Maryanne Kazanis (Mare) - Mare and I shared an Office at MGH where we worked together for 2 years. Little did I know that meeting her would also introduce me to Murph...as Ma Susanna would say, "It's like a combination of good things happening at once." Mare is one of the most kind, hilarious and real people I have ever met and she also does fantastic impersonations. Mare, thank you for deciding to go to Holy Cross and to work at MGH...both choices have enriched my life in more ways than you know.
John Sheehy (Shami) - Sheehy was one of the first guys I met at Holy Cross and we became friends instantly. Maybe it was because be lived across the hall, maybe it was because he was a Yankees fan, or maybe it was because he introduced me to beer. I spent many nights sitting with him at the Quarters table and talking him off the library roof before an accounting test. Sheehy, thank you for always being there for me and not getting mad at me when I call you at night just to talk to my cabbie. Sorry we stole your idea for the programs.
Whitney Skumin (White) - Whit and I are not only sisters but also best friends. Sounds cliche but it's true. Whenever my phone rings, Murph always says, "Bet it's White!" and it usually is. Although she is the younger sister, Whit has always been wise beyond her years, caring and nurturing. She brings laughter and joy with her wherever she goes, it's no wonder I love hanging out with her so much! There really aren't any words to express how special our relationship is, but it is one of the things l am most grateful for in my life. Whit, thank you for being the best sister/friend I could ask for and for hooking me up with a great brother-in-law too! Look out Mishawum, here we come!
Brian Murphy (Footy) - Brian was always the best guy to have by your side, especially when doing I-2-3 BING! The "master of the list" insured that there was always a tournament to play, allowing us to spend more time together. He was the one in the family that never liked fights and always tried to keep the peace. He's also responsible for throwing me the surprise birthday party where I met Jess. Brian, thank you for always looking at the positive side of everything and not holding a grudge when I accidentally punched you in the face.
Scott Murphy (Wheels) - Scott is everything a big brother should be. A good friend, a role model, someone who let me tag along. We would spend hours together playing fort, taping ourselves doing wrestling commentary and of course, trading baseball cards (and commons?!?!). I can still remember how when we played sports, he would let me come back to make the score close before he finally beat me. I don't know whether that was nice or just cruel. Scott, thank you for always being someone to look up to and for not telling mom when I broke the kitchen table.
Tara Napolitano (T) - T came into my life via Roz but quickly established herself as somebody I “clicked" with. T and I both share many of the same values and opinions, and once you get us going on a topic, look out! T is always willing to lend an ear, share your tears or your joy... whatever the situation calls for. Her ability to see the humor in every situation and to be true to herself constantly impresses and amazes me. T, thank you for crying when Murph proposed (seeing your tears made me realize he wasn't kidding) and for bringing so much joy into my life.
Adam Lentz (Normie) - I don't see Adam only as Jess’ brother, but also a good friend. Adam appreciates the little things in life, like the genius of cartoons (The Simpsons, Family Guy and the value of a random T-shirt (Blaq Market, Irish Spring). He's always up for a challenge, whether doing a beIIy flop or eating 15 breath mints at the same time. His rap skills are unparalleled as evidenced by his ability to rhyme the word "autumn." Adam, thank you for always being willing to share a laugh and for not beating me up when I was dating your sister.
Vicki Gerry (Vick) - Vick and I met back in middle school and have been friends ever since. I think we've been through, it all together and it's given me so much joy to watch her marry a wonderful guy, then become such a fantastic wife and mother. She never ceases to amaze me with her great advice, witty humor and caring ways. I know we will be still be laughing together many, many years from now. Vick, thank you for learning and growing with me through our teenage years and for continuing to grow with me through our "adult" (sort of) ones.
Chris Skumin (Skumie) - Chris and I first met because we were both dating Lentz sisters but since then have become friends despite that fact. Chris and I have a lot in common, including our love of a good cup of coffee and our hatred of the Red Sox. Chris has always been a gracious host, except when he'd shut off the lights to get everyone to go home. He also gave me a touching toast at my bachelor party. Chris, thank you for being able to have a good time just hanging out and for opening your house to Jess and me. I promise not to pee in the pool.
Michelle Rosatto (Koz, EB) - Roz is also an MGH alum and another reason working there was never dull. Roz might come off as a tough cookie (red sweater) From East Boston, but deep down she has one of the biggest hearts of anyone I know. Her enthusiasm for life (flailing arms), ability to make me laugh (with her puns) and dedication to achieving her goals (BC law student) are only a few of the things I admire about her. Roz, thank you for letting me into your heart and for being the most loyal friend a person could ask for.
Mike Dickey (Diggs) - From shooting our garbage into the lunch barrel in grade school, to the birth of Pequena in middle school, to our tennis marathons in high school, to our maturing into upstanding young men in college (not!), to our memorable run on the craps table in Vegas, to now both of us getting married, Mike has been with me every step of the way. Who knew that perfecting our shots at such a young age would secure us a spot on the pine in high school? Mike, thank you for always putting me in a good mood, and for continuing to do anything to get a laugh.
Kathie Skerry (Vats) - Kath and I met our freshman year at Fairfield, we lived on the same hall and she recognized my Boston accent from the moment I spoke! Ten years later we're still trying to figure out what the heck we're doing with our lives, but having a great time along the way. Kath is a person I know I can call in the middle of the night (and there have been many of those calls!) with good news or bad, and she will always answer her phone. Kath, thank you for loving and supporting me through all the crazy ups and downs of life, can't wait to see what the future holds for both of us.
Ryu Saito (Roooo) - Ryu was one of the only kids in the Advanced Learning Program (aside from \/ickram Baghat) and has remained cool ever since. He was great to Play Nintendo and Basketball with, although he'd always beat me in both. Even though college took us to different places, he was always a constant I could count on to hang out with in Westfield. Ryu, thank you for being a true friend and for always picking out a great movie (Kicking and Screaming), I enjoyed watching you playing basketball from the bench.
Christin Cahill (Cahill) - We were "Burnt Cookies" together on the WHS soccer team and have shared many laughs, crazy nights out and endless amounts of gossip during the years of our friendship. Cahill also played halfback to my forward on the soccer field and would direct me to the ball when I was still too dumb to realize it was time for contacts. She is a strong and independent woman, as well as a fabulous mom. We've always shared the same sarcastic sense of humor, which is probably obnoxious to some people but hilarious to us. Cahill, thank you for standing behind me both on the soccer field, and in life.
Having you there makes everything a little more fun.
Chris LaBrache (LB) - LB and I lived together for four years at Holy Cross and many more after that. I was extremely nervous during the first days at school, but knew my college experience would be great when LB came up to me and simply asked me if I wanted to go to a party with him. After that, we went to every party together. (Some people even started asking questions.) LB always had my back except for that one dance at school when everybody had his. LB, thank you for being my boy and always catching my no look passes on the court. We still run a mean pick and roll.
Kristyn O'Brien (Beezbo) - Most of my early childhood memories involve Kris in some way. Whether it was running next door to her house to play with her new Rainbow Brite doll, or building forts in her basement, she has always keen like a second sister to me. Our family has keen through a lot together but we've been lucky enough to have each other to lean on time and time again. Kris, thank you for all the O'Heck games, adding to the laughter at family gatherings and for buying me all those scratch cards. We'II hit it big one of these days.
Deb KendaIl (Debbie K.) - Deb and I met at MGH and worked together on many of the same studies. It was obvious to me right from the start that we would he friends, her warm and caring nature makes everyone love to be around her and we have shared more laughs together than I can count. We also currently work together at Antigenics and getting to see her on a daily basis (chatting over lunch or sharing scoop during the day) has been so special to me, I don't think I can ever take a job without her now! Deb, thank you for all of our conversations about everything/nothing, and for being such a positive force in my life.
Jim Hennessy (Chin) - Jim was the RA on my floor sophomore year and at first I was afraid to go into his room. Thank God I did. Since then, Jimmy has given me plenty of great times and is always good for a laugh. (Although, if I hear one more teacher story...) I have never had a bad time with Jim whether it's behind the counter of a Chinese food restaurant or on board a casino boat. Jim, thank you for always making me laugh and for putting things into perspective. And don't worry buddy, Extreme Makeover should be calling us soon.
Lauren Siuda (Doll) - Even though we all affectionately refer to Doll as the "Psycho Cruise Director," we say it with love. When you need to plan a night out, the perfect outfit (or "ulfit", as she likes to say) or a wedding, Lauren is the woman to call. Lauren is one of the most dynamic, caring and loyal people I know. Her self-confidence and sense of humor make her so much fun to be around, not to mention her endless array of accessories that we all end up borrowing on a regular basis. Doll, thank you for loving me without cosmetics and for being such a beautiful person, both inside and out.
Jeff Croke (JC) - JC is always willing to do anything and always did everything with me - playing practical jokes on Big Dan, watching "Thunder in Paradise," and idolizing Dan Majerlie. He can make a party more fun just by walking in the door and always greets everyone with a high five. Quite simply, he is the most likeable guy on the planet (except for the time he woke me up by sticking a match in my face). JC, thank you for always backing me up no matter what the situation and for teaching me the great art of drawing an offensive foul.
Andrea McNamee (Squiggs) – Squiggs is another Woburnite that has been near and dear to my heart for a longtime. Her infectious smile and laugh are two of my favorite things; you can't kelp but be happy when you're around her. When I hear the expression, "She lights up a room," it reminds me of Squiggs. I was thrilled when she got married over a year ago to a man who is just as great as she is, and can't wait to meet the newest addition to their family. Ann, thank you for always being there with a smile and a hug, and for lighting up so many rooms in my life.
Rob Croke (Baahb) - I lived with Rob for four years and he never once yelled at me for being a slob. That says something about how accepting he is. Rob and I always did things together - working at the dining hall, studying to be accountants, going to Dave concerts, and celebrating our 21st birthday 5 days apart. Some people even think we look alike, but his nose is clearly not as big as mine. He also owns a cool pair of Statue of Liberty sunglasses. Rob, thank you for being so easygoing and always calling me for an Ernst and Young happy hour.
Tina McCabe (Beans) - Beans and I were roommates at Fairfield for four years. We became friends immediately and I owe most of my good times at FU to her. Her sense of humor and her ability two listen are two of her best qualities. Even though she now lives in New Jersey with her adorable husband Mike, we've managed to maintain a friendship that has only gotten stronger since we graduated. Beans, thank you for being a part of my family away from home while we were at school, and now for just being a part of my family.
Chris Antonelli (Anto) - When I first met Anto, I thought he had a big mouth. Turns out, I was right, but that's what makes him so great. He can talk to anyone at any time, even a lone fisherman on the Jersey Shore. He has his own vocabulary and is always introducing us to new friends (Jonathan). He will do anything for a friend, including flying halfway across the world just to be in his wedding. Anto, thank you for being so selfless and buying that place in Hoboken so we could have a place to stay.The women of Japan are quite a lucky bunch.
The women of Japan are quite a lucky bunch.
