Thank you so much for taking the time to read my Epic Weekend In Pictures, whether that happens during the holiday season when we're all Christmas, before we're all Christmas, or both. I truly appreciate it. Due to life circumstances this recap is going to be probably much shorter than usual due to our heavy hearts. My 44th birthday was on Tuesday November 25th. This has been a special day for me, with it coinciding to be my first ever day here in New Jersey as Program Director / Afternoon Host for 102.3 WSUS. Even by the age of 12, I always knew that being on the radio was my dream career. I always consider myself a one percenter not in many, but career happiness. Long story short, from age 12 on everything I did in life was to grow my radio career. The very first day of my college career at Bridgewater State University, I signed up to start my internship at our Student Run radio station 91.5 WBIM-FM. We were able to start my internship that same night! Getting to meet the DJs who ended up being lifelong amazing friends, Kelly and Mia, only further fueled my fire. Everything I did from age 12 on, through high school, college, and then my "adult life," was to further my dream career in radio. When I was 31, we started the interview process during springtime. After a few interviews and promising the radio station management that yes, I was willing to pack my bags and move away from my family and friends, despite not knowing a soul in New Jersey, they invited me to interview here in Sussex County. On a Wednesday in mid November they offered me the job, and I accepted. Upon leaving our Franklin radio station studios, I casually asked my now new boss Chuck "oh btw when is my official start date? After the holidays?" Chuck then to my surprise said "we would actually like you to start this Monday." WOW. There it is. In 5 days I ended up here, with my first ever day here as Program Director and Afternoon host for 102.3 WSUS on my 32nd birthday, November 25th. Pretty cool and wild full circle story, right?
This was a very hard weekend for me and my loved ones. My birthday went from being my 12th anniversary, to being 10 months since my sister Suzanne, who I nicknamed Zannie, unexpectedly passed away. We love and miss her every single day. While my family and I cry every single day, these milestone days and holidays are somehow even more heartbreaking and painful. This weekend was just so hard, I don't want to honestly get into it. I would rather mention some of the many positive and fun memories my family and friends were able to have together.
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Tuesday night Girlfriend Brooks knew it was going to be a very tough day for me. She took me to Red Wolf Inn over in Belvidere, New Jersey. She took me there for my birthday last year, I took Brooks there for her July birthday, so we picked this spot again for my birthday. Even though I was against it last year, we let them GONG me. This place is such a big birthday celebration place, usually they ring a huge bell, announce your birthday, and lead everyone in the whole restaurant singing happy birthday to you. It gave me a good, much welcomed laugh.
Wednesday night I threw myself my annual little Thanksgiving eve New Jersey Birthday party at Kite's in Vernon. This was the 10th time I have driven up to Mansfield, Massachusetts from Vernon, New Jersey and it's a wonderful decision. 10 years ago we had a snowstorm on Thanksgiving Eve, forcing me to drive up from Jersey to Massachusetts on Thanksgiving morning. The traffic wasn't bad at all! After getting there in just 4 hours, the normal door to door time without any traffic, I looked at my parents and Zannie saying "Okay, this is definitely what I'm doing from now on every year!" Wednesday night I was so happy and grateful to see besties Shawn, Stacey, Jim, Ruby, and Christine. I definitely wanted a smaller circle than typical years, and that was just what the doctor ordered. I also got some delicious Hazy IPA's from them out of the deal too which I appreciated this weekend!
Thursday morning, we were on the road by 7:30 and in Mansfield just before 11:30am. Success! The meal was fantastic, and it was great to see my family. They really know how to throw a guy wonderful birthday parties. Girlfriend Brooks got a kick out of us enjoying ice cream cake, despite it being my 44th birthday. I won't apologize for never being too old to enjoy ice cream birthday cake!
Friday was one of my most successful, Epic action packed fun days back home. I took Girlfriend Brooks to Wendell's in Norton, Massachusetts who are known for their legendary wings. I did Extra Spicy wings and told Brooks "it isn't too bad, very yummy, dip your fry into my sauce." She looked at me after having a bite saying "That is like fire, how can you even eat that?"
We were then able to see college besties Kelly and Justin. Indeed, Kelly the one who I interned for at our college radio station now 25 years ago. Yes, that just made me feel even older. We had such a fantastic time. I hadn't seen them in person probably over 7 years, you never would have known that. It was their first time meeting Brooks, you never would have known that either. Time flew and it felt like all we did was laugh together.
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We were then able to join Madre and Padre at Bog Iron Brewery in Norton, Massachusetts. We had such a wonderful time seeing several great friends, both behind and in front of the bar. They really helped make our night special. It's always fun to go back and visit a home bar basically.
Brooks and I then were able to see besties Matt and Tracy in nearby Norton. We had another fantastic time, just what the doctor ordered. Matt's been my bestie since high school. We hadn't seen each other in person over a few months. Yet again, you never would've known that. We had such a great time catching up on life stuff, everyday stuff, and funny stories too.
Girlfriend Brooks has described me as "Domestically Deficient." Not only did my family crack up and love it, while by the way I can't deny this at all, Matt texted me back "Truer words were never spoken." At least my family and friends can usually agree on several things!
Saturday I took Brooks to Patriots Place at Gillette Stadium, unfortunately it was one of those wind tunnel feeling days. She didn't like the stadium as much as in October when it was gorgeous out. To be fair, she's not alone in that regard. My parents and I then took her to Fresh Catch in Mansfield, where we all had great meals. I had my delicious massive Connecticut style Lobster roll! Brooks had a clam special which included New England Clam Chowder, Quahog, and clam strips. The chowder definitely helped her warm up for sure.
We were then able to see besties Kayla and Chris at their place, along with their adorable twins. Their pup Mack loves people a ton, that's for sure. Chris has been my bestie since elementary school and still puts up with me! We had such a fun time, where yet again it was if no time had passed at all.
Sunday morning, we were on the road by 8am and back in Vernon by 12pm. That is as good as you can do on a Sunday for Thanksgiving weekend!
Travelling with the holidays, I've learned over the years with driving, timing is maybe not everything, but definitely a huge thing!