Leo Bruno Fricks!

Cheers! Here’s to life, love and the best pug in the world. Please raise a glass to Bruno Leo (Bruno to everyone who knows him)…our Beenie Baby, our little soldier, our better-as-a-rock-than-as-a-swimmer guy, our apple pie, the wide-eyed statue, the vomit monster, the Lazy-Boy owner, the master of elevator etiquette, the king of daily routine, the ultimate connoisseur of pound cake, the takes-a-licking-and-keeps-on-ticking bro’ of two sisters, the Mr. Devil-in-his-Eyes when he finds something he wants, the most dapper-looking man about town whenever he’s dressed in his Yammaka & Talis, and our Bubby.
He’s moved on to take care of Emily (Em-bot)… How can you help but love him?

I hated the way Emily demanded to sleep. But I will miss it for a very long time.

My new "TO DO" list

Sing in the shower. Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated. Watch a sunrise at least once a year. Compliment three people every day. Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them. Leave everything a little better than you found it. Keep it simple. Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know. Floss your teeth. Be forgiving of yourself and others. Say "thank you" a lot. Say "please" a lot. Avoid negative people. Remember other people's birthdays. Commit yourself to constant improvement. Have a firm handshake. Look people in the eye. Be the first to say, "Hello." Return all things you borrow. Make new friends but cherish the old ones. Keep secrets. Always accept an outstretched hand. Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life. Be there when people need you. Never underestimate the power of love. Drink champagne for no reason at all. Live your life as an exclamation, not an explanation. Don't be afraid to say, "I made a mistake." Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know." Compliment even small improvements. Keep your promises (no matter what). Marry only for love. Count your blessings. Call your mother.

What a great photo! Thank you for your service.

Jeff Parke

"There's a belief amongst the group. There's a sense that there's still more to be had. We have the best team I've ever played with and, I think, the best team in the league. It's awesome to be a part of it and I can't imagine being with any other team in the league. I believe there are a lot of things still to accomplish." -Jeff Parke, 10/28/2011

2010 Holiday Thankful List

Things for which I’m thankful: (In no particular order)

Jeanne, Karen, Sounders season tickets, bed warmers named Carmen, Emily & Bruno, sunny winter days in Seattle, Mexx, time spent with my dad, hope for Jessica’s continued good health, tuxedo popcorn from KukuRuZa, the knowledge that 2010 is almost over, Shellie, designer scarves, Sunday morning I/A Step, Burberry cuff links, a new job I like, new episodes of Glee, aunties Linda & Sandy, inspirational art projects, Fran’s grey salt caramels, Propecia, glitter—my favorite color, the knowledge that I’m not “that neighbor,” Hyatt Gold Passport and their white ginger bath collection, asparagus, veuve clicquot, instructors named Gretchen, shaking hands with Drew Carey, Willamette Valley pinot noir, Lush, GKs named Kasey Keller, winning Victorinox stuff, towleroad.com, Jenna, spa-like downstairs bathrooms, Darren Criss, Shawn & Lisa, June 17, 1987, Portland people named Andrea, strawberry melon Fuze, Hugo Boss, gym buddies named Denise & Amy, orange-faced Hanowa watches, families named Wilkey, beef bourguignon, David & Kathy, The Huffington Post, September 29, 2006, the Pacific Northwest, the power of pivot tables, Cole Haan shoes, insta-hot water, the theaters at Thornton Place, our new family patriarch Troy Gordon, phones with GPS and bluetooth technology, lovely families named Wilcox, Nespresso, Sterling & Kanyon’s military service, good health & continued happiness, Kiehl’s close-shavers squadron, anything rave green, 2(x)ist, defenders named Jeff Parke, Christie & Tinkie, a reliable SUV, My new favorite taste-gasm Red Velvet Frangos, iTunes and the promise of an iPad2 in April 2011, the endsof DADT, weekend jaunts to British Columbia,

…and last but not least, SHANE, the best husband in the world!

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2013242565_soundersfc24.html

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2013242565_soundersfc24.html