TurdFest 2007
Well, TurdFest came and went like a fart in the wind, and once again proved to be a blast. The 8th annual event included nachos from a real nacho dispenser (read: stainless steel glorified cheese pump, but still awesome), a chocolate fountain, two more washer toss winners, and the obligatory nudity that has come to be a staple of the Festiva De Turdez.
Unfortunately, the nudity was not that of what I would personally deem the good kind, even though I was a part of it. Picture this…it’s night time, my parents, their friends, my mother-in-law, and various other more inhibited friends are circled around the fire, and inside the pool was more sausage than a Johnsonville packing plant. Now, what do you think would possess six dudes in the pool with nary a female in sight to strip down to the buff and engage in a grueling battle of water basketball? Alcohol? Stupidity? A hint of sexual confusion? Whatever the cause, our fun took a turn for the worse as my brother and several other party-goers decided to steal our suits and place them in a crumpled heap next to the Schwann’s ice-cream bars in my parent’s freezer.
Hilarity ensued as we put on a show for all the patio to see. I was the first to shamelessly step out onto the patio, and rather than face the crowd with a Seinfeld-worthy “I was in the pool!” excuse, I ran the other way, streaking around my parent’s house. Timely enough, the floodlight turned on at the very moment I took off. Then, each of my friends took turns stepping out of the pool with utmost confidence. Hmm…suddenly my “I was in the pool!” excuse held less ground. They too were in the pool, but had nothing to fear.
Inadequacies aside, the party was a blast, even if Cindy has become the only person in TF history to have won the washer tournament twice. Though, I must proclaim that it was bittersweet, as my mother-in-law, Carol, who magically was paired with Cindy, won the tournament on her virgin appearance. Congrats to Cindy and Carol, and thanks to all those who participated in making this year’s fest a great one. I hope to continue this tradition of being able to get all my favorite people in one place, and to allow me to be your piano man, helping you forget about life for a while…
Jambalaya
I know I’ve hit ya’ll with a couple blogs already in the recent past, but I felt that this is “blog-worthy,” so I’m writing it anyways.
Every so often, a family friend, who also just happens to be an amazing chef, and owner of the Grand Meridian restaurant cooks us a multi-course meal that thus far has been nothing short of amazing. Exquisite even.
This weekend followed suit. Instead of doing it at his restaurant, we had him come to my parent’s house, and he brought along one of his chefs to assist in the cooking. Our theme was Cajun this time, and it delivered on every level. Rather than try and summarize here, I offer you a link to pictures of our night (see below), including a pic of each delicious course. We capped off another great “Friends Dinner” with a nice cigar and some drinks and socialization with friends.
It’s always a pleasure to have Ken over, and his chef, Sam, is as likable as person can be. Aside from being ninjas in the kitchen, they makes a mean dish o’ gumbo too! Can’t wait to see what Chef Ken has in store for us next!
For all photos of our Cajun dinner, check out the flickr photoset.
P.S. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to my wonderful parents!
The Nickname
In keeping consistent with a tradition among our group of friends, we have chosen the nickname for our fetus. Basically, it is a name we give to our unborn child that remains until we find out the sex (soon!). “Tater Tot” became Violet Grace Appleton. “Cletus (the Fetus)” became Caroline Quinn Van Thiel. And now, for the next few months, we will refer to ours as “Mugsy.”
So, with that, Mugsy and Mom are doing well. Cindy is (mostly) embracing her role as designated driver for the next 30 weeks (not that it’s a role she’ll be unfamiliar with). She’s been as pleasant as an expectant mother as she has been as a wife. Hell, if I didn’t know better, I’d think she made the whole pregnancy thing up! So far, no wierd cravings, no crazy mood swings, all that remains is the occasional early night due to fatigue.
As for me, I’m just making a feeble attempt to not gain that sympathy weight that so many fathers seem to gain so easily during pregnancy. It’s time this guy is recognized simply for his sense of humor, and not for his portly mid-section.
Man, I can’t begin to explain how excited I am that I am becoming a father. I’m scared as hell, but think it wouldn’t be right if I wasn’t. I’ll do my best to give Mugsy the best life that I can. I have a lot to learn from my wife, who is already well on her to being a great mom. Plus, Mugsy will be lucky as hell to have some of the coolest grandparents this side of the womb. That’s all for now…