Bon Journey!

No, that is not a typo. Last night we went to a free concert at the South Side Works to see the tribute band Bon Journey - obviously they cover Bon Jovi and Journey. Anyone one who knows me well knows my obsession with 70's and 80's classic rock. As a Pittsburgher, you would expect the greater part of the obsession to be consumed by Bon Jovi, but it isn't - I LOVE Journey! Despite the fact that the original lead singer (Steve Perry) no longer tours with them, I still go to any venue in the Pittsburgh vicinity where they are performing. Bummer for me - they haven't stopped in Pittsburgh in 2 years, so now I have a suitable alternative. Other bands that I will go see include STYX (coming in August!), Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, and Def Leppard.

Pathetic, I know - but I can't help it!

Here are a few more pictures from the evening - we went with Marina and Bill, a few of their friends, and then met up with our cousin Jackie later:

Old Friends are the Best!

I know that I mentioned in a prior post about my family's Thursday tradition (see "I Love Thursdays"). Well, since it is summer, we have been trying to get outside as much as possible. My mom re-joined the pool that we belonged to as kids - Highlands Aqua Club. Nothing fancy or anything, just a community pool where we spent all of our summer days and many nights. We loved it there.

Anyway, due to the beautiful weather that we had today, my mom decided to have a picnic at the pool for dinner. I pulled into the parking lot just as my mom was arriving, and she informed me that there was a surprise. I really didn't think anything of it because it could have meant a dessert. Well, as I was waiting for Dani to show up with the girls, I looked up at one point and spotted one of my oldest friends, Jill (different Jill from my "Friendly Bloggers"). I knew instantly that she was my surprise. Jill and her 2 sisters grew up across the street from us and we all swam together at Highlands. In fact, Jill and I are still on the record board at Highlands for the 12 and under medley relay from 1990! She was accompanied by her mom and her 1-year-old son, Joey.

It was such a great evening to spend together. My entire family was there, and the only thing that could have made it better would have been Jill's 2 other sisters - Jena and Jessica. We are all still friends today, which is a pretty remarkable feat considering that we are all married and don't really live too close to each other anymore. Above is a picture of all 6 of us at Marina's wedding.

My hope is that when John and I start a family that our children will make friends like the ones we have, and make memories like the ones that I cherish today.

Wrong...but not disappointed

So my skepticism from my own prediction last week was right on. "The Bachelorette" has finally concluded, and the lucky guy was Jesse.I'll admit, I was a little disappointed when Jason was the first to step out of the limo (which meant he was NOT the one she chose). However, while watching DeAnna and Jesse during "After the Final Rose," there was no doubt that she made the right decision. It just goes to show you that opposites do attract. Like I said last week - there was definitely something more to just the exterior when it came to Jesse, and DeAnna really showed her true colors by indulging in that to find that he was the one for her.

They even announced that they set a date for a May 2009 wedding. I wonder if this is going to be a repeat of Trista and Ryan with a nationally televised wedding.

They even had Matt and Shayne from the last season of "The Bachelor" on the show to give us an update on their status, and shockingly, they are still together. I still say that she is fake and ridiculous and way too young. Time will tell!

Pretty

The only good thing that comes after a rainfall:














We have gotten so much rain lately, so it's nice to see something pretty as a result besides puddles of mud and dreariness!

Happy 4th of July!

This is how my family celebrates the 4th - decorate a traditional Italian dessert with the American Flag. Above is my Dad's tiramisu with blueberries and strawberries as the stars and stripes. We're strange, what can I say.

We partied at my uncle's house who has a beautiful pool. Below are pictures of it at night...we had a great holiday. I hope that everyone else did as well!

Not so sure anymore

I just watched last night's episode of "The Bachelorette" and I am not so sure about my prediction for next week. My thoughts from the last post were based on prior episodes, but last night's really showed a different side of Jesse, and it really seems that DeAnna is falling for him. Not that I think that he is a shoe-in, but I can't be sure in my prediction.

But this is the only time where I won't be disappointed if she picks one over the other because they are both good guys.

Can't wait for "The Final Rose"!

Down to 2!

I didn't get to watch "The Bachelorette" last night, but I do know who she booted - Jeremy - which was kinda shocking because it seemed that she really liked him (at least on prior episodes).

So that leaves: Jason (my favorite from the beginning!) and Jesse

Here's some info on these 2:

Jason - an account executive from outside Seattle, divorced with a 3-year-old son. DeAnna always was in to him from the beginning, but I thought for sure that his son would be a deterrent and she would reject him. I am glad that this was not the case, because I think that he is a genuinely nice guy.

Jesse - a professional snowboarder from Colorado. He shocked everyone with is unconventional wardrobe, but has really proved that there is substance to him - you just have to look beyond the long hair and the crazy clothes. I think that he is a cool dude, but I don't think that he is "marriage material."

Therefore, my prediction is that she will chose Jason on next week's finale.

I will watch last night's episode and report on it later if anything worthwhile mentioning occurred.