Happy Birthday, Dave!

A month and a half ago, I celebrated my niece's wedding with my family in Cancun. Today, I celebrate my brother-in-law Dave's birthday.

The weekend in Cancun was awesome, because we don't have the opportunity to spend much time together away from our homes. I appreciated Dave and Nancy allowing me to be a third wheel for some of the trip, as my other sister Jean and her family were busy with wedding preparations.

Since moving to Indiana, Dave has become quite the football fan. While some would call him a fair-weather fan for cheering for the now successful Indiana Hoosiers, I find his fandom amusing. He even attends Purdue football games. Maybe someday, I'll get him out to a Purdue softball game.

Besides that fun, I do really appreciate Dave. Sure I poke him about his love of Domino's pizza, but he pokes me back just as hard. Over the years, he has been a tremendous help and I am grateful for all of it.

He might be celebrating today with a Domino's pizza, although I hope he upgraded. Either way, I wish happy birthday to Dave!

Nancy, Dave and me in Cancun-November 2025.

Happy Birthday, Dave

Today I celebrate the birthday of my brother-in-law Dave. Nancy's husband adds one more year to his life resume.

Pictured below is Dave at a Purdue football game with one of the statues. Of course, he found a dog statue. This was from a game I attended with Dave, Nancy and Laura. I forget the details, but the Boilermakers crushed their opponent. It was a fun day and I appreciate them letting me tag along.

Actually, I appreciate a lot from Dave. He's been a great addition to the family in the 30+ years he's been with Nancy. He's helped me in many ways and I have had lots of fun with him over he years.

I know he's back in town, but I won't see him until Christmas. Instead, I raise my Coke can to wish him a Happy Birthday here.

Dave in West Lafayette, IN-September 2024.

Happy Birthday Dave!

Today is the birthday of my brother-in-law Dave. I just saw him a couple days ago, but he might be on his way west for the winter now.

Dave gives and takes a joke well. One of the longest running gags or debates involved pizza. Dave insists his favorite pizza is Domino's. The Italian in me (heck, even the human in me) bristles at this. While Domino's has gotten better, it is still on the level of a cheap pizza for college kids or even poker games with my hungry friends. In no way is it in my top pizza choice. It's not even in my top 10, top 20 or maybe not even top 50. I do admire Dave though. He dug in his heels and he will die on this hill. 

I am sure he is celebrating his birthday with Nancy and their pup Sully. I raise a toast to him from afar. I celebrate him with a picture of his favorite.

Happy Birthday Dave!

Today I celebrate the birthday of my brother-in-law Dave! I won't be with him, but I'm sending cheers here.

A multi-state resident, Dave is actually in the midwest right now, but I am sure he is counting the days until he returns to the warmth of the southwest. When he isn't soaking up the sun out there, he is carving out a niche in the acting field here. While he isn't quite a leading man yet, he has appeared on shows.

I love the picture below. It's not technically a picture with a mascot, but it's close. It's Arizona State's Sparky the Sun Devil is balloon form.

I really appreciate Dave. Over the last 30-ish years, he has been a great B-I-L and a friend. He's helped me with home repair, taxes and more. Oh sure, he did sort of dump me in Lake Paw Paw once, but I'm pretty sure that was an accident. He did keep me from drowning.

I hope Dave has a fantastic birthday! I'll curse him from chilly Chicago in a few weeks, but for today, I send him my best.

Dave and Nancy in Tempe, AZ-October 2022.

Happy Birthday Dave

Today is my bro-in-law Dave's birthday. I know he is out west and not acting today, but I am sure he is celebrating his big day.

There he is. Dave the thespian. While he hasn't gotten any leading man roles yet, he has appeared on a bunch of television shows. I have done a couple commercials, but real actors like Dave frown upon us sellouts. Fortunately, Dave doesn't treat me any different. He might frown upon my humor on occasion, especially my penchant for jumping into a clown character.

Dave is a great guy, actor or not. He's been a friend, mentor, big brother and more to me over the years. I appreciate all he does and his friendship.

A thought just popped in my head though. What if all these years Dave has only acted like he likes me? I guess that's unlikely. He'd have to do a lot of acting. Who would do that for all these years?

Anyway, I hope Dave has a great birthday! I'll raise a toast to you from afar.

Dave Blais in Chicago, IL-Summer 2021.

Happy Birthday Dave!

Today I celebrate the birthday of my brother-in-law Dave. I'd reveal his age, but actors always shave off a few years anyway.

Who would have thought Dave would be a thespian? Okay, he's not been the lead actor in any of the productions, but who knows what might happen in the future? Dave somehow finds ways to bypass the normal red tape.

Acting aside, I really appreciate Dave. He's been a supporter and friend, along with being Nancy's husband for all of the years. He's helped me many times and I know he's always there.

Oh sure, I might poke him about his love of Domino's pizza, but it's only in fun and he has fun with it, usually turning it on me at some point anyway. I'll never admit Domino's is great pizza and Dave will never admit it isn't a favorite of his. The long-running bit will probably last our lives/

Happy birthday, Dave. If I was there, I would even share a Domino's pizza with you, but only because it's your birthday. I still say it's only one small step above a frozen pizza. Haha!

Dave and his acting brethren in Chicago, IL-Summer 2019.

Happy Birthday Dave!

Today is my brother-in-law Dave's birthday. I am sure he is celebrating somewhere in northwest Indiana. I am celebrating him here today though.

Dave and Nancy recently moved to Indiana, which makes him a Hoosier. Despite losing the proximity, I have to admit it was a great move. They get a big house, lots of land, peace and far less taxes. Smart move!

I don't see Dave a lot, but I appreciate him nonetheless. He has helped me in far too many ways to list, including the wacky world of health insurance. Oh sure, I continually poke Dave for his stated preference of Dominos pizzza above all else, but it's all fun.

I appreciate Dave's help, but more important, I appreciate Dave. He's been another big brother that I never had. I might poke him to the point of irritation, but he pokes back pretty good, too. He's a great spirit and we have a lot of fun.

I hope he enjoys his birthday today. I'll be seeing him soon at Christmas, but for now, I wish him happy birthday via the internet.

Dave, Marley,  Nancy, Scott, me, Jean and Frank in Watervliet, MI-September 2019.

Happy Birthday Dave!

Today I celebrate the birthday of my brother-in-law Dave. He would probably prefer a Domino's pizza, but since Domino's doesn't sponsor Johngy's Beat, the best I can do for now is to feature him here.

Over the last few years, Dave has developed quite an acting career. I don't think he has an IMDB page yet, but he is on his way. The picture below was taken at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios, one of his homes away from home. I should get "On the Beat" and interview him on location some day, but he might be too big for me.

At least in his regular life, Dave always has time for me. He has helped me immensely over the years and is always good for a lively debate on many topics (including our long-running pizza debate).

We may disagree on pizza, but we have had a lot of fun over the years. I appreciate all he has done and his friendship. I lovehim like a brother (a brother who likes bad pizza, but a brother nonetheless..Hey, more good pizza for me, anyway).

Happy birthday, Dave. I hope Nancy takes you out to Domino's for a feast.

Dave Blais in Chicago, IL-September 2018.

Happy Birthday Dave!

Today I celebrate the birthday of Dave, my brother-in-law, actor, insurance analyzer, Domino's pizza lover and more.  It's an odd combination, but it works for him.

Oh sure, I needle him about his professed preference of Domino's pizza above all else, but I respect his bravado in making and keeping that stance.  I often say that he might be the only person over 25 who would make that claim.  That makes him unique!

Regardless of his apparent lack of taste pizza-wise, Dave is a good guy.  Both of my sisters married good guys and I am lucky to have both of my BIL's.

Dave has helped me a lot over the years and I really appreciate all he's done, especially putting up with me and not pulling out his hair.

Today, I raise a toast to Dave.  I am sure he is celebrating somewhere with Nancy (oh please, not with a Domino's pizza) and I join them from afar!  Happy birthday Dave!

Dave and Nancy Blais in Lemont, IL-September 2017.

Happy Birthday Dave!

Today, my brother-in-law Dave Blais is celebrating his birthday.  As always, I celebrate his day and say nice (but true) things.
Recently, Dave has gotten a bit of the acting bug.  Thespian Dave has appeared on such television shows as Chicago Fire.  He may not be the star.  He might not even appear in the credits.  Still, he is appearing semi-regularly on shows.
Dave and Nancy have found work and fun being extras.  They appear in the backgrounds as whatever the scene needs.  It's pretty cool and they have fun.
Speaking of fun, I had a great time with Dave in Las Vegas last year at Matt's bachelor party.  Dave even placed a sports wager, betting for the Green Bay Packers against our beloved Bears.  For the record, I encouraged that bet and he won that bet.  You're welcome, Dave!
I went on my first scooter ride with Dave many years ago.  I admit being slightly scared as we zipped down North Avenue, but it was fun and I eventually got my own scooter.
Dave is a good guy and I appreciate the advice, support and help he has given me over the years.  I also appreciate the fun times.
Happy birthday Dave!  Whoop it up big time, my friend!

Dave and Nancy in Chicago, IL-September 2016.

Happy Birthday Dave

Somehow my brother-in-law Dave has managed to escape a few pictures over the years.  One picture he did not escape is the big family photo at Matt's wedding.  I love this picture.

Dave and I don't share a ton of interests, but we always have a good time.  Our humor tends to be similar.  Our trivia knowledge seems to be close, but I'll admit he probably has me beat in geography and history.

Dave's a good guy and I love him like a brother.  I know I can count on him if I ever need and he has been there for me many times over the years (good or bad).

I appreciate Dave and am grateful he is in the family (even if I do poke at him on occasion).  Happy birthday Dave!

The family including Dave in Lemont, IL-October 2015.

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.

I Was Not in This Alone

My Marathon plan worked.  Early in my training, I put my goal on Facebook and announced that I was not alone in my Marathon comeback.  My goal was that putting it out there like that would hold me accountable, almost force me to train hard to finish the Marathon.

Never was my FB catchphrase more accurate than on Marathon weekend.  The outpouring of well wishes via texts, FB messages, videos, pictures, calls etc. overwhelmed me.  I took all of that support with me as I plodded along the 26.2 mile course.

Speaking of that course, several members of my family and friends busted their butts and met me at many spots along the way.  Seeing these familiar faces and hearing them encourage me helped me block out the pain and move onward.

Having this sort of support is very powerful.  It is uplifting and moving.  It is the greatest feeling in the world.  Yes, it is even better than the feeling of crossing that Finish Line.  However, crossing that Finish Line with them there is just the best.

I can never express my gratitude and love enough.  At least I am publicly putting it out here and telling the world that I have the best friends and family.

I was not alone in this...and I am never alone!  Love you all.

Nancy, Kyle, me, Lou, Sam, Scott and Jean in Chicago, IL-October 2014.

Friendly Encounters:Dave Meets Lino Saputo Sr.

This is a weekly feature about friends who have met celebs.

This is an exciting day.  Although he has appeared on the blog several times, my brother-in-law Dave has never appeared in Friendly Encounters...until today!
Dave works for Saputo Cheese USA.  They feature a full line of premium cheeses.  Dave is in Logistics and doesn't have anything to do with the actual making of the cheese.  Still, without Logistics, all of that great cheese would just sit in a warehouse.
I have tried their cheese.  Actually, I have devoured several of their cheeses.  They are outstanding.  My only complaint is the lack of goat cheese.  Seriously, they need to start producing goat cheese.
At the holiday party, Dave and Nancy met the company founder, Lino Saputo Sr.  Probably at Nancy's urging, they took a picture with Mr. Saputo for me.
I am glad Dave finally made his Friendly Encounter debut.  I am glad to write about Saputo Cheese, because they do really make great cheese.  Finally, I am glad I made it through this whole piece without referring to Saputo as "the big Cheese".

Dave and Nancy Blais and Lino Saputo Sr. in Lincolnshire, IL-December 2011.

Happy Birthday Dave

There are a lot of great people who were born on today's date.  Stone Cold Steve Austin.  Ty Cobb.  Keith Richards.  Dave Blais.  Steven Spielberg.  I happen to be related to one of them.  Today my brother-in-law Dave celebrates his birthday.
Dave is a great guy and deserves to be center stage here today.  (Besides...the usual Sunday feature of the Bears is better left unwritten...but I digress).
I have known Dave for about 20 years.  He's Nanc's husband, but he is more like a friend, than just a brother-in-law to me.  We've had a lot of fun together, including one crazy ride to the Rockford airport (when I was delayed in traffic getting to their house, causing us to barely make the flight).  He is also a faithful reader of Johngy's Beat and my Global Traveler blog (cheap plugs).
It is a big birthday for Dave, too.  Should I reveal just how big?  Well, maybe I'll just say he is certainly younger than Ty Cobb.  He is also younger than Richards and Spielberg.  Stone Cold is a wee bit younger though.  Perhaps I should have included Filipino-born American singer Renaldo Lapuz on my earlier list.
Anyway, back to the real point.  I want to wish Dave a happy birthday.  I hope it's a great day!

Dave Blais and me in the wild blue yonder of IL-Summer 2010.

A Belated Happy Birthday to Dave Blais

I missed it.  I completely missed giving my brother-in-law Dave Blais his moment to shine on this site.  Dave's birthday was December 18 and I had a post scheduled and somehow it never ran.  Apparently there was a time conflict with another post and Dave's lost the battle.  Then I forgot until it was too late.
In an effort to rectify the situation and give Dave his due, I decided to run this now on 1/11/11. On the bright side, with his birthday and holidays long gone, this gives him reason to celebrate one more time.  Whoop it up, big man!
Dave is a great guy and we have had a lot of good times over the years.  I will always cherish the family Vegas trip (although what happened in Vegas stays in Vegas).
Most importantly, Dave is a great sport.  One innocent comment about a juice box has lead to years of torturing by me and others, including imitations, jokes and funny pictures.  (Yes, the family is that petty).  To his credit, Dave takes it all in good humor.
Technically, it isn't your birthday today, Dave, but act like it is and tell them Johngy said it was okay (yes, Johngy's Beat does have that much power).  Most of all know that I appreciate you being a brother-in-law and a friend.

Dave Blais in Mokena, IL-December 2010.

Friendly Encounters

This is weekly feature highlighting friends who have met celebs.

Last week my sister Nancy was highlighted here. Today, I am featuring Nancy's husband Dave Blais, making his Friendly Encounters debut with Becky Johnson.
Becky started as a volunteer singer at the Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington (IL) and joined the staff about a year ago as lead vocalist. In 2006, she formed Beckon Q with Lukas Quanstrom. Nathan Ykema and Scott Dalheim later joined Beckon Q. Ykema also recently became her husband.
Becky's YouTube channel features Picture of You, which many consider to be her breakout song. Songs with Beckon Q can be heard and purchased on the Beckon Q site.
I asked Becky about seeing her first album. Becky said, "My first album was cut in 2005 and it was so exciting the day they all arrived pressed and printed on my doorstep. Then I joined up with Luke Quanstrom in Chicago to form the band Beckon Q, and as a band, we had the same joy a couple years later. Now I am working on a sophomore solo album. The excitement in seeing your art come to life never gets old."
Becky had some more excitement when she appeared on American Idol. Commenting on that experience, she said, "It is one of those experiences definitely worth trying for."
With two albums done, an appearance on American Idol, performances at the WCCC, songs on YouTube and other such exposure, I wondered if she was ever recognized by fans. Becky told me, "I've had a few experiences like this before. It's super flattering when this happens and usually people have such kind and encouraging words to offer."
The young singer appears to be in the early stages of a successful career. She has gained a loyal, local fan base. Becky said, "I've stayed very regional in the midwest, but definitely would be open to traveling more. It's great to play in front of new crowds and meet people from all across the states."
I really appreciate Becky for taking the time to answer my questions. I certainly hope she will continue to update us on her latest news. I also thank Dave for sharing his picture and leading us to Becky.

Becky Johnson and Dave Blais in South Barrington, IL-2009.

RIP:Jean Blais

This past Saturday, Jean Blais left this world. Mrs. B. (mother of Dave Blais) was truly full of life and love.
She was my sister Nancy's mother-in-law, but I think she looked at Nancy as more of a daughter (and Nancy looked at her as a second mom). The mutual love and affection was so evident every time they were together.
After a 2 year battle, she passed away too young. I'd say there will be a little less spirit in our lives, but her spirit will live on. You could not have known her and not felt her spirit. Mrs. B. freely also welcomed me into her life. She knew no separation...everyone was just family and she loved us all.

We love you, too, Jean.

Jean Blais (seated middle row, dark sweater) and the rest of us in Fox River Grove, IL-December 2006

Hey, It's Skippy!

My sisters, their husbands and I went to Las Vegas for a sibling trip. It was the first time we ever did anything like this as adults and we all had a great time, despite having some varying ideas of fun.
My sisters Nancy and Jean liked playing the slots and shopping at some of the stores on the strip. They also saw Celine Dion in concert.
My brother-in-law Scott is a poker master. I joined him in a Texas Hold 'em tournament. Technically, I outlasted him, but that really doesn't matter in tourney play.
My other brother-in-law Dave loved walking and checking stuff out. He walked mile after mile. In fact, he might still be out there walking.
I did a little of everything. I found a video arcade featuring older games (games that I actually understood). I played Blackjack, slots and Roulette.
As a group, we went to see Tom Jones. I never would have thought of going to see him, but I have to admit, he put on a great show. We also went to see some comedian. Actually, I forgot the main act, but I remember the other comedian. It was Marc Price, better known as Erwin 'Skippy' Handelman from TV's Family Ties. Skippy was the goofy neighbor who had a long crush on Mallory (Justine Bateman). Then again didn't every teenage boy have a crush on her back then? Price put on a hilarious show.

Marc Price and me in Las Vegas, NV-January 2006.