While I was not
standing in front of 60,000 people on the night of my birthday party (although
it did seem pretty close), I also felt like the luckiest man on the face of the
earth – lucky to have such wonderful friends.
I’m
very thankful to each of you for contributing to and being part of my best birthday ever, and I would
also like to specifically thank a few people for what they did to make it happen.
Janine Urban, a dear
friend who organized the fireplace present, which will help keep my friends
and me warm and happy for years to come. And she also found one of the most
delicious birthday cakes ever.
Eva Merkelbach, who
had the idea for that present. And now she can come to my apartment to enjoy it
without having to worry about burning down her own place. ; )
Brian Blickenstaff,
who, as I understand it, started the whole idea of the Dachterasse present by saying over a morning coffee, “I was at his
place the other day, and, you know, he definitely needs a balcony.”
Tom Sekula, whose great
technical skills and unwavering devotion to his friends and their happiness helped
set things in motion.
Lars
Gilbert, who surpassed James Bond with his undercover spy skills and who I am
happy to count as one of my good friends.
Caroline Conway, for
her work in helping to find a great architect for my present and for her many
years of friendship. And if Caroline thought he was good enough to hire, I have
total faith in that decision.
Barrett Conway, who .
. . well, what more can I say about Barrett, except that I value his
exceptional friendship greatly. The day that he first called me in response to
a job posting was indeed a lucky day in my life.
If there was anyone
else that had an extra hand in helping with everything and I missed you, I’m
very sorry. Just let me know, and the next few drinks are on me!
Thank you everyone for
the wonderful presents and for being with me to celebrate – but, more than
that, thank you for your friendship.
