VaxCave

As I write this, I am exactly 10957 days old (give or take an hour or three.) I even went to the trouble of calculating leap days in my age. I’m that kind of geek.

As most of you know there was a surprise party in my honor at Mad Mex in Robinson this past Saturday. Everyone on the planet was apparently aware of this event. Even I knew that something was going to happen on that Saturday. However, my ideas about when, what, and where were a bit askew from what actually happened.

Let me add at this point that Bridget doesn’t surprise me. It’s not that she hasn’t tried before now. It’s just that I am very good at inadvertently ruining surprises. I hate that I do it, but my mind is so paranoid and strange that I tend to figure out such things. My perception of what was happening is a bit different than Bridget’s plan. Since Bridget had spoken hardly a word in regards to my birthday, I figured something surprising was in the works.

As the date drew closer an obvious distraction was floated my way. The plan was that Team VaxCave would spend the day with their counterparts from Team Ciocco. Ben and I were to go shopping for new TVs whilst the ladies went and had their nails done and watching Sex and the City afterward.

I assumed that the girls would stay at the house to clean up, get all the guests situated, and then have the catering (I assumed by Mad Mex) arrive in time for Ben and me to get back. This assumption led to the surprise. Ben had offered to buy me a margarita for helping him choose a TV. I never turn down a chance to go to Mad Mex. I didn’t even care that I knew I’d be having the same for dinner.

As I walked in to Mad Mex I noticed balloons in the party area. I said aloud, “Looks like someone’s having a party.” I didn’t notice any of the people’s faces, so I didn’t make any association between the party and my presence. I only saw the balloons. I continued toward the hostess table so that Ben and I could be seated. It was then that I saw someone step toward me and blow a noisemaker. I thought, “That’s stran… OH CRAP!”

“SURPRISE!!!”

It was amazing to have so many friends in one place. I think we had just shy of 40 people in the room. Richard, freshly back from his second tour in the Middle East, was there with his wife, Jen. Many, many friends from work were there. Team Swisher and Team Ciocco did their best to conspire against me. Mom, Dad, and Dan were all present. Big Justin made the trek. Curt, Denise, and new son Wesley were there. We had three babies (five weeks, nine weeks, and nine weeks) in attendance. We even had two teenagers. Rick even showed up.

I always say that I don’t know anyone. This showing of all my friends in one place was truly awesome and proved me wrong. I’ve very thankful and appreciative for all the work that went into this party. I hope that everyone had an awesome time. I couldn’t have asked for a better get-together to celebrate my birthday. Thank you so much.

Postscript: If you’d like to do something in terms of a gift, please consider donating to the MS Society and sponsor my brother in the Escape to the Lake ride. Click on the “Donate to Daniel” button above his picture. Thanks.

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Filed by AxsDeny at 10:28 pm under General
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Last year, Dan rode in the MS-150 Escape to the Lake. It’s a two day, 150 mile cycling event from Cranberry Township to Lake Erie in Ohio. There are plenty of pictures of the event posted on Flickr.

He’ll be riding again this year and I’m taking this opportunity to thank everyone that has already contributed. However, I’m also asking those folks to get the word out. This is a great cause that has raised a significant amount of money in the past. It can only continue to be as successful through the generosity and helpfulness of the donors.

If you can spare $5 or $5,000, I encourage you to help out and sponsor my brother this year as he rides for multiple sclerosis research. Thanks.

Sponsor link: http://tinyurl.com/3aeljc

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Filed by AxsDeny at 9:58 am under General
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7:21 AM - Janice, southbound, comes to a stop at red light. Makes (legal) right on red. White Chevy Malibu begins sounding horn from northbound side of street before turn lane traffic has begun moving. Malibu races up behind Janice and begins tailgating and blowing horn. Tailgating is so close that the car is not visible in the side view mirrors.

7:22 AM - Malibu passes Janice on left over double yellow line. Malibu cuts in front of Janice and brakes suddenly, coming to a complete stop. Janice nearly slams in to Malibu. Seatbelt locks engage. Janice blows horn. Malibu begins to move again. Then stops suddenly again, nearly causing another collision. Plate number is DZZ-1604

7:26 AM - Malibu enters left lane and brakes slowly coming in line with Janice (in the right lane.) Malibu begins drifting into right lane. Driver appears to be pointing something out of the passenger window. When windows are in line, it becomes evident that the driver of the Malibu is leaning over and attempting to take a picture of Janice with his cell phone. Malibu drops back more, behind Janice, continues taking pictures. Malibu passes on left again, taking pictures while passing.

7:30 AM - Malibu passes through light and pulls over. Driver exits car and waves at Janice while taking pictures of Janice stopped at light. Janice proceeds through light and makes left at next light out of fear for safety.

7:31 AM - Malibu appears ahead of Janice (westbound) on Hamilton.

7:35 AM - Janice makes right at light while Malibu proceeds straight at light.

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Filed by AxsDeny at 8:59 am under General, Rants
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