What Happens in Las Vegas...

My friends and I have made baseball trips since 2001.  This year, we were undecided on our destination until my brother-in-law Scott put together a Las Vegas trip for my nephew Matt's bachelor party.

The Boys of Summer left a day early, flew into Phoenix and saw the Diamondbacks defeat the San Francisco Giants.  On Thursday, we drove to Las Vegas and met up with the rest as the celebration began.

This was a trip of a lifetime.  The "Boys" include Chuck, Jason, JayHawk, Jim and me.  The rest included Louie, Scott, Matt, Kyle, Marty, Tom, Dave and Michael.  That is a baker's dozen of good friends and family.  Just getting that many guys together in Vegas was amazing.  The time we had out there was unforgettable.

Major kudos go to Scott for organizing everything.  The planning and effort he put into this was off the charts.  The food was delicious and everything else was highly enjoyable.  Things could not have run smoother.

For me, it is never about what we do, but more about doing it with great people.  I am blessed to have such a wonderful family and several awesome friends.  During the trip, we all interacted with everyone at some point or another.  It was just a seamless, fun experience start to finish.

I also have to mention a friend I made at the California while playing Pai Gow.  I have no idea if she will read this.  I did shamelessly give her my business card (but only when she doubted I was actually "Johngy").  I had a blast that night, even though she punched me and may or may not have "lied" to me several times.

You need to grab these moments when you can.  Trips like this, with friends like these, do not come along often.  I am not always a happy guy, but I have learned to really soak in these moments.

Thanks to everyone who contributed.  Next stop...Matt's wedding.

Everyone in Las Vegas, NV-September 2015.

Mascot Week: Angry Bird

Am I the only person who never played Angry Birds?  After it debuted in late 2009, it exploded onto the video game scene.  I saw Angry Birds everywhere.  Then I started seeing Angry Bird variations everywhere.

Last year while in Las Vegas, we ran into an Angry Bird.  I dragged Tom into the picture with me.  (Hey, it was an angry bird...I wanted to keep the odds in our favor).

I guess as costumes in Las Vegas go, this one would be okay.  It's not too cumbersome and it is easy to put on.  It's basically just a pair of red pants and a big, round head.

I will be heading out to Vegas (at least once) later this year and I hope to get several more pictures with the fine folks who like to play dress up.  I wonder if I will ever see a Johngy out there?

Tom Nestlehut, Angry Bird and me in Las Vegas, NV-March 2013.

Friendly Encounters

This is another in a series of meetings of my friends and celebs.

When we last saw Big Boy, JayHawk Evans was trying to outmuscle him for a burger (I think it was the bacon that drove him to do it). Today, Big Boy is back with my sister and a few of her posse.
Of course, her husband Scott is in the picture. Scott is always up for some travel and fun. Plus, rumor has it that being on Johngy's Beat is one of his guilty pleasures.
Laurie Nicola (wife of Jim, sister-in-law of Rick) and Rose Nestlehut (wife of Tom) are making their Johngy's Beat debut. What a proud moment for them.
That brings us to Tom Nestlehut. I have known Tom for about 25 years. Tom is a laugh riot. One of my proudest moments in life occurred in a bar in a small Wisconsin town. The details can be found in an online piece I wrote for Global Traveler, but in short, I rose up to a challenge from the Nes and crowned him with a new moniker (at least temporarily).
Tom is the President of Nestlehut Finanacial Services, Inc. and is an avid fisherman. I am looking to rejoin Tom and the gang for Canada 2015, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of my last trip (and the one and only fish I ever caught in my life).

Jean Parker, Rose Nestlehut, Scott Parker, Big Boy, Tom Nestlehut and Laurie Nicola in St. Joseph, MI-Summer 2009.