This post marks 150 in great blog experiment. I dig it.
So I have five minutes to steal before leaving the apartment for good. All the baseboards have been scrubbed, all the windows washed, and all 16 months of my life packed into three bags (that are bursting at the seams). This week has been an organizational killer (one of the most challenging ever) but I'm happy that I'm 24 hours from boarding the flight to Tunisia where I will do nothing but relax.
Here is the link to my resort if you feel like picturing me taking it easy. I'm keeping this one short and sweet because I literally have no time, but I'll be thinking of you all in this week of reflection. It has been an incredible ride. Uncertain whether I'll be able to post again from Tunisia, or before coming back, but I'll catch up with you all soon.
Doc's Prescription of the Day: Determination.
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
A New Year: MAIPR DISSbelief.doc
This blog post marks the moment when my online meanderings now officially span three years. Hard to believe the 16 month journey that has been set down on this thing. Still a few more travels and adventures to go, but for now...Happy New Year!
New Years 2010 was a much needed low-key night after an incredibly social Christmas celebration. Courtney came over to mine and we watched the British New Years celebrations on the BBC. We over-dined on delicious caramelized onion hummus with bread and veggies, gourmet breads and cheeses, and a host of other great snacks. I sipped on vino for the night and it was great to sit with a friend and discuss the MAIPR year in review. The BBC had great coverage (complete with Tom Jones singing After Midnight) and some year in review programs we watched in the early morning. It was great to spend the holiday was a friend, but I was also happy it was a quiet but memorable affair.
Things didn't slow down during the first week of January. In fact they got busier. After New Years I had a dissertation deadline and work at River Island to contend with. It was nice to know that each of the projects would be winding down. For the first three days of the year I plotted through my dissertation - adding parts here, editing there - for the final submission. After I added all of the necessary expansion my supervisors asked for, I went through and cut out the bulk. I managed to trim 2000 words in the final stage.
The whole of Sunday was spent at the dining room table working through each chapter and looking for ways to improve grammar or word choice. Honestly, I sat at the table from 10:00am until 5:00am with breaks for various meals. When you've got a 40,000 document it takes a hell of a lot of time to edit it. It was pretty uncharacteristic to stay up that late actively working on a paper (since I've had five months) but I've also never written anything this big before. I wanted to make sure it was the best effort possible if it's something I'll look back on in years to come. So after a few hours sleep, I woke up Monday morning and with a few minor tweaks, electronically submitted my Final Disseration. 156 pages and 40,000 words later, I've contributed something to new scholarship in the performance studies field. The feeling was euphoric. I did a bit of a dance in the living room. I think the only parallel feeling of academic joy I've had like that (and it's quite ironic in a way) is when I received the email saying I was accepted into the program. Unlike other projects, I can glance down at the weight of my bound dissertation and feel extremely proud for the effort that went into creating it. One of the more challenging, but proud achievements in life thus far. Thank you to those who have been supportive/interested along the way - your engagement kept me writing through the tough times.
After submitting the dissertation on Monday, it has been a full shift to getting all my ducks in a row for the move out on Saturday. I only have two full days in the apartment left! It's all coming very quickly, and the final details are stressful to wrap up, but I know the payoff will be a week without worries in Tunisia. And the thought of warmer temperatures couldn't come at a better time. The UK was dumped with a bunch of snow yesterday. For us, it's pretty common, but for the Brits it's a huge snowfall. My gym was closed today due to "adverse weather conditions." It's pretty amusing how the whole place shuts down.
The next two days will be a collection of lasts: my last day at River Island, my last day on Warwick campus, my last day in Leamington, and my last day among fellow MAIPRS. As much as I am SO excited to return to Canada, the reality of the program ending is starting to sink in. What a ride it has been. I'm hoping to enjoy this final push, as well as settle my debts in the UK before heading off to warmer temperatures for a week. I will post on Saturday before leaving (since internet with be scarce) to give you an idea of what Tunisia holds...
Doc's Prescription of the Day: The dissertation, although we all struggled through it, has been such an incredibly rewarding experience. Write, write, write...whatever makes you happy.
New Years 2010 was a much needed low-key night after an incredibly social Christmas celebration. Courtney came over to mine and we watched the British New Years celebrations on the BBC. We over-dined on delicious caramelized onion hummus with bread and veggies, gourmet breads and cheeses, and a host of other great snacks. I sipped on vino for the night and it was great to sit with a friend and discuss the MAIPR year in review. The BBC had great coverage (complete with Tom Jones singing After Midnight) and some year in review programs we watched in the early morning. It was great to spend the holiday was a friend, but I was also happy it was a quiet but memorable affair.
Things didn't slow down during the first week of January. In fact they got busier. After New Years I had a dissertation deadline and work at River Island to contend with. It was nice to know that each of the projects would be winding down. For the first three days of the year I plotted through my dissertation - adding parts here, editing there - for the final submission. After I added all of the necessary expansion my supervisors asked for, I went through and cut out the bulk. I managed to trim 2000 words in the final stage.
The whole of Sunday was spent at the dining room table working through each chapter and looking for ways to improve grammar or word choice. Honestly, I sat at the table from 10:00am until 5:00am with breaks for various meals. When you've got a 40,000 document it takes a hell of a lot of time to edit it. It was pretty uncharacteristic to stay up that late actively working on a paper (since I've had five months) but I've also never written anything this big before. I wanted to make sure it was the best effort possible if it's something I'll look back on in years to come. So after a few hours sleep, I woke up Monday morning and with a few minor tweaks, electronically submitted my Final Disseration. 156 pages and 40,000 words later, I've contributed something to new scholarship in the performance studies field. The feeling was euphoric. I did a bit of a dance in the living room. I think the only parallel feeling of academic joy I've had like that (and it's quite ironic in a way) is when I received the email saying I was accepted into the program. Unlike other projects, I can glance down at the weight of my bound dissertation and feel extremely proud for the effort that went into creating it. One of the more challenging, but proud achievements in life thus far. Thank you to those who have been supportive/interested along the way - your engagement kept me writing through the tough times.
After submitting the dissertation on Monday, it has been a full shift to getting all my ducks in a row for the move out on Saturday. I only have two full days in the apartment left! It's all coming very quickly, and the final details are stressful to wrap up, but I know the payoff will be a week without worries in Tunisia. And the thought of warmer temperatures couldn't come at a better time. The UK was dumped with a bunch of snow yesterday. For us, it's pretty common, but for the Brits it's a huge snowfall. My gym was closed today due to "adverse weather conditions." It's pretty amusing how the whole place shuts down.
The next two days will be a collection of lasts: my last day at River Island, my last day on Warwick campus, my last day in Leamington, and my last day among fellow MAIPRS. As much as I am SO excited to return to Canada, the reality of the program ending is starting to sink in. What a ride it has been. I'm hoping to enjoy this final push, as well as settle my debts in the UK before heading off to warmer temperatures for a week. I will post on Saturday before leaving (since internet with be scarce) to give you an idea of what Tunisia holds...
Doc's Prescription of the Day: The dissertation, although we all struggled through it, has been such an incredibly rewarding experience. Write, write, write...whatever makes you happy.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
2009 was Mighty Fine.doc
Like all good things, 2009 is coming to an end tonight. Last year at this time I was playing monopoly with Talia, Alex, and friends in Scotland in preparation for a night out on the town. It has been an incredible 365 days filled with new experiences, new friends, and some amazing travel highlights.
2009 will be most remembered for the six month stay in Amsterdam among the canals and bikes of the Dutch capital. From joining the UVA student body, to my internship with IGLYO, with visits from close friends, and Dutch traditions and charms, the six months immersed in another culture (where English isn't the first language) was one of the coolest experiences I've ever had. I also fell in love with Dutch culture, and the tiniest capital city in Europe (it's not exactly the smallest but it feels like a village). It's hard to put into words how you can feel for a city, but, like friends, there are places in this world that just feel right. I hope to get back to visit in coming years.
It will also be the year that defines my MA in International Performance Research. Six months in Amsterdam, one week in Finland, and four months in the UK. I hit all the three sites and met amazing friends from all over the world. It almost feels like a crime to get paid to study and gallivant around the continent, so I count 2009 as a blessing.
And yet there are great things to look forward to in 2010: a return to Canada the first month back, a new Toronto apartment with my best friend, and hopefully job prospects upon return (fingers crossed). Most importantly, I look forward to reconnecting with family and friends after 16 months of absence. Champagne corks to pop all around!
Tonight I'll be spending New Years Eve in Leamington where Courtney and I are going to have a low-key night in. We're hooking into Brit TV to watch the festivities on my computer. While on the precipice of a brand new year, we say goodbye to the old one. It has been a great 2009.
Doc's Prescription of the Day: Happy New Year and Best Wishes for 2010!
2009 will be most remembered for the six month stay in Amsterdam among the canals and bikes of the Dutch capital. From joining the UVA student body, to my internship with IGLYO, with visits from close friends, and Dutch traditions and charms, the six months immersed in another culture (where English isn't the first language) was one of the coolest experiences I've ever had. I also fell in love with Dutch culture, and the tiniest capital city in Europe (it's not exactly the smallest but it feels like a village). It's hard to put into words how you can feel for a city, but, like friends, there are places in this world that just feel right. I hope to get back to visit in coming years.
It will also be the year that defines my MA in International Performance Research. Six months in Amsterdam, one week in Finland, and four months in the UK. I hit all the three sites and met amazing friends from all over the world. It almost feels like a crime to get paid to study and gallivant around the continent, so I count 2009 as a blessing.
And yet there are great things to look forward to in 2010: a return to Canada the first month back, a new Toronto apartment with my best friend, and hopefully job prospects upon return (fingers crossed). Most importantly, I look forward to reconnecting with family and friends after 16 months of absence. Champagne corks to pop all around!
Tonight I'll be spending New Years Eve in Leamington where Courtney and I are going to have a low-key night in. We're hooking into Brit TV to watch the festivities on my computer. While on the precipice of a brand new year, we say goodbye to the old one. It has been a great 2009.
Doc's Prescription of the Day: Happy New Year and Best Wishes for 2010!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Wonderful Christmas Time.doc
I had heard the song "Wonderful Christmas Time" from Paul McCartney before, but it never really seemed to me like a classic Christmas tune. Here in the UK, it is, without a doubt, a holiday staple. It plays in bars, pubs, commercials, and on the radio non-stop. By December 22 I had fallen in love with it, and by December 26 my ears would bleed if I heard it one more time.
Still, not even over-played songs could damper the mood of a fantastic Christmas in Leamington Spa. Our group of internationals made the best of being away from family and friends (some of us for the second year in a row) at such a sentimental time of year. On Christmas Eve, Ridzal hosted the gang at his place for a cozy evening of good food, good drinks, and even better company (this is pretty much the theme of our holiday). I worked the whole day at River Island and after we closed at four, the complete staff of twenty-eight worked our butts off prepping the store for the Boxing Day sale. The whole building was overhauled in anticipation. Luckily, it only took three hours and we were out by seven. After running home for a quick shower I headed down to Ridzal's in anticipation of a leisurely Christmas Eve. He had made a roast chicken with a bunch of great vegetables and saved me a quarter since he knew I was coming from work.
The rest of the gang arrived after attending carols and a service at church and we dined on delicious appetizers - dips as far as the eye could see, warm samosas and deep fried delights, and chocolate and cookies. Like every Christmas, there was no shortage of eating. One of the highlights of the food was the warm mulled wine that Zhenya and Zoey made. It was a warm and sweet brew that went straight to your head. Since we were charting new MAIPR territory (holidays together!) we decided to try some new events instead of sticking to our usual routines. So we played two intense rounds of international/intercultural charades. It was an absolute larf. Not only did the suggestions have to be as neutral as possible, but the inter-group communication made the game extra fun. My favourite of the night had to be Joao's rendition of Lolita in 40 seconds which I was able to guess. Charade magic. As the evening progressed we listened to some Christmas tunes, continued eating, and enjoyed each other's company.
I think I had the latest Christmas Day sleep-in I've ever had. Unlike the mornings of yesteryear when my brother and I would arise at 6am, I slept in until 11am. It was a beautiful morning and the sun streamed through the windows. I made a wonderful breakfast while Tory slept and Zoey headed to Zhenya and Joce's to make a dish for the Christmas dinner. After breakfast I prepped a broccoli dish for later and got together my secret santa present. At 3pm we all headed to Courtney and Jamal's for Christmas Day festivities. Ridzal had cooked a delicious lamb roast which was enjoyed with a plethora of wonderful Christmas dishes. Honestly, the food was fantastic and filled the length of the buffet table. We partook in traditional British Christmas crackers (complete with paper hats) and finished the meal with Christmas pudding drizzled in brandy cream. After dinner we shared a few drinks and the games continued. Zhenya introduced a great group game called Mafia where the participants are killed off by secret assailants (I was part of the mafia twice and was never caught). I also suggested the Celebrity Heads game which went over well. There were a few rounds of Twister late late late into the night, and the finale was some fireworks set off in the park opposite the house that Jamal got for Christmas. My secret santa was Tory who I got some pretty socks, a 2010 day planner, and some chocolates. Zoey had me and I received a shirt from Top Man (she knows me to o well). It was a fantastic day. While I missed family back home, hanging with the MAIPR crew made for a fantastic alternative. I will remember it always.
Boxing Day was really busy at River Island (as you'd expect). We had some of the best deals on the Leamington Parade so the people just kept coming. Luckily, I wasn't on cash desk and could bop around the store all day. The busyness also made the time fly by. It wasn't as bad a day as I expected. I'm now back to work and getting ready to vacate Leamington, as well as completing the dissertation.
I fly home in approximately three weeks. I'm thrilled and terrified at the same time. SO much to do before then, and one more Tunisian adventure to be had.
Doc's Prescription of the Day: Paul McCartney, paper hats, and pudding drowning in brandy cream - a British Christmas to remember.
Still, not even over-played songs could damper the mood of a fantastic Christmas in Leamington Spa. Our group of internationals made the best of being away from family and friends (some of us for the second year in a row) at such a sentimental time of year. On Christmas Eve, Ridzal hosted the gang at his place for a cozy evening of good food, good drinks, and even better company (this is pretty much the theme of our holiday). I worked the whole day at River Island and after we closed at four, the complete staff of twenty-eight worked our butts off prepping the store for the Boxing Day sale. The whole building was overhauled in anticipation. Luckily, it only took three hours and we were out by seven. After running home for a quick shower I headed down to Ridzal's in anticipation of a leisurely Christmas Eve. He had made a roast chicken with a bunch of great vegetables and saved me a quarter since he knew I was coming from work.
The rest of the gang arrived after attending carols and a service at church and we dined on delicious appetizers - dips as far as the eye could see, warm samosas and deep fried delights, and chocolate and cookies. Like every Christmas, there was no shortage of eating. One of the highlights of the food was the warm mulled wine that Zhenya and Zoey made. It was a warm and sweet brew that went straight to your head. Since we were charting new MAIPR territory (holidays together!) we decided to try some new events instead of sticking to our usual routines. So we played two intense rounds of international/intercultural charades. It was an absolute larf. Not only did the suggestions have to be as neutral as possible, but the inter-group communication made the game extra fun. My favourite of the night had to be Joao's rendition of Lolita in 40 seconds which I was able to guess. Charade magic. As the evening progressed we listened to some Christmas tunes, continued eating, and enjoyed each other's company.
I think I had the latest Christmas Day sleep-in I've ever had. Unlike the mornings of yesteryear when my brother and I would arise at 6am, I slept in until 11am. It was a beautiful morning and the sun streamed through the windows. I made a wonderful breakfast while Tory slept and Zoey headed to Zhenya and Joce's to make a dish for the Christmas dinner. After breakfast I prepped a broccoli dish for later and got together my secret santa present. At 3pm we all headed to Courtney and Jamal's for Christmas Day festivities. Ridzal had cooked a delicious lamb roast which was enjoyed with a plethora of wonderful Christmas dishes. Honestly, the food was fantastic and filled the length of the buffet table. We partook in traditional British Christmas crackers (complete with paper hats) and finished the meal with Christmas pudding drizzled in brandy cream. After dinner we shared a few drinks and the games continued. Zhenya introduced a great group game called Mafia where the participants are killed off by secret assailants (I was part of the mafia twice and was never caught). I also suggested the Celebrity Heads game which went over well. There were a few rounds of Twister late late late into the night, and the finale was some fireworks set off in the park opposite the house that Jamal got for Christmas. My secret santa was Tory who I got some pretty socks, a 2010 day planner, and some chocolates. Zoey had me and I received a shirt from Top Man (she knows me to o well). It was a fantastic day. While I missed family back home, hanging with the MAIPR crew made for a fantastic alternative. I will remember it always.
Boxing Day was really busy at River Island (as you'd expect). We had some of the best deals on the Leamington Parade so the people just kept coming. Luckily, I wasn't on cash desk and could bop around the store all day. The busyness also made the time fly by. It wasn't as bad a day as I expected. I'm now back to work and getting ready to vacate Leamington, as well as completing the dissertation.
I fly home in approximately three weeks. I'm thrilled and terrified at the same time. SO much to do before then, and one more Tunisian adventure to be had.
Doc's Prescription of the Day: Paul McCartney, paper hats, and pudding drowning in brandy cream - a British Christmas to remember.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Keith's Holiday Rota.doc
I really haven't had an inch to maneuver any blog time into my schedule of the past few days. It's a right shame, but I've been jam packed with Christmas commitments. Not only has work and social events snatched up my days, but they've made it impossible to get any free time in. I am thankful, however, of two things: that the social events have been really fun and uplifting, and that it means the weeks of 'work' are flying by en route to having no more commitments, the ability to travel, and the return home.
In the UK, they call work schedules and job lists 'rotas'. I figure this is short for rotation. If I'm looking for my weekly hours at work, I check the ROTA. If I had to sign in at work, I would do it on the ROTA. To see where I am working each day, I check the ROTA. For today's blog post, I will be giving you a description of what my own personal rota looked like from the last few days as a way of catching you up. It may not be poetic and whimsical, but I'm severely lacking inspiration during this busy time.
THURSDAY
1100 - 1230: Gym
1230 - 1630: Work @ River Island
1800 - 2400: On Thursday evening, Courtney invited Adam and I over and prepared a wonderful dinner. She roasted a whole chicken and made some pumpkin pie with the left over mix from Thanksgiving. It was a wonderful gesture (to go along with a wonderful meal) and great to spend some time with two of the closer friends I've made in the program. We talked about a wide range of topics during dinner, had a few beers, and then went to the local around the corner. There, Bec and Jamal met us for a few cheeky pints. I called it an early night since I had work the next morning.
FRIDAY
0900-1800: Work @ River Island
1800 - 1900: Train to Birmingham
1900-0200: There was a MAIPR program finale dinner organized in Birmingham on Friday evening. I arrived just a wee bit late. It was wonderful to enter the restaurant and see a table full of familiar faces. I saw some fellow students I hadn't seen recently, as well as Janelle, Milija, and their partners. The restaurant served some really delicious Thai food. It was a bittersweet end to the course (even though there will be a few final 'unofficial' get togethers in the next two weeks) and it was sad to see Janelle head back to California. She has been a really inspiring professor to work with. After the dinner, we went out for a few pints in the city. We managed to nab the last train back to Leamington Spa (barely).
SATURDAY
0900 - 1800: Work @ River Island
1800 - 2100: Dinner
2100 - 0200: It was Hetta's last night in Leamington Spa with the whole gang so we hit the town. She hosted people over to her place earlier in the evening. It was a Moulin Rouge theme. Unfortunately, with so many of us busy, tired, and overworked, it turned out just to be the usual drinks and socializing (not much Kidman antics). After drinks with the girls we headed out to Moo which is one of my favourite spots in the city. Never heard of it? That's because we don't go as often as we should. The bar played really great tunes and we danced the night away until the glaring lights came up. Uber fun.
SUNDAY
1000 - 1200: Train from Leamington to London
1200 - 2200: London with Jono! I jetted out of good old Leamington Spa on Sunday to meet up with one of my good friends Jonathan Heppner who is on a three week tour of Europe (intelligence reconnaissance I think...). It was great to see him emerge from the tube with sunglasses on and a big smile. We went to Brick Lane market to check out the grounds there. We walked through some of the cozy bo-ho streets and had lunch at a place called Leon which Em and I had eaten at previous. Afterwards, we headed to South Bank (over the Millennium Bridge) and walked around taking in the sights. We jumped into the Globe theatre, the beautiful cathedral in the area (where they encouraged us to stay for carols), and then to a warm pub for a Sunday roast. Over three pints we caught up about life in Toronto, what Queen's friends are up to, and the state of the world. It was a wonderful day-trip away from home spent with an old friend. I bid adieu to Jono at Baker Street station, but I'm certain I'll see him in Toronto in the next two months.
MONDAY
0900 - 1800: Work @ River Island
1800-2000: Gym
2000 - 2300: Ridzal's birthday. A friend in the course from Singapore was celebrating his birthday last evening so we joined him for some celebratory pints. It was the fifth consecutive holiday social in a row, but it was important to acknowledge his special day. I'm sure the revelry will carry over into Christmas.
Thank you to the great friends that have sent me Christmas cards (you know who you are). I am thankful that they thought of me this holiday season. It's going to come super quick, but I'll be spending the holidays with the MAIPR group with great food, a few drinks, and some Secret Santa. It's not the family Christmas I wish for, but it'll be unique in its own way.
Doc's Prescription of the Day: The holidays are a BUSY time of year (see above), but make no mistake, I will stop to remember what means most to me this Christmas. You should too.
In the UK, they call work schedules and job lists 'rotas'. I figure this is short for rotation. If I'm looking for my weekly hours at work, I check the ROTA. If I had to sign in at work, I would do it on the ROTA. To see where I am working each day, I check the ROTA. For today's blog post, I will be giving you a description of what my own personal rota looked like from the last few days as a way of catching you up. It may not be poetic and whimsical, but I'm severely lacking inspiration during this busy time.
THURSDAY
1100 - 1230: Gym
1230 - 1630: Work @ River Island
1800 - 2400: On Thursday evening, Courtney invited Adam and I over and prepared a wonderful dinner. She roasted a whole chicken and made some pumpkin pie with the left over mix from Thanksgiving. It was a wonderful gesture (to go along with a wonderful meal) and great to spend some time with two of the closer friends I've made in the program. We talked about a wide range of topics during dinner, had a few beers, and then went to the local around the corner. There, Bec and Jamal met us for a few cheeky pints. I called it an early night since I had work the next morning.
FRIDAY
0900-1800: Work @ River Island
1800 - 1900: Train to Birmingham
1900-0200: There was a MAIPR program finale dinner organized in Birmingham on Friday evening. I arrived just a wee bit late. It was wonderful to enter the restaurant and see a table full of familiar faces. I saw some fellow students I hadn't seen recently, as well as Janelle, Milija, and their partners. The restaurant served some really delicious Thai food. It was a bittersweet end to the course (even though there will be a few final 'unofficial' get togethers in the next two weeks) and it was sad to see Janelle head back to California. She has been a really inspiring professor to work with. After the dinner, we went out for a few pints in the city. We managed to nab the last train back to Leamington Spa (barely).
SATURDAY
0900 - 1800: Work @ River Island
1800 - 2100: Dinner
2100 - 0200: It was Hetta's last night in Leamington Spa with the whole gang so we hit the town. She hosted people over to her place earlier in the evening. It was a Moulin Rouge theme. Unfortunately, with so many of us busy, tired, and overworked, it turned out just to be the usual drinks and socializing (not much Kidman antics). After drinks with the girls we headed out to Moo which is one of my favourite spots in the city. Never heard of it? That's because we don't go as often as we should. The bar played really great tunes and we danced the night away until the glaring lights came up. Uber fun.
SUNDAY
1000 - 1200: Train from Leamington to London
1200 - 2200: London with Jono! I jetted out of good old Leamington Spa on Sunday to meet up with one of my good friends Jonathan Heppner who is on a three week tour of Europe (intelligence reconnaissance I think...). It was great to see him emerge from the tube with sunglasses on and a big smile. We went to Brick Lane market to check out the grounds there. We walked through some of the cozy bo-ho streets and had lunch at a place called Leon which Em and I had eaten at previous. Afterwards, we headed to South Bank (over the Millennium Bridge) and walked around taking in the sights. We jumped into the Globe theatre, the beautiful cathedral in the area (where they encouraged us to stay for carols), and then to a warm pub for a Sunday roast. Over three pints we caught up about life in Toronto, what Queen's friends are up to, and the state of the world. It was a wonderful day-trip away from home spent with an old friend. I bid adieu to Jono at Baker Street station, but I'm certain I'll see him in Toronto in the next two months.
MONDAY
0900 - 1800: Work @ River Island
1800-2000: Gym
2000 - 2300: Ridzal's birthday. A friend in the course from Singapore was celebrating his birthday last evening so we joined him for some celebratory pints. It was the fifth consecutive holiday social in a row, but it was important to acknowledge his special day. I'm sure the revelry will carry over into Christmas.
Thank you to the great friends that have sent me Christmas cards (you know who you are). I am thankful that they thought of me this holiday season. It's going to come super quick, but I'll be spending the holidays with the MAIPR group with great food, a few drinks, and some Secret Santa. It's not the family Christmas I wish for, but it'll be unique in its own way.
Doc's Prescription of the Day: The holidays are a BUSY time of year (see above), but make no mistake, I will stop to remember what means most to me this Christmas. You should too.
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