The Sandy Life: January 2006

Farewell BBQ at Villa Nike

This afternoon my folks threw Morgan and I a going away party (it was also for my birthday)! I know it seems like we have been celebrating for the last 2 weeks, but both of us are determined to leave Naples in style! So, roughly 30 people made their way over to Villa Nike to help us throw down one more time.

Here we go Morg... I can't believe it!

The whole group enjoying some beer after dinner!

The AWESOME cake Morgan made for me... you rule Morg!!!

"Dirty"

The other night at the Keating residence, a very enjoyable Martini party took place and like always, fun was had by all!! A huge thanks goes out to Burt and Julie for throwing one hell of good party! Of course I have some pictures that will help me recap the evening.

Thomas, Karen and I!!!

Looks like we all have had a little too much to drink!!! No, never...

Da Ladies!!! Julie, it looks like Morgan is the Princess... sorry!

Let me guess... you like them "diirrrtty"

Camping at Carney

In honor of my return from the states, my birthday, Chris’s birthday, Jason’s birthday and Morgan and I soon departure to the Middle East, we decided to hold a rather large celebration at Carney Park here in Naples, Italy. We rented 3 cabins and partied hard through the night and into the morning hours. Below are some pictures of the shenanigans that went on… what can I say, camping is always fun! It truly is going to be hard to say goodbye to everyone come the 3rd of February. Naples and the people here have become home for me… thanks to everyone! (above picture: The birthday kids... from left to right, Jason, myself and Chris)

Go, go, go... Mark and I playing some drining game!

Thanks for coming out Dave, it meant a lot to me... I know work sucked and I am sorry you could not stay longer! You were missed!

Ladies, ladies, ladies!!! Thanks for celebrating with me!!!

Birthday boy... I had a blast Christopher... thanks!

Camping at Carney (cont.)

Here are more pictures from the wonderful camping extravaganza! Good time, good times...

Morgan, Chris, myself and Mark!

Get it Mark... we needed fire wood!

Julie and I... what was your name for that damn game... Princess what??

Morg-dawg and I!!! Whatch out Eygpt

The First Goodbye!

Yesterday I left Jacksonville, saying my first goodbye and making myself that much closer to my final destination in Kuwait. The moment was bitter sweet, but one of the most stressful departures ever. Between traffic, stupid people working at the airport and checking Tom in (my cat) for the flight over to Italy, I seriously thought I wasn’t going to make it on the plane in time! Ahhh, it was hectic; however, I was successful in making Lindsay cry at the airport (it was her first time)… I feel honored! Then again, I was standing right next to her with a steady stream of my own tears. Like I said, bitter-sweet! So, when it was all said and done, I found myself on the plane just in time for it to pull away from the gate. I finally made it into Rome about 13 hours later and practically kissed the ground upon arrival! (The above photo was taken from the airplane as we flew over the Alps. It was much cooler in person!!! Sorry.)

One of my last sunsets in Jacksonville.

My going away dinner at Chizu in South Jax Beach... nothing beats good friends!

O-TOWN!!!!

So, after a night of crazy fun with all the wonderful peeps in Tampa, Lindsay and I managed to wake ourselves up and drive to Orlando for a soccer tournament (we only had 2 hours of sleep)! We made our way to Kissimmee and played with the girls from the team “Ja Booty,” from Jacksonville. It was a 6 vs. 6 tourney and we had a blast! It was great to see the girls that I played with in J-Ville before moving Italy (shout-out to Lucy and Heidi).

So, we are trying to hide the fact that we are REALLY hungover...

We were so exhausted that we slept in the car in between each game!!

In between games, when we were not sleeping! Ahhh, my best friend!

Just a glance at some of the battle wounds... so hot!!! It actually looks worse in person!

Down to Tampa!

Friday afternoon, Lindsay and I drove down to Tampa to spend some time with some good ol’ friends. We made it into town just in time for happy hour and met Danielle and her crew out at the Blue Martini! The night started early and ended late, but there was a lot of fun had by all!!!

I love you too...

Ryan and I after just a few drinks!

Dani, Lindsay and I at Blue Martini

Allison, Lindsay and I at the second bar we went to... I have no idea what the name was!

Goooo Redskins!!!!

They were playing music... so I had to shake my ass!!!

Ocean 60

Thursday, Lindsay and I ran around and did errands and shopped for most of the day. It was definitely weird walking around the mall... so different than Italy! That night we went up to Ocean 6o and enjoyed a couple of rounds of Martinis!! They were so good. I have been dying for a good dirty martini and I finally got it. In Italy it is near impossible to order a martini and if you do end up getting one, they are usually disgusting!!! (Morgan, you can relate!)

Enjoying some awesome Martinis... mmmmm, GOOD!

One of the wonderful bartenders at Ocean 60... thanks Brook!!!

J-Ville Finally

So, after close to 27 hours of traveling, Lindsay was finally able to rescue me from the airport early Wed. morning (we're talking 3 AM). Wednesday was composed of mostly sleeping and catching up and then that night (01/04/06) we went out to Po-Boys to watch the USC vs. Texas game. After the game we wondered over to the Flies-Tie and that is where we fished off the night.

Lindsay and I at Po-Boys... my first night out and definitely not my last!!

Sean and I... good times!!! It had been awhile.

B to the arret... hahaha! If you can't figure that out... it's Barret and I!

Car bombs, my favorite and yes... I kicked everyones butt!!!!

Soccer pals from back in the day that I ran into at The Flies Tie! From left, Emily, Becca, myself and Jess.

Happy New Year!!!

This year I rang the New Year in with my entire family and some close friends! We all enjoyed an amazing dinner and then celebrated at midnight out on the terrace overlooking the entire city of Naples! So far, I have not seen a bigger New Years celebration than how the Neapolitans celebrate. We had fireworks as far as the eye could see and they last for a good hour!