A friend is marrying this September 16th, and it’s time to write the Best Man speech, and start practicing. Ironically, I never considered myself Best Man material. More second string backup, than “The Guy”. You know, in the event groomsman number four tweaks out, break glass and call me. Groomsman on the spot. Now I’m entrusted with transporting someone twice my size to the ceremony in time. Fortunately he’s not a drinker, and no strip club runs are in the works. I believe a functional GPS will also help.

This reception will be one big bad mofo party, attendance wise. Last count was 175, and I believe that might prove a conservative number. Big families, lots of friends and tons of happy people want to wish the lucky couple a good start. And rightly so.

But what to say. What to say.

On the passing of Geneiveve Busfield 1916-2006, it was the greatest pleasure to know you, to see you, to love you. The loss of your presence weighs heavy on my heart, but so many signs of you abound that I scarcely feel like you are gone.

For the best parts of you passed down through the generations: kindness, beauty, intelligence, reason and humor. Each time my wife smiles, I see a bit of you and remember.

Because you never left us. You just went home.

“All things pass,” a counselor said. “No matter what the situation, it will pass.” Very true words.

Recently, I recalled his advice. A small crisis at work eroded the week; nothing spells fun like vanishing mail files — especially when it belongs to the boss. On the plus side, I discovered some interesting things about the mail server.

Ultimately, even though the problem seemed insurmountable, the sun rose and set. Good thing, too, or I’d still be in the server room.

With Christmas looming, this week is a bit crazy, and normal updates will resume on December 27th.

Until then, a list of things that I loved most about 2005:
1) The Wife. Yes, she tops the list every year.
2) Finishing a solid draft of a novel.
3) The Eight.
4) Monk on DVD.
5) Stumbling into a new job that is fun.
6) Anniversary dinner at the Chart House in Weehawken, where every table has a perfect view across Lincoln Harbor.