, even in my friendships. There is both a degree of intellect and smart that I want in a partner. I want someone who can carry on an intelligent conversation and is passionate about something (anything), but I also want someone who can walk into a social situation, carry themselves well, hold their own in a crowd, and not look like a fool. And I’ve met plenty of people who are one or the other, but very few who are both. The one’s who are both are usually taken or out-of-reach. The most common denominators I have found are that most of these people are at least 30, very close to it, or have shared many of the similar life experiences that I and my friends have shared. One of my donor friends was very candid and adamant in his belief that for gay men, true relationships don’t start until you are 30.
Can we truly find both of these traits in a person and package them with good looks, a love of good food and wine, and a need to travel? Or am I being too high maintenance? Is my friend right in saying that we should just throw caution to the wind, sleep our way through our 20s, and then settle down when we finally turn 30?
I’m not sure what the right answer is, but I do know that I am not willing to compromise anything that I want in a partner—in a friend. Sure, there will always be some give and take, but maybe that should be reserved for choosing bottles of wine, restaurants, and life in the bedroom.
All joking aside, no one said it would be easy, they just said it would be worth it. And having been through 30 years of this business, I want it to be really worth it!
Be well, friends, and here’s to having arrived!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
New Obsession Acquired!
After days of searching, I finally found and purchased my new obsession...
...the black, cashmere hoodie!
(OK, so it is grey here, but you get the picture.)
Yes, I know, I am ridiculous, but Nordstrom had it on sale for a steal and I bought the last black one they had. Now where is that UPS man with my package? I'll leave you to think about that one...
...the black, cashmere hoodie!
(OK, so it is grey here, but you get the picture.)
Yes, I know, I am ridiculous, but Nordstrom had it on sale for a steal and I bought the last black one they had. Now where is that UPS man with my package? I'll leave you to think about that one...
Friday, January 4, 2008
Don't let the door hit you...
We knew it was coming. We knew he would leave. Whether it was this year or next, Rodriguez was headed out the door. He is only 44 years old and has a career to continue to build. The administration was foolish to think he would stay for six more years. Besides, we saw with Don Nehlen what happens when someone overextends their stay.
Yes, we are loyal. Yes, we are vocal. Yes, we are fanatics. But, we are also Mountaineers and so is Coach Stewart. Let’s forget Rod and wrap our blue and gold arms around our new coach. Stew deserves all the respect and admiration that the nation’s top coaches receive. He didn’t let the boys forget that they are a team. And on Wednesday night, that was proven.
It’s time to heal. And I think the Fiesta Bowl win has sped up that process!
Be well, friends, and see you in the stands next season!
Yes, we are loyal. Yes, we are vocal. Yes, we are fanatics. But, we are also Mountaineers and so is Coach Stewart. Let’s forget Rod and wrap our blue and gold arms around our new coach. Stew deserves all the respect and admiration that the nation’s top coaches receive. He didn’t let the boys forget that they are a team. And on Wednesday night, that was proven.
It’s time to heal. And I think the Fiesta Bowl win has sped up that process!
Be well, friends, and see you in the stands next season!
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