Favorite Day

Exactly 14 years from today marks my favorite day in the history of my life. 14 years ago I went on my very first date with the love of my life. However, the first-date itself is not exactly why it's my favorite day. Let's just say that it serves as a key reminder to me that God is in control, and His will shall reign over my suaveness...and lack there of. Let me set the stage...

It was a Friday evening and I was getting ready for the big night out. I had taken a shower, slapped on some expensive cologne (okay so it was a dab of English Leather), and styled my hair...which basically involved plastering it to my head with a whole bunch of gel. Having freshened up, it was time to get dressed, and knowing how important it was to impress this beautiful girl, I put on my best: My black jean-shorts, my black and white Pumas, and my best No Fear t-shirt (you know the one: "Give Blood...Play Hockey. No Fear!!!"). Don't I know how to impress the ladies?

Looking good and ready for some fun, I set out for the big date...just one catch. Me being a freshman in high school, and this being my first real date, my parents would only let me go if a friend came a long. So here enters Paul. Oh, and did I forget to mention that she had to pick us up since neither Paul or I could drive yet? No biggie.

Lizz picked us up at my house and we set off. We went to a movie (The River Wild), and in all honesty, the night went well. Nothing really eventful happened, but on the flip side.... nothing really eventful happened. As a matter of fact, I think I said a total of five words to her including "hi" and "goodnight." The fact that she went out with me again, let alone married me, is amazing in itself.

I often look back on that evening and realize that a lot of things could've happened after that date. But one thing that did happen, I fell in love...and after 14 years, I'm still falling. Every day of my life I thank God for His providence. I also thank Him for the precious gift that he has given to me in my wife; my bride; my best friend; my heart and my life. Though our first date wasn't eventful, our marriage sure has been. We've lived in a variety of places, met a ton of people, became parents to two beautiful children, and through it all we've loved one another. Never perfectly, not always easily, but by the grace of God, continually. And just like a good wine, it gets better with time. With that said...Salut!

Bella,
Il vostra amore è migliore del vino.

To My New Best Friend...Whose Name I Don't Know

I just wanted to send out a big "thank you" to the wonderfully, compassionate shuttle-bus driver who jump-started my car yesterday at the Dayton Airport at 1.30 in the morning. I was so frazzled, tired, and self-absorbed that I didn't even catch your name, but I'm extremely grateful nonetheless. Although I may not know your name I'll never forget your face, and if I ever see you again I'm giving you a huge hug. At least I hope I'll never forget your face, or else that hug will be even more awkward.

"Who would've known" for the Week

Who would've known that the guy next to me on the plane would get so upset after I gave him my peanuts? So what if I forget to mention that I had already sucked off all the salt and pre-chewed a few. We're living in some pretty tough economic times right now, so when you get a handout like that, you accept it and say, "thank you"!

"Who would've known" for the Week

Who would've known that someone would get so upset when asked to dance to an awesome song? I mean, so what if it was in the men's locker room and I only had a small gym towel wrapped around my waist. You just don't turn down "Endless Love" like that. Have a heart people!

The Glorious Flight

This week's 5-In-A-Row lesson focuses on the book The Glorious Flight, which is about Louis Bleriot, who was the first person to fly over the English Channel. One of the activities this week was to make a model plane to help explain the different parts of the plane. Lizz made the model out of cardboard from empty boxes, and I have to say that it's quite impressive. Below is a video of Colin identifying the different parts of the plane.

Dennis Mele For President!

Great news, Dad! I'm really proud of you. You have my vote!!!

Click on the picture below to view the full news coverage...

Google 411

Here's another great tool from Google. It's basically a free 411 service. Very cool, especially when you're traveling in an area you're not very familiar with.

She's Growing Up...

Anna has recently graduated from the crib to a big-girl bed. She was extreeeemely excited about it too; especially with a nice purple pillow on top. So far so good: no escapes or freak-outs.

Well Cubs Fans...

There's always next year...

Don't Give Up Hope!

Calling all Cubbies fans!!! Last night was a horrible night and it dredged up some bad memories, but let's not give up hope. Our Cubs are still in it and still strong. So, bust out your rally caps, pull out your jerseys, rub your rabbits feet, stop shaving, keep wearing the same underwear, suck on your big toes (okay I made that one up...I was on a roll). Do what you gotta do, but don't stop cheering! Below is a Link to a great video to get you psyched...

Cubs Fans Unite!