All In A Days Work

One thing I love about my job is that no day is the same. In fact, I never know what hair brained idea someone is going to ask me to join in on for a viral video or what commercial copy I may have to voice. The on-air spot for IBS was a real doozie. Thanks, Greg. You can't take yourself too serious around my office, which is nice, because most of the time I'm either in on the joke or the brunt of it. For example, being the holiday season, during lunch one day I decided to wrap a friends cubicle while they were out sick. It may sound worse than it was. Zack is the prankster in our office and I knew he could handle it. Besides, what's better than coming back to work than receiving one giant WELCOME BACK package. He loved it, because 1) Zack secretly loves the attention and 2) three years ago I wrapped his cubicle in tin foil for his 30th birthday, which he also loved. I know because he kept it like that for days. I think he was almost impressed. Though I did have a little help that time. I had gotten the idea originally from when we (myself and a bunch of friends I lived with in the OBX of NC) dominated a roommates room while they were at work one day. Sorry Julian, but you too also know you just couldn't be mad, but more mesmerised by the shine of your belongings.

Before

After

So at my office when someone has the chance to get someone like Zack, or myself, "back" everyone flocks at the chance to be a diversion. This week I didn't so much as receive revenge, but more so was just asked to partake in a few fake meetings, that at the time I thought I was being really helpful, or part of one of those viral videos I mentioned. One of our stations, Magic 98.9, is currently playing all Christmas music. The below video was supposed to be for the station, but now it is just for nothing. So what I thought was once possibly, somewhat, of maybe, a proportional importance is now Keaira and I pathetically attempting to draw Christmas.  

Before that, we got called into a Music Meeting. Which is something that is real, and happens, but not often anymore. Basically you'll listen to new music about to hit the charts or that has just dropped and you tell someone what you think, yay or nay, etc. Keaira and I went upstairs again to listen, give our opinion, the whole 9. I guess we weren't there long enough because we had to return for our art lesson later. It was all for this. A cardboard cutout of our part-timer, Roy. Roy gave us presents this year as his own 12 Days of Christmas. Everything from taking us to lunch, to ornaments, to posters of himself. He is a real gem. Possibly off to Nashville to 'live the dream', he wanted to give us something to remember him by.....guess we got it. I love it! Hilarious.

On another note. Today is December 21st, and so far, the world hasn't come to an end. So we got that goin' for us, which is nice. Out tonight, David's party tomorrow to benefit Nick, along with a big birthday shout out to Bill Revson. Then, it's party time with the Hennessey clan. Merry Christmas!

You've Got Mail



Single people are allowed to send holiday cards, too
I'm just sorry I don't have any cute animals to show off...
So, you're stuck with me :)


The annual holiday letter. I say holiday because our family's, if one actually makes it out, might not make it to your mailbox until the New Year. Which I think is just fine, because who arrives to a party on time anyway? The Hennessey family letter is like the fashionably late cool kid that arrives with a grocery bag full of miscellaneous beers. You never know what you're gonna get, but you know it'll do the job. My mother always writes it and after the debacle of 2007 she now sends us girls (there's 3 of us) the letter to proof and the picture to approve. I'd say I had a strong hand in that. Lets just say that year I wasn't exactly the shining star of the family, and DEFINITELY not in the family photo. My Mom decided to use a picture of the 4 of us kids fresh out of the ocean holding a surf board. Sounds great, right? Well, picture my long locks smothering my face. I couldn't tell if I had just experienced the wipe out of my life, or if I got caught in sudden hurricane winds. Terrible. But back to the letter....It's normally just a few sentences on what each of us are doing with our lives, and its never too boastful, which I appreciate. We all know those families who get a little too proud, but good for them. I'm not judging. So as I was discussing proofing this years Hennessey family letter (well before the New Year I might add....way to go Carol!), I started thinking about my own year in review.

January:
I made New Years resolutions on, you guessed it, Hennessey Hits. I did 1 and a half, well maybe half of another. Could 2013 be the year of completed resolutions? (crickets)

February:
Whitney Houston died resulting in me listening to her music entirely too much. Thus reminding a variety of people my lack of singing ability. Where I lack in musical talent, I pick up in rhythm on the dance floor. More weddings and too many pictures to 'detag or not to detag' on facebook....

March:
My bowling team "I Can't Believe It's Not Gutter" managed to come in last place by half the points. Not kidding. I'd also like to think that we had the most fun though, so that counts, right? (BTW - I hate that I even just said that. I'm not a fan of those 'everybody gets a turn' kind of things like children's rec sports these days. Call me what you want, but at some point a kids got to learn what he's good at or what he's not. At least I paid to suck at bowling....and drink an occasional beer). The Hunger Games came out - cue the screaming girls. I was not one of them. But I was/am Team Peeta, and I was shocked at how fast I read these books. Also, more weddings, and even a baby shower. It begins.

April:
I moved! For the 7th time in 3 years, and hopefully the last for a while. I now live alone and in a quaint little place close to downtown, so that was exciting. I saw my favorite homeless man get hit by a mini van. Not so great, but we weren't very close as you'd probably expect so I recovered quickly.

May:
I had notably one of the best nights of karaoke of my life....and it just continued to a great weekend. It would rival that of when my friend Ryan and I first sang "Total Eclipse of the Heart" at a bar called "Oysters". The bar has been shut down for a while now, but since that night the song has been a real go-to. Read Rumor Has It to get the idea of the glorious night in May. I believe there's even a video.

June:
The month of weddings and reunions. I had one every weekend and saw a million people. At one wedding a photographer actually recognized my dancing from another wedding back in February....so that could go either way I guess haha. Clearly I think its good. Also joined in on a group of friends kickball team - Pitch Slapped. Amazing and totally ready for the next season. We may not have been the most talented but our team was definitely the most attractive (if I do say so myself). A couple romances flourished from that season. Good for you guys. Lookin' good!

July:
My most favorite holiday is encased in this month, so clearly it was my favorite month of the year. Made a lot of close, new friends and definitely would do this one again. I'd say I had the most fun this month if I had to choose.

August:
Family vaca in the OBX, jumped on the "50 Shades of Grey" bandwagon, the Summer Olympics and my love of Ryan Lochte began and somewhat ended, and I treated myself to a few massages. I also was reminded of how suddenly it can all disappear, with the accident involving some dear friends. Luckily, I am reminded every day how blessed I am to have the friends I have, but you just never know. Keep up the good work Nick! And please keep your thoughts and prayers focused on our friend Jeff Fisher, too.

September:
FOOTBALL!!! My introduction to a good Arnold Palmer, and my developed fear of a Port-o-potty on gameday, as well as my fear of weirdos in malls. This was the month I had a man across from me in the food court take a picture of me with his iPhone while I was eating a breadstick shaped like, well you get the point.

October:
Another month I'd do again, and do the same. Great month. I turned 26. More football, Fall for Greenville, Halloween, I got an iPhone5 and a group of 16 of us went to Gatlinburg, Tennessee for the weekend and rented out a big house. I think my Snooki costume is finally retired folks. Lets hope next year the real one is retired, as well.

November:
I can't even sugar coat it. November was the armpit of my year. Terrible. A nice summary would be to read - Hell Week. In a nutshell homegirl here found out I had carbon monoxide poisoning, needed a new heating system, my water heater exploded from the bottom, and the electrical breaker needed to be replaced. Basically I had someone in my house all month doing repairs, with the exception of Thanksgiving, which was spent 9 hours away from family. There's always next year I guess.

December:
Lessons learned and another one under the belt. Lots of Christmas parties, a pub crawl dominated, a continued tennis hobby, and looking forward to new things in 2013.



The 4 Hennessey Kids.....Whitney, Lindsay, Me, and Billy
What I believe to be the 2013 holiday photo, a better attempt at the "fresh-out-of-the-ocean" look.
We all deserve a second chance.



This Is What Jolly Looks Like



The pub crawl was a success. Naturally I got just a little carried away, and a little too into the spirit of the party, but all for a good cause - Meals on Wheels. I woke up the next morning, worked off what I could from the night before, grabbed some lunch with a friend to discuss the nights happenings, then sat my butt on the couch to be utterly disappointed by my lover from afar, John Harbaugh. Him and the boys (the Ravens) let me down in the battle of the beltway against the Redskins. Being from Maryland, this is like the USC vs Clemson discussion down here in South Carolina.....and to a field goal....in overtime (losing 31-28). One day later and Cam Cameron gets the boot.  But enough about football, back to the holiday spirit. This weekend is an off weekend for 'theme' parties, if you will, but is sure to still be a good time. Lots of people coming into town for some weddings, some college friends finishing grad school classes and returning home (to Greenville that is), and well it is after all another weekend. Still time to choose to be naughty or nice for Santa! The weekend after that, some friends are throwing a party (another annual fiesta) at our friend Davids house. Davids parties never disappoint. This year, the money raised in donations are all going to Nick Collins, so I'm sticking around and not heading back to VA until Sunday. They'll have 3 live bands, and are just asking for a $20 donation which will cover food, drinks, and entertainment for the night. Pretty sweet deal. Throw in another festive outfit, and I'll be ready to go! Speaking of which....ladies, how do we feel about these new trendy leather leggings out there, yay or nay? I'm feeling frisky.

The boys throwing the party....they love to get creative with their invites.

And speaking of Christmas, I can't wait to see this ham in just a few weeks. My niece Sawyer is such a riot. This is some of the most aggressive eating I have ever seen (esp. around the 45 second mark). I can't wait to see her in person. So funny....wait a couple seconds and enjoy!

Olive

Christmas came early this year. Our dear sweet, yet rambunctious, Olive decided that her dog food just wasn't enough and that even the smell of trash wasn't exciting at the moment. Yesterday she devoured a sewing needle, fully involved with thread and all. Luckily my mother saw her gagging, otherwise our precious Olive could have been much worse. She was rushed to the Emergency Vet Hospital who are luckily opened on Sundays and have the highly skilled vets trained to remove such items as sewing needles. I guess these things are appetizing to more than just our Olive. The needle and thread made it all the way to her stomach. Billy and my mother were able to see it in the x-ray, which is pretty neat I guess, and about $1,000 later were able to take it home. Olive, was able to come home a little later. I guess we know now nothing is safe...but as I told my mom, I'd rather have Olive alive on Christmas than what that money was going to buy in presents. Thank goodness we caught her in action! Oliveyou, well her, I love her.

Naughty or Nice?

The holiday season is upon on us and its time to reflect, have you been naughty or nice? Can't decide? Well, its Friday, so you can always use the weekend to make your choice.

Every year in Greenville there is an Annual Santa Pub Crawl, this years being the 6th year, that hits the bars of downtown. This Saturday is the lucky night and you have a chance to be both. The event always benefits a local charity so you have a chance to give and receive. This year you donate $20 to Meals on Wheels (which represents 4 hot meals for someone in need), and in return receive great holiday specials at our local favorites:

5:30 - 7:00 Liberty Tap Room - Happy Hour Prices
7:00 - 8:30 Mac's Speedshop - $2 Bud/Bud Lt bottles, $4 LIT's
8:30 - 10:00 On The Roxx - $2 Bud Lt bottles, $3 House Vodka
10:00 - 11:00 Chicora Alley - $2 Domestic bottles, $3 House Vodka
11:00 - Until Ford's - No cover and skip the line to get in

Dressing up in some sort of Christmas themed costume is always encouraged and I like to think required. Normally I try to go the creative route, or just end up wearing lots of red and green, but this year I will be sporting more of a sassy Mrs. Claus look. Think the movie 'Mean Girls'  - Christmas talent show dance scene - but with sleeves....it is cold out after all. Like I said, very sassy. I'm sure I'll think I'm something else after those $4 LIIT's. Takes me back to Spring Break in Key West - - if you can make it there, go to Rick's - - they know how to make 'em.

On another note, this past week my friend Jill and I went to our old stompin grounds in Clemson and met Wiz Khalifa. On the way there I was on the phone with a work friend making sure some stuff was taken care of when we were told to forgo our seats when we got there, find him, and he'd give us some VIP passes to give us run of the place (very nice considering we had never met face-to-face as he works out of L.A). We didn't really need it, as we were happy as clams to be back in Clemson in the first place, but what the hell, right ;)

So we get down to the floor and Juicy J, previously known from Three 6 Mafia and one of the opening acts, invites some ladies to join him up on stage......I pause for maybe a few brief, brief moments, look at Jill and ask her politely to hold my drink. Of course she knew my plan, so she obliged. It wasn't but moments later that I was on stage with about 25 other brave/stupid souls shakin' our rumps. My derriere has been known to be jokingly 'an extension of my lower back', as in I have little to nothing back there. Like, at all. I'm working on it. Back at Bootcamp and all. God just chose to bless me in other areas. Anyway, what I thought was going to be one song on stage, turned in to 4. Jill and I had a great time. We hung out everywhere and had a blast - - backstage, the sound board, the floor. We were shown an awesome time thanks to two very nice record reps! Fun show; catch it if you can.

Ready for the weekend.....which to be, naughty or nice?

To the face!!

You win some and you lose some, and recently I've been losing. Coming pretty close...but you know what 'they say'....coming close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. Or maybe that's just my mother. Anyway, I may be laying off the bets for a while. The only thing missing here was a slight play of Queen's "We are the Champions" in the background. With the help of our dear friend Jill behind the camera, we were able to catch this moment on video. If you are anything like the three of us, one look won't be enough. Perhaps this will be of some assistance. I know this is what you really want. I aim to please. Gatorade to the face....this ones for you Will. Congrats on the big win.

#GatoradeChallenge
(series of events)

p.s. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BROTHER BILLY!
He would have loved to see this in person.

Getting weird/crazy at Lindsay's wedding



Password

Jeff Lewis Neal, Nine, Fatboy, Matt, and Paige

Working at a radio station, you get the occasional delight of being used for a commercial or used for an on-air game. This past week I was a guest on 93.3 The Rise Guy's Morning Show for a game they like to call "Assword"....much like the old fashioned game show networks, Password. Each contestant gives a list of clues to their teammate to describe a word, however you can't use the word you are trying to describe. Simple enough. Then we are basically playing for a listener to win a pair of tickets. The last time I played, I paired  up with Paige and we killed it. This time not so much. Listen for yourself.

http://media.newrock933.com/a/67104748/trg-11-27-12-hour-four.htm

Click the above link, and the clip should start playing. We are only the first 5-10 minutes.

Breean, Paige, and I in the studio

Fisher and Collins

FISHSTRONG: The absence of fear in the face of insurmountable odds.

Click here to read - SWANSBORO RESIDENT RECEIVES SURPRISE GRADUATION CEREMONY - a great article about Jeff and his much deserved day.

If you read my blog regularly you know that Jeff Fisher (the pictured graduate) is a fraternity pledge brother of my brothers (pictured far left) that is currently battling a reoccurring brain tumor. Read the above article to get a better idea of Jeff's unbelievable story and to hear about the great weekend surprise he got over Thanksgiving. For those that don't know, Jeff has been on the fight of his life the past 2+ years with cancer and just 3 weeks ago was diagnosed yet again. I've never seen someone with such a positive outlook and such a strength to kick somethings ass like Jeff. It's amazing. Starting yesterday Jeff will receive 5 radiation treatments, along with 26 rounds of chemo through an IV, everyday, every 2 weeks at Duke, for 2 months. This kind of stuff weakens the immune system  so his visitors will be limited. Jeff has beat his brain tumor time and time again, and it's been with strong support from himself, friends, and family. You never know when you ask for someone to "Say a prayer" what they go and do next, but in this case, I ask again.....and follow that with a HUGE

THANK YOU!!!!

Look at our Nick Collins!! Check him out!

Back on August 10th I was asking you to cross your fingers, say a prayer, wear your pajamas backwards, whatever it took. We needed a miracle, and we got one. Time and time again.

http://hennesseyhits.blogspot.com/2012/08/nick-collins-miracle.html

Then, at the beginning of October Nick's story touched a whole bigger family, the Clemson family, and who knows just how many people have had him under their wing.

http://hennesseyhits.blogspot.com/2012/10/clemson-nick-collins.html

Nick's Dad posted a new Caring Bridge post today and it seems that his recovery is moving right along. No more infection, 1 more surgery, some recovery, and then off to rehab! Nick is ridiculous. I love it!!  http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/nickcollins

I couldn't be more impressed with these two guys. Keep the thoughts and prayers coming.

And of course, if some Angel from heaven is reading this and thinking about how much they hate how much just even 1 co-pay and prescription can cost, then starts to add up in their head what the Collins and Fisher families are enduring, please feel free to contact me to help in any way you may be able.

Happy Holidays!!



Thankful to be a Level 3?

Happy Thanksgiving loyal readers, or people who accidentally stumbled upon this site. Thanks for stopping by. Today, for only the second time in my life, I am without a giant group of loud family members around for the holiday. I'm spending my day in Greenville. I am one of 4 children (me being the 3rd) and as we have gotten older my 2 older siblings have started their own families. Whitney and John rotate heading to Ohio to see his family with Thanksgiving and Christmas, as do Lindsay and Dan with going to New Jersey. This year was the "off" year for Thanksgiving. Billy's friend, Jeff, that I spoke about in my posting Hell Week had another tough week himself, so now even my brother is off traveling and isn't around for the holiday (and for great reason). The Hennessey crew is all over the place, thus my stay in G-ville. Well that, terrible gas prices, and a pretty amazing football game on Saturday that I just so happened to have scored a free pair of tickets too - - Clemson vs University of South Carolina. Go Tigers! I can't even express to you how ready I am for the day to be here. But first on to more pressing matters.

Today people will stuff their faces, fill their bellies, hopefully tell family and friends how much they mean to each other, because, after all, that's what I believe this day is really all about.  Then tomorrow - well - tomorrow, or shall I say tonight, thousands of "tradition-ers", penny-pincher's, shoppers, bargain hunters, a few regular people, and plenty of idiots will stampede the Targets, Best Buys, Wal-Marts, Old Navy's, and Malls of the world looking for the best deals they can find. We call this day Black Friday. Perhaps because of the shadow that is cast upon us with the mobs of people, or maybe its just the fact that we're shopping at 2 am for a $5 turtleneck. Who knows. I say "We" because I have been one of these "Idiots" about 3 times and might go for lucky 4 this week. But as I told my friend Melissa yesterday, I would classify myself as a Level 3 BFS - that's code for Black Friday Shopper. Here's the break down as I've seen it:

Level 1-2               
These people forgot it was Black Friday, super confused at first (and kind of pissed) that there's so much traffic and that parking is a nightmare, but really excited about the deals. However, at 11am, not excited that they don't where a size 16 and that's all that's left of everything. Amateurs. Next year, will either up their Level of BFS (like me) or just not participate.

Level 3-4
The 8-10am-ers. These are the somewhat reasonable people. They aren't camping in tents, however, may have had their eye on something and are looking to save some money. If the item is there great, but they aren't waiting in that 2 hour line to save $20 either.

Level 5-6
The "It's tradition" women. Ladies, you know who you are. I know you. I'm friends with you. It's ok. You can't wait to get up at 5 am and get that Panini press for $4.99 at Marshalls, or was it Kohls? We've talked about it so many times, I get confused. And the $2 Toaster at Walmart....girl, you can do it. In fact, I need one. Get 2 if there's no limit. These are the women that see a deal and NEED to save. But I ask, is it saving? And without a doubt they say YES! These "Tradition-ers" get alllll their Christmas shopping done in one day, so you better watch out. They are on a mission, and the mission is savings. Especially if it's a vest for $10 at Old Navy. Get one for everyone......I'd call that an inVESTment. Wouldn't you?

Level 7-8
The turds who ruin Thanksgiving for the dear souls who have to leave their families and go work their retails jobs so this Level 8 BFS can buy an updated version of the 1998 Used-to-be-Cool Battery Operated Keyboard for $19.99 just because its on sale. These people camp out in tents. Not because they want that new Samsung flat screen, but because they saw others do it on the news last year and they hope NBC makes another run around this year and they get their 5 minutes, too. These shoppers fill their carts with everything they can get their hands on and they bring friends. They are starting the Black Thursday trend and they LOVE it. The earlier the better. You can normally identify one of these shoppers by their "uniform". Just look at the sneaks.

I'm a terrible person, but I'm willing to bet during this time frame these people aren't the nicest either, so it's almost a trade off.

Level 9-10
Literally, just hours after we are discussing what we are thankful for and this....these people are up there. There are no words.

Me and CeeLo

In my current career I can't deny that I've had the privilege of meeting some pretty cool celebrities. Sitting at a friends house recently with NBC's The Voice on in the background, I suddenly realized something. I want to meet CeeLo Green. I've never had such an urge before. This man would love me. I have no doubt, and I began to explain to my friend why. Mostly joking reasons of course, but every good joke has some truth behind it. Follow me and try and forgive my over confidence, but after discussing with my other super confident showbiz friend, we really found some similarities. Now, if you've ever watched the show, he gives off a little bit of a 'pervie' vibe, but I do think its in a charming way, if that possible - and for him it totally is. CeeLo has the ability to make creepy, totally ok (no people, that's not one of our similarities, keep reading). I'm just saying, good for him. Just look at this class act! Who wouldn't want to be friends with him? I can hear that raspy, yet smooth, laughable tone, sayin' "Wahcha name darlin'?". With just one response of my own somewhat raspy voice, that I've been told on a few occasions sounds like Emma Stone, I'd say, "Lacey Hennessey" (with a big 'ol smile added in of course). Let's be honest, just with the name Hennessey, I don't think he'd forget me. You follow me? Similarity numero uno. Good names. Soul sista and brotha ;)

We both have big hair....and its full of secrets. Sitting next to Christina Aguilera for an entire season while wearing a leotard I'm sure he's bound to hear or see a few thing that are meant to be kept to themselves, and mine, well my luscious locks just can't be contained. Literally, sometimes I think each strand has a mind of its own. Its everywhere. He'll love it.

#3. What can I say? We just love animals. Now I'm more of a dog lover myself, where as CeeLo tends to frequent cats and dress in bird like costumes. But opposites do attract, thus again, making us best friends in what we in 'the biz' like to call 'the biz'. I too like colorful outfits and big sunglasses, so, I have that goin for me, which is nice (Caddyshack reference, he too will understand).

Last, but certainly not least (I could go on forever but he is a man of little words), CeeLo recently showed his patriotism by wearing one of the most interesting, yet beautifully, glorious garments I've seen in while. Just one more thing we have in common  - -that great American pride of wearing our red, white, and blue. See for yourself. Nicely done future B.F.F. Good Work. Just as random as this post.

Hell Week

"Hell Week". Most commonly known as the inaugural week among some fraternities in which the new members (pledges) are rigorously abused and tortured as an endurance test. If the pledges make it through Hell Week, then they can become full-fledged fraternity members -- thank you Urban Dictionary.com. For example this may, or may not happen during Homecoming Week, which coincidentally was this week at Clemson. We played Maryland, killed them, and it was amazing. This is not the "type" of Hell Week that I had, however, I did feel like it was a test of endurance, patience, and honestly a reminder that we are only given as much as we can handle (supposedly). Mine was much more of a "real world" experience, and no - not 7 strangers picked to live in a house and have their lives taped, even though once upon a time in my life that was a very close possibility....almost too close. We'll save that MTV story for another day.  Hell Week started on Monday (well kind of). I got a text from my landlord on Sunday afternoon saying that she was coming by on Monday with the gas guy to check out my heater since the winter months were upon us. Great, a proactive approach. I love it. I told her to please let herself in, and let him check it out. Monday roles around, and come 4ish I get a call from her letting me know that the old as the hills heater in my 1940's apartment needs to be, and has been, immediately shut down. And oh yea, there appears to be a crack in it, and you have a carbon monoxide leak. UMMMMMM...excuse me? Isn't that what you hear about on Dateline NBC of families going to sleep and just not waking up? Great...lets rewind here.

Old Stinky

For the past 2-3 weeks I had turned the heat on occasionally when it got chilly (super. Just soakin it in). I hadn't smelled anything, as I guess with a CO2 leak I wouldn't, and as you might know, I've had a weird medical history anyway (click here to refresh your memory), so what I'm about to share seemed like just another hurdle, but now as confirmed by both of my doctors, girlfriend here was cutting it pretty close. The week before Halloween I got an absurd amount of migraines. I'm talking knock me to the floor, sick to my stomach type of pain, and they came out of no where. Because they are so random I try to stick em out and take the meds I have been prescribed to help. One night in particular I went to a friends to get some lessons on my new iPhone 5 (upgraded from a Blackberry what whatttt!). I noted to him that my eye was doing the 'weird blinding thing', I felt my fingers tingling, and told him that I was probably about to get a migraine. I took some Tylenol he had and we carried on. A few minutes later nothing I was saying was making sense. My entire sense of speech was gone. It was so bizarre. I knew what I wanted to say, but just couldn't say it. Like I could talk but it was jumbled. It's hard to explain, but trust me when I say its incredibly frustrating and makes you panic when you realize its happening. He asked what I was trying to say a few times, then I just gave up and patiently we just sat there until I headed home and hopped straight in bed. I called the doctor ASAP the next morning and you would have thought by how fast they got me in there that half my face was drooping off. They completely changed up the approach to my migraines medicine wise. This happened again the Sunday I got back from the mountains, and again baffled my doctors. Once finding out about the leak, I called them back and sure enough, it wasn't but a few minutes to get a response back to hear that I was extremely lucky that I caught this when I did, and should be thankful that I got out and "got some fresh air" at my friends' houses those nights, as well as been working away from home. We'll never know how long it had been leaking or what could have been, but I'm considering myself one lucky lady.

 Tuesday they came to measure for the unit. Wednesday was installation day, which turned into all day Thursday, too. You see I have plenty of luck, but its not always the good kind. The space for the new unit was too small and every piece seemed to have the need to be custom built. There was black dust everywhere. Really wonderful. I got out Wednesday night and saw the new 007 movie. Bad ass, go see it.  When I got out I had 4 missed calls from people in my building all informing me that the men who worked on my heat turned off EVERYONE's. Thus making me probably the most hated tenant in building 4 on the 35 degree November night. I tired calling everyone back but of course it was too late. Throw on some bad family friend news about a brain tumor, and you've got one hell of a hump day.


Thursday - the brightest light of the week. No joke. Seriously the best day of my week. I got more done in the morning at work then I bet most had a in a week and that night I was going to see The Who at the BILO Center with a great group of people. It was highly anticipated. The heater was finally done. It worked. Everyone's gas was turned back on. This is like when the fraternity pledge finally learns that he may actually get to not only go the football game, but not have to drive, and actually get to drink a beer before, during, and after the game, possibly take a nap, and never see another float pomp again. I was ecstatic. Friday was almost just as great. I learned that an electrical issue was also getting fixed, and it had been. My mom was coming to town, she made me long awaited/desired curtains for my bedroom, and my house was getting back to normal.

 Spoke too soon. We went to the Clemson game, came back, I went out for a few more beers at a local bar with some friends down the street, and then came back and snuggled in with my mom. What seemed to be a blink or 2 later (around 3am) I get awoken by a phone call from the neighbor below me. "Lacey, its Adam, I just got up to get a glass of water and there is water pouring into my ceiling". FML. My water heater, this time electric, burst. I had to call a plumber - - or shall I say 20+ and finally one amazing soul named Steven answered. He came out and shut off the water so dear Adam didn't have his own personal waterfall in the kitchen. By the time the Panthers lost, the Ravens won, and my neighbors were over me completely, I had a brand new set of utilities.
When it rains, it certainly pours. In my case this past week, literally. I'd like to think the next week will be easier than the last. It can always be worse. Cross your fingers for me that the CO2 issue is truly what caused the "episodes" of the flare ups recently; I have a follow up this week. And say a prayer for our friend Jeff Fisher.  Jeff found out that his brain tumor is back, and once again declared stage 4. He is unbelievable, and has defied the odds time and time again. In his own words..."I have been dangling from a string at the end of my rope for two years. It is not the time to fall. It is the time to create more rope." Lets get Jeff more rope.



Jeff, my brother Billy, and his friend James, and Stephen



Happy Halloween from the mountains

It's that time of year again and this year to celebrate the Halloween holiday, 16 of us went up to the mountains for a weekend away. The array of costumes were everything from Seinfeld characters to Santa Clause. My personal favorites were our friends Barton and Lindsey as Forrest Gump and Jenny. See for yourself.

People were really into character...The weekend was hilarious. It's nice to be sitting around on the couch doing nothing this afternoon, however, going from constantly being around great friends laughing 24-7 to sitting in your 1 bedroom home can seem suddenly really quiet. I need bodies, and another day to "recover". Somehow though, watching this video makes it all the better. Barton, like Forrest, just felt like running. Here's the rest of the crazy group...Cousin Eddie, Kramer and Elaine, Matadors, Lance Armstrong, a hot dog, Snooki, Santa, Ron Burgundy and Veronica Corningstone, Kat Von D, Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson...

p.s. Thanks to my new iPhone5, I am now on Instagram....find me at Lhennessey2

6 Months & Dry Feet

Today marks the 6 month anniversary of the possible death of my favorite homeless man, "Soggy Shoes".....never did get his name. For the full, ridiculous story of his passing, click here. To learn about how I even became "friends" with this man in our one time encounter, click here. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't hope I see that man standing on his territory again on the overpass on Woodruff Road, or even another one down the block. I've seen new wanderers on each of his old corners, but none even close to the aging process that poor old Soggy Shoes was beginning to see. I really do think he's gone.....or maybe he just hasn't made it back over to this side of town since being taken to the hospital? Until then...

....Rest in Peace "Soggy Shoes".

I made People.com?

Last year I was Snooki for Halloween, as seen here. It was a blast, and for once I had a Halloween costume that was relevant. This year I will be in the great mountains of Gatlinburg, TN with some friends, which means I will probably sport the same idea.....only maybe adding a guido baby. I'm frugal, so if I can save a buck and re-wear this gem, it's a win-win. Everyone in my office knows just how much I enjoyed my costume, and being in a laid back, fun, entertaining place of work, the costume has come in handy more than once. Being that we have a top 40 radio station and the Jersey Shore makes for good pop culture comedy, I've broken it out on a few occasions.

As I was sitting at my computer this morning, I got a message from my friend Alan, who said his girlfriend Jenna found me on People Magazine. A while back People.com had a thing up about Halloween costumes. One thing led to another at the office and well, I guess they thought the same thing about my costume. I became 1 of 35 pictures to make it onto the site. Seen in the photo is @DJDramaJ, who I met that night who happened to be Pauly D. This is too much, but oh so real. Click the link for mine and others....

http://www.people.com/people/package/gallery/0,,20058392_20635695_21225775,00.html

Day 74 for Nick

I woke up to the most amazing news this morning, and wanted to share! Some of you who read my blog (Thanks for reading by the way) have asked me about Nick and how his family is doing. For that I am so grateful. If you follow his CaringBridge like I do, you had a huge smile on your face this morning learning that Nick, besides being the miracle that he is, is now able to get a prosthetic leg (something we were told earlier there might not be room for). He is doing incredible! Below is the most recent post from his sister, Courtney. If you would like to support Nick Collins and his family, please visit his site www.nacwins.com. It's got everything you need to know. Thanks again for thinking and praying for Nicks recovery!!

Day 74

Written Oct 15, 2012 9:39am by Courtney Collins Oberly

Nicholas continues to make great improvements. The surgery went really well last week and despite being in tremendous pain immediately after, Nicholas is making a great recovery. His pain is under control and he's sleeping great. The surgeons were able to use the muscle and it looks like there is enough room for a prosthetic, so we are thrilled and thankful that Nicholas will be able to be mobile after all his recovery!

He also had his neck brace removed and there is no need for neck surgery. He's going through physical therapy and is getting stronger each day. We are so thankful.

We are also thankful to everyone who planned and attended the fundraiser at Liberty yesterday, we are humbled with each fundraiser and donation that people give to our family, it means so much. The next fundraiser is a cut-a-thon on October 24th, details are at http://www.nacwins.com/.

And as always thanks for the guestbook messages, texts, emails, cards, etc. Nicholas is able to read them all now and is so uplifted by all the support yall are giving him. It means so much to him and to us.

Love to you all,
The Collins Family

"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
Philippians 1:3-6

Really Stupid Answers

I love game shows (and Steve Harvey, but that's for another day). I would love to be on one. I think I would do well at most, perhaps Wheel of Fortune, Price is Right, definitely not Jeopardy, Double Dare (definitely Double Dare, and yes I'd take the physical challenge), Legends of the Hidden Temple from back in the day, and would even like to be on Family Feud. My family is hilarious and I think putting our minds together we would do well. If nothing else, we would make for an excellent YouTube video down the road. Have you ever watched some of these families? Hilarious. Some of them blow my mind with the answers they provide. For example, "Name a country other than the United States that you admire"... listen to the encouragement from the rest of the family, and then what Donald decides to go with...

You can't just watch one of these, so here is a montage I found of epically bad answers. I got a kick out of this. Do yourself a favor when you're bored, and YouTube Family Feud stupid answers. You'll be busy for, well, lots of minutes.

Kirk Fogg and Olmec

P.S. For you children of the 90's.....did anyone else get so irritated when those idiot kids couldn't put the silver monkey together on Legends of the Hidden Temple? They got so close, and then just couldn't deliver. What I'd give to have that opportunity for the Grand Prize.......to go to camp. Or to at least meet Host Kirk Fogg and the infamous Olmec. #NickelodeonPipeDreams

Wonder what they're up to these days. Olmec would be a major hit in a man cave of someone in my generation. Just sayin....BIG. PIMPIN.

Fall for Greenville

One of my favorite weekends in Greenville is here. Over 38 food vendors, beer and wine gardens, carnival rides, and stages with live music line the streets of Main Street in downtown for an entire weekend. This Friday thru Sunday you can find me enjoying the fall weather that has finally arrived, while indulging in adult beverages with hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city. With over 55 musical acts performing on multiple stages, bartender mix offs, eating contests, and street performers, there is plenty for everyone. Not to mention the people watching is quite entertaining. All walks of life come out of the wood work for Fall for Greenville. Get a couple beers in you and you don't need much more to be entertained. So with everything else going on around you, you won't be disappointed. It's a totally free event, but then of course you pay for tickets to get food and drinks. I get lucky every year by knowing some good people, in great places, who know I like to entertain myself, along with some friends, and get bonused with some drink tickets. This year is no different. FFG kicks off Friday at 5 pm and runs perfectly into the dance party hours of 11 pm, most likely at one of our favorite bars. Saturday the streets open back up at 11 am and stay open till 9 pm, finishing with Sunday from Noon to 7 for the perfect hangover mid afternoon lunch. In college I did an internship with the folks that put on this glorious event, so not only do I get to enjoy it, but I get how it all works. Lots and lots of time, effort, and volunteers go into putting on this show, so why not come out and support this annual Greenville tradition. I know plenty of great stories about my friends that start with, "last year at Fall for Greenville...", myself included. Never a let down, and normally shambletown. I can't wait!

Season Highlights



Coley and I love the Biebs



I did it. I caught the bouquet. For the first time, my midget height mixed with front row excitement, and I did it. It was mine. The odds were most likely in my favor since I've been to several weddings and never came remotely close. There seems to be such significance to catching the bouquet, too- something like, you are next in line to get married? Or something like that. Now of course, looking back I felt bad taking that experience away from the girls around me or who all have serious boyfriends, or well....a boyfriend at all, but at this wedding, Carolyn the bride, pretty much threw it right towards me. You can probably tell by my facial expression, that even I was shocked! Nay, thrilled! Especially if you saw the photo shoot Andrew and I (my friend who caught the garter) took on the dance floor. We thought we were on "So You Think You can Dance", or some other reality show battling it out. How embarrassing.....or not. We killed it...right. I am sure this was the first and last catch of the "season", wedding season that is. I have one more wedding on the fridge for this year and it's approaching quickly. My dear friends Coley and Evan. On October 20th they will tie the knot and will formally be known as Mr. and Mrs. Gault. Looking forward to next years weddings already, too! Nothing makes me happier than fun friends celebrating together. Especially when there is music and dancing involved. Which apparently when joined together leads me to stick out in a crowd. My friends Lauren and Meredith had the same photographer and as I'm dancing at Mers wedding, Lauren informed me that the photographer came up to her and said, "Is that the same girl from your wedding?". I guess I'm a real entertainer. I asked Lauren if I needed to tone it down a notch, and she said no. And I believe her. I guess when this body hears music, I just can't be tamed (Don't worry people my moves are conservative). Can't wait for nuptials and receptions to follow! Here's what I missed from this years.... Meredith & Andrew, Taylor & David, and Allison & Frankie's. What. A blast!