Pictures and More - The Real World Strikes: 2003
In February of 2003 a bunch of us made a trip to Seven Springs in PA (becoming an annual event, it would seem). The group consisted of a few of us from Cleveland while the rest of the total of 18 were from Columbus and included quite a few OU grads. Thanks to Stacey for being the trip organizer/moderator/intimidator.
A night out in Columbus at Brothers as well as W. 6th in Cleveland, then Julie's birthday party in C-Bus.
Headed to Ohio U. with Becky and Vito for a nice little three-day stay......Quad Night, anyone?
Friday night: hangin' at the MC's. Saturday: party at Mandy's.
St. Patty's Day weekend in New Mexico visiting Crystal.
A night of mayhem downtown in the Flats and on W. 6th.
These pictures were not fabricated. Indeed, G actually DID fall on this date, 2003. In all fairness, however, it could not have been at the hand of a finer woman (I say that strictly plutonically, of course). I had the honor of taking part in the ceremony and accompanying the best man (Brad) out to Harrisburg, PA. The ensuing weekend was great cause for celebration..........and celebrate we did.
The long-awaited and much-anticipated marriage of Jason and Eleanor (both OU grads, I might add). I must admit, those Italians know how to throw a party - and this one was big. Got to see some people I hadn't seen in literally years. Good times...
In June Huss and Dan threw a moving-out party at their place in Columbus.
These pics cover a trip I made to Fort Lauderdale to visit Crystal, who was living with her sister there for the summer. I had no idea it rained so much in the summer in South Florida, but we managed to get a couple days in at the beach.
On June 28, 2003 yet another Bobcat fell.....errr.....found eternal bliss. Neal and Renee got married in Independence, a suburb of Cleveland. Two 10 S. High boys hitched in the same month.....hard to believe (and if my calculations are accurate, the ONLY two from that house so far). Anyway, the second powerhouse wedding in June brought back together some of the OU crowd...
For the 4th of July a few of us made the trip out to Harrisburg, PA to visit the Krasovics under the pretext that we'd help G do some work on his basement. We did get SOME work done...
Every year during the summer a bunch of ships dock at the Port of Cleveland for a few weeks. One Sunday we made a trip down on the bikes to check them out...
Just before Giovanna moved to San Diego for a while, the group down in Columbus through one last bash in her honor. It was a great time. She will be missed...
In July, Crystal came from Albuquerque to visit (well, technically she came from Iowa....). The big event was on July 26th, when my life-long friend (cousin) Kristen married Tim. As expected, it was a blast. We made a couple other trips, including Cedar Point for a day and Niagara Falls...
Another OU grad tied the knot on August 9, 2003: Courtney and her beau, Terry, got married in PA. I don't know if I've ever seen a couple smile so much while up at the altar. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that's a good thing...
Nope, this isn't a joke. A long-time friend from the high school days, Mindy is one of those people that can get me out on the town on a night when I really didn't think I wanted to be out on the town. She and Bill got married on August 16, 2003 and the reception was held in what has to be the largest tent I've ever seen in non-commercial use. Great idea, I thought...
And yet another one bites the dust. Rebecca and Vito (both OU alum) got married in Cleveland amidst great fanfare. This wedding was a blast, where I got see some old friends from both high school and college. I remember the first time I found out these two were dating (I believe they showed up at one of our parties withe one another) and how happy I was to see them together. And here we are 6(?) years later...
Ah, yes, that time of year again to make a pilgrimage back to the place we all know and love: Athens, OH. Nestled amongst the rolling hills of southeastern Ohio, as if afloat on a sea of autumn leaves.....well, let me just say it was good to be back. I'm happy to say the usual die-hards made the return voyage once again. You might notice that Nasty Neal Harvey isn't in any of these pictures. Yeah, that's because he punked out. The longest trip back award goes to Lyons, who flew up from her cruise ship job (rough life) in the Caribbean. That group of girls made a strong showing this year, as well. As usual, fun time had by all. See you next year...
I managed to make it down to Columbus for one Ohio State game this season when they played Michigan State. It would seem the Columbus crew, spearheaded by Dan, makes it tailgating just for just about every home game. Once again, I was not disappointed......and the Buckeyes even won, too!
The last set of pictures for 2003 is somewhat of a catch-all and covers some ground. First off are some pictures I took from the fall of the bikes and one last bike night at Quaker Steak, as well as out on the town in Mentor. Also covered is G's visit from Harrisburg in November and nights out around Christmas-time in Willoughby. Lastly, New Year's Eve at Cherise's place.