SUPER VACATION 5: The Battle for Route 40

"Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten." - David Ogden Stiers

"Everyone around you is family: That means your enemies too." - Vince Lombardi

"He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;" - Daniel 2:21

Tonight's music: 
"Cool Kids" - Echosmith
"Learning to Fly" - Pink Floyd
"Heaven Knows" - Robert Plant
"Workaholic" - 2 Unlimited
"Blink and you'll miss a revolution" - Cut Copy

Good Evening,

Echosmith's song talked about how they wished they could be like the cool kids. Well, I was one of the cool kids again after a 1 year vacation hiatus.

I remember watching all the Maggio family movies and I just said to myself: Time to make memories of our own, I guess.

As summer winds down, I remember those trips I took to Dewey Beach way back when and I remember seeing a sign every time I got past DE 1 that said: "Hello Summer, Let's Play!" from the Delaware lottery. I thought to myself... Yep, It's summer alright and we were playing... but now... Summer is coming to an end for 2014. Everyone is returning to schedules as we prep for the upcoming final four months of the year 2014. Football season is coming up... Choir is coming back... It's all returning....

As long as summer took to get here, it felt awful short. Time seems to be picking up faster and faster as we grow older.

I'm also reminded that I got 104 days until I am off for 24 days from December 12 - Jan. 4. By that time that time period is over with I should have the first draft of my novel done.

My first Frazier family affair to OCNJ was much fun and I was glad to enjoy the adventures with this group. From August 2 to 10, I had nothing to worry about but having a good time for which I did and despite the misadventures with some of the others... What can I say, it was probably the best vacation I've ever taken.

Here are some pictures of the fun with captions that follow.

Joanna had a good time. Thumbs up right?

I've learned that these two are like inseparable best friends. You can't pull these two apart.

 The smiles on these kids are hilarious.

Charlie always enjoyed Angelo's Pizza

You could never peel her off of a game of minecraft

Emma. Lol.

Lucas was always telling Mike what to do. Lucas was like baby smurf all week long.

Right before ride time. We mostly did what the kids wanted to do if it was a group outing.

I've always stated that Ray Jr. is great with kids.

The Kids again.

She was having fun.

It is always a happy time.

 Another inseparable pair

Lauren announced she was pregnant with another child. Lucas is either going to have a little brother or sister to play with. 

 Jerry fancied himself as "not a really good" lawyer. But I hear that's all beer and skittles according to Lauren. My favorite quote from Jerry: "Aw Geez..."

You can trust Superman with a knife 

You know, I think of Jack Jr. as the model for the perfect TV father. 

Ray Jr. singing serenades to his favorite niece

Debbie enjoying herself 

Home movies!!!! 

More home movies 

Look at that form! 

All enjoying a game of golf 

Nick: "You're losing, Bro"

Mike: "Don't remind me..." 

Nick: "Jo, do yourself a favor and try hitting left handed." 

Some beach portraits on the last night 

The Moon over the Atlantic

Yup, she had fun and so did I.

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Now everyone wants to know how Buddakan in Atlantic City was. It was probably the most amazing and probably one of the best restaurants I've been to. Joanna managed to win 60. I lost 60. So overall, we came out even. The meal was tremendous and very filling. It wasn't this dainty crap either!

Introducing your host for the night... BUDDHA

ROUND 1 (APPETIZER): We decided to do the Chef's taste for two which was $60 per. It began with this bento box. You got yourself 2 gyoza with a sesame sauce, a ravoli, and a spring roll with hot mustard (Extremely Hot)

ROUND 2 (SALAD): This is an Asian Caesar Salad with sesame chips, nuts, and a cream sauce

ROUND 3 (Rice): This is rice with a coconut foam and lime. The key was mixing it proper.

 ROUND 3 CONTINUED (Steak and Wasabi Potato): This is a steak medium rare with wasabi potatoes and a balsamic gravy on the side

 ROUND 3 CONTINUED (Fusion-Fired Sea Bass): This is Seabass. This was a delectable and very tasty fish. I don't have the palettes like the rest of my family does, but this was great.

FINAL ROUND (Dessert): You get a bento box with Two Vietnamese Donuts with a chocolate undercoating, creme burlee, and two Burmese Banana Rolls with a vanilla cinnamon dipping sauce.

For the $130.00 that was paid for the meal, it was well worth it and I was well fed. That had to be the best destination for dinner I've ever done. You see, I never get to go to the finer restaurants in life, but I've learned I got to enjoy this while I am still young.

"Everywhere you go, always take the weather with you." - Crowded House

We took the weather with us and OCNJ saw a crazy family take over. Wait until next year.

In closing, why there are no pictures of me is a completely understandable measure undertaken by me. I prefer not to be in pictures because the memories that I already have will remain with me throughout my life. I don't need pictures of me to remind me of the fun that I had.

Autism Speaks... So I'm talking

Credit: USC

Hello,

It's time for me to say it clearly: I AM AUTISTIC...

I'm autistic and it's really angering to me when no one lets me speak my view or opinion about things because I'm "not all there." You know, it's really disheartening when you speak your view but you are belittled somehow. It's also disheartening when someone doesn't want your help because they think you're too dumb to understand.

No folks, that's not right at all. Just because we're different, doesn't make us any less of the person we are.

Just recently, I've been getting crap for not taking the ice bucket challenge. I said my view and I got belittled for it. Wait, am I not getting something here? Why can't anyone see that maybe I'm posing a hypothetical question as to why people are doing this and why it should take a fad to get people to donate money. Again, I get outrageous comments and views. I'm trying to lead by example and not follow what everyone else is doing.

It shouldn't take a fad. Not at all. Just get in that wallet and give a buck. Again, more outrage from others. People, are you kidding me? I thought I was allowed to express my views.

Also, I've been taking heat for my posts about the Orioles and how I don't rest on my laurels until the team has locked the division down. Again, am I not getting something here? Why can't anyone see that what I am trying to say is: One at a time, nice to be excited, but still... got to play to win.

What is wrong with people today? Autistic people are just as much people too. I would know. I've met a lot of them.

I was apart of Honestly Autism Day in Towson in April of this year. Met autistic kids and people, shared my stories about the bullying and what I did to accommodate myself with such an issue.

In my childhood, I really never opened up to anyone. In terms of friendships? Didn't really have any.

So let's look at some things:
1. I never opened up to anyone
2. I played with letter and number blocks
3. I was always picked last for the team
4. People were afraid of me for unknown reasons.
5. I always had problems with the 5 W's (Who, what, when, where, why)
6. I was always the gofer to pin for information
7. I was told "I couldn't do this or that..."
8. Yes, I get irritated very easy at the smallest detail (Why? I don't know... I just do!)

Ok, what's everyone's problem? Can you see that I want to speak too? Speak my mind? Talk with people and express my views and opinions?

Today, I met with Lonny Anderson, who is the chief of the directorate and he was absolutely THRILLED with a lot of the ideas I had in mind.

I never looked at myself as a nobody, all I wanted to do was be heard, that's why I figure a future in radio was awesome for me because I WANT TO BE HEARD. Autistic people want to be heard so hear them out. Nobody's perfect. We're all made in god's image and I wound up being the autistic one.

So people, let the autistic people be heard. It's time. They got something they want to say? Let them say it.

Thanks,
~ Joshua

Questions to the Editor (Part 1)

Hello,

I had a sit down with someone that wanted to ask me questions. To protect his identity, he will be called "person"

Person: A recent post by you about the ice bucket challenge really got some people upset and decried you as selfish and inconsiderate. What's your take.

Me: To me, I see this as a fad that will eventually fall apart soon. See, I'm not a trendsetter, follower, or anything like this. My co-workers have turned it down (except for a few). See if everyone jumped off the Brooklyn Bridge, would you do it too? That's the way I see it. I kindly gave money to the ALS fund and put an additional $20 in as well. I got 5 nominations, however, I declined politely. Yes I am angry that I am taking shots for ridicule and scorn, but I was also very kind to donate. So at least give me credit for that.

Person: Would you honestly say you have a slight anger problem?

Me: Yes, I do. I will honestly go out of my way to say I have a slight anger issue that really makes me look bad in light. I have views and opinions of course, but who doesn't. People don't understand that this is one of the key ingredients to a person who's autistic.

Person: What else don't you follow?

Me: Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Sons of Anarchy, Shark Week... I'm actually no fan of any of those things, they don't interest me. I don't hashtag... I threw away my twitter as I found it nonsensical and irrelevant. It's just not my thing and I really wish people would respect it.

Person: Well what would you say interests you?

Me: Human interest stories, sports stories, women in sports, Title IX, stuff like that. I also have been following the Little League World Series as well. I feel that we need to start giving these kids some college start-up funds. Mo'ne' Davis has been pitching EXTREMELY well for the Philly-Taney team and that's really great to hear. I hope she makes it to the MLB someday. In terms of women in sports, hey, the women can play JUST AS WELL as the men and I think more coverage should be devoted to the women of sports as well. The NCAA women's tournament was so much better than the men's because the women are playing for the game and not a contract. The WNBA doesn't allow for undergrads to enter the draft, they basically say, get your degree and then you can play. Which is real smart.

Person: What do you take from Robin Williams' death?

Me: Robin Williams was a character who was true of heart, knew his boundaries, loved comedy, and making people laugh and personally, I find him a hero. He left a legacy of wonderful movies and quotes. Mrs. Doubtfire is undoubtedly one of my favorite movies of all time. He was a smart comic but we also had a dark side that very few people knew about. Something was naturally wrong with the guy and no one seemed to have seen it. Depression is a real problem and I wish something would be done for that.

Person: What do you think of the growing problems in Ferguson, Missouri

Me: In my opinion, the Ferguson, Missouri case is much like Trayvon Martin's case. We don't know all the facts and who did what. But I also see double standards and pots meeting kettles. See when George Zimmerman was let off the hook for the Trayvon Martin case, I was basically destroyed for my view saying: "No matter what happens, nobody wins." basically stating... HEY, in this case, no one's going to win because there's going to be backlash from both sides. Then I get this disturbing facebook post saying: "THESE ARE MY PEOPLE! THIS WHITE GUY KILLED ONE OF MY PEOPLE!" And also, to be clear, Zimmerman was hispanic, not white.

I question it: Your people? You knew Trayvon Martin? If you didn't, he's not your people, you didn't know him. In all honesty, I'm seeing some really bad negatives here and double standards. First of all, the 3 year old girl from Waverly, who was yes, black, was shot by a black person and are there going to be the following

National Marches: no!
National Outrage: no!
President Obama making a statement on it: no!

We seriously need to stop with this massive amount of flight surgeon horse crap. I don't understand why we need to get Rev. Al Sharpton and other black leaders involved when something like this happens. They need to lay off. The Henry Louis Gates incident was bad enough... then came Trayvon Martin... now this. It's kind of a disturbing trend to be frank.

Person: You recently posted about Burkittsville and the roads "less traveled", tell me about these trips.

Me: Maryland, despite it's faults in government, is an area of the roads less traveled. I take trips in my car to places of virtual unknowns (my gf goes along with me a lot). It's actually quite a pleasant experience. I really wish that someone would pay me to take these trips to the virtual unknowns, give me a camera, and I'll snap photos. Burkittsville was scary yes at night, but I'd like to visit in the day time and see what it's all about. It's very odd to say the least. But if I have to run like hell, my car DOES have a V6 when I turn the econ mode off. The wedding, for which I know you'll probably have a question about... yes, I'll say, the road to St. Leonard? There's utter nothingness but the park was great!

Person: What kind of car would you like to have for these trips?

Me: My accord is fine, but if I want to go off-road, give me a F-150 Platinum Edition and let me just sink into those seats. I'd love to do something like that. Just do some traveling, take pictures, and go on the roads less traveled.

Person: You recently got done with a wedding, how was that?

Me: Steve and Krissi's wedding was more than delightful, it was like being a part of something special. Getting a wedding invitation to me is knowing that your friends think of you. Joanna had an extremely fun time too, she was in heaven thanks to the country look and the barn. Not to mention the "Moonshine." I will go on record to say that Krissi is a divine person with a lot of heart, courage, independence, and not only that, she was TOTALLY STRONG. I thought she'd cry during the wedding. She never did. I nicknamed her "Special K" because she is special to Steve and special to all of her friends. Special to me because she's got that heart of gold and will give you such encouragement. Steve on the other hand... he is a big brother, he actually conked me upside the head during JV Baseball and said: "Dude, don't do that again." Steve is one great sports buddy and someone who is very forgiving and tough on the outside. He finally got the woman who could tone down his "Theodore Roosevelt, Ol' Rough and Ready" attitude. Couldn't be anymore happy for those two. It was a great time.

Person: Favorite aspect of it?

Me: Just having the chance to spend time with my friends. I introduced Joanna to everyone I knew and even got to know a few people too. I didn't really feel anything close to being an outsider.

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That's all for now, stay tuned for part 2 of "Questions to the Editor"

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~ Joshua

Burkittsville

Hello,

Last night was a terrifying experience for Joanna and I as we took to the interstate and hit up the open roads of Maryland to just... go somewhere. Our first stop was Boonsboro, Maryland, where we took to the open and unloved roads of Maryland. We checked out the quaint little town as we rolled up old US 40. Going up and down mountains, smiling, talking, having a good time.

Then I realized we were on Route 17 in Maryland, I pulled my navigation back and saw that we were close to Burkittsville, Maryland.

Now if you remember in 1999, the craze of horror movies finally spurted wayward with the "found footage film" of "The Blair Witch Project"

I asked Joanna if she knew about the movie, she said she didn't, and I kind of told her about because I'd never seen the movie myself. But it is what started the craze.

As we drove, a lot of bugs were hitting the windshield and it just felt more and more like rain was pouring on the accord as we continue to drive. I didn't notice any paranormal figures or anything, just a cozy drive to tell you the truth... Then the speed limit went from 50 to 25 and I drove up the hill to the sign that said "Welcome to Burkittsville."

I said ok, this should be interesting... and sure enough, it was.

The streets were in disrepair, there were very few, if any cars, it felt like I was driving on a piece of busted up concrete... which it was...

The first thing you came up to was an abandoned home on Main Street.

Joanna's first word was: Uhhhhhh, let's go...

I did want to look around some, but being the good guy that I am. :). I drove off onto the next road and Joanna said to me: Let's never go back there again... please.

---

Well, of course not... that was actually a really disturbing site to see... Main street was busted up... houses were abandoned... there were political signs but now I see why Burkittsville was choice for the movie. It is a pretty haunted looking town to be frank, but it's obvious I may not want to go back there ever again.

---

As we traveled down 340W, I realized that we were going towards the most extreme area of Virginia and part of West Virginia.

Joanna asked me to turn around as it was getting late.

I complied and so ended our adventure.

---

Folks, get in your car someday, and just travel the open roads that are less traveled. I mean, do it for fun, you get to see things in Maryland or other states that you may never see again in your long lives. Put meaning into your life and drive. That's what a car is good for.

---

Happy 1 year Joanna, I love you :) More than you will ever know. :)

Thank you,
~ Joshua

Since when is it wrong to do the right thing

Hello,

For days and weeks, you have seen many people take the ice bucket challenge for ALS awareness... People have questioned my stance against it.

Well ladies and gentlemen, I AM NOT a fad person, trendsetter, or anything of the such. I'm on the outside looking in. I'm reminded of what my friend Krystal to me: "I picked on you because everyone else was doing it.. and then I realized what I was doing was wrong..."

People, I'm not joining in with the ice bucket challenge because to me it serves as a fad and something I just don't feel is necessary to get the word out.

I've been called mean, cheap, an attention whore, and people have defriended me because I am taking an apparent "blind eye" to ALS. Uh, that's really nice of you guys but there's something I did to make everyone happy. Made a donation... $111.11

And still no one's happy because I didn't do the challenge.

Maybe I don't want to do it. I'm not that kind of person.

Jimmie Johnson took ridicule for not doing it... then he had to do it because he bowed to pressure. That is just so wrong! He wrote a HUGE CHECK to ALS and he quietly said he would decline to do it.

Again, DO NOT PRESSURE PEOPLE, if they don't want to do it. They don't have to!

This Ice Bucket challenge while it is bringing positive outlook to ALS, it's bringing heavy negatives and I am seeing it.

1. A lot of pressure is being put on people to do it within their 24 hour limit.

2. Unkind words are being said to people if they don't do it.

3. Friendships are tested.

4. People are getting HURT!

---

Folks, do NOT pressure those who don't wish to do it. Doesn't matter who you are. If they don't want to do it, they don't have to.

I wish autism awareness would get this kind of attention.

~ Joshua

And so we process: Krissi and Steve's wedding

August 16th, 2014: The Event of the Year V - The Marriage of Krissi and Steve

Music of the Day: "Something So Strong" - Crowded House

Hello,

On August 16th, 2014, I had the pleasure of attending an outstanding wedding of my friends Krissi and Steve. I picked "Something So Strong" because it they say that love will carry and it's strong.

The Groom (Steve)

Steve Smith has been one of my friends ever since I was managing JV baseball, I can honestly say he became one of my "high-end" friends after the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in 2008. He was super excited that I grabbed tickets to the playoff game. Steve is a country boy who loves to hunt, play sports, and just all in all, go have some good dirty fun outdoors. That's why "Dirt" seems to be the perfect country song that resembles him. I also remember the fun times too. F'ing up his dad's lawn... Ravens games... the works... Everything. More about the lawn later!

The Bride (Krissi)

Krissi, I met in 2012 prior to me leaving for my vacation in Florida. She was extremely friendly, sweet, and had one amazing sense of humor. She also has a great love of horses. That's why I also introduced her to my friend Hannah. 

My take:

When I saw these two together, it was a PERFECT FIT... absolutely perfect... you couldn't have written a better story than this. They were just absolutely made for each other.

FLASH FORWARD

Target Location: Jefferson-Patterson Park, St. Leonard, CALVERT COUNTY, MARYLAND

Miles from home: 78 miles

Everyone was right when they said that there is just utter nothingness after you hit Route 4 going down Southern Maryland and Goldstein Boulevards...

When we arrived, it was a really nice setting!

Up close too!

So as the groomsmen and the bridesmaids were coming down, I remember what I said to Joanna in the car... Krissi is going to arrive on a horse.

We called it!

Krissi looked great and I'm going to tell you... She was really strong and didn't shed a tear at all! Usually brides will cry because they know they are starting their new life and family. But she never did!

The Gentlemen of the Wedding Party

The Ladies of the Wedding Party

Everyone looked great and I was impressed with their vows. Very funny, encouraging, and words to live by!

The very interesting aspect of the wedding

So this part of the wedding was extremely interesting... Instead of doing a unity candle, they did a "sand pouring" into a container which represents the family and future. The mothers poured it in first and then the bride and groom. I thought that was incredibly nifty. I wonder who came up with that idea.

Well they made it!

Look at those two.

I quote a great movie: "Father of the Bride"

"And in the words of my son Matty, let's have a party." - George Banks (Steve Martin)

We retired to the barn... yes... THE BARN. It was a lot cooler in there (about 15 degrees cooler) and we saw how country it really was! Mason jars, "Moonshine" (I put that in quotes because it wasn't. Aka, it was called the Krazy Krissi).

That's what I mean by Krazy Krissi

It was all liquor basically... and remember as DD, I wasn't going to drink anything because I had to be able to drive home.

Oh yeah, here's our horseshoe, denoting names and table number.

Look at this great crowd!!!!

Steve and I

The First Dance 

And now some words from the Attorney... 

See what I mean by country wedding... the mason jars...

NOW THIS! IS SOUTHERN COOKING!!!!

Look at that smile! A wonderful and beautiful bride!

Steve-O! 

 Yeah, that's typical Jeremy for ya!

Cake cutting - I remember saying to Giovanni: "We shouldn't trust Steve with dangerous weapons." He said: "We trust him enough."

One of my favorite panoramic shots 

PANORAMA SHOT OF THE AREA 

Gio was having a great time 

Them having a big ol' time 

See, I thought that they were going to do: "You lost that lovin' feeling" by the Righteous Brothers. That just gave me a great idea though!

When I hugged and gave Krissi a kiss on the cheek, she was so happy to have us here. We kept things moving by making a short statement saying thanks to her for inviting us. Krissi said: "Steve and I needed you here!"

And then Steve gave me the biggest bear hug imaginable and I said: "I love you man!" It's the first time I think he ever really gave me a hug of some sort. Told him that we were ready to have a good time and party it up. Joanna and Steve hugged too and I'll tell you... Steve was very huggy... That was a first... But I think the fist bump with Patrick was the best.

This stood out as probably one of the best weddings I ever attended. I had way too much fun at this wedding and you couldn't have written a better story of these two.

Steve and Krissi, a toast to you, many years of infinite happiness.

Thank you,

Joshua