Today is my brother's birthday!
Happy Birthday, Julian!
I think all of the Michael children kind of looked like this... We get better looking as we age!
Me and Julian, circa 1990
Me and Julian circa 3 years ago!?
My brother Julian is one of the most interesting people you will ever meet, and as you can guess, that means he has lived a very interesting life!
First of all, he was pretty damn talented as a child. He was so good at skateboarding that my dad built him a half pipe in our backyard!
Julian was an exceptional drummer. He was so good that our school music teacher told my parents he could no longer progress Julian, so they had to travel to Harrisburg to get private lessons for him.
In only 8th grade, he played in the pit orchestra for a community theater's performance of The Will Rogers Follies. It's a hard show to play and everyone else in the pit was an adult.
My brother has always been athletic. He played high school soccer.
Julian at a high school soccer game probably getting some concession stand money from our Grandpa!
For a bit of time, Julian eventually became a personal trainer. I think these pictures were ones he had taken for advertising purposes!
My brother was in the army for a short amount of time. As part of his training, he had to jump out of an airplane! Crazy! When he left for basic training, he told my mom, "I'm not going to kill anyone." My mom replied, "Well don't tell them that." Bwahahaha!
This is my dear Grandma who passed away this past May.
In 2009, Julian ran a 3:03:04 at the Harrisburg Marathon. That's right, a FREAKING 3:03 MARATHON!!! He's like, a machine.
2009 was a great year for Julian because he placed 3rd overall in the Tussey Mountainback 50 Miler. He ran it in 6:49:55. (When I ran a 50 Miler, it took me over 11.5 hours!!)
Julian hiked a lot of the Appalachian Trail. He stopped to work when he needed money and then he kept going. He was a wanderer. I could never do that, so we are so different in that respect. But think of all the cool things he saw and experienced on the trail!
My brother also plays the guitar and writes beautiful music and lyrics. I have so many songs he has sent to me over the years.
Happy Birthday, Julian!!!!!!!
I am linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for Friday 5!
Tell me something cool about your sibling!
Your brother is a ROCK STAR! He has done so many impressive things!! Just amazing. Happy Birthday!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Susan! I think he is pretty special as well. :)
DeleteWow, athleticism and musical talent really run in the Michael family!
ReplyDeleteI've got to know about that cliff picture. Is that really Julian sitting up there and if so how did he get that picture?
Happy Birthday Julian. You've accomplished so much!
Yes he is really sitting there! I will get more info on that pic when I see him at Christmas :)
DeleteWhat a sweet tribute to your brother! It is so nice that you are so close
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to Julian! Your brother is a BEAST- I love that you're both athletic and musically inclined. You guys seem like a well-rounded family in general :).
ReplyDeleteThe Michaels have good genes! We all have our strengths and weaknesses but we're definitely unique!
DeleteThis is so touching! I always wanted a big brother (and never got one LOL). I kind of have two at work...the two guys I work alongside are a few years older and we all act like siblings with our constant banter back and forth. You're a lucky gal to have such a fantastic role model ;-)
ReplyDeleteWell I'm glad you have some surrogate big brothers from work. :)
DeleteWhat a great tribute to your brother! So cool you had a half pipe in your backyard!! Did you ever skate on it? I (still) have my skateboard from high school and we used to hang out with all of the skater boys. Had so much fun! I have a strained relationship with my brother. Wish it could be better, but I do see it ever happening. Makes my Christmas a little stressful when we get together, but I pretty much only see him once a year!
ReplyDeleteI never skate boarded. It did not interest me. I used to roller skate but I didn't do tricks or anything like that and I def didn't roller skate on the half pipe. I'm sorry you have a stressful relationship with your bro. :( I hope you are able to enjoy your holiday!
Deletehappy birthday Julian! he does sound very interesting! and talented!
ReplyDeletemy brother is pretty interesting as well. he is a talented musician and songwriter, he also played the drums (not as good as Julian, but hey), and one thing he used to be really good at was break dancing! And... he's 6'6" - have you ever seen such a tall person breakdancing!?
I have NOT seen a tall person break dance and I imagine that makes it very difficult!
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