Allison, Maid of Honor

This is at BMO Field in Toronto--go TFC! It was a winner!

Allison Gall is the only friend I can say that has grown with me for the majority of my life—I guess you could say that we’ve grown together.

We first met in CCD classes (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, for those non-Catholics out there) when we were pretty young, at Saint Michael the Archaengel. We were the oddballs who didn’t know anyone, so we made our own alliance, so-to-speak. IT was the alliance to not like the snotty other kids...we were pretty young and sassy then—so that ain’t ‘gonna change, people. ;)

Later Allison and I would end-up going to elementary school together, due to some awkwardly drawn “district” lines, but who cares—we saw each other at school—not just CCD; all the better. I got to spend more time with her on a regular basis.

Until the sixth grade, we had classes together.

In junior high we still made it work, too.

In high school, we always seemed to have the same English classes, but we had very different boyfriends, who weren’t necessarily in the same group of friends. We still worked it out.

And in college, we didn’t see each other much, but we remained in contact. Clarion, PA and Moon Township, PA--that's a good distance apart.

When we graduated college, we saw each other more and more because we were both in Butler more regularly--I was at the high school teaching everyday and she was working in the area, too.

Today, we are still going strong.

She now lives in Baltimore, which is not exactly close, but I have made it to visit as much as possible. I wish I could go more often, but life happens to both of us. One of us needs to move closer. Alli—I can still get you a job in Pittsburgh. ;) Just kidding...BUT SERIOUSLY.

Love you, girl.

The Jess & Gary Video Hour

The Collaborators

One night only! October 15th. The Warhol Theater.

Jess and I are pretty fortunate to have a few talented friends. With the help from our good pal Johny (above), we are compiling a slew of short little videos to be played for your enjoyment. Some are old, and some will making their World Premiere on this night! Wherever we go, the video camera is never far behind. This is our version of the photo album.

Stay tuned for the official program. But in the meantime, enjoy the trailer...


Jess and Gary Trailer from Almost Human on Vimeo.

Miss the video you've been dying to see?!? No worries. The hour (plus) will be on loop, and each video will have 3 screenings. See your official program for times.

Jimmy, Groomsman

Super Pete, Super Chief, me

Jimmy (aka: Chief, Super Chief)

Jimmy is one of the most generous people I've ever been around, and defines the term "mi casa e su casa."  He's the original "making things right" guy.  Many of my friends in Pittsburgh know that to be one of my credos...you gotta make things right.  Admittedly, I learned and adopted that from Jimmy.  When it comes time for a little R & R,  you don't just half-ass things.  You make it right.

I met Jimmy playing softball in the early 90's, but we probably would've been good pals had we met elsewhere.  Jimmy was always older than me, but in "Jimmy years," I've probably passed him by now (I think he was 28 years old the first 3 years I knew him).  Jimmy's like the big bro I never had, who was into cool music before I was into cool music.  I always admired the fact that he was into bands like the Clash, the Sex Pistols, the Buzzcocks, and the Smiths at a time when I thought the only bands that existed where ones I saw on MTV as a kid.

Although he resembles Rodney Dangerfield and can look kinda goofy in a baseball hat, Jimmy is actually one of the most talented infielders I ever played with.  He was the best shortstop I had played with...until Brad (see below) came along.  And while he would probably even admit that, Jimmy's not one to lack in confidence.  He'll recall every big hit or great play he's ever made, and he never shies away from telling his OPRF baseball state championship days.  On the surface, it could sound cocky.  But the way Jimmy tells a story, there's always a comical aspect to it.  He's one of those guys whose just a lot of fun to be around.  We've shared a ton of laughs, and I'm proud to call him a dear friend.

if you never been out to dinner with Jimmy, this isn't too far off...

Christy, Bridesmaid

Christy at Sunny Jim's Hypnotizing the best of 'em

Everyone knows that teaching public school affords one the summers off, however…that never “flew” with me. In that, I am a very antsy person. I have always NEEDED to be doing something. So, during my first four and one half years teaching, I was working a job in the summer to keep myself sane. In 2006, I applied to Primanti Brothers in Moon Township. Who wouldn’t do that in their spare time—duh—DELICIOUS. Anyway, within the first couple days, I had met Christy Kerr. Christy had worked for Primanti's for a while, and was extremely helpful in training me to be successful there, too. It was nice to know someone who could show me the ropes.

After a while, I began to tell her how much I LOVED coffee—or maybe it was evident that I was SO EXCITED that Primantis had “good coffee,” I don’t know. Before long she’d told me about her mother managing a local coffee shop in our village. That was it—I was working in the coffee shop before long. When I left BSHS, after getting my masters, I didn’t have time for a “summer job” anymore, but I sure love my Crazy Mocha. MY PTI colleagues can attest to that.

Christy is actually a certified hypnotist, and the part of the ONLY father-daughter hypnotism duo in the United States. And, she HAS hypnotized me to think I was Carlton from the Fresh Prince of Bell-Air. Apparently this is on video somewhere in cyber space. EXCELLENT. :)

Christy is always one to offer help—whether it’s to lend an ear, make some AWESOME homemade salsa, or guide me to the best establishment in the area—she grew up in Sewickley. Gary and I both love having her around. Her honesty is contagious--an one of her best qualities.