Major Blog Update

I know it has been a while but here are some updates. Enjoy the festivities of Amy's 25th birthday weekend, the UF vs Vermont Basketball Game, a visit to Seaworld and a Chanukah Build-a-Bear surprise for Amy. Enjoy!!!

Amy's Birthday Weekend

Amy blowing out her candles.

Amy surprised after getting a dessert for her birthday at Ballyhoo's Restaurant.

UF vs Vermont Basketball Game

Parker, Becky, Todd, Dana and Josh at the UF - Vermont Basketball game at the St Pete Times Forum.




This is for Lander. A pick of his favorite Gator (Nick Calathes) shooting a free throw. As we all know, Lander used to play against Nick at the JCC - who knew he would be this good.


Seaworld with Amy, Mason, Mom and Dad

Outside Shamu Stadium waiting to see Shamu perform. What a great site to see this powerful whale.

Having a good time with Mason and Dad before the Shamu show.

Chanukah at Build-A-Bear at International Plaza

I surprised Amy and brought her to the store so she can create her own bear. Welcome to the world- Parker Bear. Amy bought me really cool Gator Boxers. Very cool as she turns more into a Gator fan.

Parker Bear

Sunny Marco Island

My relationship with Amy has grown so much and I really love her. This past weekend we made the 3 hour drive West and made it to Marco Island to stay with her Aunt and Uncle. This was a spectacular weekend and they were so accommodating. We had wonderful meals, including the Salmon dishes, took 2 great and sunny walks around Marco Island and along the beach and made a visit to a local fishing village and had yummy grouper sandwiches. We also made a trip to Naples on Saturday afternoon to walk around see what the life is like on the West Coast of Florida. I am so happy to start to meet Amy's family and look forward to next week when my parents get to meet her parents at Thanksgiving.


Amy's Aunt and Uncle also had a beautiful boat and we took some great pictures at the helm of the boat.

Gators Game

Amy had heard so many times how great the Gators game is to attend live. Well, she finally had the chance to attend her first game for homecoming and got to experience what an amazing experience to watch football at the Swamp. Lander flew down from DC to see the Gators play as well. Amy also got her first piece of Gator clothing as she bought a great Gators T-Shirt.

Maroon 5 Concert

Amy and I went to the Maroon 5 concert on Sunday night. We celebrated 6 wonderful months together. I couldn't imagine anything better than my relationship with Amy. She is wonderful, sweet and so funny. We mentioned a few weeks back that we wanted to go to the concert but never pursued it but Amy mentioned again and I went on Craigslist. I found 2 tickets in the lower level and we jumped right on it. The show was awesome and they played all of their current hits. It was a great way to celebrate.

This weekend we are going to see the play, Jewtopia. It is supposed to be very funny and I am very excited to go see it. Part of the ticket, because it is a YAD Program, we get to meet the cast after the show.

Disney with Amy and the Fam

This past Sunday, Amy and I went with the Gold crew (B,P,H,F,M,R,T,J,M) to MGM Studios for another Magical day. The weather was perfect and we had so much. We were able to see some shows that we hadn't seen before and my favorite was the Car Stunt Show. We ended the day with a little ping pong battle after the walk on the boardwalk.

Amy and I getting on the boat to head to MGM

Playing on a big bug in Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground

Hiding out in the big stems of the flowers

Amy, Marin and I heading to MGM on the boat

A Sunday with Amy

This past Sunday, Amy and I spent a wonderful day together. We drove to South Tampa and rode down Bayshore Blvd and found a nice little park at the south end of Bayshore Blvd. It was called the Interbay Park. There was a boat dock and a playground but also a long fishing pier. The weather was perfect and it was so beautiful outside. We saw Pelicans and all sorts of birds.

After walking around the pier, we continued our day at Citrus Park Mall. We both wanted some things and Amy got a nice sweater and I got more polos. Just like I need, more polos. :)

It turned out to be a great day because I spent it with Amy.

Amy in New Jersey

This past week has been hard for me with Amy in New Jersey. We are in a different point of our relationship than where we were when I went to Israel and Amy went on her vacation to NJ and San Diego back in June. It is hard to be apart but this past week has realized how much Amy means to me and how much she is to be an important part of my life. Amy comes back on Saturday night and I get to see her again. I am so excited. :) She starts her new job this Monday at Lakeland Regional Medical Center as a Dietician and then back to Orlando next Wednesday night to celebrate Rosh Hashanah with the family. I am also happy that Lander finally gets to meet Amy as well.

One Month Done

I finished my first month as a WAMU Branch Manager with a bang. I knew coming into the position, it will be a challenge. So after the first month complete, I finished up on top of the region. There are 17 branches in my region that I have my numbers compared against. I actually tied for the best region in production with my old branch, Collier Commons. As my Regional Manager says, "The student keeps up with the teacher!" John (Collier Commons Manager) and I keep a friendly competition going so we are both on top of our games. This is the best this branch has done and we will go up from here. Not a bad way to start my first month!!!

Animal Kingdom and MGM Studios

Amy and I made another trip to Orlando to visit Animal Kingdom and MGM Studios on Sunday. It was Amy's first trip to Animal Kingdom and we had such a great time.

Amy in front of the main entrance to Animal Kingdom.

A new tradition was started during our first visit to the Magic Kingdom. Amy tries on different Mickey ears. I personally like the Leopard ears on the right.

To show that we did make it to MGM, here is a picture of me in front of Mickey's hat.

Kitchen Table

One more cool addition to my house was the purchase of a new kitchen table.

Contacts

After wearing glasses for 20 years I finally broke down and got a pair of contacts. I spent a few hours bargaining with the Regional Manager at Lenscrafters trying to find a pair of sports goggles that would fit my extremely strong prescription. After a day of the manager calling many different stores around the state as well as call Rec Specs directly, I had no choice. I had to get contacts. So on Saturday, I went to the eyeglass store and got my first pair of contacts. They definitely will need to get used to but it will help with sports and playing basketball with no goggles.

Vacation Fun

Last weekend Amy and I spent a wonderful weekend in Orlando. I got us hooked up with some really cool passes to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. We went to a fabulous dinner that evening at Season's 52. Thanks mom and dad! Sunday, we went to Mason's first birthday party and ended the afternoon at the Bucs Training Camp at Wide World of Sports with Tampa YAD and Orlando Or Hadash. The time I spend with Amy is incredible and I am so glad that all of you have been able to meet her. Lander, you need to make a trip down here :)

In Front of the Universal Globe

Enjoying the Seussacel!!

Who is the real Grinch?

Amy with the Master of Ceremonies, The Cat in the Hat

About to ride the Hulk. One of my favorite rollercoasters.

Another picture in Hats- Thing 1 and Thing 2

What an adorable one year old, Mason!! We had such a fun time at his party and the cake eating was a fun highlight!

1st Day in Clearwater

I finished my first day as a Branch Manager in Clearwater. If it wasn't pouring all day, it would have been a great day. We were slow in the branch but that will change. I have a motivated staff who all really want to succeed and make the branch a success. This first month will help me learn alot about my position. I am heading to a Clearwater Chamber of Commerce Networking lunch today to help get the branch and my name out. Whatever I can do to help drive business and make the branch hit the goals.

WAMU News

Well I finally got the call yesterday for what I have been waiting a long time for. My regional manager called me at the branch to let me know I was named the New Financial Center Manager at the Clearwater Coachman Financial Center. I officially begin August 1 and I am very excited. I have waited a while for the right opportunity and this is certainly a great one for me.

The address is 23250 US Hwy 19 N in Clearwater.

30th Birthday Pics

I know it has been a while but here is an update from my birthday weekend. I went out to Stumpps Supper Club on Friday night in Channelside with a bunch of friends and Tayler and Jaime came as well. We headed over to Howl at the Moon after dinner for some more entertainment. On Sunday, Mom and Dad came to Tampa and took Amy and I to Bonefish Grill for dinner. Yummy!!

Back from Israel

I am back from an amazing 10 days in Israel. The trip was amazing and the staff I worked with were great. My participants also made it incredible to be there.

Here is a picture of me with my other staff, Shy and Assaf.

Here is one of me in front of the Western Wall.
Here is one of me overlooking Jerusalem at Sunset. The pictures was taken right near Hebrew University.

Almost Time For Israel

Here is my itinerary for my trip to Israel. I leave for NYC on Saturday and spending Sat night with about 7 friends that I met last summer on the Birthright Trip for dinner and drinks. Sunday I leave JFK for Tel Aviv and the fun begins.

Sunday, June 10 – Departure
Depart from JFK Airport at 2:30 PM
Arrive at airport four hours early

Monday, June 11 – Arrival
Landing at Ben Gurion Airport at 7:50 AM
Transfer to Ceasarea – welcome ceremony
Transfer North
Water Hike: Hatzbani River
Overnight: Kibbutz Nofei Gonen (Upper Galilee)

Tuesday, June 12 - North
Mt. Bental observation point & former Syrian bunker
Water Hike: Yahudia Nature Reserve
Golan Heights Winery – tour & tasting
Evening: Boat ride on the Sea of Galilee
Free night out in Tiberias
Overnight: Kibbutz Nofei Gonen (Upper Galilee)

Wednesday, June 13 – Galilee to Jerusalem
Walking tour of mystical Tzfat
Relaxing rafting on the Jordan River
Transfer to Jerusalem
Ha’as Promenade – overlook of Jerusalem
Prepare for Yad Vashem
Overnight: Kedem Towers (Jerusalem)

Thursday, June 14 – Jerusalem
Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial
Mt. Herzl Nation Memorial
Free afternoon in the German Colony
Psik Theatre – modern Israeli theatre
Overnight: Kedem Towers (Jerusalem)

Friday, June 15 – Jerusalem
Welcome Israeli soldiers for ‘mifgash’ experience
Machane Yehuda outdoor market
Visit the sick at local hosptial
Tour of Israeli Parliament - Knesset
Prepare for Shabbat
Shabbat Program
Overnight: Kedem Towers (Jerusalem)

Saturday, June 16 – Shabbat in Jerusalem
Shabbat program
Local walking tour in Nachlaot neighborhood
Shabbat relaxation time
Havdallah – Conclusion of Shabbat
Ben Yehuda St. – evening out
Overnight: Kedem Towers (Jerusalem)

Sunday, June 17 – Jerusalem
Mitzpe Masua’a overlook in the Judean Hills
Tel Goded – Maccabean Caves
Rappelling in the Luzit caverns
Transfer South
Overnight: Massada I.Y.H.A (Dead Sea)

Monday, June 18 – Jerusalem
Transfer to Jerusalem
Climb Massada – Ancient desert mountain fortress
Nature Hike: Ein Gedi/ Nachal David - desert springs
Floating in the Dead Sea – lowest point on earth
Transfer to Negev
Desert camel ride
Bedouin hospitality & traditional “hafla” dinner feast
Evening: Bedouin tent bonfire (kumsitz)
Overnight: Ein Yorkeam (Negev)

Tuesday, June 19 – Tel Aviv
Transfer to Tel Aviv
Nachalat Binyamin artist market
Rabin Square
Swimming in the beaches of Tel Aviv
Night out in Tel Aviv
Overnight: Grand Beach Hotel (Tel Aviv)

Wednesday, June 20 – Depature
Walking tour through old Jaffa seaport
Independence Hall
Transfer to airport
Depart from Ben Gurion Airport at 4:35 PM
Land at JFK at 9:35 PM

Memorial Day Weekend at St Augustine

I spent the weekend in St Augustine with Amy. We had such an amazing time exploring the city.

Amy and I enjoyed exploring the cannons that the fort had. We got stuck in the cannons.

We found a random cannon in the park around St Augustine.

One of the highlights of the weekend was taking a ride on the river on a boat. We saw many dolphins and you can see some of the fins in these pics.

I head for Israel a week from Sunday and will be gone for 10 days. When there is someone so special in my life, it makes it hard to leave. I am ready to explore Israel again and have an amazing time again.