Spooky Pookie!

Happy Halloween, Bloggy Friends!


Do you have big plans for this dark and gloomy Halloween night? I don't think we're doing much this evening, but we are going to a party tomorrow. I'm really excited about it. We had to miss out on Halloween last year, because we were so new to Philly we didn't know anyone. After a year we've made some friends and have party invitations to boot! Check in to see what our Halloween costumes will be. We have an idea about what we want to be, but we haven't actually bought the outfits yet. We'll go shopping tomorrow. If we don't find what we're looking for we'll just come up with something else. I love dressing up! The picture above is of me when I was Marie Antoinette in 2005.

It's going to be a crazy day in Philly today. There is a parade going down Broad Street at noon for the Phillies. Alan said the train stations were already packed this morning with people wanting to beat the crowd to find a good spot. I can hear horns blowing and people screaming again. All of my classes, but one, have been canceled because of it. It's a pretty big deal. I don't think I'll attempt walking up to Broad to check it out. I'm not big on large crowds, especially large crowds of Philly sports fans. From what I saw the other night, they're pretty wild! I finally posted the video below of what we saw from our window Thursday night. Check it out if your interested!

Have a great night. Don't let the goblins get ya!

Spookily,
Josh

Go Phillies! *Updated*

Hey, Bloggy Friends!


No, you didn't stumble across the wrong blog. It's really me, doing something you never thought I'd do, a sports post! My dad will be proud. Casey has gotten to me. Puss has her panties in a wad!

Last night the Phillies won the World Series (or the Super Bowl?)! After winning five games in the playoffs against the Tampa Rays. They won the final game 4 to 3. During the past few weeks, as the playoffs were being played, we would hear loud cheers whenever the Phillies won a game. When they would wake us late in evening, we would know the Phillies were victorious. I had mentally prepared myself for what I figured would come last night. I didn't watch the game, but when the familiar screams became three times louder, as Alan and I were sitting on the couch, I knew they were the champions! Instantly fireworks were erupting, car horns were blowing, people were running from their homes screaming their heads off!

Alan and I watched, from our third floor window on South Street, as the streets were suddenly flooded with gleeful fans. Most of them were dressed in red jerseys and baseball caps. Many had white turtlenecks underneath to help shield themselves from the bone-chilling cold. People were running up to strangers, hugging, jumping and laughing. Car loads of people hanging out the window would drive by giving high fives to anyone who would take them. What began as an annoyed feeling quickly turned into "aw, that's sweet." I was so touched by the sense of togetherness I saw below me. These people were so happy. They loved one another so much. It was nice. I tried to think of a time I felt that much excitement. I think it was when Halle Berry won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2004.

The intense celebration went on for a really long time. The noise level held solid for a good two hours before Alan and I popped in ear plugs and went to bed. I know their final destination was Broad Street, because they kept chanting, "Broad Street, Broad Street," but I'm not sure what happened there. I assume the players rode down Broad, towards City Hall, to greet the horde of admiring fans. I also assume a lot of people called into work this morning, many suffered brutal hangovers, and I wouldn't doubt it if there were a few babies made!

I was thrilled to experience this exciting night in Philadelphia. I just had to share it with you. I put together a quick video of what was going on in the street. I'll try to upload it on YouTube with this slow connection we still have. The Internet guy is supposed to be coming back today. I hope it goes well this time. Check back later in the day for an update, with the video attached!

How did I do on my first sports post? I hope you enjoyed it! Have a great day. I'll talk to ya soon. Go Phillies!

Love, Josh

Birthday Shout-Out: Funky Jilly!

Hey, Bloggy Friends!

Well, things didn't go as planned yesterday, so we're still operating from a weak internet signal. I guess I shouldn't complain, though. It's better than having none at all!

It comes and goes quickly, so I better get this out before it's too late - Happy Birthday Jillian!


You guys know my friend Jillian. She used to work with me at the Philadelphia Theatre Company. In the time we worked together we started to become really good friends. We would use the downtime at work to chat, get to know one another, and be silly. Before long, I started to recognize her as one of my best friends in Philadelphia. Unfortunately, she moved away a few months ago to funky New York City. I say unfortunately in a selfish way, but she is really happy there. She and her friend, Caitlin (what up, girl!), found an awesome apartment in Astoria, where she seems to have already surrounded herself with a ton of new friends. She has been forming important connections by working and volunteering in the NYC theater scene. I'd say she's on the right track to something fabulous for herself.

Please join me in wishing Jilly the best birthday yet. I'm sure she's going to tear it up in the big city tonight! I wish I could be there to help her celebrate. I love you and miss you, girl. I hope you have a good one!

I attached a video below of our trip to NYC, if you haven't seen it yet! Have a great day, Bloggy Friends. It is raining in Philadelphia today, but it looks like it may clear up eventually. Rainy days are beautiful days, too!

I'll talk to you soon.

Love, Josh

Moving Along, Minding My Business

Hey, Bloggy Friends!

I feel like it's been forever since I've posted. I have a good reason. We're moving this weekend, and the internet company shut our service down about a week before we asked them to. I managed to find a weak signal at our new apartment, but we won't be back in full-swing until tomorrow.

I did want to take advantage of my weak signal to let you know that we are almost all moved in. We have about one load, and some cleaning to do at the apartment in Manayunk before it's all finished. Everything is a mess at our place in Center City, but I can tell our furniture is going to go really nicecly there. The moving process yesterday went pretty smoothly. It was raining, which sucked, but the movers took care of everything without a fuss.

We brought the animals on our second load. Galileo seemed to take to the adjustment pretty well, but the kitties stayed hidden in the guest room most of the evening. I'm not surprised. I'm glad kitties aren't allowed to vote, because they'd probably go Repbulican. They're not big on change!

Today Alan and I are going to do some grocery shopping in Center City, then head out to Manayunk to finish up. I hope. We'll probably spend the evening, and the rest of the week unpacking and organizing things the way we like them. As soon as we get that finished I'll take some pictures and videos for ya! I'm sorry if there are several typos in this post. The only spot we get internet is right in front of a window where the sun is gleaming right behind me. I can barely see what I'm writing!

Have a fantastic Sunday afternoon. I can't wait to have ya'll over to see the place!

Love, Josh

Chelsea and Chuy on Prop. 8

Hey, Bloggy Friends!

I hope you're having a nice Tuesday. My last class is canceled today, so I am looking forward to a short day. Now that midterms are over, it seems that things will be slowing down a little over the next few weeks. This is good timing, considering we are moving this weekend. Can you imagine, moving and studying for exams? No thanks!

I wanted to stop by to show you a video I saw on one of my favorite shows last night, Chelsea Lately. I've mentioned before what a big fan I am of Chelsea Handler. Last night she did a PSA skit about Proposition 8 in California. If you don't know, Prop. 8 is a ballot that wishes to overturn the legalization of gay marriage in California. It is also known as California Marriage Protection Act. Gross. It will be voted on by residents of California on the day of the general election. It's just another really important thing to get out and vote for this year. I'm sure if you read my blog, and live in California, you are probably already voting NO on Prop 8. Make sure you get your friends out there to put a stop to this ridiculous, backwards idea. NO on Prop 8!

I hope you all have a great day. I'll talk to you soon.

Love, Josh

Rand's Visit: A Quickie, but a Goodie.

Hey, Bloggy Friends.

Here is a little video I put together of Rand's visit. As you can see I didn't get a lot of footage. I guess we got a little carried away in conversation. I hope you enjoy and I hope you have a marvelous Monday!

Love, Josh

Sunday Somethings.

Good, Sunday evening, Bloggy Friends!

Did you have a nice weekend? I hope so. Ours was busy, but nice nonetheless. I didn't get in the R&R I've come to expect out of my weekends, but a nice visit from a good friend made it all worth while.

Rand (formerly known as Randy), a friend from my days in Los Angeles, flew in on a red-eye Friday morning. After my radio show, I picked him up and we spent the short time he had here running around the city. We allotted most of the day Friday to touring around Center City. We both love to walk, so I took him from our apartment on 13th and South, to Rittenhouse Square and then to Old City. We ducked into a few stores, and stopped for a few pictures, but the majority of the time was spent talking. We caught each other up on everything that has been going on in our lives lately. We keep in touch through email, but there's only so much you can relate there. It was really great to spend some one on one time with a person that I have shared so many memorable experiences with in the past.

When Alan finished work, we met him back at home in Manayunk. After a little refreshing at home, we walked to Main Street, to have some mediocre sushi, at a restaurant called Hikaru. We have yet to find great sushi in Philadelphia, but we still go because we love it so much. At Hikaru we had a few glasses of wine, and reminisced on old times. Rand's birthday was last Thursday, so after dinner we went to Manayunk Diner for a piece of cake (or two). I persuaded the waiters to sing "Happy Birthday" to Randy before the three of us shared a piece of carrot and german chocolate cake. It was a nice night.

Saturday Rand planned to take a bus to NYC, so we awoke early and headed downtown. I had to meet two friends at the Reading Terminal to finish a project for school, so I took that opportunity to show him that integral part of the city. We hung around there for a few hours, before he had to leave to catch his Chinatown bus. I had to spend the rest of the afternoon at the Tech Center on campus, finishing our project. It was a long and tedious affair, but we wrapped it up before the tech center closed. Alan met me downtown for dinner, then we headed home to CRASH.

Today we did our chores, and I spent a lot of time studying for a History mid-term I have tomorrow. You should have seen the delicious dinner Alan prepared for Salmon Sunday. This week he flavored the fish with rosemary and lemon. It was complimented with steamed beets, spinach salad and Israeli couscous. Yum! It literally melted in my mouth. I mourned when I was finished, because I wanted more!

So, as you can see, there wasn't a lot of downtime this weekend. If my feet weren't
scurrying around the city with Rand, my brain was moving around six chapters in my History textbook. I can't complain, though. I had a chance to spend time with a good friend, and learn valuable information that will keep me afloat in an intense historical conversation one day. Next weekend promises to be another busy one. The movers are coming bright and early Saturday morning to move our things into our new apartment. We will spend the week packing the small things in boxes, and trying to remember all the places we need to change our address. I can't wait to get settled in on 13th and South!

I hope you've all had a great weekend. I plan on getting together a short video of Rand's visit soon. Look out for that! I'll chat with you guys next week!

Love and Colin Powell,

Josh

Scarlett O'Momma

Good Evening, Bloggy Friends.

I just had to stop by to share these pictures my Mom sent today. I don't think I've seen anything so cute in the longest time. She, and a few fellow co-workers, sponsored a banquet in my hometown in which they dressed like true ladies of the South. I got a big kick out of the photos, and I thought you would too.

I hope you're having a great night. My friend Rand flew in, on a red-eye, from L.A. this morning. We've been hanging out all afternoon, having a great time. It's always good to see old friends.

Have a fantastic weekend. I'll talk to you soon.

Love, Josh

P.S. In case you don't know, my Mom is the brunette, with the pink shawl. Where she found the dress, I have no idea!

Fabulously Focused.

Hello, Bloggy Friends!

Thank you so much to those of you who listened to my radio spot today. And for those of you who didn't - kiss my ass! :)

We had a lot of fun doing it. I think it went really well for our first time. I am already looking forward to our next go 'round on Friday. Tune in you Bitches! :)

I hope you're having a nice night. Galileo and I just returned from a nice evening walk along the Wissahickon Valley Trail. It's so nice there when the leaves are starting to change. He absolutely loved it. I thought it would tire him out, but he hasn't laid down since we returned home. He has as much energy as the Engergizer Bunny! I love him. He's actually starting to become one of my best friends. Is that sad? No.

Today is the official day our lease goes into effect for our apartment in Center City. Alan has been collecting a few boxes at work over the week. If all goes well we should be packing some things into them over the weekend. I really can't wait to get it all moved over. There isn't much I'll miss about Manayunk - except maybe the Wissahickon Valley Trail and the Dairy Freeze on the corner. Mmm.

You guys have a great night. I'm about to take care of my evening beauty duties, before I nestle into the couch (with a glass of wine) for the final debate. I'm looking forward to this one. I hear the format is going to be a face to face discussion between the two candidates. It will be interesting to see how McCain handles things. The whole nation is saying he needs to pull a miracle out of his hairy, white ass to turn things around. A few more, typically red states, seem to be shifting towards our man, Obama. I saw on CNN tonight that polls suggest Obama will be the victor in Virginia. That's a big deal. If I'm not mistaken, Virginia hasn't went democrat since the 60's. We shouldn't count our little chickens before they hatch, though. The GOP's could produce Osama Bin Laden at the last minute and turn this whole thing around. Count me in as seriously doubtful.

Have a great night, guys. Reach around with both arms and give yourselves a big hug from me! Mmmm. That felt nice.

Love You, Josh

Not Just A Reminder.

Hey, Bloggy Friends!

I hope you're having a nice Tuesday night. It's gorgeous here in Philadelphia. The sun is about to set, and the birds are chirping, as they hastily situate themselves in the trees for a good night's sleep. There's a nice cool breeze floating through the office window. I love it. I'm sure you've noticed how quickly the night is starting to approach, and then linger in the morning. I don't know about you, but a dark sky upon rising makes it so much harder for me to tumble out of bed in the morning. Yawn. Stretch. Poot.

My week seems to be off to a good start so far. It's just as busy, if not more, than the last. I have to admit, this semester seems to be turning into one of my toughest yet. I think it must be the extra class I decided to tack onto my schedule. I have it all under control, but I definitely feel there is much less time to dedicate to one class than I had in the past. Yes, I am right in the middle of mid-terms, which is an obviously busy time of the semester. Maybe it's not as bad as I think. I feel a little overwhelmed, but the plus side is we are already half way into the semester. Wow, I just talked myself through my issues right in front of you all! Thanks for being my bloggy therapists!

I guess I'll run for now. Alan is almost home, so I need to whip up some dinner for us. Oh, speaking of WHIP - be sure to tune in to my first radio show tomorrow morning, between 9 and 10. Just click the link HERE and choose how you want to listen from the box in the upper right hand corner. You can listen in low-quality (for dial-up) or high-quality (for dsl, cable, etc...). I would appreciate your support whenever you're able. I did attend a meeting last night, and found out podcasts are just around the corner. I'll let you know when that happens.

Have a great night. I'll chat with you divas later.

Love, Josh

The Leaves of Change.

Hey, Bloggy Friends!

I hope you've had a nice weekend. Ours was nice, and laid back. I shopped a little, got a haircut and took care of our chores. The weather has been absolutely wonderful over the past week. It is definitely fall. I've noticed the leaves on the trees are slowly starting to change. This reminds me that it's right around the time when Alan and I first arrived in Philadelphia. Like the color of the leaves, a lot of things are starting to change in our lives as well. Pretty soon our time in Manayunk is going to dry up, and we are going to float, every so gently, into the bustling lifestyle of Center City Philadelphia.

I've sort of dropped the ball on the apartment search reports. It just got to the point where we were looking at so many lackluster places, it wasn't worth recalling it all for you. Thankfully, however, we did stumble across the apartment that was meant just for us. We've known about it for a while, but I didn't want to jump the gun on telling you until it felt more official. We signed the lease on Friday! It goes into effect on the 15th of this month, so we will have half of October to transition ourselves from here to there. I'm so excited about it. It is a beautiful, newly renovated apartment on South and 13th Street. The location is what we were looking for. We will be about two blocks from the subway stop, and three blocks from my work. I am so excited to be readily accessible to the farmer's markets, Reading Terminal, all the parks, and not to mention about 300 extra restaurant/shopping choices. Our experience of living in Philadelphia will completely change after we move. We'll be right in the mix of everything going on. I can't wait.

As far as the apartment itself is concerned, it will be a bit of an adjustment. It is
much smaller than what we are living in now.This is no surprise. It is all situated on one, single level. There are two sizable bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms and the kitchen, living room and dining area are all mushed into one. The plus is that the ceilings are very tall, which lends itself to a space that is very open and airy. That's important when you have three animals running around. I think the biggest adjustment will actually be for them. I won't mind the reduction of space. When I think back to those days in that small studio apartment in San Francisco, I only have the warmest of thoughts. I'll post some pictures/videos pretty soon. I can't wait!

I have one other big announcement I want to share with you. I have been offered a position to co-host a radio show on Temple's online radio station, W.H.I.P. I am so excited about it. I would greatly appreciate your support. The show will air every Wednesday and Friday morning between 9 and 10. The format is something like The View. I will join three ladies and we will all chat about hot topics, current events and etc. The four of us come from different backgrounds and have a plethora of different view points to bring to the table. Our first show will be this Wednesday. Please stop by the website to listen if you ever have the chance. We definitely need listeners so we can compete for a better time slot next semester. It's easy to listen. Just stop by the WHIP website. You will find a link in the top right corner to listen to the show in either low or high quality. As for now, I think you can only listen to the show at the time it's being aired. Hopefully soon we will be able to save it, or create podcasts you can download on iTunes for later listening. I'm really excited about this. It is right in line with what I would like to do someday. Stop by to support us!!

I'm going to close for now, so I can keep this post rather short. I've noticed my postings have become rather long lately. I know you have a lot to do, so I'll try to keep them cut down. Have a fantastic evening, stop by to check out Bloggy Friend Bill's new blog, and take a moment to enjoy - the view!

Love you all.

Josh

Have You Heard?

Hey, Bloggy Friends. I wanted to drop by to report some quick, exciting news.

The New York Times announced today that Connecticut has overruled their ban on gay marriage! This will be the third state in the nation to allow gays/lesbians to marry!

I'm very excited. You can read the full article HERE.

Oh, the sweet smell of progress. I love it!

I hope you're all having a great day. I'm at school and don't have much more time to write. So I'm signing out.

Love you all!

Josh

The Bitch is Back!

Hey, Bloggy Friends!

I hope everyone is doing well today. It's starting to get chilly here in Philly. Wow. I feel like it went straight from summer to winter. Ok, it's not that bad, but it's pretty darn cold. I have a very busy week ahead of me, complete with an exam, a speech and a paper due by Friday. This is definitely a hectic semester, but I have it all under control - just like a good diva should.

Speaking of diva, our good pal, Bloggy Friend Bill, has posted a new video about his favorite diva - Maria Callas. Once again, he knocks it out of the park. Good job, Girl! You can watch it below.

Are you excited about the debates tonight? I am. I noticed today that we only have 28 days left until the election. How exciting! From the reports, polls and predictions I've seen, Obama pretty much as it in the bag. But we shouldn't, as my Mammommy used to say, count our chickens before they hatch! It is looking good, though.

Well, I guess I should run. Have a fantastic afternoon. If you aren't feeling up to snuff, head over to Rick's blog, where he has several, funny videos posted in his "SNL Hilarity Series." There is definitely a smile to be had there! Talk to ya soon.

Love, Josh

Need A Laugh?

Hey, Bloggy Friends.

This is the funniest thing I have seen in a loooong time.

Love, Josh

Weekend Ketchup.

Hey, Bloggy Friends!

Boy, I feel like I've been away forever. The past week was an emotional/crazy week for me. The weekend couldn't have come soon enough. Now I find myself on the other side of it. Can you believe I have been in school for six weeks now? I can't. This means my semester is nearly half over. As you know, this also means I'm at the place when mid-terms approach, and paper deadlines start to pile up. So far I haven't been faced with too much work, but that's all about to change real quick. Bring it on! Easily, please.

Did you see the VP debate on Thursday? My verdict on the outcome is probably similar to most of yours. Palin did much better than expected, but Biden came out as the clear winner. I have to say, I was much more "entertained" by this debate than the last one between Obama and McCain. My biggest complaint, however, was the part of the evening when both candidates firmly declared their opposition to legalizing gay marriage. There was a part of me that asked, "what am I supposed to be excited about?" Is it so the living conditions of heterosexuals, with actual rights, will be improved with the election of our new President? What about my rights? What about our rights, ya'll? Sure the democrats promise improvements that will greatly affect all of us, but what is the use of those things if we are denied fundamental rights as citizens? I think it's bullshit to be honest. I would really like to see a candidate get on the stage, with a pair of balls, and take a stance on equal rights for everyone. I think it's time we stop sitting on the sidelines hoping for change to come. No amount of tolerance was ever gained by minorities who sat and waited for things to happen. We need to stand up and take action. It's completely unfair. The Constitution promises all American citizens the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness - not just those who are conveniently attracted to the opposite sex. How can we fix this? I've come up with a plan. All gays, and those who support true equality, should sit out the election. That's right, completely pull out. We should stand up and say we refuse to vote for candidates who do not speak for us. Once we do that, both sides will be clamoring for the gay vote - just like they both instantly became huge fans of Hillary. What do ya say? Wanna take a stand?

I know, it's a completely hypothetical situation, but it may take a similar sort of action to bring about a change for us. We deserve it, ya'll.

And that is what you call a rant!

I'm now left with little space to talk about our weekend, so I'll try to sum it up rather quickly. It was nice! Friday we went to see Julianne Moore's new movie BLINDNESS. This was an Alan pick, and I really liked it. If you're having a hard time deciding on a movie at your local video store, and you pass this one on the shelf - pick it up.

Saturday was completely spontaneous. What began as a trip to Main Street Manayunk turned into a "why don't we hop the next train downtown." So we did, and we had such an enjoyable afternoon. We went to Reading Terminal for fresh squeezed juice, we shopped on Walnut for tea pots and hair products and browsed a street fair promoting local businesses. Later, we met up with friends, Tim and Sarah, for a delicious Thai dinner, then went to see another movie - RELIGULOUS. Religulous is a documentary produced by Bill Maher. He travels about the world questioning the beliefs of various religious fanatics. There were parts that were entertaining, but I honestly felt it was a little blasphemous. I guess my southern Baptist roots crept up, because I left feeling rather guilty. To top it off, we had a near collision in our cab, from the theater to the train station. Our driver almost rammed a car in front of us, but avoided it by swerving sharply to the right. We ended up parked on the sidewalk! We were both about to freak out. Don't go see this movie!

Today (Sunday) we did our usual chores. We went to the grocery, picked up some pet food and have been chillin' around the house all afternoon. I hear Alan preparing our traditional Salmy Sunday dinner, so I guess I should run down and offer some help - which he'll refuse - because he's smart - and I'm completely fine with that :).

Have a great night, Bloggy Friends. I hope you have a great week.

Love you much,
Joshua


Picture Title: "Just 'cause we don't care to tie the knot, don't mean we shouldn't be able to. Shit."

Short & Sweet: Celebrating Andrew

Hey, Bloggy Friends.

I come to you under unfortunate circumstances this evening. I wasn't sure if I wanted to share this on the blog, but it is a part of my life that I wanted you to know.

I learned last night that I lost a dear friend from my past. His name was Andrew. He passed away earlier this week due to complications from a ruptured brain aneurysm. He recently turned 30 years old.

Andrew and I met when I was living in Louisville in 2001. For a while we spent a great deal of time together. He was such a fascinating person. A little intense. But that's what intrigued me. He loved coffee, Bob Dylan and Jesus. He worked the late shift at UPS. He would go to work around 11 p.m., and not get home until 4 or 5 a.m. Some nights he would come by my place after work to sleep until I awoke for work. He played several instruments, and made a ton of music in his band. He experimented a lot with sounds, and created very interesting stuff. I still have two cd's he made for me. Some nights he would play his guitar, while I sang the words to a song he had written. He hated when I tried to put an R&B spin on it. He gave me a cat once. I named her Whitney. She drove me so crazy that I opened the window so she could get out. I still feel guilty about that. We took a road trip to St. Louis once. We visited the free zoo. That's the weekend I became a vegetarian. We watched movies, listened to John and Yoko, and talked and talked and talked and talked. This is where I am today. I'm allowing every possible memory I have of him to flood into my mind. Some I think of often, some I haven't recalled in years.

I'm okay, but I hurt more than I thought I would. We haven't been in touch, regularly, for several years. The last time I actually saw him was three years ago. It was a late, spring evening in Louisville. We hugged. Said goodbye. Wished each other well. I'm hurting now, because there's no chance to see him again. I realize now that I found comfort in just knowing he was there. I've learned now that's not always enough. I miss him. I will forever miss him.

Will you take a minute with me tonight, Bloggy Friends, to cast a thought into the universe for this incredible life. I feel so blessed to have been a part of it, during the very short time he was here. Andrew has carved a place into my heart that will never be filled again. His memory will last in the minds of all who knew, and were completely in awe of his existence. Tonight I celebrate him.

Have a wonderful night, Bloggy Friends. I love you all.

Josh

Andrew M. Shorter
SHORTER, ANDREW M., 30, of Louisville, went to be with his heavenly Father Monday, September 29, 2008. He was a kind soul who was loved by many. He was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, ten year employee of UPS, and had a great love of music. He is survived by his mother, Karen M. Shorter; father Michael A. Shorter; two sisters, Sandi Sanderlin (Mark); Jennifer Lee; and niece, Madison Lee. He is also survived by close friends Aaron, Maureen, Neal, Nick, and many others. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday, October 3, 2008 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 8305 Nottingham Parkway with burial to follow in Middletown Cemetery. Visitation will be 3-9 p.m. Thursday at Pearson - Ratterman Funeral Home, 12900 Shelbyville Road. Memorial contributions may go to Our Savior Lutheran School or the Baptist East Hospital Foundation.