Bill

Bill Hennessey.... That name represents my living brother and father, along with my grandfather who recently passed this June. They are all William James Hennessey's and all different roles in my life and that of others. My "Grampa" was WJH, Jr., and it didn't take long for my slurred pronunciation of Grandpa,  to forever become Grampa.  Yesterday, however, he was referred to as Major William James Hennessey, Jr., a respected military man with many accomplishments, most of which involved being a superb helicopter pilot. Well into retirement people would still seek him out to fly and the very worn helmet on display proved just that. Lots of miles on those headphones, too.

In June of this year, my grandmother who I simply call "Suzanne" started the planning of what became a beautiful day to celebrate him,  despite the heavy rain. Allow me to digress for a moment. By blood, Suzanne is not my grandmother, but has been with my grandfather for over 30 years. My dad's mother, Ilse, sadly passed away in the 70's. Apparently Bill Hennessey, Jr. had a thing for beautiful women because Ilse was a looker, just like Suzanne. Over the past several months (and years) I have admired Suzanne for several reasons. She is always fun, she is always interested in what's happening with her grandchildren, and she is one of the strongest people I know. 

Ilse

In my grandfathers later years he struggled with dementia. His ability to tell military stories became a little more...interesting... as it started effecting his every day life. As you can imagine it also effected Suzanne's. When speaking with her, she always was able to share her days with laughter and in turn, kept a positive outlook on her relationship with my grandfather. She is truly amazing. Yesterday at Arlington National Cemetery was no different. 

Having a few months to grieve over the loss of my Grampa - a man that always had such a distinct scent of aftershave, a story about going hunting or fishing, and a laugh you would never forget - I thought the day would be somewhat easier with that extra time.

Me and Suzanne

First of all, the Hennessey side of my family includes quite the bunch. Get us together and we are loud, slightly inappropriate, have stories for days, and are incredibly funny. Yes, we think we are really funny. All of us. As a spectator you would find us amusing or obnoxious. Throw in Bill Hennessey, Jr.'s drink of choice - the martini - and you've got yourself a circus. I hadn't seen many of this side of the family in a while, so I didn't know what to expect, and honestly the ceremony hit me hard.  It was quite the day. Arlington was both peacefully beautiful and ruggedly eye opening. I miss him. I miss his stories. I am incredibly saddened by the ones I do not know. The military salute to his career was amazing. It was outstanding really - the level of precision along with the respect that was given to his name is really something. My mother had asked Suzanne if we were able to take pictures. Receiving such an honor, she decided to hire a photographer. As you know, I love pictures as memories. This time would be no different. Though quickly I realized I wanted to capture a few moments in a different way. I am so happy to have this.

Upon completion of the folding of the flag, Suzanne was presented it on behalf of the President of the United States. The words said to her in addition seemed standard and official, yet were so direct in thanks to his service, it gave me chills. I was so very thankful to be part of the service and so grateful for the armed military men who gave their day to honoring my grandfather. While traveling to the grave site, one of them even lost a shoe and continued traveling with the group in the pouring down rain. I understand that is expected, but again the amount of precision and excellence that was paid tribute was really cool to see.

We continued to celebrate his life at Bridges on the Kent Narrows, an area that I grew up in for 15+ years. I quickly found plenty of crab cakes, a glass of wine, and relatives with great stories to share. Hanging out with Carol, my mother, was icing on the cake. With my brother Billy, WJH the fourth, looking exactly like my grandfather, we found the time for several photo opps. He is such a ham.

Same with my sisters and the rest of the crowd. We are all so spread out over the east coast, the camera flashes were flying. It was a fast 24 hours in Maryland and Virginia, but truly a special day for everyone. Thank you for all the kind words and interest in my Grampa. He was a beast!

My siblings and Mom - Whitney, Billy, Carol, me, and Lindsay

Click HERE for the video link

Ready, Set, Wet

I really thought I was going to end up sitting this one out, but today my dear friend Kristen asked me to partake in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Never one to turn down a dare, a request, or a friend, I obliged. Once dressed in red, white, and blue, Kristen and I were the USA champs of beer Olympics held in the Outer Bank of NC. I thought it was only fitting to spread my American cheer yet again. I'm sure by now you've been "tagged" so to speak. And if not, when you do, have fun with it. Fun can be contagious, and I'd choose a good laugh over being "too cool" any day. Give back, donate, and support a good cause.

Ridiculous...but medal worthy. 

#ICEBUCKETCHALLENGE

Dammit Frank, Keep It Together

I went to Charleston, SC for the 4th of July. Well, rather Wednesday the 3rd, Thursday the 4th, Friday the 5th, and what should have been the night of the 6th. Homegirl here didn't make it to any activities on Saturday. I made the adult decision for my health, wallet, and probably overall dignity to scoot out of town and head back home early. I consider myself one of the lucky ones to have wonderful friends who offer places to stay, share cab rides home, and give support like this gentlemen to dear Frank. I say that because I went out with a bang on Friday. I was feeling good. And I thought I was looking good, whether I was or not - thanks to a few kind words from those around me. Sir bartender on the rooftop at Stars had quite the heavy hand and a handlebar mustache to make any grown man jealous. Throw in my favorite holiday and you've got yourself the perfect storm. Waking up to the beautiful face of my friend Charles in a house I was unfamiliar with was more than comforting, but rather confusing. Once I heard the voices of a few others I recognized, I knew - like Frank - I was good to go. But by go, I also mean it was time to go. Till next time Charleston. You were good to me, and I certainly was good to you. 

Once back in the motherland of Greenville, beating the majority of all holiday traffic, I did what any respectable 26 year old nursing a 3 day hangover would do - nothing. It was glorious. Movies on movies. Sunday, a little different. I got up and went golfing. Back to the driving range I went. This time alone. Call it luck, call it improvement, or please - natural talent, but damn if I didn't hit that ball straight and to the 157 yard marker. Trust me I texted a source immediately. Followed with "Is that good?", because of course I had no idea. I was just thrilled to get the ball in the air. Luckily no one was around so I had the chance to be a total tool and video myself for evidence.

Continuing on my path of athleticism, for this week at least, I went on the first of many runs with my marathoner-triathlete of a friend, Melissa. Like a gazelle that one. Never stops running. Impressive. I was fearful but 29 minutes and 3.2 miles later we returned home sweating like we stole something. Again, to hell with being modest. I haven't ran that far in a while. I'll give myself the ol' pat on the back. Especially because of this story. It's one of my favorites to tell. When I first moved to Greenville I dated this guy who was hilarious. We were always laughing and calling each other out on things. One day, when we were eating, because that is what we did best, we somehow brought up high school and I said I could just get up and run. What I was referring to were the glory days of lacrosse try outs and soccer practice - probably 25 lbs lighter and flat chested. Seriously. So he, knowing that, said 'how far do you think you can go?'. I said, 'I mean I could probably run like 3 miles'. He burst into laughter. He knew I was in terrible shape and I was. I had no idea what I was talking about or how far 3 miles was anymore. So he challenged me. He said 'Ok you think you can just get up and run 3 miles?' - 'Of course I can' - 'Ok great tomorrow we will go up to the Mauldin High School track'. My excuses started to flood out of me. Without fail the next day we went to the track. He took a book to read, had a stop watch for fun, and provided me music and headphones. If I were to succeed with my 12 laps, dinner anywhere in Greenville on him. If I failed, I paid and it was his choice. And with that I was off....4 laps around and I ran right past him and straight to the car. He yelled, 'Wait, where are you going!?!'. Both laughing hysterically, it was an epic fail, and I treated him to Subway. A nice healthy alternative. He owned a bulldog and he told me he knew I wasn't going to make it by my first lap. I asked why. He said I took off like a bat out of hell, then by the third lap I sounded like his dog coming down the home stretch. If only you could hear the impression. I was dying. Like the fat kid with asthma on the movie Little Giants. A few months later that flamed fizzled, but the motivational fire was lit. I killed my first 5K and continued to do more. It's amazing what humiliation can get you to do. Thanks Matt. 

Now on to train for something bigger. Some others are on board which to me means road trip! If I plan to run for the reason of running, I want something exciting at the end. Suggestions welcomed!

"Watch Your F'ing Head!"

Terrible Olympic Commentary....make sure you listen for the end.

Military Vets to Clemson Fans. Watch.

Coming soon to a Death Valley near you....Clemson, South Carolina

"From Fort Carson, Army Launches New Approach to Battle Stress"

Read the full article here - http://www.usatoday.com/news/military/story/2012-07-05/soldiers-PTSD-suicide-therapy-fort-carson/56042102/1

God Bless the USA and the soldiers over seas....and of course, Go Tigers!

3 Letters. The U, S, and A

Butterflies of excitement. That's what I feel. I frickin' love the 4th of July. I can't even contain it. I have a slight case of turrets today, with spontaneous bursts of "MURICA!" and/or "Ayahyahyahya USA!". Today I am obviously dressed in red, white, and blue and wearing a Statue of Liberty crown all day at the office. People at work would expect nothing less. Still debating if I should take it a little "red" tonight at a party I plan to attend. I obviously have the attire for that occasion (See #GBA), and never pass up an opportunity to rock a pair of jorts. The following video was sent to me and is slightly inappropriate. It's suitable for work (at least mine), but you may want to keep the volume to a minimum for harsh language (not much, but I wouldn't play it in or around a church). I thought it was funny anyway. If nothing else watch it for Dom's amazing shirt that is currently on sale at your local Walmart. I know, because my brother-in-law Dan was lucky enough to find this gem. Happy 4th of July people and God Bless the U.S of A!

USA! USA! USA!

30 days until the Olympics and if you're anything like me (A proud American) then you have been watching the Olympic Trials on NBC. They are amazing, and I have a confession. I tear up almost every time someone qualifies, and I have already begun to yell at the television during the swimming trials. I am sure they are tears of happiness, because sometimes chills come with them, but I think it's also a little bit of jealousy. You best believe that if I went to the Olympics as a competitor I, immidiately following the games, would get those Olympic rings tattood on my body. What an accomplishment. The Olympics, and really all things red, white, and blue excite me. Nothing makes me happier than a loud U-S-A chant started randomly in the middle of a bar (or grocery store....still waiting for that to happen - - here's hopeing 2012 could be my year). With the 4th of July right around the corner (my favorite holiday of them all, even before Christmas and Thanksgiving) I'm starting to think about plans. It's important to not build up the holiday like New Year's normally is. But this year I have my eyes set on Beer Olympics for my day off. Only the switch-up....you have to be America. Everyone. No excuses. If I don't see a bald eagle, or some stars and stripes I could be majorly dissapointed in my friends. I'll even settle for some NASCAR gear.....maybe. I love America though....and the Olympics. My family is no different. Theme parties seem to pop up randomly at our family beach vacations, and 2 years ago we decided one afternoon to meet back at the beach for family Olympics. It's amazing what you can find at a tourist shop like WINGS. I, of course, had my sights set on being USA. All agreed to it.

But what I am really excited about is London and watching the hotness of Ryan Lochte. Ladies (and gents I would even imagine), you know what I am talking about. This good looking, tan ab'd fella, is one swift swimmer and one reason to cheer on the grand 'ol flag and the U.S. of A. Beating Michael Phelps in recent trial events, I hope he brings home a gold

medal or two. Phelps has said this is his last set of Olympic games and I think going into them with already 14 career medals is a good start. I think Ryan should just get a medal on how striking his physique is. Just saying. Anybody else see a little Channing Tatum in him? Gorgeous. Another exciting event to watch (my opinion of course) is diving. 2 brothers were in the trials together recently, 1 made it, 1 didn't. Thousandths of a point seperated 1 from going to London and the other staying at home hoping for another chance in 4 years. See where the tears can come from? Amazing. I wouldn't say I'm "swimming" in the dough, but every year I donate $20 to the
US Olympic Committee. If you love America as much as I do, I would highly recommend you doing the same. They hook you up with USA paraphanalia, and you're helping them out. I recently received a bad ass USA Olympic ring jacket. Not pictured on the left - - that was a gem I found in WINGS. The jacket they sent me was navy blue, with a classy upper left chest embroidered logo of the Olympic rings with USA above it - both in white. I have also recieved a giant Team USA flag, and a car sticker in a smaller version, to name a few. Best donation I have ever made. Hit 'em up. Follow the games. And please, feel free to start a U-S-A chant whenever and wherever you can. Extra points for grocery stores.

102 Minutes

As my brother Billy recently commented on this video, "I don't care if you hate W. or are "against the wars", if this doesn't make you proud to be an American please do all us freedom loving Americans a favor and move to Canada"


I got chills when watching it for the first time. I recently wrote a nice, long of course, patriotic post for you guys about the upcoming anniversary of 9/11. When going to hit spellcheck I accidentally deleted it. Isn't that the worst feeling? I thought about writing it again right after, but you can't make the same greatness twice. That's like trying to re-create the same epic party twice; rarely can it be done. But I wanted to share a few things with you, so I thought I'd just touch on those again.


1. If you missed the History Channel special this past week on the capture and kill of Osama Bin Laden, do what you can to track down the 2 hour special. It was really cool and amazing to see what all went in to it. Especially the bad ass-ness of Seal Team 6 and the technology our military is working with.


2. Click here --> http://www.history.com/interactives/witness-to-911 . On Sunday, exactly 10 years later - to the minute - all A&E networks will be airing "102 Minutes That Changed America" starting at, I believe 8:43 a.m.


I've heard a lot of people say "ugh, I can't watch that stuff" and "I don't know why they keep making specials about it" - - it's because its history and a mass group of people lost their lives and loved ones. It's not going away, and especially this year, the 10th Anniversary, there will be something on every channel about it. I personally am interested in watching the documentary, particularly this special because it is almost entirely made of average Americans video footage, phone calls, and voicemails from the day of the attacks. For some people it's their final words ever heard. It's horrible yes, but again it's history. If you know me well, you are probably thinking Lacey doesn't know crap about history and you're right. But I was around for this one, remember? and maybe that has something to do with it. I have also had friends overseas fighting the war, so it hits home for me.


  

Have a great weekend. Be safe, GO TIGERS, and God Bless America!

America. Love it or leave it.



GBA. I shouldn't have to tell you, but just in case, that stands for God Bless America. It's a well mentioned phrase among my friends, as well as during any and all family functions. There's no better combination of colors than the glorious red, white, and blue. I love America. So does this lady. I bet Alex and the casting directors for Jeopardy didn't even make her take the test. You can just look at her and know....what...a bad ass.

I happened to miss this episode, but by friend Kristen - who also loves all things America - sent me this glorious picture text. She knows my passion for the stars and stripes because we were team USA during Hennessey Family beach week. As you can see we got a little carried away....or maybe it was just enough.

My brother Billy has even more pride than I do. I own a good bit of American flag apparel but no one reps it like Billy. The kid rocks this shirt like its his favorite pair of jeans. The day Osama Bin Laden was announced dead he rode around our town in Virginia blaring Lee Greenwood's, "God Bless the USA" wearing this classic. That's him at an Orioles game.

One of the radio stations I work for is a News Talk station under the call letters WORD. We had received a shipment of American Flag car flags (you know like the collegiate kind you see during football season) being we focus a lot on politics. I had sent him a few of those along with a magnet and was told he was waving them proudly that day. I'm sure he was a real site. No where to go but a tank of gas later he had received what he had said was, "the most glorious looks" and of course "so many honks". I'm sure he through them the 'go get em' fist pump right back.

We are already starting to train baby Beans the way of the Hennessey clan. America - love it or leave it.

I think she's catching on quite nicely.