I Have Returned
So InfamousKidd.com has officially launched, and I apologize a bit for dropping one blog entry on everyone and then disappearing for 2 weeks. I am sure some of you are sick of reading the same words, sentences, and paragraphs over and over, but your dedication is much appreciated. The plotting and planning to launch this site has been working overtime over the past weeks and months, and, after the Presidential Election, I felt compelled to throw the tedious gameplan out the window and just let it fly a bit. The country was experiencing a new beginning, and so was The Kidd, so I impulsively decided to write up my thoughts and feelings on the Obama victory, use it to present the blog, and InfamousKidd.com was born.
I know in the first couple of days, we were experiencing some technical difficulties with links and what not, but it appears as if we have managed to take care of those minor problems, so you can enjoy InfamousKidd.com in its current incarnation. Mind you, there will be additions and changes as we go, with some exciting plans in the work to bring you some additional content, including the much-anticipated debut of Infamous Radio, so stay tuned for that, and also prepare for almost daily updates to The Infamous Mind.
Now, let’s explain the absence over the past 2 weeks, since I left a lot of you Kiddos hanging as to my whereabouts without any details. Well, The Kidd was out getting married and honeymooning. That’s right… something many thought was impossible and never would happen indeed took place, further proving never to say never. A few years ago, on Halloween, I met a girl who would quickly become my best friend, and, after a couple years of unbelievable friendship, we took it to the next level. She is absolutely amazing, and I knew that she was the woman with whom I would spend the rest of my life. I used to question and wonder how one could know who they would spend forever with. I mean, forever is such a long time, so how could anyone be 100% positive and sure that the other person was really “IT”? And I can honestly say that you know when you know. If you are truly in love, you will know. I guarantee it. And, if you aren’t sure, then you probably shouldn’t be getting married.
I don’t want to keep things too mushy for you, but I’ll give you the rundown of everything, wedding-wise. My family came into town a few days before the wedding, so they could enjoy the area and grab some sun and some excellent dining. We spent a few nights relaxing while we moved towards the weekend. On Friday, my Fiancee, my Dad, and I got up mad early, so we could make the drive to Orlando, where she would take care of some last minute errands while we would meet up with her Dad and Uncle and hit the golf course. My Mom and Sister and her girlfriend would make the drive up themselves later in the day. A decent round of golf took place, as my Best Man, R3Y, made his own journey up the Turnpike to the festivities. After our round, we all met up at Nikki’s parents’ house, for some dinner, which included my Dad’s signature Sangria. After a few rounds of drinks, we checked into the hotel, showered, and changed for a night out at Universal CityWalk. Our plan had always been to hit up their new karaoke bar, which features you singing on-stage with a live band, as well as backing vocals, rather than some lame-ass MIDI computer setup and playback. After stalking down a table for our large party, drinks and food commenced, as we tried to get ourselves performing for the masses, but it wasn’t to be. The line to sing was much too long, and some lame-ass had already stolen and performed my chosen song (Baby Got Back), so we wrapped for the night, in order to get more accomplished the next day.
That meant more golf for us, while my Fiancee took a crew out to the wedding site to run through a rehearsal while also grabbing the flowers and taking care of whatever last-minute arrangements were still unresolved. Also, let me take a special moment to once again send out thanks to my incredible best man, R3Y, who was basically wingman for my Mom as he was one of 2 guys in a sea of feminity. Both he and my Fiancee’s brother were utility men all weekend long in helping out however and wherever they could, and my Wife and I are eternally grateful for everything they did for us. After golf, we returned back to the hotel to get ready for the rehearsal dinner that night.
Once again, we hit up Universal CityWalk, where we had a reservation for 14 at Emeril’s. More fine dining commenced, as delicious steak and seafood was served, mild and spicy, to all, as everyone slobbered and clamored for a taste of my fiancee’s brother’s steak and the sauce that was served with his sampler. Up to this point, I had never seen food almost make a person cry, but I was fairly close on this evening, as a tear nearly spilled from his eye upon first taste. He should have never shared, as, soon, one entire half of the table was begging for their own small piece to see what the hype was about, including myself, who just couldn’t help it after everyone else was buzzing about it. Once he was finished, R3Y absolutely devoured what was left, and also quickly learned that some things are better in small doses, as the delicious sauce just didn’t hold up when you douse your steak in it. We retired back to the hotel to prepare for the wedding day.
We awoke bright and early to take in some breakfast before getting ready. Some IHOP later, and it was time to buckle down and get ready. A shower and the world’s greatest shave (as promised by the shower mirror) later, and it was time to get suited up in the tuxes. The Kidd was sporting a black shirt, with white tie and vest, while R3Y had the black with red features. The nerves began to kick in a bit during this time, not because I was nervous about getting married, but more so the actuality that this day was finally here and I was marrying the love of my life. It was the feeling that you would get in preparing to play in a big game or hit the stage for opening night or what not. My family, R3Y, and I had a few stiff Vodka & Red Bulls as well as a round of Jager shots, and R3Y and I were off to the site.
We froze out the car with A/C, so we weren’t sweating balls (figuratively, not literally) upon our arrival and rocked out to whatever station we found in the car to get pumped for the moment. We showed up and made our way to the trellis area we had selected, as R3Y and The Kidd basically killed an entire flask of Jager on the way, to kill the rest of the nerves, as we waited for the moment. I could faintly hear the string versions of Coldplay, Journey, and others were had selected for our pre-ceremony music, as we ran through things one last time before we got started. Finally, “I’ll Be There” came up, which meant it was time for the processional of everyone. My parents made their way down the aisle, followed by her Brother and Mom, and then her Maid Of Honor. I took a long, deep breath, as the music changed to “Chasing Cars,” and there she was. I could see her bright smile from that far distance, as she made her walk, arm-in-arm with her Dad, heading straight towards me.
As I stared straight out at her, looking absolutely amazing in her dress, I could hear R3Y over my left shoulder beginning to tear up. Something I never expected, and also something we have photographic evidence of now for the ages. A few steps away, she blew me a small kiss, and we were underway. Our officiant began the ceremony with a few words before introducing my Sister, who we had tapped to read “The Irish Wedding Blessing” for us. Her face covered in tears and emotion, she fought her way through, delivering something that seemed perfect for our life together. Next, her sister made her way up to read “The Art of a Good Marriage.” And, at that moment, a complete calm came over me, and I was set for the rest of the ceremony. Our family and friends were flowing tears of joy all around us, and my Wife and I were holding up well. We were a bit teary and emotional as well, but we remained calm, cool, and collected throughout, as this was something for which we had been waiting. We read the vows we had created to each other and exchanged the rings prior to our officiant (her fake Uncle) delivering another some heartfelt words to us and to our families about the specialness of this moment. We were then announced as husband and wife before our kiss. “Everlong” rang out through the air, as we jumped the broom and made our way back up the aisle as MR. AND Mrs. We spent some more time on the grounds taking pics with our family and the bridal party with our photographer, which included everyone’s desire to kiss me, before we sent everyone over to the restaurant for the reception.
The bridal party took the limo over to the restaurant for our celebration, as we were greeted with bubbles and “Accidentally In Love” by Counting Crows, as we were introduced once again. Everything was perfect. The cake had turned out exactly as we had designed. The cake topper that we searched far and wide for was exactly what we were looking for. Our engraved champagne flutes looked incredible as did our cake servers. The wedding favors (picture and bride & groom beer koozies) were all huge hits. The food was excellent, and we were experiencing everything we hoped this day would be. We gave the DJ permission to kick the party into high gear, and “The Electric Slide” started a party that we never let up on over the next few hours. I like to move it move it… Flo Rida, Lil Jon getting low, Usher Yeah’ing, Etc. We rocked the house with everyone enjoying themselves until the last dance was called. And that was it. Everyone went their separate ways, as my Wife and I made our way back to our own hotel to spend our first night together as a married couple.
Our families had a great time together, many meeting others for the first time. Our small group of friends were incorporating in, as if they were a part of our families already. It was an event that we could and will remember forever with ease.
My new Wife and I flew off to Jamaica the next day for our honeymoon, which I will spare you the details of, as I’d like to keep most of that just for us, although I will say that I was able to succeed in snorkeling on 2 different occasions, while also suffering a sprained ankle at the end of the trip as a result of my unsuccessful attempts to waterski.
In the end, it was a great gathering of friends and family, new and old, that we can only hope to try duplicating in the future. However, with the personalities we all have and the ability for everyone to get along and have a good time, I can only look forward to the next chance for us to get together as one large family to have a good time and celebrate like we did for that one special day on November 9, 2008.
With joy comes a bit of sadness though. Yesterday, November 18 marked the 1-year anniversary of the death of a good friend of mine named Deric “Bubba” Askew. I worked with Bubba for some time while I was still involved in commercial radio, and he was one of the best men I could have ever had the honor of knowing. He worked in radio, because he loved it. He loved what it had the power of doing, be it entertaining its listerners, or stirring up debates between differing opinions. He was the heart and soul of the building I worked in, as he did the jobs of way too many people for not nearly enough recognition and not even close to what he should have been paid. But he loved the job, and he loved the people. Many days I stayed past quitting time, to sit and talk with him, about the industry and about life. He was always open to teaching and also learning more himself. He was beyond the backstabbing and the politics, and he also wished that radio could be great once again – without voice tracking, taped shows, paid programming, and endless syndication. Bubba was also the inspiration towards Infamous Radio and what this site has now become as an extension of that original idea. Bubba believed that this Kidd from Jersey had the desire and talent to make it, to put on a quality radio broadcast, to be entertaining at any and all times for those taking the time to listen. Bubba believed in Billy The Kidd to be something that you, my reader, my listener, my audience would want to make part of your day. And, one year later, I’d like to think Bubba is watching what The Kidd is doing and is proud for the progress we have made as well as that we have yet to do.
I also want to close with birthday wishes for my Dad, who yesterday turned the ripe age of 55. Happy birthday to someone who has continued to stand by my side, even as I have screwed things up many times for myself. He has always understood that I want to make a life for myself on my own terms as I’ve chased the dreams, and he has continued to support that. The dreams haven’t gotten any bigger, just closer to where they can be reached.
Peace.
