2021 Year in Review!!

Well here we are, another year, another review.  Its 2021, and this year should be better than last year right?  I guess time will tell.  I don't see how much worse it could possibly be, but I also don't want to jinx anything.  I guess I will leave it at that.  Also to note, I took the time to highlight every person in my review in teal and linked to their social media page.  Every place of interest I visited is highlighted in red linking you to that as well.  Its Review Time!!!

January- Happy New Year!!  Its 2021!!  I ring in the new year alone in my living room, drinking beer and watching the ghost of Dick Clark, "Ryan Seacrest", counting it down in a very socially distanced and masked Times Square.  Hmm I mean I might prefer this to what it usually looks like haha.  Jeremy and his GF Kelsey come by to watch the regular season finale of Packers vs Bears (they are Bears fans) Thankfully this went better than the Packers vs Colts game as the Packers win and lock up the number 1 seed!  After 2 weeks off its back to the brewery to make sure everyone in the New York area has fresh beer to drink.  Beer work and more beer work, and running to and from.  Lauren comes to stay the weekend and watch the Packers playoff game against the Rams, which ends in a Packers victory as we are moving on to the NFC Championship!!  2nd Year in a Row!!  Unfortunately after the game I find out that Eddie Bolero a mutual friend of Lauren and I's passed away.  Eddie played Zorro in the live stunt show in India which is where Lauren and I met and both of us met and worked with Eddie.  It was pretty crazy that I found out while hanging with Lauren.  Eddie was a wonderful man and so much fun to be around and he will be missed.  I broke the news to the rest of the cast members and was able to video call with Jess and Rich.  It was good to see them but wish it was under better circumstances.  I get a couple of calls for stunt jobs, both of which are out of town and both of which require a video submission.  I call in Aaron, Mecca and Chelsea to join me at Argus for a previz session.  Thanks to them all I was able to put together some submissions (well Aaron put together one of them, thanks buddy haha) for both jobs, fingers crossed.  Lauren joins me again for the weekend to watch the Packers in the NFC Championship Game!!  Unfortunately they found a way to lose the game, again, BLERG!!!  Pretty sure this is how last year started out as well and look how that turned out haha.  My roommate informs me that she found a place and will be moving out of the apartment on Feb 2nd!!!  THANK THE UNIVERSE ITS FINALLY HAPPENING!!  I get word that I have been booked for one of the jobs I submitted for, and will be off to North Carolina for a MONTH!!  Mid Feb-Mid March!  Fingers crossed as it happens as we have all experienced the "anything can happen" thing haha.  Well on the final day of Jan my roommate informs me that due to the impending snow storm, she wont be able to be out on Tues the 2nd, so it has been pushed back to Monday the 8th!  There better be a damn avalanche!!

February-  Well its day 1 of Feb and there is indeed quite the blizzard outside, so much so that I get a snow day off from the brewery!!  Unfortunately my roommate is also home so I get to listen to her sing and pack her shit.  After the snow it was right back to work, but running to and from work with all this snow isn't really an option, my car is buried under snow, so I guess its back to the trusty Subway to get to and from work.  Seeing as how I'm not able to run, I started up the Insanity workout program to keep my exercise going and try to drop a bit of weight for my upcoming job.  Lauren once again is here for Superbowl weekend as is tradition.  This was supposed to be the first weekend I was living the solo lifestyle but unfortunately it wasn't to be.  I made some turkey chili for the game and thankfully Jake and Alex decided they would in fact join us for the game.  None of us were happy with the outcome watching Tom Brady win his 7th championship but this time with a new team, UGH!  Oh well, was fun to eat and hang with wonderful friends as that is still kind of a rarity these days.  The day after the Superbowl my roommate actually DOES MOVE OUT!!  I AM FREE!!!  I will be taking over my rather large 2/3BR Apartment that I have been living in for over 15 years solo.  I have just reached a point in my life where I can no longer live with anyone, unless of course I am in a relationship with that someone.  I start to formulate plans of a remodel turning her bedroom into a guest room and finally turning the central room in to a workout space.  First up is the guest room which needs quite the overhaul.  The walls need to be patched and cleaned and repainted so that's up first.  Well not too much time to enjoy my newly acquired bachelor pad as I have to pack my bags for my job in Wilmington North Carolina.  I give Paige a call as I drive over to her place and pick her up and drive back to my place as she will be doing me the solid of taking care of my car while I am away.  Thanks Paige, you are awesome!!  Production sends a car to my apartment to drive me to the airport for my first class flight to Charlotte and then to Wilmington!  As I gather my bag at baggage claim, I get to see my name on one of those signs that my driver is holding, I know, I'm a big deal haha.  I get dropped off at my hotel and check in, collect the keys to my rental car, a 2021 Chevy Malibu, and thus begins my first ever stunt job as a 1x.  For those of you who don't know, 1x means I am the double for the main character of the film.  On a call sheet the main actor is listed as number 1 and so on, and each character that has a double will be the same number but followed by an x so, 1x, or in this case 101x.  However on this project I am also doubling one of the other actors as well :)  My first night I learn that a good friend and stuntman Benjamin will also be arriving from Atlanta.  Morning number one and Ben and I meet up for breakfast at the BlueSurf Cafe.  After that its off to the studio to Covid test where I meet up with Ben and meet Chris another stuntman from Atlanta.  Ben and I grab coffee and go for a walk around Downtown Wilmington.  That night Ben, Chris and I check out Flying Machine Brewery.  Next up is day one and a rehearsal day.  I get to meet Mark, my stunt coordinator, and Daniel, my fight coordinator, and Ben Z., one of the other stunt doubles.  Great day going over 2 different fights for 2 different characters that I will be doubling.  The next day its over to set to shoot the first chase scene/kids brawl.  I get to meet the incredible Mason Thames, who will be the star of this movie, and I will be his double for the duration of filming.  I also get to meet and work with the amazing Kelli!!  I spent a lot of time on the ground getting kicked and stomped on by kids and my coordinator haha.  All in all a very fun day!  That night Chris, Ben Z and I hit up Johnny Lukes for a post work dinner.  Next day is the fight scene with Ben Z.  I get to sport a very awesome costume and hair in this one, including bell bottoms, as the film is set in 1978!  Went through the fight with out actors and mine absolutely CRUSHED his martial arts performance in ass kicking!  I was so happy as it was a world of difference from the rehearsal to the shoot day,  Bravo Miguel, Bravo!!  I get to meet Richard Bucher at the end of the day as he joins in the stunt fun as Ethan Hawke's double.  That night Ben and I head out for dinner to Indochine for a date, I mean dinner together haha.  Working pretty much everyday, either on location or at the studio, I try to explore different restaurants in the area for my breakfast, if my call time allows.  I checked out The Dixie Grill and The Original Salt Works both were good.  Richard and I meet up for some beers at Flying Machine.  I love chatting with this guy and hearing all his stories as he has been in the business for 30+ years.  To finish the month off Richard and I hit up Hops Supply Co. (thanks for the recommendation Chelsea) for a Sunday brunch and the illustrious Spanish Coffee!!  They had a live musician and we were able to sit at the bar, both firsts for me since covid started and it was a very welcome experience.         

March-  New month and a new breakfast spot in Wilmington as I start my day at The Basics before work and our rigger Tim Bell joins the fun.  On my day off I visit Wilmington Brewing Company and pick up some to go beers and then have a fun little lobby hang with Tim, Richard and Daniel at the hotel.  Working/filming all week at the studio.  Next day off I go out to visit Wrightsville Beach and go for a little run along the beach.  That night for dinner I check out Hells Kitchen in downtown Wilmington.  Food was meh, but was nice to sit at the bar by my lonesome and start to feel some semblance of normalcy.  Weekend is here and that means Brunch at Hops Supply Co. with Richard. We go on Saturday and we went again on Sunday after a rehearsal at the stages and Daniel joins in the brunch fun.  New week starts with a new breakfast spot at First Watch, yum, then off to work and that night joined by Richard for dinner at The Bento Box for some sushi.  Well as we have accomplished all of the wire work and rigging needs, its time to strike the stage and load up Tim's truck.  Tim and I grab dinner together at Johnny Lukes before he travels back home.  Wonderful guy and cant wait to work with him again. Brunch again with Richard at Hops, love that this has become a thing.  Well its St Paddys day so Richard and I head over to Fork N Cork for a lunch.  Some Irish coffees and a couple rubens sure hit the spot.  Later that day I go to check out Wrightsville Beach Brewery, they have some very interesting beers here with a weird outdoor space, but it was still nice.  New week and yet again another new breakfast spot before work, this time the Eternal Sunshine Cafe, and as I'm sitting at the bar who should walk in but Richard, wasnt planned haha, so we had breakfast together.  Another long week of work and filming just living the dream.  This week Alex, Ben and David join in the fun and while I wasn't directly involved with their scene I got to help out with the rehearsal.   Then the weekend, then of course, brunch with Richard at Hops haha. Last week of shooting and I have been frequenting all the breakfast spots, I didnt feel like driving so I walked to the local IHOP, I know, I know, silly chain, but whatever, I like their syrup selection haha.  The last couple days of shooting are about a 30/45 minute drive from the hotel.  I get to meet and work with my 3rd actor, Jacob Moran, that I'm doubling on this project.  Yet again another talented kid with a big future ahead of him!  Finally comes the very last day of shooting.  Pat joins the fun for the last bit of stuff we need to wrap up this project.  I get a pretty sweet jean jacket as a wrap gift from the producers which was awesome.  This whole experience was bittersweet and it was incredible to be involved with a project from start to finish and meet and work with so many talented people in every facet of film making.  Richard and I have one last dinner together at our favorite spot Hops.  Early the next morning is my ride to the airport to go back home, I get picked up by a legit huge party bus, confused I asked who else was coming, the driver said just me haha.  A bit excessive but I guess was all they had available at the time.  At the airport I happen to run into a lot of people making their way back home including Richard and Daniel.  Was so nice to get to hang with them just a little bit longer before I boarded the plane and flew back to NYC.  Paige graciously brings back my car for me and hangs for a little bit, followed by Chelsea and Victoria for a fun little welcome back hang.  No rest for this guy as I go right back to working the canning line at the brewery.  The last day of the month I get my first vaccine shot, had to drive all the way up to the Bronx just to get an appointment.                               

April-  Its April and I take a day off from the brewery just to get myself situated and reacclimated back into NYC as I have been gone for quite some time.  Somehow while I was gone my toilet decided to leak on the floor when flushed, even though it hadn't been used or flushed in 5 weeks.  Had to call a plumber in on that one as my attempts to fix it didn't work out.  Next I start prepping the apartment for a remodel seeing as how I'm living alone now but didn't really get to experience it much as I left for NC right after that happened haha.  I'm planning on turning the extra bedroom into a guest room and making the central room into a workout space. I also turn 39 and Lauren comes down to spend my Birthday with me.  My Mom send a special birthday present that they didn't leave so Lauren and I take a trip to FedEx to pick up lobster tails, yummy!  I enjoyed just hanging with my bestie and watching movies.  I get a call from Stephen Pope to bring in sprinter van to Argus (the stunt gym) that night, so I stayed awake while Lauren napped until we had to run to the gym at 3am to take in the van.  Easter Sunday I cooked up my Moms famous sticky buns and hung with Lauren.    The next couple weeks are working at the Brewery and cleaning, patching and sanding the walls in the guest room.  I treat my canning line team to a night out as a way to say thank you for covering me for 5 weeks and get them dinner and drinks at Lock Yard.  Justin, Jeremy, Trevor, Amar and Kevin were all in attendance, thank you so much guys.  Justin wound up crashing at my place and tried to wrestle me haha.  I get my brand new mattress delivered as I haven't bought a new mattress in almost 20 years.  I get one of those Purples.  Carrying it up the stairs was a chore as it weight more than me, but I managed.  Finally ready for paint Lauren joins me and helps paint the guest room.  Believe it or not if was her first painting experience haha, she did fine.  I officially step down at Five Boroughs and go back to being a part time employee.  It was just better for both parties as its not fair to them to rely on me Mon-Fri when I could be gone for 5 weeks working, and it was just taking up too much of my time.  I'm still employed at the brewery but on a part time/call me when ya need me type basis.  Time to finish up the guest room now that it is painted.  I build out a bed frame and put my old mattress in the room, a corner desk that was left behind, and a couple chairs and walla, guest room complete.  Next up is the central room.  I join Justin and Jeremy for a brewery visit to Folksbier for some post work beers.  Really good stuff here.  After we walk over to Red Hook Lobster Pound for some food.  Working on patching, sanding and cleaning the central room getting it ready for paint.  I get my second does of the vaccine, tiny bit of a headache reaction to this one otherwise nothing.  Central room gets painted.  Last day of the month its another brewery visit with the guys as Oneg, Justin, Jeremy and I head to Finback Brewery.  Few beers and bites here and then off to Canal Bar for a fun night of chilling and drinking haha. 

             

May- Its May, I put the finishing touches on my central room, installing the matted flooring and the wall mirrors and the workout space is finished!!  I drive over and drop my car off with my most favorite carsitter, Paige!  Then its off to the airport to fly down to New Orleans for a gig.  I get checked into my hotel, jump in my rental car and its off to Covid test, before I meet up with my very dear friends Mike and Emily!!  I haven't seen these 2 wonderful humans in YEARS so it was awesome to meet up with them at Audubon Park and meet their family for the first time!!  We chit chatted, got some smoothies, and caught up as you do!  After that I return to my hotel and walk all around downtown NOLA, checking out Bourbon St. and having some food at The Crescent City Brewhouse.  The next morning I get picked up by my man Chris and his gf Ivonne and we drive out to Cafe Du Monde in City Park after flash floods all night long haha.  Such a fun time hanging out with these two, having coffee and beignets as one would do when in NOLA.  Later that day I go on a solo mission to check out some local breweries.  I was able to check out Port Orleans Brewing Co. and NOLA Brewing Co.  Both were very tasty and I highly recommend.  The next day its off to work.  Upon arrival I meet Nathan and Tye as we head over to set to don our full football gear.  We met up with the coordinator Johnny Arthur and after standing around all day in the hot NOLA sun in full football pads, no work was done as thanks to a monsoon we had to push back our stuff.  Another free day in NOLA as I hit up some breakfast at Slim Goodies Diner followed by more wandering around downtown.  I stumbled upon a tiny little brewery called Brieux Carre Brewing Company and enjoyed a tasty beer, and chatted with the guy who pretty much does everything in this tiny little spot.  Pretty impressive for lack of space.  The next day back to work again with Nathan and Tye and we also gained Lane as back in the football pads we go.  This time we get to have some fun on the field as I get to sack Tye causing a fumble.  I had SO much fun doing this job as I'm a sports nut and played football as a kid, so It was a dream come true to put the pads on again but actually make a play, even if it was make believe.  After a days work Lane, Nathan and I hit up Port Orleans Brew Co. for some job well done beers.  Love these guys!   Back to NYC I go and right into another gig as my man Cort Hessler brings me in for The Blacklist.  I got to do a whole week on the show standing still, pretending to be frozen while pouring a cup of coffee.  Finally on the last day we get to the action as Nancy, Wendy and I all get shot in a barrage of bullets brought forth by Chris, Salar, Mark, Chris, Manny and Zoltan.  Lauren once again comes to hang for the weekend.  This time we spontaneously hit up a Brooklyn Cyclones game as I have never been and limited fans are allowed.  They even have a vaccinated section so we got tickets and went to that. 

                        

June- This moth begins with a trip out to NJ to Topgolf to secure my summer fun pass.  I meet up with Joanne as we spend the day smashing golf balls!!  The Milwaukee Bucks are in the NBA Playoffs and have a series here in Brooklyn against the Nets.  Evan, Marissa and I secure tickets and go to Game 1!  Unfortunately The Bucks lost, but we had fun regardless and got drinks afterwards.  My main man Ben joins me and stays at my apartment in the guest room for a week.  Lauren joins us for the weekend as we gather a group and head to Coney Island to take in another Brooklyn Cyclones game!!  We met up with Jake, Alex, and Aaron for the game at Coney Island Brewery before enjoying another fun day at the ballpark. Aaron, Mecca, Mello and I hit up Topgolf for some ball whacking.  Next up its Game 5 of Bucks and Nets.  I grab 2 tickets and meet up with Jake at Alchemy for some pregame food and drink.  Despite having a big lead at the half, The Bucks lost the game.  BLERG!  Afterwards Jake and I hit up 4th Ave Pub for a post game beer.  Time for a date as I go out to Coney Island to meet up  with a gal I have been chatting with.  We go to a Cyclones game, ride the Cyclone and just wander around Coney Island.  It was a very memorable first date however I don't see it leading to anything, so ya know, how it goes haha.  So I guess June is Coney Island month, back to the brewery and meet up with Aaron and Alex for a very hot day of hanging and walking followed by a John Ritter movie night at my place.  Always fun hanging with these 2 and cant wait for them to tie that knot!!        

July- Lauren comes to stay as per usual as we load up and head out to Alexa and Christine's home in Pennsylvania to celebrate the 4th of July!  It was an amazing day filled with great friends (Shippey, Mecca, Mello, Heidi and of course the amazing hosts and food)  We also had a winch set up that Mello brought along and we did some extremely fun experimenting with it and a slip and slide.  Great fun was had by all.  Back in NY, Lauren and I head to Citi Field to watch The Milwaukee Brewers take on The New York Mets!!  We got tickets right behind home plate!!  It was very fun, but alas the Brewers lost the game.  I head up to Astoria to meet up with Lauren as we hang and have a beer or two at Singlecut Brewery.  With the Bucks in the NBA Finals, I reach out to my cousin Dan and make arrangements to come home for Game 4 while he secures tickets.  Dan picks me up at the airport and I crash with him and Amanda and Annie for a night before we head into Milwaukee to pregame before the big game.  First stop is Monica's on Astor where we meet up with Jason and John!!  After a couple of drinks we walk to the now Infamous Deer District to take in the excitement before heading into the Fiserv Forum for the game.  The game was incredible and electric.  The Forum was rocking all game and we pulled out the Victory.  This was my first time at the Forum and the first time in my lifetime that the Bucks were in the Finals!!  Amazing, amazing, amazing, all I have to say about that experience.  After the game we walked to Buck Bradleys for a celebratory beer and then to Sportclub to finish out the night and the celebration.  We walked into Sportclub and I ran into Brett McManus a high school friend whom I haven't seen since High School, what are the odds of that.  Was great to see him and catch up!!  After I sleep off the victory, my Mom picks me up from Dan's to bring me back home to help out with the deck remodel.  During construction Blaine took a nasty fall and busted his foot/ankle leaving Mom to do most of the work.  I pitched in and did the measuring and sawing of the deck boards while Mom secured them in place.  We finished a little more than half.  Afterward it was dinner at The Drafthouse before my early flight home the next morning.  Back in New York I watch in awe as the Milwaukee Bucks win their first NBA Championship in my lifetime and their second in franchise history. It was truly an amazing feeling to watch that.  BUCKS IN 6!!!!  I head to the airport again on my way back home to meet up with Tia, Albert and Nick to spend some time all together back home.  Its a very rare occurrence that we are all together as Tia and Albert are in California, Nick is in Georgia and I am in New York.  Nick, Mom and Blaine all pick me up early morning in Chicago as we got out to breakfast at Wildberry in Downtown.  Mom and I took a walk across the street to see The Bean and the Amphitheater as she has never seen them before.  Breakfast was enormous but very yummy.  Next we headed to Half Acre Brewery for some beers before we head home.  Nick, Mom and I get up early to put the last remaining boards down on the deck.  I did all the measuring and wood cutting as Nick and Mom secured the remaining boards.  Still awaiting Tia and Albert's arrival, the fam and I head out for some beers at Duesterbecks.  This has very quickly become one of my favorite breweries.  If you are ever in Southern Wisconsin, check them out!!  Tia and Albert arrive!!  Tia, Albert, Nick and I all head to downtown Janesville in a Ford Mustang Convertible to have a fine lunch at Drafthouse.  We head out for a day at Topgolf in Schaumburg.  Always fun times whacking balls with the fam.  Nick and I meet up with our Dad for a dinner at the local Buffalo Wild Wings.  Another outing to Duesterbecks, of course, with the whole fam this time.  Next up the fam rents a pontoon boat for the day as I read up on all the safety measures in being the Captain.  Pretty straight forward and common sense stuff, but still.  We go out on Lake Koshkonong for a day of boating, a little bit of swimming, drinking and fishing.  I was able to catch a very small pike but other than that zero fish.  After boating we have dinner by the lake at Anchor Inn.  We spend a night out back with a bonfire and roasting marshmallows as ya do as Nick departs for his long drive back to Atlanta the following morning.  Last up this month I go with Mom and Blaine to the wedding reception of Emi (Tia's life long friend and friend of the family)  It was awesome to see her, as she looked amazing, and her family as I haven't seen them all probably since my high school graduation party.  Beautiful day for a beautiful bride.  Congrats Emi!  

August- Still in my home state of Wisconsin to begin this month.  Tia, Albert and I load up the car and depart my parents place and head to Milwaukee.  First stop is lunch at the Eagle Park Brewing Company.  Food and beer were delicious!  Next we head over to the Milwaukee Art Museum to be all fancy.  We met up with Albert's cousin and his GF to take in all the art museum had to offer.  There were some pretty cool things in there even though I'm not too much of an "art" guy.  Next its off to Broken Bat Brewery for some more beers, It's Milwaukee people what else do you do there haha.  After beer its off to Cafe Benelux for dinner where I learn how to not order an Old Fashioned.  Never say sour!!  After dinner we check into the hotel and then its out for more drinks the most amazing cocktail bar I have ever been to, hands down!  Bryant's is the oldest cocktail bar in Milwaukee, serving cocktails since 1938!!  This place was incredible, no menus, but over 450 cocktails, all you had to do was give the bar tender an idea of what you like to drink, spirits, flavors, etc. and he does the rest.  I had an amazing whiskey cocktail called "Franks Drink" followed by a whiskey ice cream cocktail that I legit could NOT stop drinking.  It disappeared very fast.  If you are ever in Milwaukee, check out Bryant's, seriously!!  After a hotel sleep we again roamed around the city of Milwaukee spending some time at The Public Market followed by The Safehouse.  At this point I switch my drinking over to whiskey as just so much beer over the week had me feeling bloated.  The bartender at Safehouse was extremely generous in her whiskey pours haha.  Next up my cousin Dan picks us all up and its off to a Brewers game at Miller Park!!  (it will always be Miller Park to me, NOT American Family Field)  In the parking lot before the game I indulge in another glass or two of whiskey, which in combination with the previous stops put me into the "I don't remember going into the game" headspace haha.  However midway through the game I sobered up and was able to see John Axford make his return to the Brewers only to give up a couple runs and then be pulled out with an injury.  Thanks anyways Ax Man!!  Brewers won the game against the Pirates!!  Early the next morning Tia, Albert and I head to the airport to return to our respective cities!  Back in NYC I head out to the 4 Year Anniversary Party of Five Boroughs Brewery.  Lauren met me there as we hung out, drank a little, ate a little, played some cornhole and just had some fun.  Later in the week Lauren comes by to stay the night and we head out to Topgolf for Lauren's first ever Topgolf experience.  We met Joanne there and just had fun hitting some balls.  However something incredible happened.  I got a ball in the hole of the Brown Target 125 yards out!  Yup!  It was in the hole!!  However it was very lack luster as had I not asked/said anything to the staff no one would have known or cared.  The staff did confirm for me that the ball did in fact land in the hole and asked if I was a platinum member as if I was I would have pocketed $1000, but based on the cost of being a platinum member was not worth it.  Pretty crazy if you ask me and pretty cheap on behalf of Topgolf as seriously, how often does that happen.  Oh well, still was pretty cool and surreal for me to know I did that haha.  I head out to The Gutter in LIC to represent Five Boroughs in a "Brewery Bowling League."  Lem, Sean, Oneg and I compiled our team for the night.  We take the top 3 scores from our best game into an overall pin count, I bowled a 166, not too shabby. Week 2 of Brewery Bowling Leagues was Jeremy, Trevor, Kevin and myself and another win for Five Boroughs!  I meet up with Aaron and we head to Bay Ridge Alpine as I get to see a movie in the theaters for the very first time in a year and a half.  We saw Free Guy.  Next up its the Stunt Listing Campout in Staten Island.  Lauren and Paige ride with me to the event.  Night one was just hanging out meeting some new people and enjoying a thunderstorm, in which lightning struck the ground right out side the lodge and caused an electrical fire, so that was fun.  Day 2 was a lot of classroom learning/presentations.  Joey comes with me to pick up a keg that was graciously donated by Five Boroughs.  Was so much fun to see and hang with him as I haven't seen him since the last campout event 2 years ago.  That night was lots of drinking and hanging and fun.  Day 3 was filled with fun activities including axe throwing, archery, and of course a 100ft slip n slide with a winch, Thanks Mello!!

September- Its movie time once again as I meet up with Jim, Travis, Liu, Drew and Aaron to take in Shang-Chi!!  Brilliant movie all around as I just got sucked in to the story and the action and just enjoyed the film, I just wish it was its own thing and not part of the "universe."  Labor Day weekend I hang at my buddy Justin's rooftop for a BBQ and some flip cup with Jeremy and Kelsey.  Back to Wisconsin for the weekend I go to celebrate Blaine's Retirement from over 40 years of being a pediatrician!!  Tia, Nick, Mom and I all pitch in to get the house ready to host and then head to Duesterbecks for a fish fry and some beers in their brand new Corn Crib Cabana!  Blaine's party was fun and catered by Tall Guy and a Grill which is owned by my cousin Dan.  If you need your event catered  check them out!!  Was great to celebrate Blaine and have some time to hang with the fam again.  The next day we went to Milwaukee to have a brunch at Mader's and then some drinks at Drink Wisconsinably Pub to celebrate my parents wedding anniversary and to drop Nick off at the airport.  Back in NY I hop in my car and drive to Bridgeport CT to meet up with Joanne and Sam for my first concert in 2 years to see THE FOO FIGHTERS!!!  We had general admission tickets so we were on the floor in front of the band and thanks to Sam being a badass we managed to push through the crowd and get within 5/6 people of he stage.  It was amazing and so much fun!!  The next morning I get picked by a chauffeur who brings me to the airport to go out to Pittsburgh for a stunt job on the show Sprung.  Upon my arrival I have to do a fitting and meet the LEGEND Jack Gill in lobby of the hotel.  We ride together in the van and chit chat all the way to our fitting where we meet up with the stunt coordinator Jef Groff.  On the day its back in the van with Jack to go to set.  My gag is getting slammed on the hood of a cop car while in hand cuffs and then running off into the woods.  It was so much fun and just to be able to work with Jef and Jack was beyond words!!  Riding back in the van with Jack is something I will remember for the rest of my life as I got to hear so many stories from his career in the hour that we rode together.  I just have no words for that incredible experience. Back to bowling and I'm just going to bypass this week as I stunk up the joint haha.  Finally this month i head back to Coney Island Brewery to celebrate the 1 Year Wedding Anniversary of Paul and Jamie!  It was a really good time and was great to see them both, as well as hang with Stephen and Calvin whom I haven't seen in quite some time.  

October-  This month starts by celebrating Jeremey's Birthday!  We have a few beers at Five Boroughs before continuing on to Covenhoven for a few more.  Next up is the Taurus Awards, which for those who don't know is the annual stunt specific awards put on by Redbull.  Due to the pandemic this was all done virtually but was a good watch and congrats to all the amazing performances and the winners!!  Hopefully next year the event will be in person once again.  Oktoberfest was celebrated at Five Boroughs and I was joined by Jenna to celebrate along with the crew of the Brewery.  Good times.  Calvin takes a journey down to Bay Ridge as we head to Lock Yard for some beers, food and catch up time.  Was so good to catch up with this awesome guy!  Evan, Jeremy and Kelsey drop in to watch the Packers vs Bears Game at my place.  Jeremy and Kelsey are Bears fans while Evan and I are Packers fans.  Always fun to watch with opposing fans.  I cooked up some chili and we enjoyed a Packers Victory!  Haha Next up more hanging time with my bestie Lauren as we have a preemptive spooky weekend.  I didn't really have anything Halloween plans so we watched a terrible but amazing amazon movie and ate Halloween candy the night before after a trip to The Wicked Monk for dinner.  Other than that a very low key October as I helped a day or two at the brewery each week and then just watched sports haha.

November-  Begins with a SHOCKING upset at the bowling alley as our team beat Ebbs Brewing on a stellar performance by Brian and Jeremy to take the victory by only 3 pins and move on to the Semi Finals!  The Wisconsin Badgers head to NJ to play Rutgers as Mecca, Shannon, Aaron and I head out to NJ for the game.  After getting some amazing parking thanks to Mecca, we set up and tailgated surrounded by Rutgers fans who were more than helpful and friendly.  Mecca cooked up some burgers and brats and we drank some New Glarus (Thanks Mom) and enjoyed the stellar football weather.  We, along with many others, experienced the Stubhub crash and had issues getting into the game on time, oh well.  Once the game started the Badgers blew them out 52-3 which made getting out of the game pretty simple haha.  Next up is the NYC Brewers Guild Bowling semi final and unfortunately our hot streak came to an end as we were destroyed by the eventual champions at 18th Ward Brewing.  Was a very fun season though.  After the defeat I jump on a plane the following morning to head down to Charleston South Carolina to celebrate the 10th wedding anniversary of my cousin Dan and Amanda!!  After settling in its off to the first brewery for some beers at Holy City.  Delicious beers and a really great spot.  Next stop is Firefly Distillery for some harder drinks haha.  Then dinner at 5Church followed by a ghost tour.  Next up Mom, Blaine, Uncle Mark and I head out to the USS Yorktown for a fun day of touring an aircraft carrier.  Was pretty cool to go inside and all around the inside of this thing as they are HUGE! We grab a quick bite and some beers at Edmunds Oast Brewing where I have the best homemade hot dog I have ever had!  It was truly incredible, the beer was meh.  Dinner that night was at Slightly North of Broad. More touring stuff as we go through the Aiken-Rhett House, very meh in my opinion.  Then Chucktown Brewery for beers and a snack, also very meh haha.  Then to dinner at Leon's Oyster Shop where we are joined by John and Lexi!  The last day in SC starts with a nice walk to breakfast at Daps, which was very good.  Followed by another tour, this time at the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon and then lunch at Bay Street Biergarten.  That night Dan, Amanda, John, Lexi and I have dinner separate from the parents at The Ordinary, very fancy and very delicious.  Then meet up with the parents at Bourbon and Bubbles for some end of the trip cocktails.  Early next morning its back to NYC.  I meet up with Lauren for what was supposed to be a workout in a park, but turned into a sit in my car and hang haha.  I go out for a run, per usual, and happen to stumble upon a set and did my first in person set hustle since covid, totally unintentional, but saw Matt Triplett and chatted with him for a bit.  I get a call for work on The Blacklist, very quick and easy day with Cort, Travis and Pablo. Right after its back on a plane to fly back home to Wisconsin to go to the Badgers vs Nebraska football game with my Mom, Blaine and Uncle Mark.  It was a great game and came down to the final play and thankfully the Badgers WON!!  I meet up with my Dad and we go check out Ghostbusters Afterlife, which I really enjoyed.  It was obviously a love letter to the original and to Harold Ramis, if you are a fan of the original you will enjoy this.  I go out with my Mom and our dog Ellie to her lessons.  Was pretty cool watching her sniff out the hidden scent containers as she found 2 sets of 3 and then a final one.  The other dogs in the class were less impressive haha.  Thanksgiving with the family is always a wonderful time, and I was thankful to spend the time with all of them (Mom, Blaine, Uncle Mark, Auntie Kim, Dan, Lisa, Chris, Cameron, Justin, Josh, Aunt Kathy, Uncle Steve, Beth and Tanya) and not overstuff myself haha.  The day after Thanksgiving I got to be there to celebrate the very postponed 40th Birthday of my High School buddy Jason!  Was so good to see him and Sarah and their families whom I haven't seen in many years, probably since they were married?  Always good to see Aaron as well.  After breakfast at Milton Family Restaurant its back to NYC once again.  Quick little night cap with Lauren, and then into my car and back home. 

December- This month begins a new workout regimen as I chill at home and make use of my workout space.  Lauren and Aaron come by for a visit as we walk the Christmas Lights of Dyker Heights.  I mixed up some spiked hot chocolate for our walking tour.  If you have never done this let me know as I live a mere 15/20 minute walk from them.  I head over to Paige's place to hang with her for an afternoon and catch up.  Jeremy, Kelsey, Evan and Marissa head over to my place for the Packers and Bears game once again.  Same result as the Bears Fans go home disappointed, but this game was more fun to watch.  Aaron and I grab tickets to Nighthawk Theater to see Spiderman: No Way Home.  We had a bite and some drinks at The Double Windsor beforehand.  The movie did not disappoint!!  Next I stop by Paige's place to help her shoot a quick audition, then we jump in the car and head up to the yearly Holiday Stunt Gathering put on by Manny Siverio.  Was a fun night and was so good to see everyone and chit chat.  I head over to Lauren's to park my car for the holidays! We have a fun little hang before my early morning flight back to Wisconsin.  Back home and chilling for Christmas as we make cookies and do Christmas Eve virtually with Nick, Tia and Albert.  The remainder of the year was pretty low key, relaxing at home, going for wintery runs and workouts in the basement.  And watching football of course with the Badgers winning the Las Vegas Bowl to put a nice little bow on this year.  

That concludes my 2021!!!  It means so much to me if you are one of the few who have read through to get to this point.  Thank you so much for taking time out of your day and your own year to join me in mine.  If you made it this far Id love for you to comment/sign your name in the comments or add any 2021 memories that I may have left out.  I look forward to 2022 and what is to come as we slowly creep back into some semblance of "getting back to normal."  Love to all of you, your friends, your families, your loved ones and a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!  2022 THE YEAR OF YOU!!!