Faithful Friends and Happy Birthdays

Another day of rehab for the Matt-Man, thus another post that is easy to write.

During the last few days I have enjoyed reading all of the comments and e-mails from you fine folks.

Today, during my family and friends series, I want to give a shout out to a couple of people.

First up…

That Cynical Bastard hizzelf, Jay. Jay not only put up a get-well message for me on his blog this week, he sent me, shall we say, some motivational artwork through e-mail. Jay knows what motivates me quite well. Thanks Jay!!

And then there’s my longtime pal of pals, Lu.

Lu followed my agony for three straight days on her site. She called out for all to lay hands upon the Matt-Man, and heal him. She suffered criticism, chiding, and public scorn. From one particular man from Tennessee, she heard, “Oh Dear God…Enough Already!!”

Ha. I dig that. Thanks Lu, you’re the best.

And now…a couple of Birthday notices.

My niece, Anna, celebrates her 15th Birthday today. Anna is quite a smart young lady, and I wish her the best today.

Today also marks the 58th anniversary of my brother Denny’s time here on this big blue marble of ours.

Den-Den is a great dad to his kids, a well rounded journalism professional and veteran of the newspaper industry, and most importantly…

An amusingly rude mo-foe. The funniest thing that I have heard in my life (and will not repeat here) was uttered by brother Denny some years back.

It consisted of only three words, but to this day, I laugh my ass off when I think of it.

So Brother Denny…Happy Birthday My Brother. May your celebration be a damn sight better than the weather we are both experiencing in Ohio today.

Lastly…Today is the day that Denny’s daughter-in-law Jamie appears on Jeopardy. If you folks get the chance to tune in, send her good mind power vibes through your television set.

And that’s it for today my friends. I get to spend the evening working the Beer Mine in a monsoonal rain storm.

But, that’s okay…I am looking forward to a special day that takes place tomorrow, so that will help me to muddle-puddle through.

Cheers!!

Here's To Family and Friends

I’m still trying to get back into the swing of things, and I think today may be the day I do just that.

I’m off all day, so I will be anesthetizing myself with Bagwine and should be good to go when it comes to sitting at the computer for more than a few minutes.

I’m going to be buzzing by all y’all!!

In getting my writing groove back, I thought I’d ease into it…kinda like rehabbing in Triple A ball before coming back up to the Major Leagues.

With that in mind, today through Saturday, I am dedicating my offerings to some family and friends of Matt-Man.

First up today? My nephew Kevin…

Kevin is one of the kids that belongs to my brother Denny (second from right in the above pic). In spite of Kevin’s paternal lineage, he has so far, turned out quite well.

Kevin is currently attending Eastern Illinois University…He arrived there via a somewhat circuitous route.

Being an outstanding High School offensive lineman, he received a football scholarship to Bowling Green State University a couple of years ago.

He got hurt, and yada yada yada...he left BGSU, and transferred to Eastern Illinois.

He played football at EIU and was named a conference newcomer of the year.

Unfortunately, he again fell to injury last year, and his football career as a player was over.

However…

He digs it at EIU, and was tabbed by the coach to help out with the offensive line and they also use him to send in signals to the offense during the games. You know what is uber cool about that?

He gets his own headset!! Doesn’t he look sterling standing on the sideline inside of Penn State’s, Beaver Stadium? Damn right, he does.

Last week, was a big Saturday at EIU. Former EIU and current Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo was in da hizzy!! Kev had his picture taken with Mr. Romo…

Romo is listed as being 6’2 226 pounds, so that gives you an idea as to how big my “little” nephew is.

I just hope Mr. Romo had himself deloused after spending time with Jessica Simpson…Kevin needs no further somewhat football related medical challenges.

Here’s to the Kev-Man, keep those signals clear.

One last thing today…Kevin’s brother’s wife, Jamie will be appearing on Jeopardy tomorrow, October 23rd.

If you get the chance, tune in and root Jamie on. We have no idea how she did, because Jeopardy puts each contestant into some sort of sinister Cone of Silence until their particular episode airs.

Here’s to Jamie…I hope that she did well and that she said to Alex, “Trebek…Your Mother’s a Whore!!”

Cheers!!