RIP 2005

So this is it for me in '05. I'm gonna hand the reigns over to AFOMG for the next week or so.

Today is a special day. It is AFOMG's birthday, the big 2-3, so happy birthday my good friend.

Now down to business. As I promised yesterday, today is the "Happy Will Year in Review", it's my chance to count down the top 10 things that were great in '05. For those who missed Tuesday's entry, that one dealt with the negative. But now, the positive.

10. The Mets finished above .500.

Sure, with 83 wins, they were a measly 4 games over the break-even mark, but that stills gave them more more wins than losses after game 162, and that's more than we can say about any of the past 5 seasons. While I know it's not a lot, it was something. Willie led the team and wasn't Art Howe, a very good thing.

Now we've had this offseason. While I'm still very skeptical of the bullpen before Wagner and I'm very nervous that the starting pitching with break down, you gotta love the lineup we will be putting on the field every day next year. Just like prediction from 2001, "this team will score 1000 runs."

With the Marlins folding, the Phils standing relatively pat, though of course they lost Wagner to us, the division looks like it will be a two team race. We are back in '98 all over again, poised to compete with the Braves and that is awesome.

9. Blondies bar and Grill, 79th between Amsterdam and Broadway.

So this place gets a lot of love, but truth is, it deserves every ounce of it. The food is amazing. Whether you like wings or burgers, as long as you like unhealthy food, this is your spot.

Then there is the ambience. I think Zagat's gave it a 29 and why not. You walk in to about 30 televisions, a kiss and hug from Jill, the cougar owner. You go to the table to find AFOMG and J Schubes, the legendary Cousin Awesome and sometimes Friend Jeff.

Then, your favorite waitress, be it Tamra, our favorite southern vixen, or Kerry, a top nominee for "the most cuddleable girl in the world" come by start bringing out the free shots and the fun begins.

I'm one of those guys that laughs about anything certain people say, Cousin Awesome is one of them. The kid is a genius. And when he told me that I was a lock for the cover of People Magazine's "50 Sexiest Cousins," I think my life was made.

8. Lost

I missed the first season but after some heavy convincing from Paul Weiss legend and close friend to Y2k, Nick "The Voice", I gave the DVD a shot and was hooked. At the pace of a season of 24 I burned through season one in 4 days.

This show is just about as good as it gets. It is about as good a show as Rick Vaughn was a pitcher. And it features '05 Y2k biscuit of the year finalist, Evangeline Lilly, who is just ridiculously hot.

For those who haven't yet done so, take a watch.

7. New York Giants Football

If you would have told me 9 wins before the season started I would have told you you were reaching. Every bit of this season has been a pleasant surprise.

Sure, the team has been very up and down, but they have 10 wins and a shot at the division title going into week 17.

Eli has shown signs that only inspire confidence for the future.

Plax has cemented himself as the world's coolest person.

And Tiki really is just amazing. Even I don't appreciate this guy but I think it is time that we as fans and the league as an institution put him up with the big boys, Alexander, LT, Edge, Whoever is running behind the Chiefs O-line in the top backs in the league dept. He is a top 5 MVP candidate, loved by his teammates and the league. You really gotta love this guy.

While they don't deserve it, this team can win the NFC. When they are good they are great. It's just what happens when they stink that scares me. We shall see.

6. Jack Bauer is alive

24 is the best thing in the world and Jack Bauer is the world's best person. Season 4 continued to amaze, Jack remained Jack and now I only have about 3 weeks till the fun starts again. For those who read this site but do not watch 24, you're wasting 5 minutes every day when you could be doing something far more useful. This show will change your life.

I got AFOMG to finally watch it and that kid is one stubborn fuck. When someone is told about 24 and they finally get around to watching it they either hug the person that told them to watch in the first place or just give that look when you know that something great was done.

5. UGA football welcomed into my life.

In August I went down to Atlanta with Cousin Jason to meet a real Momo. That weekend we all went to the UGA Boise St. game...Holy Cow.

Now I was never that big a college football guy. Growing up in the NYC, college football was just never that big and boy does Cousin Jason let me know it.

So we make the drive to Athens, we arrive at 12 for a 5:30 start and can't find a parking space to tailgate. Cocked in a sling from shoulder surgery I walked around the campus and was greeted by perfect girls with perfect accents saying "Hey darlin', I hope you feel better."

It was receptions like these that inspire my weekly visits to thefacebook.com where I do searches of one of many generic names i.e. Katie, Lauren from UGA.

We tailgated with my pal Tremaine, a 27 year old good boy with a golden boy pedigree and his whole family. We all drank, talked DJ Shockley and Max Jean Giles. There were about 15 of them including his parents who were both about 60. The culture was just different.

One girl called one of our pals a "giant homo" for chewing an apple flavored dip.

Then Georgia went on to win in a route and thanks to Cousin Jason's recommendation, most of my trip down south was paid for.

GO DAWGS!!!

4. Cousin Dan got married

Cousin Dan, older brother of Cousin Awesome is just one heck of a guy. We all love Dan and he found the perfect gal to become the Mrs. Dan. Sorry to get a little soft here but I had to throw this one in. Yeah I shed a few tears at the ceremony, but there were a ton more laughs at Cousin's best man speech and the sight of Sippy Sr. on the dance floor.

3. The move out to SF and the NBA entourage

So SF has been pretty solid so far. Good people, nice weather, good food and a just decent change of pace for the Sip.

Big Maciej has been a very impressive tour guide, his friends have all been very welcoming.

Then there is the big fella. Maciej's good boy plays for the warriors so we get hooked up with it all. Sitting in front of Troy Murphy's two stripper groupies the other night was priceless though not nearly as awesome as betting over/under how long will it take for Adonal Foyle ot make it from the final buzzer to the bar/lounge after the game.

Note: Last weekend the over 14 minutes covered by just 2.

But the Warriors really play the most exciting brand of basketball in the NBA. They are young and fun and have me hooked after 2 weeks.

And while Chris Mullin is no Jerry West, he's also no Isiah which is awesome to know.

2. David Wright

I really am on this guy's jock. If I were gay this guy would be my crush. This kid is just the man. Everything about him oozes greatness.

This kid had an amazing season and then all you read about is how much he wants to keep on working to get better. Just knowing that we are watching the future greatest Met of all time develop is really special.

This kid will get us a ring and that excites the shit out of me.

Go get em, Davie

1. All you guys

I've had a blast writing this and having AFOMG on board with me makes it a true pleasure. We appreciate all your support, your lack of red-hairedness and your passion for our passion: Loving the Mets, hating the Yankees, and appreciating the brilliance that is Laguna Beach.

I look forward to taking this further in '06. It's inspired me to write a book next year documeting next year's baseball season with both the Mets and the Bankees.

Either way, it's all appreciated. To all you guys, especially you Happy Will, Happy New Year and I'll see you guys in the '06.

For one last time in '05, Vaya con Dios

SM