Happy Birthday Jean

A couple weeks ago, I featured my sister Nancy on her birthday. Today, is my other sister Jean's birthday and she is today's star.
Jean and her family have been back in the area for a few years already after several years in Houston (TX). While I sometimes joke about missing my Houston vacation spot, I am very glad they are all back in the area. It's great having them around.
Jean has always been there for me, even when she was in Houston. I knew she was just a call away. We had a lot of great times in Houston and we grew closer than ever.
I am very happy that we all get along so well. We have had a lot of fun on vacations and just hanging out. I really couldn't ask for two better sisters.
Happy birthday Jean...never forget I love you.

Matt Parker, Sam Parker, Jean Parker and me in Houston, TX-early 2000's.

Happy Birthday Nancy

Today is my sister Nancy's birthday. Therefore, Nancy gets her own post, with none of my jokes poking her.
She might freak out that I am not peppering this piece with jokes. I have a habit of doing that. Nancy always takes it in good humor and sometimes even gives it back to me even better. She's a good sport.
She's also a great sister. Nancy has helped me through some rough times and has also laughed with me through good times. Either way, I know she's always there.
I love you, Nanc...always know I love you.

Nancy Blais and me in Matteson, IL-Winter early 90's.

Happy Birthday Sam

Today my niece Sam Parker celebrates her 18th birthday. As the saying goes, it seems like only yesterday when she was born.
She's a senior at Lincoln-Way High School and an excellent volleyball player. I can't call her a kid anymore. Sam is a great young lady.
She puts up with me (and that's not easy) when I sleep over at my sister's house. She laughs at my jokes and joins in on them. She is the innovator of the "Park it" fist bump. She also likes Ranch dressing on her pizza.
I don't see her enough (although she might think I see her too much). I occasionally bother her with a text (well, my alter egos bother her) or a Facebook note. Her replies always make me laugh.

I am sure she will read this (because someone will let her know), so Happy Birthday, Sam...I love you!

Sam Parker (third from left, front row) in IL-Softball season 2008-09.

Happy Birthday Evil Zebra

After the Evil Zebra emailed me for the first time, I checked out his site and I was blown away by the people he has met. The list goes from Hollywood Hall of Famers like Bob Hope to entertainers like Paul Lynde to wrestling legends past and present like Killer Kowalski and King Kong Bundy. I could only imagine the stories EZ could tell. However, why should I just imagine? I have the opportunity to actually hear them and put them here for all of you to read, as well.
I quickly asked EZ if he would be willing to share some of his stories on a regular basis. A little while back, I featured his meeting with the late-great comedian Paul Lynde. Monday, I will be featuring his encounter with the former talk show host icon Mike Douglas.
Okay, that is past and future, so why am I writing this today. Oh today is a special day. Today is the birthday of the Evil Zebra.
I am not sure about what makes him evil (or if he really is evil). I hate to ruin a reputation and potentially incur his wrath, but he seems downright nice to me. Well, maybe you can be evil and nice?!
Whichever the case, I want to send out a birthday greeting to my newest bud, Evil Zebra. It has been a real pleasure getting to know more about you and I look forward to more stories and sometime even meeting you!