DMCI Mini Reunion

Front: Manuel, Jay, Wayne. Back: Me and Brian.

Our friend, Wayne and his daughter, came into town for a bouldering competition this Saturday. She had tied for first in a local competition and, along with seven others, earned the chance to compete here next weekend.

It's been 15 years since Wayne was in town. He's been in Vancouver since graduating from university over 25 years ago. So, when I found out he was coming, I hastily got a few high school classmates together for lunch.

Besides through Facebook, I don't have much contact with a lot of my friends from back then. It's sad this is the only way we keep in touch I know. Facebook is a useful tool though. It's how I managed to arrange for us to meet up.

The only friend who still lives in the immediate area (Don Mills) is Manuel. Brian is out east in Whitby and Jay is downtown. I'm in midtown Toronto. My parents still live in Don Mills. Still in the same house my sister and I grew up in.

We met at the Jack Astor's at the Shops at Don Mills. Even though I hadn't seen most of the guys in 5-15 years we pretty much knew what everyone else was up to (through Facebook). Though Manuel isn't in touch with us on FB, so it was a big surprise when he said he got married last year.

After lunch we went over to the high school for a look around and to snap a few more photos. It was Wayne's daughter's first visit to Toronto. Before lunch he showed her around the old neighbourhood and to see his old house (by our old public school).

It was great meeting up. Hopefully it won't be so long until we see each other again.

Michael's Birthday Dinner

Amber's Photo.

My friend Michael invited me out to his birthday dinner on Friday. I know him through my other friend, Rob. They all work together at Nadurra an eco-friendly, hardwood flooring company near Yorkdale Mall.

Michael had e-mailed me earlier in the week telling me about the dinner. It was going to be at Churrasco Villa, a Portuguese restaurant located on Eglinton, near Mount Pleasant. Only a few blocks from where I live. He said they were going to meet there between 5-6:00 p.m., but he'd get back to me to confirm the exact time.

When Friday rolled around I still hadn't heard back from him. No problem, I thought. I only live about 5 minutes from the restaurant. I didn't think they'd be able to get there that early coming from work and having to worry about traffic and parking. 5:00 p.m. rolled around and still no word.

At 6:00 I sent Michael a text and told him to let me know when they arrived at the restaurant. A short time later he replied saying they arrived at the restaurant at 5:00. Hm. I walked over quickly.

Everyone had already ordered their food sometime between 5:30 and 5:45. When I got there they had just been served. I glanced through the menu, but instead, to be quick, asked for suggestions. Brian said, the fire-grilled chicken was good. So I ordered the double-leg with seasonal vegetables and rice pilaf.

The waiter brought my dinner less than five minutes later (I'm estimating). I believe he put my order in ahead of the queue so I could join the others at my table who were already eating. That was nice of him.

It was good seeing everyone again. I don't go in as often to help at Nadurra. Normally I go in and help with labeling samples at the office. And, sometimes, they ask me to help set up or tear down at trade shows. I think they're trying to cut down on costs now. That's alright. I'd rather have my Fridays off to tell you the truth.

I got the chance to see Sandro again. He left the company a few months to a year after I had first started going in. I thought he was a really nice guy. Brian, Ian and Samantha were also there along with Ian's wife and daughter and Michael's friend, Gary, and Michael's wife, Amber. Sandro brought his young son, Luka (sp?) too.

After dinner Michael, Gary and I hung out a bit longer. We grabbed beverages at the nearby Timmies and headed over to the new Minto condos on Yonge. They have a courtyard with outdoor seating. Since it was nice out we decided to take advantage of that instead of sitting inside.

We hung out there for an hour or so and talked about a variety of things from the condition of Gary's father who is in hospital to Shin Dong-hyuk, the Korean man who escaped notorious Camp 14 in North Korea.

It was nice hanging out with the guys. I'm happy I made it out. Even if they almost forgot about me at the beginning of the night.