|
| 25 Jun 2009 08:40:03 pm |
 Surprise... you're now old! |
|
|
|
May 10, 2009: Your 35th Birthday is the first of a series of "oh crap... I am old moments" in your life. The first is 30 and then the low thirties just sort of float past but 35 is a nice reminder that you are a full on adult and get used to it! Lisa had planned a cool evening out and our great friend Lara came into town from Columbus to join us. We started the weekend off with a visit to the Mattress Factory Art Museum(http://www.mattress.org/) in the North Side of Pittsburgh. Very contemporary and even a bit interactive (with a crazy dark floor). Afterword we hit the local brewery call Penn Brewery for a "Bavarian Style" lunch packed full of meat trays, schnitzel sandwiches, and tall beers. That evening was the Birthday event and I was told that we were hitting a trendy bar called the Firehouse (in an old fire station) for a cocktail training/mixology class of sorts. Little did I know that me devious wife was a planning phenom. When I rounded the bend of the bar... whammo.... 50 of my closest friends and family were there drinking champagne and yelling "surprise"! I was floored. A total shocker. The entire family and friends from high school, work, and as far as Colorado came in. The event was perfect and the bar turned into a trendy nightclub and lounge and with the birthday drink special (a $5 Belvedere Dirty Martini) kicking everyone's butts... everyone danced and rocked the house. Lisa was a star and pulled off a 5 star event! The next morning was rough with people scattered about the house and Lara's attempt at indoor camping. Every 6 years or so my b-day hits on Mother's Day and this was just such a year, so we rallied the troops and headed over to my parents house for a super brunch prepared by my bro Greg (fantastic cook). Wonderful meal and some "cazzo" (like horse) on the basketball court rounded out the afternoon.
Thanks to all my friends and family that made this one of the best birthday ever . Special thanks for Donna for all the assistance and super kudos go to my lovely wife... Lisa... you rule!
LInk to Photos:
http://www.almostmadeit.com/g/#090509_Pittsburgh |
|
|
By : John
| Category : News |  Comments [88] |  Trackbacks [0]
|
|
|
|
| 04 May 2009 02:36:30 am |
| An Island Wedding |
|
|
|
April 22-26, 2009: On Jeff's birthday 3.5 years ago... who would have known that the blind date we set up between Lisa's grad school classmate Christel and my IBM colleague Jeff would end up in an beautiful destination wedding in ARUBA! We decided we needed a mini-vacation and headed off to the islands to see our Swedish friends tie the knot. This was the first long trip we have taken without Quinn and although there was some anxiety, it was just want we needed. As you you would imagine... there was plenty of blue water, sunshine, cold Belashi (the local beer), and island breezes. There plenty of activity (golf, horseback riding, snorkling) but the highlughts were the sunset cruise they booked for the entire wedding party on a huge catamaran and of course... the beach wedding. Everyone looked great and the evening was just perfect. Jeff's brothers Jason and Justin and his friend Demitri were great company and we all enjoyed the Swedish style speeches let by Petter and the easy, laid back dance party. The wedding could have not been nicer and I will place my vote for a beach wedding any day. Converted!
We wish Jeff and Christel a lifetime of happiness and we love you both! |
|
|
By : John
| Category : News | Comments [110] | Trackbacks [0]
|
|
|
|
| 04 May 2009 02:25:49 am |
| Las Vegas |
|
|
|
April 2- 5, 2009: I love when the family gets to "piggy back" on company business and this time I was in Las Vegas for the CTIA Wireless convention and supporting my Virgin Mobile client (BTW - they are excellent!). Lisa and Quinn decided to skip the cold of da 'burgh and joined me for a long weekend. This worked out perfectly as I had to be in Los Angeles on Monday and it was better to stay west for sure. We decided to stay at the Trump as it is new, non-gaming (i.e. no smoking) and generally kid friendly. The hotel was great and we were upgraded to a full 2 room suite that was bigger than many of my previous apartments. Vegas with a 1 year old is definately different but equally as good. We hit the strip with Quinn one day and made our way to the Shark Reef Aquarium at the Mandalay Bay... she loved it and we then enjoyed some superb mexican. We chilled at the pool the next day and Lisa got a message. That night we got a baby sitter (whammo that was expensive!) and went to Caesar's Palace for a great steak, some gambling, and a little night life. We finished up the weekend with some more relaxing at the pool and a nice dinner at Encore. Quinn loved it and I tried to teach her "double down"... maybe next time.
Click for all the pics! |
|
|
By : John
| Category : News | Comments [76] | Trackbacks [0]
|
|
|
|
| 22 Mar 2009 07:42:48 pm |
| 1st Birthday Celebration |
|
|
|
February 28, 2009: We cannot believe it has already been a year! Quinn Gabriella turning one year on February 19 and we decided to have both family and friends over to celebrate the occasion. We also had a good friend Sara Carlsson visit all the way from Oklahoma for the weekend. This was also a quasi house warming as for many of the guests, this was the first time they had seen our house or the remodel. We had a great crowd of about 30 adults an kids and everyone was incredibly generous to Quinn! The birthday cake "event" did not disappoint as Quinn slowly approached the icing and after a small taste... dove right in with both hands and painted herself with icing from head to toe. She is now walking and is ready for spring as she giggles with glee and make a break for the door each time you open it. Thanks again to everyone and for all the love for Quinn.
Click for all the pics! |
|
|
By : John
| Category : News | Comments [138] | Trackbacks [0]
|
|
|
|
| 26 Jan 2009 02:28:04 am |
| Cha-Cing! |
|
|
|
| January 24, 2009: Poker Night. This is nearly a monthly occurance with the crew (made up of the Chahine 'Machine', the Tweardys and a few close friends) and although I have missed the last few... it was great to see Samer's new house, catch up with the crew, hit the Hooka, and of course.... take all the little baby poker bitches mulla! They affectionately call the game "call if you hate money!" and not sure I will be getting the next call. Thanks guys for the economic stimulus package! |
|
|
By : John
| Category : News | Comments [153] | Trackbacks [0]
|
|
|
|
| 19 Jan 2009 04:23:26 am |
| Superbowl Baby!! |
|
|
|
| January 18, 2009: Here we Go... Steelers... Here we Go... Pittsburgh goin' to da Superbowl!! This is a famous song on P'burgh radio and goin' for a 6th Championship. Lovin' it! |
|
|
By : John
| Category : News | Comments [144] | Trackbacks [0]
|
|
|
|
| 18 Jan 2009 09:59:48 pm |
| Steamboat Christmas |
|
|
|
| January 3 - 11, 2009: One of the most anticiapated trips of the year is our annual family trip to Steamboat Springs, CO. This year the entire family was able to make it with Mom and Dad, Greg and Donna, Matt and Daniel, and Lisa, Quinn, and yours truly. I got the vacation curse this year and as soon as the vacation starts... I get sick. This has happened twice this year but I rallied through it and was back to shape in only a couple days. The weather the great all week and in classic Steamboat fashion, it snowes about 40 inches during the week. The week had a good balance of skiing, hot springs, family game playing, relaxing, bowling, movie watching, and great meals. One of the highlights for me was my brother Greg's home cooked meal including fresh calimari, mussels aux provance, and fresh pomme frittes. All homemade and all incredible. He is a great cook. The week always finishes too quickly and the enevitable "why don't we move here" discussion occurs. Love the boat and great times spend with love ones make is even nicer. |
|
|
By : John
| Category : News | Comments [133] | Trackbacks [0]
|
|
|
|
| 28 Dec 2008 05:00:22 am |
| Quinn's 1st Christmas!! |
|
|
|
December 25, 2008: After 12 weeks of crazy contractors and over priced everything and an all day exhausting relocation... we finally moved and got to spend Quinn's 1st Christmas in our new home. Nice feeling. I hope everyone got to spend time with friends and family in their "homes". Happy Holidays everyone!
Click for all the pics! |
|
|
By : John
| Category : News | Comments [145] | Trackbacks [0]
|
|
|
|
| 28 Dec 2008 04:51:55 am |
| Chili Cook-Off Champions |
|
|
|
December 13, 2008: Those who know my brother Greg know that is an insane foodie... possibly even more than me and to boot... he is one hell of a cook. Last year he started a chili cook-off and although I hear his chili was killer, he was upset by a down home chili from Darren Schumacher. He was bitter all year and this year brought the second annual cook-off and a chance for redemption. 10 eager contestants threw their hats and best chilies into the ring. I got the invite this year and pulled together a strong chili was nice meats, 2 beans, and a sweet taste to start with slow heat on the finish. I felt confident but I knew Greg's was going to bring his best stuff and my dad whipped up a chili that I must say, was "pretty darn good!” Greg had T-Shirts made and sequestered the judges into a separate room for tasting. He even down loaded and printed official chili tasting notes and scorecards. I told you... he is serious! After the smoke cleared and we all ate more chili than we ever had before... the judges announced the top 3. Third place went to the big fella... my dad. Second place went to my bro... Greg. The winner was yours truly and the Tweardy sweep of the winners circle was even nicer than my name on the huge chili trophy (I told you he was serious!). See you next year Greg.... !
Click for the spicy pics! |
|
|
By : John
| Category : News | Comments [151] | Trackbacks [0]
|
|
|
|
| 28 Dec 2008 04:21:45 am |
| Winos in Napa Valley, CA |
|
|
|
December 3-7, 2008: After years of the Italian and French wine regions, we had the opportunity to test the heartland of US wine... Napa Valley, CA. My client is based in Walnut Creek, CA and instead of taking the long trip back to Pittsburgh over the weekend, I decided to bring Lisa and Quinn out to California and have a nice long weekend. We set up little mini-apartment in the Embassy Suites and Lisa enjoyed the nice weather and the quaint town odfWalnut Creek while I worked. It was ncie to have friendly faces waiting for me every night. On Saturday we took the short 1 hour trip north to Napa and cruised the beautiful "Silverado Trail" in the sunshine. Very dramatic as the valley is very narrow and the vineyards gleam between the two ridgelines. We stopped at Joseph Phelps (my father's favorite cab) for wine tasting in the morning and Quinn stole the show. She was is super smile mode (maybe it was the vino) as we tasted 6 wines including a 1995 Insignia (their top end cabernet). We left wit their coastal Pinot Nior and a Cabernet. We then hit Rutherford Hill for a picnic lunch and enjoyed the view of the valley. We continued to weave our way north and settled in Calastoga. This town cute not be any cuter with hot springs, mud baths, nice cafes and resturants, and vineyards on all sides. We happened to hit the annula Christmas Lighted Tracker Parade (no kidding!) and the play was a mad house. The town must have tripled in size and everyone lined the streets for pure americana. We had a nice dinner and on Sunday hit a small winery on a local's recommendation called August Briggs. Great little place specializing in zinfindel. Very nice and had to leave with one. We navigated our way back through Napa and Sonoma and landed in San Fransico for the night. Great trip and another visit to Napa is already on my mind. People have been asking me which is better... Piedmonte, Tuscany, or Napa. Hmmmm... ask me again over some wine.
Click for all the pics! |
|
|
By : John
| Category : News | Comments [133] | Trackbacks [0]
|
|
|
| |
| Prev 1 2 3 ...11 12 13 Next |
