Lets go to Mugsy's!!!

Well first of all...I want to say happy 4-0..and i was 4-0 on sept.29th along with Rob Miller..but I did not have a suprise birthday and all the things that Jana did for you....You have a special gal there and you deserve it..I remembering you calling me years ago ( around 2003) and you were really pissed about the  shitty things that have been done to you and I tried to make you feel better as best as I could....and then you tried to be the good guy that you are and gave love a second chance and then it failed....But that shit was such bad odds and may I tell you how bad I felt.?..I remember you helping me out with these things at JCU and I clearly remember how you told me to move on...well you made a great move...on....isnt it crazy how life treats us?   Mike, I clearly think you were all out for helping me and all of us in great ways.as a friend and as someone who I could laugh with and we could make fun of each other...I can bring up all the fun incidents we went through and all the memories..but we know all that...I think the best for you and miss you..Happy Times.....Lew

Jana said "toast and roast", not just "Roast"

Man, after reading through the blog posts, I come away with two thoughts.  1) I am a lucky guy to have such great friends and family and 2) I have a long history of drinking.  Does every story have to involve a bar?  I suppose I earned the reputation.  Of course, I have found that is where the fun is, and I like to have a good time after all.  As we say in one my adopted hometown(s) of New Orleans, Let the Good Times Roll!

I will get to my reverse roast in a minute, but my buddy Chad made a statement that I can roll into any part of the country and fit right in.  I have always thought that every place is what you make of it, and I have had a lot of fun in the 7 states I have lived in.  That is more due to the people I have come across than anything I did.  Buffalo is home and always will be home to me, it made me who I am and I am lucky to have grown up there.  Our sports teams usually suck, it's cold, nasty, gray, down trodden, economically backwards, and all in all a tough place to live.  Despite this, we all love it and wouldn't change a thing (although a Stanley Cup or Superbowl win would be pretty sweet).  Ohio, brought me the JCU boys and the memories of college.  These guys are my friends for life and are the source of endless stories and belly laughs.  Florida represents the glory days of Jacksonville Rugby and our magical season of 1995.  I am sort of glad that these guys didn't chime in since it may have made this a little less family friendly.  Alabama...who would have thought I would have such a great group there?  My friends from Michelin rank up there with the JCU crew for the same reasons, endless stories.  Louisiana, my 2nd favorite place in the world after Buffalo for the city of New Orleans and how my life changed in those 18 months.  Minnesota...Awesome group of friends, road trips to the Dakotas, hockey, and a whole different lifestyle than anything I have ever experienced.  Finally, Massachusetts represents a tamer lifestyle and having my own family.  The common thread is that I have had great people surrounding me, and I have needed it through the years as most of you know.

Now...Jeff, I love you like a brother too despite your poor choice of sports teams.  Steven Peretti, the actual term is "face to waist" and it includes a shit mustache.  Rob, you forgot the Slamabama Hammers, serenading Napkins Atkins and Bob Gannon on your guitar, and the apple pies after the Viking meal at Kenyon.  Claire, the other Yankee was Danny Tartabull.  Jennie, I needed to be there when Joe Steen hit on you, drunk, not knowing who you were.  Russ, you have been around 15 years?? Wow!  Steve, have you ever beaten me at basketball in 32 years?  EVN, take ya shirts to the dry cleanahs, and that's an owdah!  Eric, the cigs were yours and a rather curious choice since 2 hours earlier you were "training" for the marathon.  Todd, I remember you pissing on a coffee table at Kent State in the midst of a drunken search for a toilet at some house we all crashed at, the problem was that I was sleeping downspout and got my first and last golden shower circa 1990.  Guy, the bar was not Club Paradise but "Fascinations" and you left out the part of ratting me out to the cops so you could avoid a DWI (at least that time).  Chadwick, thanks for the lead at Rain Bird, I appreciate you getting me in before you quit.  Mom, I sincerely apologize for ruining your furniture, but it was fun anyway.  Scotty, I bet if we "blog" for your birthday, you are one of the few that can out do me on the boozy stories.  Matt, if you could fight for yourself I wouldn't have a criminal record and would not be a garbage man today.  Andy, never happened, WTF are you talking about?  Bailey, the last MX man standing at the Bird, you will soon get your CLIA to go with your MBA so you can sell 5004PLPCSS.  Scott next door, you are indeed Wilson.  Barker, I can't believe you were such a bad influence on Freddie in NYC, he used to be a shy, introverted nerd.

I am sure this is more fun for me and does not make great reading, so I will wrap it up.  I mentioned my life changed in New Orleans, and it did in so many ways.  I will always remember standing on the sidewalk outside of The Old Abinsthe House on Bourbon St, when my future turned the corner to meet me for a blind date.  I hadn't met her, but knew it was her and somehow knew things were going to be OK in my new city.  As most of you know all to well (because I was pretty reliant on you) I was in a pretty bad place and it all started getting better at that moment.  I could handle the issues going on at that time and have fun again.  I survived a hurricane, two more moves, a scary start to Sophia's life, and the other things life throws at you because I finally met the person who loved me for who I am, like the rest of you reading this.  7 years later, Jana brings you all back in one spot, whether you were at the party or on this blog, and I realize how lucky I am to have each and every one of you in my life.   Jana planned the perfect surprise and she is truly the sweetest and most loving wife anyone could ever wish for.  She also makes some cute and fun kids ;)

Thank you from the bottom of my heart and I hope I can be half the friend/brother/son/spouse/father that you all are to me.

Love, Mike

THE PARTY PICS

The crowd waiting for Mike to arrive!

Joe & Mary who drove from Buffalo

Mike's sister's Jennie & Claire

The siblings Jennie, Matt & Claire

Walking in the door to a living room full of people

Guy smiley

Talking to brother Steve who couldn't make it to Boston

Niece Riley making silly face

Claire with daughter Lorelei (her husband Russ in background)

Big Mike and Little Michael

How cute was Mike as a baby!

For the man who works in the trash industry...mini trash cans filled with candy as party favors!

Brothers enjoying a few Molson Canadians

Mangia everybody!

Mike with college buddy, Freddie and his wife, Margaret

Go Sox

Happy Birthday Mike! What can I say, you're a Yankee, Bill and Sabre fan and I still love you like a brother. I admire that you appreciate a fine lager (or whatever is being served), and I also appreciate that you don't rub in the Yankees' 27 World Series championships to the Sox's 7 (admit it, you're hearing the footsteps). You love your wife, you love your kids...what else is there. 

Well, there is one more thing...let me know how FORTY feels!

Your younger cousin,

Jeff

The Brother-in-Law from Waist to Face

If you understand what this blog entry title means, then you have been indoctrinated into the Graber inner circle, and I consider myself blessed to have Mike as my brother-in-law and the whole Graber family as part of my life.  I should clarify what "waist to face" means... suffice to say that one of Mike's life long family friends coined this phrase once to convey an interesting on the job experience. Perhaps the details of the story aren't as important as the deeper meaning... basically this expression speaks of being completely and fully immersed in your duties in life.

When I see Mike and Jana at their home, raising their kids, working to build careers, improve their home and do the best they can for their family, I proud to admit, they're committed in their life's path from "waist to face".

Mike, it has been a pleasure getting to know your family. I applaud everyone's commitment to family as I witness fantastic personal effort to be together for events like holidays, baptisms and birthday parties.  As I get to know the Grabers more and more, I want to let you know how grateful I am that my sister has a great husband and extended Graber family to be part of... it means more to me than you may realize.

I have posted a few pictures taken over the past few years that depict the concept of being part of something from "waist to face". I look forward to the years to come and the times together.

Love,

Stephen, Jana, Tali & Nicholas

PS - I also appreciate the fact that you also take care of our dog, Jack... Perhaps later April he can come over for another visit... remember - waist to face ;-)

Hello Big Mike.  I'm with Ferraro and Chuk on this one, none of us would be the same without having you as such a good friend in our lives.  We could fill a book with all the laughs we had together - - thankful for the opportunity to share them with you.  Love ya brother.  My parents wish you a happy birthday as well.  For those who might not have known Mike back in college, he was one cool cat and top athlete.  Just ask the Oakland Raiders assistant coach who offered Mike a beer after the Bills game - - "Good game today man... loosen up a little and get yourself a beer."  What?  Really?  That's funny, just 5-days ago Mike was smoking a cigarette and drinking a beer from a boot at a rugby party.  Good laughs.  Happy Birthday.  You're the richest man in the world with all the great friends and family you keep around the country.  Signed - Rob, Heather, Lane & Petey

Happy Birthday Mike!

Dear Mike,

I can't believe I am sitting here trying to put into words my thoughts and feelings on our shared experiences.  You see, I never thought I would live to see you reach 40.  I truly thought that I wouldn't make it to Kindergarten, because you were going to eat me for breakfast.  Ironic really, all those tears I cried in fear as a small child, and now I cry about the same thing, but only because I am laughing so hard I cannot control it!  In fact, I can't even tell people the story, because I can't get the words out, the whole thing is so ridiculous!

A six year age difference is a lot when you are young, and not so much as you grow up.  While I may not have ridden the bus with you, or had to endure the joint HS dances, I have vivid memories of those first years after you graduated from John Carroll and were living back in various places in Western New York.  Your old bedroom, where Mom wanted you to pay room and board once you came home with your green jeans and KILLER cowboy boots; your apartment in Cheektowaga (as I recall "where the treetops glisten, and you don't have to listen, to the girls, rumble in Swamp South); and of course your posh digs in Snyder.  It was nice being in high school and having someone to hang out with where you really could just be yourself.  It never bothered you that I was your little sister.

For my 16th birthday, you gave me a shirt that said "Here Come the Yankees" and featured none other than Wade Boggs, Bernie Williams and of course, Don Mattingly. (Perhaps it was Paul O'Neill?  I have the shirt still, I should pull it out to verify, since I KNOW you will remember!) Anyway,  you told me then that your goal for the summer was to turn me into a Yankees fan, and you were successful!  It was a great summer - you were so happy to share your love of the game, I was happy to learn, and many lazy afternoons were spent tuned to MSG when the Yanks were on.  Yes, even when Jim Abbott almost pitched a no hitter.  He didn't, I ruined it, and I also learned the rules of "jinxing" a professional sporting event.  I still feel bad about that.  I mean, the guy had one hand, and I jinxed his opportunity to go down in history!

If there is one thing to be learned from that summer though, it's that sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but it's a long season and in the end, you still get to the World Series.  A good metaphor for life, even if I didn't realize it at the time.  Maybe you did though.

When I have won, you were always there, cheering me on, with the pride and happiness showing in your face.  When I have lost, you were always there, providing a shoulder to cry on, some sage older brotherly advice, and most importantly, the support to pick myself up and move forward.  There have been many times that I have asked myself "What would Mike do" and I like to think that I make similar decisions.  I know for a fact, there have been several occasions where the answer to "What would Mike say if I did that?" changed my course :-)

They say that your siblings are the most important people in your life.  They are there longer than your parents, your spouse and your children, and will influence your personality in so many ways.  I couldn't agree more.  I know as the oldest you sometimes got the short end of the stick.  I never had to stay in on a Saturday to scrub the kitchen floor and I never had to set the example for the younger kids to follow.  That example though, Mike, is priceless.  The way you treat people, your dedication to fairness, your fierce loyalty - all of it has shown me how to be a better person.  Thank you for that.  

Happy Birthday Big Brother!  

Love,

Claire

Happy Birthday, Mike!

Dear Mike,

Jana invited us to post something on this blog several weeks ago.  I successfully put it off as long as I possibly could.  Not because I didn't want to write anything -- quite the contrary, actually.  I kept mulling it over in my head; trying to figure out which topics to touch on and which to leave unwritten.

Let's see. . .

When I was four years old you introduced me to ice cream cones.  I'll never forget the happiness in your voice when you said "you can eat the cone, too".  I think you knew how happy that news would make me and you were genuinely excited to share your ice cream knowledge with me.  I'll never forget it.

When I was in first grade, I got sick at school.  The school nurse couldn't get ahold of Mom, so I had to take the bus home.  I got sick on the bus and was sitting all alone.  You walked from the back of the bus to where I was sitting and you sat with me.  A boy walked by and said "why are you sitting with the puke girl?"  You said, "because she's my SISTER" while shoving this young man into the seat ahead of us.

High School.  Oh boy.  To say you were over-protective would be an understatement.  Considering all of the antics you and Matt were busy being involved with, I'm still surprised you had so much time to keep tabs on who I was hanging out with.  I can vividly recall St. Francis dances when, all night long, you were nowhere to be found UNTIL someone wanted to talk to me.  You would suddenly appear.  I still remember the look on potential suitors faces when they realized that I was YOUR little sister.      Sometimes it would drive me absolutely crazy while other times it came in quite handy!

A couple of years ago, while I was living in California, I had one of the worst days of my life.  I recall my computer crashing, my car dying, and then being notified that my checking account had been hacked.  All in one day.  I was beside myself.  I then received a phone call from you that you were en route to my house because you were nearby on business.  By the way, Phoenix isn't really "nearby" Monterey, but I'll take it!  You came to visit and you spent the night.  As you were leaving I said "thank you for coming - you have no idea how glad I am that you visited"  You replied, "sometimes seeing family is just good for the soul".

Your visit was very good for the soul.  And it will never be forgotten.  It's like you swooped in and just appeared out of nowhere and provided me with a healthy dose of perspective (and a few laughs, of course!).

So, Mike, on your 40th birthday I thank you for all you've taught me over the years.  I thank you for showing me the right way to eat an ice cream cone,  the protection you've always provided, and for always being so very "good for the soul".  

Mike, Ronan and Nate - California Coast, 2009

Love,
Jennie

Happy 40th Mike!

Being the oldest in my family, and having no brothers, it was quite an adjustment having a big brother that I had to look up to ... literally. Needless to say, it's been an interesting adjustment for me over these 15 years. But, when all is said and done, one thing is certain ... you're a good man Mike Graber, and I am glad to count myself among you "little" brothers.

-Russ 

P.S. Here are some pix I thought you might get a kick out of. 

Please do not share this with anyone.

My most memorable images of Mike:

JCU RUGBY PARTY'S (shoot the boot, elephant walk & S&M Man) - IMG00309.jpg (66.8 KB); IMG00199.jpg (72.3 KB); IMG04169.jpg (70.6 KB)

JCU Senior Dinner (I used to work in Chicago, I don't work there anymore.) - IMG0109.jpg (72.5 KB)

JCU Fort Lauderdale (passed out naked at the hotel pool) - IMG0311.jpg (69.1 KB)

Orlando (downtown "bars") - IMG1010.jpg (67.2 KB); IMG1011.jpg (70.2 KB)

New Orleans - Please send me your email info to view these. There are too many to post and they are way too racy.

Las Vegas - Same instructions as New Orleans

If you cannot download these I am bringing my laptop to the party so everyone can see them.

You asked for it, you got.

Happy 50th Mike!

Happy Birthday!

As your youngest brother, I would like to thank you for paving the way to 40.  It will be over 8 LONG YEARS before I reach this milestone.

Throughout my life you have taught me more things than I can possibly count.  How to shoot a basketball, how to throw a football, how to lick forks to see if they're metallic-tasting.  How to put the forks back in the drawer after I determine they are too metallic-tasting.  I learned that Mom "Does not sound like that!", and started a lifelong love of Duke basketball because my you happened to play against Christian Laettner a couple times.  I know I will talk to you on NFL Draft Day because, for some reason, you and I still give a shit about the Bills.  I call you whenever I'm in a new stadium, and have come to expect pictures from Fenway, or the Bills game, or Lambeau.  My friends still don't understand why I pay any attention to hockey, and "Who the hell is he talking to?" is a common question during Sabres playoff games.  I've never met a Saturday morning breakfast run I didn't like, and I say "oh really" all the time.

Most importantly, I learned that Loyalty trumps all else in friendship, and I know that a certain "Snake" is in attendance this weekend because he absolutely, 100% would not miss this event. 

I'll never be an oldest brother.  I'll never know what it's like to have 4 kids born after I was born.  However, if anyone ever asks me what a perfect oldest brother is, I will simply point at you and say "Mike Graber."

I love you Mike.  Happy Birthday.   

b.
 

Welcome to the 40th Club

Graber,

I want to you to feel good on your 40th and I want to remind you of a famous qoute from TA.  " We generally do not put our best sales reps in Birmingham."  Have a great B-Day


Eric Van Namee

Happy Birthday Grabs.

Grabs,

Unfortunately most of my stories are self incriminating; however I will start by going back to the day I met Mike at Michelin.   Mike left the Giants/Ravens Super bowl party (free beer) that Michelin put together for the new trainees, Mike head back to his room.  That’s Mike in a nut shell, always putting on the good show.  Give off the image he’s a non drinker.  It wasn't until later I realized he was full of ^*$#%).

Fast forward three years and sitting in the airport in San Antonio; I see a homeless person walking through the terminal.  This person turns out to be Mike returning back from the bars, not quite enough time to change cloths forget trying to get some sleep at the hotel.  Didn’t your boss question you about your travel attire?  Yes, that is Mike the non-drinker.  Should we even get into the time Jana had to pick you up from the bar in Maple Grove? 

In all fairness to Mike he had no leadership at home in Minneapolis.  I believe it was Jana that came to pick you up at my house and if I’m not mistaken, the two of you needed to spend the night in our guest bedroom.

Mike I miss our many trips to Fargo.  Planning at breakfast (with a hangover) what time we would get back to Buffalo Wild Wings to catch the start of the evening NHL playoff games, because that is what we needed, more beer.  No need to mention the many stories at the Spirits lounge watching Kenny get shut down by Heidi.  One question, how did two non-smokers put away a pack and a half of cigarettes in four hours?  Don’t answer that.  Miss having the opportunity to have beer with you from time to time.

Happy Birthday Grabs, I wish you and your family the best.

Eric Robertson

22 Years Since we first met. Wow! Happy 40th!

Grabes, Graber, Grabetto, Mikey, Big Mike, Michael,Mynute Beta,

Doesn't matter which name you use, he is still a big teddy bear, unitl you poke him with a stick, then he is a Grizzly.  Just ask one of our housemates.
Can;t believe how much time has passed since that fateful day of our first weekend at Carroll.  Riding on a bus to Cedar Point with the rest of the Freshman class, Mike was across the aisle from me and my room mate(Miller). Mike was sitting alone and looked a little lonely. Miller nudges me and says "introduce yourself".  I reach out my hand across the aisle and tell this huge guy my name.  He says his name is Mike. 
That was it. "Your from Buffalo?" No Way. We are from Buffalo too.
The rest is history. 
Pledging, the flats, parties, rugby games and tournys, breakfasts, lunch n dinner.  Jersey Shore, Ft. Laderdale (you know what I am talking about)

I have too many stories to share will all of you, well, and most of them can not be shared, but I can give all of you a heads up on Mike's Kryptonite.  Grabes is a big strong powerful man and hits hard on the Rugby pitch, I know because I was on the receiving end one time(Dick). But there is one thing that will make Mikey stop in his tracks.
It was our Senor year at Carroll, Mike was living with a couple other guys in an apt but he frequently visited our apt for a chew and a game of sega.  Our one housemate(Bestine-rest his soul) had brought home a new pet.  A five foot long Python.  He loved his new pet and would constantly have the nasty thing out of its cage.  This particular time he was chasing Mike and our other roomate(boychuk) around the apt with the snake.  He had them cornered.  The two of them were up on the couch holding each other and screaming at Bestine to keep the snake away. 
Ahhh, Good Times!

Needless to say, I have very much enjoyed being your friend. I hope you have a great 40th. Let me know how it is since mine is coming a month beind.

Take it easy.  Talk to ya soon.

Ferraro

Pix- Mike on our fishing expedition off the coast of Jersey.  After about an hour of puking, Mike was in this position for about 3 hours. To be fair, there were a couple other guys in similar shape.

Club Paradise circa 1996

One night after boozing with the Graber Boys...Mike and Matt..  Joe "the Snake" Stein and I accompanied Mike and Matt to a bar in Cheektawarsaw for the usually carousing that led nowhere.   Well my memory is a little foggy but I do recall Matt getting into it with few guys and big brother Mike always the protector stepped in to save the day.  Next thing I see is four bouncers carrying Mike out of the bar...Picture the 60's group the BeachBoys holding a surfboard.   well Mike would have been the surfboard and the bouncers the Beachboys... i wont mention the arrest that ensued afterwords...oops I just did.

Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday Big Guy-  Love- Mike & Dana Boychuk

Sorry we missed the party you are lucky to have such a great wife to plan such a great event.  Take care buddy.  Chuk

High School Basketball Senior Year

Probably the most drama laden season revolving around the two biggest pine riding seniors to ever walk the halls of St. Francis.   Heading into 1989 all the talk was who ws going to be a starter on the basketball team..Mike or Jim Cipriani....good friend and basketball rival.   Well little did they know that a junior star was transferring and Mike and Jim would be competing for backup.  Which made the rivalry even more heated.   Well one practice afternoon Mike and Jim became a little pushy and Mike yes Mike punched poor Jim right in the face breaking his eye socket... for the rest of the season when Jim was able to get his ass off the bench he had to play with a mask.  Opposing teams were calling him Jason(friday the 13th)  All because of Mike.   When Mike did get in to the game it was the best time because he usually did something to get his "fans" in the bleachers going.  Like throwing a kid out of bounds for no apparent reason.

original 3 amigos

Mike the "Bruin"

Future Sabre

Mountain Climbers

The Graduate

Fatherhood for Mike (in a nutshell)

This photo was taken one week after Michael was born. We went back to the restaurant where I went into labor the week prior. That dining experience, and every one since then, has been a been a challenge! No wonder we never eat out...! Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband and a great Daddy :)

MISTA GRABA!!

Happy Birthday to my friend-a-years.  Hard to beleive that you are 40 man - crazy!  So wish we could be there for this event buddy but just couldn't pull it off.  So many memories come to mind when I think of you.  Most of them involve drinking and belly laughing.  As our favorite blue eyed Mexican buddy Ernest Ramos would say, I'm just happy to have been in the foxhole with you Graber!  I will go ahead and say that our meetings at Mother Michelin were some of the best times of my young life and kept me at MX for a while. Whether it was wearing out Kevin Anthony until his feelings got hurt or doing our very best and drunken impressions of our dear friend Mr. Terry Arthur at 2 AM, we always seemed to have a blast.  Thanks for being a dear friend through the ups and downs of corporate America and always being there on the other end of the telephone or the bar seat next to me to share my troubles, a good laugh, or just to BS.  My favorite thing about Graber is his ability to just walk into any part of the country and blend in no problem.  From the Yankee upbringing in Buffalo, to a redneck in Alabama, a little while as a Cajun in NOLA, to freezing cold Minesoooota, to where I believe you will call home...BASTAN!(I think I may have had something to do with that:))   Appreciate you tagging along with the family unit several times for mountain vacations.  We miss you guys and we hope that you get down South soon.  I will leave you with this sir...Mista Graba, you need to be more like Chad Milla.  He knows how to sell the X-Lisse...See Ya!

Chad Miller & Family in Tennessee

Happy Birthday Michael

Just wanted to wish you a very Happy 40th Birthday.  I don't actually feel old enough to have a forty year old son but nevertheless you are FORTY. I however still remain the tender age of 29, which is a trick only Mothers know.

There have been notable moments during these forty years such as you polishing the upholstered arms of my brand new furniture with vaseline; helping Gramma put the bassinet together for your new baby sister and it promptly falls to the floor when we put her in it; the black magic marker down the center of our gold kitchen counter top, at least you had it centered. I believe Sophia has already tried that trick - hmmm, I didn't laugh too hard!

I knew about the Juda's window but I didn't know about the Everall's window for a long time. These are only some of the antics throughout the years. I am sure there are many more I don't know about and that is really ok.

I can say that I am very proud of the man you have become. You have always been a loving son and now are a loving husband and Father. You are so good at it!!!!!!  Jana, Sophia and Michael are so fortunate to have you in their lives and you are so fortunate to have such a beautiful family.

Have a great birthday and many more.

Love MOM

Happy 4-0 to a great person and friend!

Mr. Mike...

The very subject of this post was alarming.  I suppose if you are 40, I am right behind you.  There are  too many stories to choose from so I had to pick those with the highest impact.   Here we go...

Bourbon Street was never quite the same after our adventures.  I recall one particular Mardi Gras (Jana to supply to photos) of a dedicated Catholic sporting a dime store priests costume - next to  a set of classic Catholic school girls (again, the pictures tell the story)...

I will always remember those days during and post Katrina....especially 'camping' at your pad (which actually had power and air conditioning) with much nostalgia.

If I am not mistaken, I recall being a significant role in your early romance with Jana and a big supporter of a fantastic union.  Those were early days of drinks in the Library Lounge while Jana worked hard at whatever wedding she had then.

Of course, I would be remiss (sorry Chris) for remembering how you took control of a certain friends grooms party in NYC - man, I needed a straight dude to navigate this.

Anything else I have not included is due to space consideration and also as to not look bad on this blog.

Happy Birthday my friend!

Scotty

Happy Birthday to My Big Brother

Dear Mike:

On the occasion of your forthieth birthday:

I was sitting right there next to you when that 2-year-old picture was taken, as I was for the vast majority of them taken through the years. I never minded ceding the spotlight to you, and there are few places in the world where I feel more naturally-suited than around you. 

I'm glad that we adhered to bachelor party camera rules during our teens and twenties. And I am relieved that cell phone cameras did not exist. I am further glad that GPS was not yet common, because if certain people in our lives knew where we were, when we were there, and what really happened, I would not want even to speculate on the outcome. I am grateful that watch cases could be spun backwards so that the hour hand would be on the 10 instead of the 11 when we got home late.

I am glad that my primary fistfight-partner was larger than life so that I learned early how to take an ass-kicking, and not to fear someone because he was big.

I am happy that I learned the Guy Rules early, and that "telling Mom" was reserved for missing persons, gushing wounds and broken legs.

Through every jam in which we found ourselves, I knew that because you were with me, we would either find our way out of it or suffer the consequences together. I carry that with me today, knowing that there is a solution or a tolerable compromise to every problem. Though greatly relieved, I was not surprised when you called me from Baton Rouge in August 2005 after figuring your way out of New Orleans.

I derive great pleasure from telling my daughters about our more innocent escapades. Like many in the general public, they react at first with horror, and then see the humor. Sarah Kate loves when I tell the story about Thanksgiving. Kiki declared, "And you WILL have ties on at Thanksgiving dinner." She loves our literal interpretation of "ties," and gets it that the wearing of shirts with those ties would be implied, not literal. She also loves our literal interpretation of "having shirts on" at dinner in general.

I still look at the clock when I'm playing hockey. I do this because of the way, at Age 7, you explained that NHL players focus on the clock and not on the game so that they come off their shifts at the right time. You said it like you genuinely believed it. You probably did. So like everything else you explained to me, I took it as Gospel.

I learned from you that it is acceptable to stand up to people, no matter who those people are, when those people are wrong. That it is OK to disregard rules that are dictatorial, arbitrary, and don't make sense. And that common sense wins the day over book smarts every time.

Thanksgiving still isn't Thanksgiving without Ted Juda, though I still don't know what happened to his window. The timing of the "Six Feet Under" question on the MTV video game is still funny. Mom still doesn't know that the Camaro was actually parked somehwere else when she went INTO the Seneca Mall in 1984.

Thank God for all of this. None of it would have happened without you.

Matt 

Happy Birthday MICHAEL GRABER!   I would like to share some stories and confimed that adult content is OK.  
I will never forget my first Michelin Christmas party when the night took us to Cuzzy's bar.  After hours of drinking and shots the conversation turns to our rep in Fargo knowing Phil Hanson, Bills great D-End.  The story goes Kevin, Fargo rep, said he could get Mike fishing with Phil on a trip, to which Mike says, " If you can arrange that I would suck Phil Hanson's Dick!"   Quickly Jana tells him it's time to go and he says goodbye to a chorus of  "what? you would suck his DICK!"  That story is still told at C2 region meetings.  

Then for a Michelin Christmas party the year he joined "Rainbird" he was able to book a "Work" trip back to MN and attend the party.  It was classic to end the meeting early, 2PM, since Mike was in the bar at the hotel ready to start the PARTY.  Only a great manager understands that Mike's return was worthy of 2PM beers!   We drank until the Wild hockey game then continued to party until, well we don't remember??    Again we stilll smile telling that on also!

Final story, Mike is in town for the Bills game.   I meet him along with our rep Ryan from Sioux Falls.  Funny side note is  Ryan is holding his eye and we ask why?  His brother in law got drunk the night before and drank a glass of water that he had a contact in so to see straight he had to cover an eye!   We enjoyed the game and ofcourse the VIKINGS won. That was the last night for him in MN and I can't lie that a tear was in my eye leaving that night!  

Mike was my Michelin big brother and more improtantly a GREAT friend.  I could come to him with questions about work and life.  He is one of the most loyal and postive people I have met.  He loved Jana and being a Dad.   I must say after meeting Jana I'm still curious about how he pulled that off???    I miss ya Buddy and would love you to visit SC.  Imagine the Corbett stories??     HAPPY B-DAY  and may all your ups and downs come between the sheets!

Andy Werner - actually "Michelin Training Developement Manager"  tell Rainbird to suck on that Promo! 

Let me know how 40 feels, old man!

Mr. Graber…

Hope your 40^th is a great one!

I wish I had a really funny photo from our days at Michelin or even at the Bird.  But I don’t… so you have to just imagine a picture of us drunk at some bar, in some hotel, talking very loudly about the unrealistic expectations of our employer and bragging about the number of days we each stayed home in front of the TV eating bon bons and playing Soldier of Fortune. On second thought, forget that image and just be very glad I don’t have a photo.

Happy Birthday my friend!  Sorry I couldn’t be there, but live it up and drink one for me!

Erik Bailey

P.S.  Nice F1 jumpsuit picture (thank you for posting Jana).  You look so comfortable in it.

The Tooltime Post

Happy Birthday Mike!

I have no idea if Jana has been able to keep the secret, but I can promise you that no one at 4 Stagg Drive squealed.  I'm struck by the fact that our entire relationship is modeled after the TV show Home Improvement - your Tim Allen to my "Wilson".  It seems to me that they were pretty good neighhbors and so are we.

Happy 40th, Scott & Holly

Happy 40th Old Man

Hey brother, sorry we couldn't be there to celebrate with you and the family.  We hope that you get to relax, and enjoy the weekend.  Possibly with a hall pass for a little Mike time!

Anyway, hopefully we can all catch up soon, and get the kids together.

Loveya Bro,

Chris, Jessica and Sean

P.S. Can the next child at least have a little Jana in'em! Who knew that Mike would turn out to be the dominate one in the relationship!  : )

Mike at 2