Aug 06 2007
J is Geriatric!
So… my brother J now has a link to my blog. I know. What have I done???? His wife mentioned to me that she was starting a blog and did I know anything about that sort of thing and BOOM. I opened my big fat mouth and handed out my big fat link. Sigh. hahaha. No, actually, I’m thrilled to have him and his wife here (especially since they’re both sworn to absolute secrecy…). And I’m glad I never wrote that post about how totally psycho they both are…
It ALSO happens to be J’s birthday. So, to ring it in in true style, I will now be posting pictures of him and me with the sole purpose of embarrassing celebrating him.
J and I are the youngest little urchins in a great big family. Our older siblings are significantly older, which meant that for many years it was just me and J at home–or not at home, since my parents were the most adventurous traveling fiends you’ll ever meet. J and I shared many adventures over the years. From a safari in Kenya to a cruise down the Nile, from sneaking across Middle Eastern borders with illegal passports to having to stop at every. last. castle in England. From wandering the streets of Buenos Aires by ourselves to singing together for hours and hours on the roads in France (driving our parents completely bonkers). From terrifying nights in bomb shelters to terrifying our parents on the German autobahn. We’ve done it all, seen it all, together.
We were Mom and Dad’s favorites little buddies
J had the great misfortune of always being paired with his outrageously over-dramatic little sister. Fortunately, he was a good sport. Here, we’re in London as a shepherd and an angel. I’m obviously taking my role very seriously. And J is obviously trying not to mock me too much.
Just outside of Athens, Greece, engaged in deep conversation
First off, you gotta love the hair, right? hahaha. J and I are both very musical–we always have been. While my training is more formal, he is by far the more gifted between the two of us. He plays many instruments proficiently and composes masterpieces of true genius, while I just sorta plunk out a song from sheet music. Still, we’ve played and performed together many times. He’s so sweet to put up with my mediocrity!
It was of great comfort to have someone to roll eyes with over Gramma D. The expression on his face says it all.
Washington DC
I love this pic because neither of us can remember what we’re posing in front of. But, um, pretty gross, right? We’re in South America… and maybe that’s all that needs to be said…
Mendoza, Argentina
All grown up–and still friends!
Truth is, J and I really couldn’t be more different. We’re opposites in almost every possible way. And believe me, we fought like cats and dogs all. the. time. (We still do sometimes. hahaha) But I love him dearly and despite our differences, he’s always been my bestest friend. I hope he has a very VERY Happy 32nd Birthday!
And J, you ARE the radio star.
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So, I’m guessing from the last line that Video killed your brother? How very sad. =P
Superbly jealous of a) your relationship with your bro and b) how annoyingly pretty you are in all the pictures.
Boy am I jealous of all that traveling!!
Happy Birthday J.
And that unknown photo…it looks like springs in Bath, GB. I know wrong continent, but maybe they’re south american springs?
Ok, I swear you could be related to me. It’s a little unnerving. There are some pics there where you look like you could be related to Rachel’s family.
Love the hair picture in particular.
“annoyingly pretty” hahaah, kimberly!! She is a hawt one, eh?
Happy birthday to your brother!! Great pics!
Happy birthday to J!
Now I know for sure that I ‘knew’ you in HS. I know that I knew your brother for sure. Well- knew is probably a loose term. Pretty sure I knew who he was (cause wasn’t he a senior when we were freshmen?) in band but he probably had no clue who I was. Didn’t he play trumpet? Or tuba? Seems like one of the two.
How GREAT. I love all the photos. You’re a lucky woman.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY J !!
What a wonderful sister to say so many nice things. You both look great in the photos!
I am J’s wife and let me say that Brillig is very talented and I have to say that every member of the family are very diferent which makes it a lot of fun. Also what is a family without a fight: boring. And yes they are diferent but they loved each other very much, which teach us that we dont have be the same or like the same to love someone. There is not challenge on that. (English is not my native language in case that you love my perfect english grammar.) Anyway Brillig gaves me the idea of writing something on my blog too about my sweetiest husband. I am very happy to have a sister so talented who is helping me out with my own blog. I am very thanksfull to be part of this family and for their example. Thanks for your comments
soniathomas.com
a great tribute to your brother.
it is great to have a good relationship with a sibling.
there is just something about having an “unshakable relationship”
that lends forever to an otherwise volatile friendship that hapens when you go through various stages of one’s life together or parallely. (i made that word up)
sorry this is long. it just resonated with me for some reason.
quite possibly because i am the youngest of nine.
happy birthday brother dear.
Aww what great pics! Happy Birthday J!
Happy birthday brother J! I always wanted a brother. So didn’t you ever torture each other?
I noticed that your brother is wearing what look like a Southern California shirt. Did he go to USC? If he did, we probably went at the same time because your brother is the same age as me.
Well I hope Big J has a lovely birthday!
You two totally look like twins! I mean, except for the fact that he’s not as pretty as you are!
But do tell… why would you still fight? Aren’t we all grown up by now? Do people still fight with their siblings after they are all grown up?
Do we fight with other grown ups when we’re all grown up?
Hmmmm… this requires some pondering.
I sometimes regret telling my family about my blog. But it keeps me from venting too much I guess!
Lovely pics. Family memories are always great!
Adorable pictures.
Glad to hear your baby is okay…
I’m still working on getting involved in your S.O.S!!!
The picture of you and J behind the family piano is great! We do love his hairdo.
He looks like a Toronto pianist called Glenn Gould around the same time of his life as this picture is taken. Take the time to look at some pic’s of this guy and you may see what we are seeing.
honestly, it’s a compliment just to be named in the same breath/sentence as Glenn Gould, ask him if he has ever heard of him.
Glad Fuzzles is okay.
I love the pics. Happy Birthday Brother J!
Happy Birthday to your brother J. It’s awesome to have a sibling that, even if you always don’t get alone, you can always rely on.
Happy Birthday to J! And loved the pics. oh I’m not mad at all that you’re tall and skinny .
Nope not mad at all
Happy Birthday to J! I love your blog!
Great pictures.
Happy birthday to J!
In the “Dutch” style, dear Brillig, I congratulate you on the anniversary of your brother’s birth (over here everyone gets in on the act and gets congratulated as if it was their own special day!). and best wishes to your big bro as well!
Video Killed the Radio Star is one of my favorite songs - and I didn’t see the actual video for years. Yes, I liked it for its musical brilliance.
So Happy Birthday big bro. I do hope my younger daughter loves her big brothers as much as Brillig loves you. Your parents did something right…
Oh, I loved this! Great pictures and what an affectionate portrait. Happy b’day to J!
Your piano looks just like mine — even the same cherry wood color!
Great photos! Wish I liked my brother that much…
What a wonderful tribute to your brother. It sounds like you had many great adventures together.
Sibling happiness–yes! Thanks for the trip down memory lane. And man, I’d like to travel like that! Happy b-day to your bro.
Very nice pics…you have lived an amazing life and I am glad you had J along to share the ride with. Happy bday to your brother.