Yankee Stadium back in ’04

This was a great time…back in ’04 when we all met at Yankee stadium.

Lou

To My Dear Friend Richie,

I take great pleasure in congratulating you on your milestone birthday! I’m proud to be your friend over all these years… From cutting classes in high school, partying in your mom’s house, Astoria park and Walbaums keg parties, to clubbing and partying in NYC, Cali, Chicago, Amsterdam and Greece, venues changed, Richie didn’t. Even back in high school you exhibited the same qualities that shine through today, qualities that have endeared you to your friends all these years… Dependable, honest, generous, kind, selfless, trustworthy, loyal, just to name a few.

I was 15 years old the first time I went against my parents wishes. I met Richie (and Steve G), we became fast friends and stopped going to school. My grades suffered badly and I was forbidden from hanging out with you. Luckily I didn’t listen and as a result, you’ve had such a positive influence on my life. Heck even my parents have come around to see the true man you are. So now they feel I should be MORE like you Richie!

Love you bro!

Kostas

Happy Birthday Richie!

A few months ago our Mommies took us to NYC to see the 'Iron Man 2" Premier. It was awesome!!! We were told you were the cool dude that gave us the tickets. Thank you for hooking us up! Not only did we get to see "Iron Man 2", eat too much candy, and get some cool posters- we got to see it together because of you! It was a pretty cool day! Any guy that knows "Iron Man" personally- deserves to always have an awesome Birthday. Happy Birthday Richie!

-Ryan, Ryder and Christian!

Oh mon Dieu!!! Where to start???

I have known Richie for about 13 years and counting. Something that is certain is that you can always count on Richie if you are in a bind (or not). To party, to paint, to move, to drive you somewhere, to enjoy life and all.

It has been countless amount of times were I was speaking (what I thought was in English) to his friends which he introduced me to and saw (especially at the beginning) that they didn’t get what I was saying. They politely smiled at me and quickly, discreetly looked at Richie, hoping for some insight as of what did the froggy just said… Richie immediately laugh (big mouth) and translated to them. This still happens from time to time especially when it is late in the night or/and party but I want to thank my better half Kathy, who’s now helping me out ;-)


HAPPY BIRTHAY, BROTHER FROM ANOTHER MOTHER!!!!

Fredo - a.k.a "Froggy"

In your journey of life....

In your journey of life you have the privilege to meet people of all creeds. People of all sizes, strengths and weaknesses. Most of those people are fly-bys that past you by or fall behind. There are those people who you're stuck with due to the overrated family ties. But if you're lucky and have been blessed with that special gift of friendship. A friendship of a man with passion, honor and respect. His word is golden and has been riding shot gun for a while with you on your path of life to help you, laugh with you, mourn with you, celebrate with you, respect you and ultimately genuinely love you. This special gift's name is Richie Waite. He has been there for everyone he loves and even the ones he doesn't! He wears his heart on his sleeve and is consistent on who he is and what he stands for. Richie my brother, you're one of a kind and I am proud to say your are one of the best and unique people I ever had the privilege to call one of my best friends! ~

Eddie Mallia

It's Almost Here....

hmmmmmmm, cheeeeseburger, hmmmmmm

Hi Everyone,



Hope all is well. Hope you all are trying to stay cool.

Richie's Surprise 40th BBQ is almost here. Here's the info below.



Date: 07/31/10

Time: 1pm

Address: 20-37 49th Street

Astoria, NY 11105

My Cell: 917-696-9919 (if you need to contact me)



As I mentioned before the kiddies are welcome to join the party. There will be kid-friendly activities. (for the smaller kiddies bring their bathing suits as I will have a small kiddie pool)

Come hungry, lots of food/drink for all. For adults there will be adult beverages such as beer (Hoegardden & Amstel), Fast Eddie's Sangria, Smirnoff Ice, vodka and rum. If you drink anything other than that I ask that you please bring it w/you.

Let the countdown to a wonderful party begin :-)

Barb

Memories.....

Hey Everyone,
Its been a little been since I last posted.   I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! What's you favorite memory of the Flounder.  I, of course, have a ton BUT now its your turn.  Write up your stories in the comment section.  Oh, if you have any pics you would like to add to the scrap book send it my way, por favor...

chat soon,
Barb

Pouvez-vous dire du vin? (Can you say wine?)

The Fat Flounder has taught me many things but one thing he made me appreciate was a good bottle of wine.  A few years back (bk - before kids - I'll use this often through out the blog) The Sourvalis had an Astorian Wine tasing party.  With local wine (their own label) wine from Napa, Sonoma and France.  From what I remember this was a wonderful pairing of friends and wine.  Who can beat that!  Enjoy...

A Girl's View of Richie....

This is coming from one of my best gal pal - Kathie Romeo-Nunez....

"Ok- where do I start? Three things come to mind when I think "Richie"

Barb's (surprise) 30th BDay Party- need I say more? He coordinated an awesome event and made sure Barb brought an incredible dress to wear! Above and beyond the call of duty.

When Barb was preggers with Sofia and not feeling well- she couldn't make my little BDay get together in Midtown. Richie came to the get together on her behalf. I thought this was very sweet- especially since most guys wouldn't bother. Not many men would "represent" their Chica like that!

Lastly, a few years ago I asked Richie for feedback on a friend's resume (also in the IT industry) and Richie tore it apart. I shared the feedback with my friend- and it didn't go very well. I said "He's like the Director of IT at Marvel- I'd listen if I were you".

Happy Birthday Richie and many, many more!!
Kathie"

Down for "WhatEva"

As most of you know my favorite night of the year is Halloween (except for our kids' birthdays, of course!)
And one of the things about Richie I fell in love with was (and still is) that he's down for 'WhatEva' especially when it came down to costume ideas for Halloween.  Richie always says that Halloween is all about me :-)
So here are some of my favs through the years: (bk - before kids)

A True Friend - Happy Birthday....

Well written by Jay Micallef (a.k.a Rock Star):

"I don’t recall the exact time Richie became one of the few people I could always count on in my life. Maybe it was when my car broke apart on the Verrazano Bridge, sending my tire 50 ft in the air or finding out he could keep a secret I needed to get off my chest. Richie once drove me from Bleecker St to Hofstra in the middle of the night. Not sure if it was the smartest thing to do, but we survived, & being smart wasn’t the point. Someone I could count on is how I will always think of Richie. Need a best man call Richie. Godfather for your kid? Call Richie. Extra ticket for the game, Richie will go. Happy Birthday. Always stay true to yourself & always stay 2 years older than me."

Ok, Here we gooooooooooooo again...

Hello Everyone,

Hope all is well.  Its been a bit since I lasted posted about the Fat Flounder's 40th.  There's been a change of plans after some of you responded to me.  There has been a change of venue to accomadate some so they can make to this event.  Uncle Boo Boo has kindly agreed to host the party at his place.(Thank you Uncle Boo Boo)  This BBQ will be on Flounder's actual birthday July 31st, 2010.  PLEASE RSVP by JUNE 1st, 2010.  I NEED to KNOW WHO WILL BE ATTENDING for food and drink purposes.  Kids are welcomed and the party will be kid friendly with plenty for them to do.  Who's in?

Also, PLEASE send me any pics of the Flounder you have from years past.  I am in the process of making a scrap book for him and would like your funky photos of the Hunter mountain, Walbaum's park, house parties etc to be a part of this book.  Annnnnnnnnnd please send me your memories of the Flounder through the years so I can post them on this blog.  He WILL eventually see this blog and will enjoy the memories.

Chat soon!
Barb

Posting Pics

Looks like since I'm the admin for the blog I'm the only one who is able to post pics and video.
If you have any that you would like for me to put please email them to me and I'll post them here.

Thanks...sorry about that :-(

Fat Flounder's 40th Weekend Bash - July 30th - Aug.1st, 2010

Happy New Year Gang,


Hope all is well.  Soooooooooooooo, the Fat Flounder will be turning the BIG 40 this July 31, 2010.


I am planning a BIG surprise birthday weekend for him in the Hamptons & hope you all can join us to celebrate.  Our friend Marty is letting us borrow one of his party houses in the Hamptons for this special event. (THANK YOU Marty, Tracey & CJ)  - Think 'Hunter House' parties minus the black room :-)


This blog will be our form of communication for this event.  So please NOT A WORD TO THE FAT FLOUNDER a.k.a RICHIE!!!!!  Check this blog regularly for updates.  


Also, I would like for you all to post pics and memories of Richie as I will collect them to make a scrap book for him. 


Please let me know as soon as you can whether or not you will be attending.  As time gets closer I will post more details of this event.  If you wish to contact me personally here's my info if you don't already have it:


cell: 917-696-9919
email: d1barbie@hotmail.com


Talk to you soon,
Barb