Monday night I went to a lovely farewell dinner for my friends, Chris and Colleen. Chris has been working here for ten years and will be moving out west very shortly to enjoy life with Colleen.
EVERYTIME we go out, I'm reminded of the time back when we were interns. I had a place in the city and Chris was living out in New Jersey somewhere. We were in Manhattan drinking, it was getting late and Chris asked me if he could crash at my place. Now in my defense, I'm from Ohio -- I don't know about crashing anywhere, let alone having people over at my place. Plus it was a sublet, we didn't know each other that well, blah, blah, blah -- you know what I'm saying. So he asks me if he can crash and I tell him in no uncertain terms: No. I can still remember his look of disbelief. He thought I was kidding but I was serious. Now if you think this was an asshole move on my part, you're right but I honestly didn't know any better.
I'm not sure why I told that story, Chris brought it up (again) on Monday and I think I'm just trying to clear the air. Whatever that means. It was funny, when Chris started telling 'the story', Colleen said, "Oh, is this the story about Bob drinking and throwing up?" I've lived quite the life. My head couldn't have been any lower.
The dinner was held at the famous Friars Club. Chris Albers invited everyone to share a beautiful night of food and memories. He was really generous and that's an understatement. Here's a photo:
Top L to R: Jerry, Bob, Walter, Jay, Lorraine, Colleen and Chris Albers
Man, I hope I didn't forget anyone -- Oh, "Sally" took that photo. She was a little camera shy Monday night. Here's another shot of some of us on the elevator. Notice that I graciously knelt down so I wouldn't block Chris' view of the camera.
Bobby Vegas
I know, it's their night, and I'm hamming it up. Seriously, the camera does love me. Am I wrong?
I'm not sure how to end this today? To Chris and Colleen, good luck, God bless -- don't change. "Don't change"? What the hell does that mean?!
Very special thanks to Jay Johnson for the photos.
That's it!
Love,
Bob
