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