Monday, January 19, 2009

"Tuesday's Tribute"

Tuesday's Tribute
Yet Another Jay and Deb Production.


This week's Tuesday's Tribute is all about a man who I knew for a very brief yet crazy, action packed, fun filled, adventurous 9 months to a year. I remember my first encounter like it was yesterday. He was sitting by a volleyball court speaking with a gal that I knew and we were introduced. He had a very friendly, professional demeanor, yet a razor sharp whit to his overtly sarcastic manner. I liked this guy and his style. (No, now don't get all crazy with your thoughts, gutter grey matter geeks.)

Over time I learned more and less about him, kind of like the study of DNA. He was a very busy body, hard working, goals driven sales rep for Revlon. He had an insatiable enthusiasm about him to enjoy life and his weekends to the fullest. Who could blame him? We were young and who knew how much time we had rented on this here rotating multi-colored gumball? Curiously, he kept a life sized floor stand of Cindy Crawford, used for "promotional purposes", in the living room of his apartment. I guess back then that could have been considered a fine piece of furniture or artwork, take your pick.

We had some great laughs and wild adventures together during that year. One warm summer night I finally broke the "DNA" code. He talked me off the ledge, if you will, over a very painful life event I was dealing with, and that evening reliving for what I perceived for a second time. That is when I knew that JAY was truly my friend. I cannot speak for him, but from that day on I had a new and stronger respect for him. I needed a real friend that evening. A rational, understanding, bring me back to earth friend. I raise a toast to you Jay, for because of your selflessness that night and being able to put your drink down, walk away from the crowd and be a friend. Colleen and I celebrate 13 years of beautiful marriage this year.

Fast forward 16 years, and I found Jay or he found me on Facebook. What a small world. What a nice and unexpected surprise. What a great tool for reconnecting with family, friends and most importantly people who have positively affected your life. Jay is the one responsible for my start up in this blogosphere. (I'm not sure that is a word, but it is now my neologism.)

Nonetheless, my point is, that those who have the honor of knowing Jay on a personal level as friend, family member or Blogatopian, you have found a rare pearl in the sea of clams. If you are reading this and have not been over to Halftime Lessons, you are missing out on some very funny, provocative and heartfelt rants. He we will at times make you laugh your ass off, bring a tear to your eye and actually make you think. What a concept, right? Thinking? To me he is the "House" of Blogland. He and Hugh Laurie share a striking resemblance. Seriously, he and "Halftime Lessons" have built somewhat of a cult following. In a very good way of course. So, go... go and enjoy the breath of his work, which continues tirelessly. Be inspired. Challenge to better yourself through his spirit.

Jay, I thank you for your continued friendship. Kat is one lucky woman. Our family is lucky to have you as a friend.

Here's looking up yur skirt mate!

Can you find the Crazy Canuck Stud?


P.S: Remember to send well wishes next Wednesday for his 14,355 day of life.

6 comments:

Halftime Lessons said...

Oh Sweet Mary.

I knew there were pictures of me floating around out there...and I have no idea how bad they get beyond what you have shown me.

I am truly frightened.

Wow, Tony, really dont know what to say. Thanks so much for the great comments, and I am humbled to be the focus of a Tribute. SLC was an amazing year...so full of great people (minus Kelly) and fantastic memories. Endless days by the pool and at the Volleyball court, Wednesday nights at Port 'o Call...such a mistake I made leaving that place. Of course, if I hadn't, I wouldnt have headed down the path to my wife and kids.

How great it has been to reconnect with you, and just an amazing thing that you and C ended up together. I have such great memories of the both of you, and so happy you found an amazing life together.


Thanks so much again, T. Really an amazing thing to come to your great blog and find my unwrinkled mug on it!!

Jay

Sera said...

How freakin' cool is that? I loved reading that story. It is a small world - that's for sure.

Cajoh said...

Wow a tribute to the Tribute guy how great is that.

So great to know that you still know each other even after such a long gap of time has passed between you both.

Deb said...

awwwww, let me go get my hanky... you made jay sound downright... wonderful. who knew?

The Frugal Angel-Guided Psychic said...

What a great Tribute to the Tribute guy! Your pictures always get me, looks like... us back in the day lol. Thanks for telling us what we already feel... that Jay is a great guy!

whitney said...

I don't know Jay, but I know I love Colleen's hair in that last picture! Oh, gotta love the 80's/90's!!! (is that Gene on the end?)