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Happy birthday Jean. You are the best and I love you dearly
Jean, me and Nancy in Mokena, IL-December 2010.
Showing posts with label Jean Parker. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jean Parker. Show all posts
Happy Birthday Jean
Today is my sister Jean's birthday. I am fortunate to have two great sisters (who are also great friends). Much like with my sister Nancy's birthday, I will keep it short and straight.
Happy birthday Jean. You are the best and I love you dearly
Happy birthday Jean. You are the best and I love you dearly
Friendly Encounters
This is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebs.
My family loves this site and I am sure they all read it daily. Every one of them is always on the lookout for a Friendly Encounter. My nephew Matt Parker is the king of Friendly Encounters, but today, I am featuring his parents, Jean and Scott.
Jean and Scott are real global travelers (sorry, cheap plug for one of my employers, Global Traveler magazine, the industry's #1 source for travel and business information). One of their 2010 excursions brought them to southern Illinois, where they encountered the Man of Steel, Superman.
Regular readers might say that this is a stretch and usually only Nancy gets away with stretching the definition of meeting a "celebrity". That is probably true, but it's my site and I set (and blur) the rules. Therefore the picture qualifies. Besides, how often can you get a picture with a Superhero who is twice your size? The only thing better would have been if it was Aquaman!
My family loves this site and I am sure they all read it daily. Every one of them is always on the lookout for a Friendly Encounter. My nephew Matt Parker is the king of Friendly Encounters, but today, I am featuring his parents, Jean and Scott.
Jean and Scott are real global travelers (sorry, cheap plug for one of my employers, Global Traveler magazine, the industry's #1 source for travel and business information). One of their 2010 excursions brought them to southern Illinois, where they encountered the Man of Steel, Superman.
Regular readers might say that this is a stretch and usually only Nancy gets away with stretching the definition of meeting a "celebrity". That is probably true, but it's my site and I set (and blur) the rules. Therefore the picture qualifies. Besides, how often can you get a picture with a Superhero who is twice your size? The only thing better would have been if it was Aquaman!
Jean and Scott Parker with Superman in southern, IL-Summer 2010.
Photos of Love From Sister Nancy
My sisters are a blast. They usually treat me very well, but sometimes they do like to taunt me. Such was the case a couple months ago, when Jean sent me a picture of herself and a Coke truck.
Recently, my other sister Nancy got into the act and sent me a picture from her weekend in Sandwich (IL) at the Sandwich Fair. My sisters know me well.
Nancy wasn't done however. At Homecoming for Western Illinois University (the alma mater of her husband Dave), Nancy took it one step further. If only she took it the next logical step and drove that big boy right to my home!
Recently, my other sister Nancy got into the act and sent me a picture from her weekend in Sandwich (IL) at the Sandwich Fair. My sisters know me well.
Nancy Blais and my love in Macomb, IL-September 2010.
Friendly Encounters
This is a weekly feature highlighting friends who have met celebs.
My nephew Matt is on his way to be an internet star thanks to his many appearances here. Today, I am featuring Matt's parents, Scott and Jean (my sister).
I have had a lot of great memories with Scott and Jean (separately and together) over the years. I had a lot of fun visiting them in Houston for the few years they lived there. It was always a great time.
Recently, they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. That is awesome. I remember when they started dating. Their wedding was a total blast, one of the most fun times I have had at a wedding. They have raised two great children. Extra points to them because, they have tolerated me through good and bad over the years.
I love them and I congratulate them on 25 years. I wish them well and look forward to more great times.
Scott and Jean Parker with Bishop J. Peter Sartain in Joliet, IL-August 2010.
My nephew Matt is on his way to be an internet star thanks to his many appearances here. Today, I am featuring Matt's parents, Scott and Jean (my sister).
I have had a lot of great memories with Scott and Jean (separately and together) over the years. I had a lot of fun visiting them in Houston for the few years they lived there. It was always a great time.
Recently, they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. That is awesome. I remember when they started dating. Their wedding was a total blast, one of the most fun times I have had at a wedding. They have raised two great children. Extra points to them because, they have tolerated me through good and bad over the years.
I love them and I congratulate them on 25 years. I wish them well and look forward to more great times.
Scott and Jean Parker with Bishop J. Peter Sartain in Joliet, IL-August 2010.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.
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.
Johngy Loves...
The last time my sister and her family went to Florida, they met the Schwab and sent me the picture. I was so jealous. Well, they were at it again.
This time, when they were in Florida, Jean texted me to say she was enjoying a banana colada beachside. Despite the crappy Chicago weather, I didn't even mind that too much. Then Scott sent me the picture!
There she is. My sister Jean in front of the love of my life! Imagine how much Coke goodness is in that truck.
Thanks Scott and Jean. I can't wait for how you will torture me next time!
Jean Parker and my dream vehicle-Florida 2010.
This time, when they were in Florida, Jean texted me to say she was enjoying a banana colada beachside. Despite the crappy Chicago weather, I didn't even mind that too much. Then Scott sent me the picture!
There she is. My sister Jean in front of the love of my life! Imagine how much Coke goodness is in that truck.
Thanks Scott and Jean. I can't wait for how you will torture me next time!
Jean Parker and my dream vehicle-Florida 2010.Friendly Encounters
This is another in a series of meetings of my friends and celebs.
When we last saw Big Boy, JayHawk Evans was trying to outmuscle him for a burger (I think it was the bacon that drove him to do it). Today, Big Boy is back with my sister and a few of her posse.
Of course, her husband Scott is in the picture. Scott is always up for some travel and fun. Plus, rumor has it that being on Johngy's Beat is one of his guilty pleasures.
Laurie Nicola (wife of Jim, sister-in-law of Rick) and Rose Nestlehut (wife of Tom) are making their Johngy's Beat debut. What a proud moment for them.
That brings us to Tom Nestlehut. I have known Tom for about 25 years. Tom is a laugh riot. One of my proudest moments in life occurred in a bar in a small Wisconsin town. The details can be found in an online piece I wrote for Global Traveler, but in short, I rose up to a challenge from the Nes and crowned him with a new moniker (at least temporarily).
Tom is the President of Nestlehut Finanacial Services, Inc. and is an avid fisherman. I am looking to rejoin Tom and the gang for Canada 2015, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of my last trip (and the one and only fish I ever caught in my life).
Jean Parker, Rose Nestlehut, Scott Parker, Big Boy, Tom Nestlehut and Laurie Nicola in St. Joseph, MI-Summer 2009.
When we last saw Big Boy, JayHawk Evans was trying to outmuscle him for a burger (I think it was the bacon that drove him to do it). Today, Big Boy is back with my sister and a few of her posse.
Of course, her husband Scott is in the picture. Scott is always up for some travel and fun. Plus, rumor has it that being on Johngy's Beat is one of his guilty pleasures.
Laurie Nicola (wife of Jim, sister-in-law of Rick) and Rose Nestlehut (wife of Tom) are making their Johngy's Beat debut. What a proud moment for them.
That brings us to Tom Nestlehut. I have known Tom for about 25 years. Tom is a laugh riot. One of my proudest moments in life occurred in a bar in a small Wisconsin town. The details can be found in an online piece I wrote for Global Traveler, but in short, I rose up to a challenge from the Nes and crowned him with a new moniker (at least temporarily).
Tom is the President of Nestlehut Finanacial Services, Inc. and is an avid fisherman. I am looking to rejoin Tom and the gang for Canada 2015, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of my last trip (and the one and only fish I ever caught in my life).
Jean Parker, Rose Nestlehut, Scott Parker, Big Boy, Tom Nestlehut and Laurie Nicola in St. Joseph, MI-Summer 2009.Friendly Encounters
This is another in a series of meetings of my friends and celebs.
My sister Jean and her husband Scott spent some time this summer with their friends in Rocky Mount (MO). While there, they heard great stories about a lakeside bar called Schmidty's. Unfortunately, after several days, they still could not find the place. Then they saw an ad for Schmidty's in a local paper. They called and got specific directions, but the place was still hard to find.
When they finally located Schmidty's, they had to get a picture with Schmidty himself, to send to their other friends. Schmidty gladly obliged. They also had to send it along to me for Friendly Encounters. Few people are friendlier than Schmidty (and his pup).
Scott and Jean Parker and Schmidty in Rocky Mount, MO-June 2009.
My sister Jean and her husband Scott spent some time this summer with their friends in Rocky Mount (MO). While there, they heard great stories about a lakeside bar called Schmidty's. Unfortunately, after several days, they still could not find the place. Then they saw an ad for Schmidty's in a local paper. They called and got specific directions, but the place was still hard to find.
When they finally located Schmidty's, they had to get a picture with Schmidty himself, to send to their other friends. Schmidty gladly obliged. They also had to send it along to me for Friendly Encounters. Few people are friendlier than Schmidty (and his pup).
Scott and Jean Parker and Schmidty in Rocky Mount, MO-June 2009.Friendly Encounters
This is another in a series of meetings of my friends and celebs.
I simply cannot believe it! My sister and her husband met the Schwab and I didn't. I am the Shwab fan...not them! I have watched countless hours of Stump the Schwab (with their son Matt)...not them! I am the celeb guy...not them! Yet there they were in Disney World, mingling with The Schwab.
Jean and Scott recently went to Disney World with my niece Samantha and one of her friends. It happened to be during some special ESPN time there. If only I knew that...
When Scott saw Schwabbie, he knew he had to get a picture with him. At least they were nice enough to share their picture with me (or were they just taunting me?).
I'll get over it. I am happy they got to meet Schwabbie. Now, had they met Suzy Kolber without me...
Jean Parker, the Schwab and Scott Parker in Orlando, FL-March 2009.
I simply cannot believe it! My sister and her husband met the Schwab and I didn't. I am the Shwab fan...not them! I have watched countless hours of Stump the Schwab (with their son Matt)...not them! I am the celeb guy...not them! Yet there they were in Disney World, mingling with The Schwab.
Jean and Scott recently went to Disney World with my niece Samantha and one of her friends. It happened to be during some special ESPN time there. If only I knew that...
When Scott saw Schwabbie, he knew he had to get a picture with him. At least they were nice enough to share their picture with me (or were they just taunting me?).
I'll get over it. I am happy they got to meet Schwabbie. Now, had they met Suzy Kolber without me...
Jean Parker, the Schwab and Scott Parker in Orlando, FL-March 2009.Happy Birthday to Jean
Recently, it was my sister Nancy's birthday. Today is my other sister Jean's birthday.
Jean and her family moved back to the Chicago area about 2 years ago, after a 5 year stay in Houston (TX). Because of my sometimes recluse-like behavior, I was probably the least likely person to head down to Houston for visits. Yet, I surprised everyone by being the first and the most frequent visitor.
We went to ballgames and museums. We went to San Antonio and the Gulf of Mexico. I worked out with Scott and Matt. I watched Cash Cab and Stump the Schwab with Matt. I went to Sam's volleyball games. We had chicken pizza, Texadelphia sandwiches and lots of Coke. Jean and I watched Who Wants to be a Millionaire? until we each fell asleep on the couches for glorious (and refreshing) midday naps.
I am very grateful for my time spent down there with Jean and her family. I grew much closer to all of them. It's great to have them back here, though.
Jean and her family moved back to the Chicago area about 2 years ago, after a 5 year stay in Houston (TX). Because of my sometimes recluse-like behavior, I was probably the least likely person to head down to Houston for visits. Yet, I surprised everyone by being the first and the most frequent visitor.
We went to ballgames and museums. We went to San Antonio and the Gulf of Mexico. I worked out with Scott and Matt. I watched Cash Cab and Stump the Schwab with Matt. I went to Sam's volleyball games. We had chicken pizza, Texadelphia sandwiches and lots of Coke. Jean and I watched Who Wants to be a Millionaire? until we each fell asleep on the couches for glorious (and refreshing) midday naps.
I am very grateful for my time spent down there with Jean and her family. I grew much closer to all of them. It's great to have them back here, though.
Happy birthday, Jean. I love you.
Jean Parker and me in the Woodlands, TX-summer 2005.Friendly Encounters
This is another in a series of meetings of my friends and celebs.
This is a special edition of Friendly Encounters for 2 reasons. First, it features my sister and my niece (Jean and Samantha). Sam is making her debut on Johngy's Beat! Jean's family moved to Houston, TX for a few years. Ironically, I became closer to them through the various visits I made. I will always treasure the time we spent in Houston, but I am glad they have since returned to the Chicago area.
The second reason this is special is because of my friend Chuck (aka Chachi). On a baseball road trip to Minneapolis, my friends and I agreed to read 'The 5th Horseman' by James Patterson and cast the characters for a movie version. For whatever reason, Chachi was determined to land a role for James Denton. Chachi almost seemed desperate. It has since become a long-running joke between us. It should also be noted that our choices were much better than those made for the ill-fated tv series.
Anyway, Jean and Sam met Denton at Minute Maid Park in Houston. Denton is known to be a fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, but was attending an Astros game while in Houston. Little did they all know back then that they'd end up on Johngy's Beat.
I hope Chachi isn't too upset.
Jean, Samantha and James Denton at Minute Maid Park in Houston, TX-mid 00's.
This is a special edition of Friendly Encounters for 2 reasons. First, it features my sister and my niece (Jean and Samantha). Sam is making her debut on Johngy's Beat! Jean's family moved to Houston, TX for a few years. Ironically, I became closer to them through the various visits I made. I will always treasure the time we spent in Houston, but I am glad they have since returned to the Chicago area.
The second reason this is special is because of my friend Chuck (aka Chachi). On a baseball road trip to Minneapolis, my friends and I agreed to read 'The 5th Horseman' by James Patterson and cast the characters for a movie version. For whatever reason, Chachi was determined to land a role for James Denton. Chachi almost seemed desperate. It has since become a long-running joke between us. It should also be noted that our choices were much better than those made for the ill-fated tv series.
Anyway, Jean and Sam met Denton at Minute Maid Park in Houston. Denton is known to be a fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, but was attending an Astros game while in Houston. Little did they all know back then that they'd end up on Johngy's Beat.
I hope Chachi isn't too upset.
Jean, Samantha and James Denton at Minute Maid Park in Houston, TX-mid 00's.Big Red
When my sisters and I went to Las Vegas in 2006, they met the world famous Red M&M. Okay, yes I know the Red M&M isn't really a famous celeb, but Nancy still believes. Who am I to burst her bubble? Besides, if the totally underrated Purple M&M was there, I would have scored a picture with it!
Nancy, Jean and the Red M&M in Las Vegas, NV-January 2006.
Nancy, Jean and the Red M&M in Las Vegas, NV-January 2006.