Happy Birthday Eliot!

It is my friend Eliot's birthday. I have not spoken with him in a few weeks and I want to wish him well on his special day.

Eliot and I have been friends since 1999 when we were both based in Chicago together while flying the friendly skies. We met on a flight from Vegas to Chicago late one night. I cornered him and dragged information begrudgingly from him. We were both retreads (products of other airlines that had come to United in search of a better life), both on reserve, and both hating life in Chicago. A month or so later, there was a big flight crew party in my apartment building. Little did I know, Eliot lived in said apartment temporarily and we reconnected.

Shortly after this, Eliot got his transfer to New York and I returned to San Francisco. We stayed in touch and became good friends. I moved to New Jersey a little while after 9/11 and Eliot and I got to hang out in New York City on my off days. I don't know why I moved to NJ, but I did. I quickly realized the error of my ways and headed back west. In the past couple of years since I left that glamorous yet low paying profession, Eliot has visited me frequently when he has layovers in San Francisco.

Eliot is 34 years young today. I hope he has a wonderful day and knows that he is loved by many, many people. Happy Birthday my friend. I wish you a birthday filled with much laughter, happiness, and good fortune.