Best Man Toast

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to be best man at a wedding. With that comes the tradition of the best man toast. When looking through the internet I came across only a handful of examples on what a toast should be like. Although they reminded me not to be too lewd and avoid adult beverage beforehand, they really were not all that useful.

So to help others with the same struggle, I am sharing my toast. It might not be good but hopefully it can help another out.

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Saturday May 30^th 2009

First of all, thank you to the Watsons for this lovely dinner and evening. Everything looks marvelous and the hospitality wonderful. Also it has been a delight to get to know my fellow groomsmen over the past few weeks. Thank you all for that opportunity.

I wanted to start by saying that Jim and I have a history of building forts together. Many a sofa cushion and blanket structure existed in the basement of Jim’s first house. Perhaps our finest though was one built outside with space heaters as a private viewing room for an OSU Michigan game – one of the few victories in the dark ages known as the John Cooper era.

It is for these and many more past common experiences that I am likely here. Along with common experiences, Jim and I have been blessed with a deep friendship. As good friends do, we help to push each other to grow.

Someone in high school once phrased it this way. Jim helps me to get invited to parties and I help Jim with his homework. I am sure that given my pale complexion and dorky mannerism, this statement does not come as much of a surprise.

But I think one of the reasons people said this was because one of Jim’s many remarkable skills is that he is able to instantly connect with people of all backgrounds, temperaments, religions, bad outfits etc. But, what I always find interesting, is that coupled with this ability to instantly connect what Jim treasures and almost thrives on is having deep, fulfilling connections in his life.

It’s from this lens that I think about Jim’s college experiences. Jim enjoyed college. But, it was after Jim’s trip to Greece – with the close friendships he developed there – I could hear in his voice a greater excitement about college life than I heard before.

Then this excitement took another step – or turned to 11 perhaps for those Spinal Tap fans – when a lady from ‘skogee entered into his life.

Over the years, this love has blossomed into something mature and endearing. Something those around can both enjoy and envy.

Initially, Jim and Chelsi, given my humility, I believed that the strength of your relationship was based on how my relationship with Jim helped to form him to the man he is today. I mean, Chelsi, if you ever are feeling scared, Jim’s ability to soothe you through building a sturdy fort with sofa cushions was clearly refined under my tutelage.

But, I realize now what makes your love so strong has nothing to do with me. You are both wonderful and make each other better in different ways.

Just as he did as a bass for the Wellington choir and lacrosse team, Jim is a rock of a foundation that I am sure helps to steady Chelsi in her times of need. Chelsi, I can tell that your sincere love of those around you and God only helps to make Jim a better person and partner.

It’s for these reasons why I can see Jim is in love. A love such that the same man who once drove a Suburban full of teenagers in script Ohio formation in front of the buses filled with the Ohio State football team is also willing to sing Boomer Sooner with the best of them

And it’s for these reasons why I ask you to raise a glass with me to Jim and Chelsi.

May our blessings build a fort around your peace, love, happiness for years to come.

Job Search Article

The following essay was forwarded to me and I thought I would share it with mass following of this blog.

http://blogs.harvardbusiness.org/cs/2009/02/need_to_find_a_job_stop_lookin.html?cm_mmc=npv-_-WEEKLY_HOTLIST-_-FEB_2009-_-HOTLIST0224

I definitely agree with a lot of what he argues and I think its a healthy approach to the challenges that lay before many of us. Given the predicament that a few of us are in, I plan on occasionally using this blog to post helpful sites that I have come across in my search in hopes that it might be of use to others.

A Fair Warning

Just to let you know, most of my posts are probably going to end up on this site going forward:

http://www.aroundthecouch.com/

Some more personal musings will still end up here. But we shall see how often i frequent hi-did-illy-ho in the future.

Huddled Masses Yearning to High Five

A follow up to the last post for which I am not responsible in the slightest. But, needless to say, enjoy ...

HIGH-FIVE INAUGURATION! - watch more funny videos

Huddled Masses Yearning to Breathe Free

This past Wednesday I entered the middle of the right-center universe known as the Wednesday Meetings. Some have credited this institution, for which I was the minute taker, and my former boss, Grover Norquist, as being the enablers of the “vast right-wing conspiracy.” But, do not take my word for it. Here is a Washington Post account of the right side of the aisle’s strength where the meeting takes center stage:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A8423-2004Jan11?language=printer

Interestingly enough, 24 hours earlier I was in the epicenter of liberal movement. Partially motivated by a desire to be a part of a historical moment, I trekked to DC, woke up at 4:30am on Tuesday, bundled myself in all of the layers and under armor that I could get my hands on, and walked with several friends to the Mall. From that moment on, we were just waiting. Waiting for the sunrise of a new day and administration.

One could not help but be struck by the optimism in the air and collective focus on the now. The volunteers who greeted us as we progressed up the Mall were sweet enough to make Joan Cleaver appear morose. People around would shush us so that they could pay attention to pre-recorded programming on the jumbo-tron. With all that energy and focus, everyone was looking for something … anything to let go of their excitement and distract them from the cold. That moment came in the form of a recording of Garth Brooks singing American Pie from the “We Are One” HBO Inauguration special.



Along with those of a contemporary flavor, anthems of the traditional American songbook could be heard ringing in the tubas and throats of people from the dome to the Lincoln memorial. I found this particularly interesting because joining in the chorus were internationals and non-conformists not typically known for their American fervor. Similarly, African-Americans were high in number and red, white and blue dress. They too were embracing a country whom has not always embraced them.

The only discouraging episode of the morning was the inevitable booing of the entrance of George W. Bush. No matter what your politics this time is a moment of respect for the office and, for the winners, dignified victory. But, if anything, the booing was indicative of the sentiments of the moment. The jeers represented all’s desire to cast aside the fear of September 11th and recent financial turmoil.

The challenge of the near future will be to maintain these positive spirits. In the event of another disaster (which, knock on wood, never happens), how will the nation react? Obama is championing a certain mindset in reaction to 9/11 governance and the tide might easily turn the other way. My hope is that when faced with adversity we do not turn that direction into a false dichotomy of hope, optimism and mutual respect versus realism and suspicion as a way forward.

Perhaps the president elect has already thought of that. Unabashed, direct praise of pragmatism likely will give him flexibility to adjust to given the circumstances. Moreover, Obama’s address itself highlights how that mindset can be essential to overcoming misfortune:

“America: In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come.”

I still believe in power and rights of the individual as central to right of center’s ideology. But, the sentiments of Obama’s speech is probably the main reason why this red state person was found in the midst of 1 million plus on January 20th. I too was singing from the patriotic songbook with the hippy I was rubbing elbows with. Both of us desired to revive American optimism. Both knowing it can guide us through these difficult times.

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The text of the Inaugural address: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/inaugural-address/

Songs of 2008

Here are some of my personal favorite ditties from 2008. Descriptions as to why will hopefully follow.

Enjoy!

- Ned

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Fleet Foxes – “Blue Ridge Mountains”



The Whigs – “Right Hand on my Heart”



Mates of State - "Get Better"



Wolf Parade – “California Dreamer”



Girl Talk – “Play Your Part (Pt. 1)”



Death Cab for Cutie - "No Sunlight"

From the Black Cab sessions site which is one of my favorite sites of '08, by the by:

http://www.blackcabsessions.com/sessions.php




Fucked Up – “Son The Father”



Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings – “Answer Me”



Titus Andronicus – “Titus Andronicus”



TV on the Radio – “Crying”



Kate Nash - "Merry Happy"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf4Ea59Uods



and of course …

Flight of the Conchords – “Leggie Blond”