tribute to Andrew Jess.

For those of you who don't know, this is a picture of my friend AJ, who was one of the first and best friends I made my freshman year at UVM. Over the years, we went in different social directions, but he always maintained his relationships with those of us who continued to hang out together.

A little less than a year ago, AJ got dianosed with Hodgekin's Disease.

Since then, he has undergone chemotherapy and he is now completely healthy and cancer-free. As a result, his ecstatic and elated family arranged a big blowout for him at a bar called The Town Tavern in New York City. When we all got the invitation about two months ago, I knew I would make a personal effort to go, but I had no idea if other people would be able to. The city is a good 5-6 hours away and with school and work, it would be easy to simply succumb and say that making it to AJ's party was just not going to happen.

To my extreme gratification and pride, we are ALL making it down this weekend. Despite having classes, teaching classes, having work, having play rehearsals, and having low financial resources, we all found a way. While spending a weekend in the city and visiting other friends is appealing too, the fact that AJ is the primary reason we are making the trek makes me so grateful for my group of friends. It's times like these that I appreciate how loyal we are to each other and how much we care about one another.

As for me, this weekend is going to be even more amazing than just celebrating AJ's triumph. I'm heading to Albany on Thursday night with Risa to visit with dear Emily Abbott who we only get to see once in a blue moon. Then Friday morning, Risa and I will train it up into the city. At this point, I think we will meet up with Arden and drop off our luggage at her place, then grab lunch somewhere (hopefully the Spotted Pig so we can see Dorsi!). I'm hoping to go talk to the admissions advisor at CUNY Hunter but apparently he doesn't see people on Fridays. I left a message that was slightly short of begging, so we'll see. Friday night is Arden's adios party and then it's into the city to play with Vick and Zo and other favorites. Saturday: He's Just Not That Into You! Maybe it'll be good, maybe it'll be bad, but either way, I am PUMPED. Then the UVM kids will start streaming in. Perhaps a little shopping at Forever 21 (right around the corner from the hotel we're staying at). Then dinner. Then AJ's shindig. Then, out for a night on the town.

New York City with both MA and UVM favorites? I really don't think it gets much better than this.

Here's to your weekend, AJ!