2008 – A Year in Review

I’m trying something new.

A few of my more  industrious friends  send an “end of the year” letter in which they recall the triumphs, tribulations and mundanity of their personal years.  Some of these, I’ll admit, are incredibly boring; others are rather enlightening.  Having never written one myself, I figured this is as good a year as any to try to write my own.  Follow me over the fold for “2008 – A Year in Review.”

Parlez-Vous Montreal?

The following is a not-so-brief account of my trip (with Erin) to the fantastic (and fantastically nearby – 6 hour drive) city of Montreal, Canada. It is like visiting a European city, but one that’s within driving distance – and without that pesky Euro! Erin and I had a blast. Here’s our trip, in words and pictures.

Departure – Saturday, August 19, 2006 @ 6:00 a.m.
With the best of intentions, we set the alarm clock for 4:15 a.m. (!), but really only woke at 5-something.

Arrived in Montreal about 12:30. It was too early to check in, so we found a cute little spot for brunch, Cafe Cherrier. We had only been in Montreal for about 20 minutes when Erin thanked our waitress with a confident “Grazie.” Guess she thought we were in Venice or something.

Still too early to check in, we then sat in Square Saint Louis. At 3:00 p.m., we checked into our hotel, Hotel Kutuma. NAP TIME!

Thoughts from 34,000 feet

What a difference a few months makes.

I write this from seat 12F on American Airlines Flight #1217, from Newark Airport to Chicago’s O’Hare. Despite a delay of over 1 ½ hours due to the inevitable thunderstorms in the New York City area, I’m about one hour from touching down in Chi-town. The affable Mark Jones and the lovely Kari Burgess will wed tomorrow afternoon in the city of St. Charles, IL. I’m going alone, as Erin and I only started dating two months ago. I’m cool with that, but I do wish that she were sitting next to me. A good time will undoubtedly be had – it would be great if she could be there to share it with me.

The last time I flew this route, my life was in a very different place. I was ensconced in romantic “limbo,” leaving NYC for a three day holiday in Chicago at the Burgess/Jones flat. I went, first and foremost, to see my pals – to drink heavily and to welcome 2006. (God knows that I was anxious to see 2005 come to a close.) I also went to escape – to “kick the tires” of the Second City. I was giving some serious thought to packing up my things and waving goodbye to the