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Props to my friend Emily Rumanek! She's in Scotland right now studying on exchange! She'll be there for the next 8 or 9 months and is writing about her adventures in Europe via her new website. I've
only been friends with Em a short time, but in that span I've seen what a cool
person she can be. Sometimes shy, sometimes spunky, always sweet, she
definitely makes me smile!
It was a warm night in the West Island, and Dan Michaud had invited me to a local baseball game. They were playing at Alexander Park, only a few blocks from my home, which is adjacent to a thoroughfare named Jacques-Bizard. The lights were blazing down on the field as I made my way across the grass. The game hadn't started yet. The Hit Men were about to begin playing the Chez Paul. I
can't
remember the last time I watched a baseball game on a neighbourhood baseball
diamond, but I can certainly remember why it's been so long. Mosquitoes! As I
scratched and bruised myself in an attempt to rid my airspace of the pesky
bugs, Amy (Dan's girlfriend) and I chatted amiably about her pursuit of a
Bachelor of Education at McGill
University, my trip through Latin America, and Dan's phenomenal
ball-playing skills.
Around the corner I have a friend And now we are busy, tired men. Tired of playing a foolish game, Tired of trying to make a name. "Tomorrow" I say "I will call on Jim" "Just to show that I'm thinking of him." But tomorrow comes and tomorrow goes, And distance between us grows and grows. Around the corner!- yet miles away, Here's a telegram sir--" Jim died today." And that's what we get and deserve in the end. Around the corner, a vanished friend. If you love someone, tell them. Remember always to say what you mean. Never be afraid to express yourself. Take this opportunity to tell someone what they mean to you. Seize the day and have no regrets. Most importantly, stay close to your friends and family, for they have helped make you the person that you are today and are what it's all about anyway. - by Henson Towne It was a warm night in the West Island, and Dan Michaud invited me to a local baseball game. They played at Alexander Park, only a few blocks from my home, which is adjacent to a thoroughfare named Jacques-Bizard. The lights were blazing down on the field as I made my way across the grass. The game hadn't started yet. The Hit Men were about to begin playing the Chez Paul. I can't remember the last time I watched a baseball game on a neighbourhood baseball diamond, but I can certainly remember why it's been so long. Mosquitoes! As I scratched and bruised myself in an attempt to rid my airspace of the pesky bugs, Amy (Dan's girlfriend) and I chatted amiably about her pursuit of a Bachelor of Education at McGill University, my trip through Latin America, and Dan's phenomenal ball-playing skills. In this local league that counts only four teams among its ranks, high-scoring games are the norm. Not this one! Dan's team, the Hit Men kept their wily opponents to 10 runs against their respectable 5. Dan hit a few good ones out there, and Amy dutifully kept track of the points they racked up on the scoresheet in front of her. It must have been the lucky red bat. After the game, a round of handshakes between teams was exchanged, and it was off to the bar for a few pitchers of beer. Remember that if any player strikes out without a hit, there's a pitcher on his tab! June 8th, 2003 
See the pretty dark-haired woman in center? That's Sarina. The rest of us are crowded around her to celebrate her birthday (Aug 2002). Clockwise from left is María, unknown (Myriam?), Margarita, Yvan, Shane, & Sonia. We're all about to do a shot of tequila. Let the good times roll! These are the Sexy Mexis. My buds, Peter and Jerry, and I, met them at Sir Winston's on St-Jean-Baptiste Day. They stayed the entire month of July, and I can honestly say that they were responsible for a large part of my very enjoyable summer. This series of photos was taken in my parents' backyard. 
That's Paulina on the left. She lives in Montreal now, moved here from Mexico City, about two years ago. In the right photo, Paulina is hugging her cousin Joanna, and her sister Mariana is standing behind her. 
There's Cristina, looking wide-eyed as a deer. She looks innocent, but man, she's got spunk! And well, guess you could say I'm under her spell? On the right we get a cheesy photo of Paulina & Peter 'cuz Peter's the one taking the photo with outstretched hands... 
And finally... (drum roll please) ...Mariana and Jerry. For those in the know, need I say more? 
Sabrina and Lori. Friendly girls - love to talk, love to drink. Remember that night at Marlowe's? Vito! Mick! Where are you? 
It's my birthday! It was actually a very different style in 2002 (relative to previous celebrations). From L to R: Katynna, Shane, Valerie, me!, Claudia, Vanessa, and Peter. It was cool because Claudia and her friend Angela (not shown) cooked me an awesome chicken and rice lunch, and served up some Pompeiros (Venezuelan rum). Ended the afternoon by watching The Matrix on DVD. Now THAT's a birthday. This pic of all of us was taken at Brutopia on Crescent. 
Alida in Frisco, Colorado 
This is my buddy Alain, aka The Don, who I've known for several years. Recently graduated from McGill University in Chemical Engineering, he also speaks English, French, and Spanish, and is actively seeking employment in his field. He was with us in Ottawa on Canada Day 2002. Check out those photos! 
Alain has become somewhat of a pro at Karate. I remember when he first joined and was telling me how much he enjoyed the classes. The second photo shows him with his good friend John. Visit Alain's website! 
Here's a cool photo-op of my buddy Sim (tall, slim guy, second from left) standing with Jeff Martin from the Tea Party.
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GEMMIES
IN GLASGOW
WHAT
A PLAY!