Welcome back, John Farrell

Sox fans have loved John Farrell ever since he first arrived in November 2006. He immediately turned around Josh Beckett (5.01 ERA in '06, 3.27 ERA in '07), helped Jon Lester successfully return from cancer treatment and incorporated new Japanese import Daisuke Matsuzaka (15 wins in his first season in MLB). Oh yeah, and they won the World Series that year with all four starting pitchers winning their games. He could do no wrong.

In October 2010, we were all sad to see him head north to Toronto but could only wish him well. The opportunity to manage his own team was a great opportunity; something he wouldn't get in Boston with the immortal Terry Francona. Of course, September 2011 happened and people started clamoring to bring Farrell back. Toronto would have none of it though so the Bobby Valentine Era happened. Fast forward one year and we finally got our man.

I think this is a great move. It's more than just trying to relive the glory days by bringing back one of the main components but it's bringing in a guy with a lot of skill and knowledge. He knows this team. He is the definition of hitting the ground running. I have complete confidence in John Farrell and in spite of the past two years I am actually looking forward to this coming season.

Halloween

Brig and I had a heck of a day a couple weeks before Halloween. We were going to go apple picking with a mutual friend but she was running late. We got on the road and followed the GPS to where it said the apple orchard was. It wasn't. Since it was already late afternoon we decided to go to a local mall where our friend said they had a costume shop. We looked at the directory but couldn't find it. Of course, we figured that was because it's a seasonal store. So we went to the information desk and the woman told us that no, they do not have a Halloween shop at the mall. Back to square one.

On the way home Brig remembered a place near us called Spirit that had just set up shop. I went in looking for ideas while Brig went in looking for Monterey Jack. What we ended up with were two joint costumes: Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head and Buzz Lightyear & Jessie. This worked out perfectly because 1) Everyone loves couples who dress thematically similar and 2) We had two Halloween events on our social calendar.

The first was a house party in Shrewsbury with my college friends. We went as the Potato Heads and definitely won the (non-existent) costume contest. We did some pumpkin pie shots, played beirut and had a eat-a-donut-off-a-string race (which Brig and I finished 1-2 in).

The second was the Halloween Bar Crawl around Faneuil Hall. You may remember last year's. This year was very different. First, our non-apple picking, non-Halloween store knowing friend bailed and then I realized too late that Buzz would have been better at the house party. The first time I tried to walk up to the bar my wings were smacking everyone I tried to get by. They were inflatable and I'm sure nobody really cared but I was so annoyed by it.

The best part, as always, was commenting on other people's costumes. Our other friend showed up with a guy who claimed to be Mario but was so clearly Fred Flintstone. Brig berated the Monopoly Man for not having a mustache. And then there was Psy. No one really noticed he was there until Gangnam Style came on; then he was the king of the dance floor. Everyone encircled him as he did the dance moves from the video. As soon as it ended he was off to another bar, waiting for his next chance to do it all again.

A(nother) Wedding

The last of my college buddies has taken the dive. Jason in 2010, Jay in 2011 and now Jay in 2012. Certainly not me in 2013 so don't ask.

His wedding and reception were both held at the Danversport Yacht Club. The three of us were groomsmen ushers but certainly didn't complain. The bar was a cash bar but we certainly didn't complain. The DJ was... actually, I think the DJ was pretty good. I'm being a little melodramatic but we actually had a fine time. The food was good, the video diary was cool and hanging out at the hotel afterwards was fun.

It's just hard to believe that we're already at this "adult" phase of our lives. Weddings? Owning homes? Kids??? Our 5 year college reunion was just this year! Per usual, growing older scares me.

It's one thing to witness others do it, even though it still gets in my head a bit. But then to actually consider these things for myself? It's like a constant freakout. Nothing really changes when you buy a house or when you get married but at the same time everything changes. I've come to the realization that I'll never feel ready for these things even though I actually am and want them.

I've got the house so that's a step. I'm apparently getting a cat next year so that's happening. Plus, I've got this gal who's eagerly awaiting my move. It doesn't really sound scary at all. I just have to step up.

Hawaii

Brig and I took a vacation (just a vacation) to Maui. We were there for a week and it was everything I dreamt it would be. I wanted to keep a running diary of our trip but at the same time I didn't want to interfere with the whole experience of it. So, I used Foursquare to check into the restaurants we went to and then the next week when I was back in the office I re-created notes of our days based around where we had eaten and while my memory was still fresh. I have a Google Doc saved of our week and I would paste it here but I really added every little thing I could think of so it likely won't be of interest to everyone. But I'll try and boil it down to some major happenings.

Saturday:
Super long flight from Boston to Dallas/Fort Worth then to Kahului Airport
Rental unit in Kihei right across the street from the beach

Sunday:
Road to Hana
Lost both our sunglasses by Big Momma waves

Monday:
Surfing lessons
Pool visit

Tuesday:
Haleakala Crater
Iao Needle

Wednesday:
Brig's 26th!
Dinner at renowned Mama's Fish House

Thursday:
Te Au Moana luau
Got lei'd and ate pig roast

Friday:
Drove to Lahaina
Swam with a sea turtle

Saturday:
Spent 4 hours between rental car drop off and flight takeoff at airport bar
Worst flight ever

Well, there you go... Now it's like you were there too! But seriously, go. Just go. You don't need a reason. It's a life changer.

The Prodigal Son

So I was told I haven’t blogged in a little while. I think I need to ease my way back into it. Let’s start with what has happened to me since my last post.

I went to Hawaii.

I was in my friend’s wedding.

I went to a Sox game. (Yes, my last post was that long ago.)

I met Brig’s new work friend.

I read a book about Red Sox history and trivia.

I dressed up as Mr. Potato Head & Buzz Lightyear for Halloween (not at the same time).

I saw Ben Gibbard in concert.

I went to a surprise party for my friend’s birthday.

I took Brig to her fave buffet place.

I completed a 5K.

I watched Season 1 of Girls and started Season 2 of Game of Thrones.

I saw Looper & Skyfall.

I went to a Philadelphia suburb to spend Thanksgiving with Brig’s sister and boyfriend.

I started a new job.

Pretty busy couple months, right? I know what you’re thinking: “It’s pretty cool to know what he’s been up to but I want details! I wish he would write a post on each topic.” Well, consider your wish partially granted. I’ll do some picking and choosing and you’ll get further insight on some of my goings-on.