One round trip ticket PDX-EWR (not including upgrade): $321.

A dozen Krispy Kremes and cawfee for four: $11.86.

The look on Catman's face when my pal "Cyndy" arrived in the lobby of the Marriott WTC: Priceless.



I just want to preface this trip report by begging Catman's forgiveness for fibbing about the true identity of Cyndy. It was with the best of intentions that PremEx roped me into his naughty little plan to surprise you. I hope you know that.

I really hate keeping secrets, but when PremEx emailed me about a month ago that he wanted to surprise Catman for the NYC FT get-together, I knew I had to hold up my end of the bargain no matter how convoluted the cover story. The toughest part was that I couldn't actually attend any of the dinners, but somehow had to get PremEx in on the head-count. Thusly, the alter ego of Cyndy.

Fast forward to the afternoon of Friday, Oct. 22. There was the indefatigable Catman, prowling the lobby of the Marriott when I raced in from a morning of mad errand-running. I can't remember who on this board said it, but Catman has a heart as big as NYC and a grin about a mile-wide, and it was my honor to finally meet him.

The plan was to wait for Boomer and then the three of us would head out for my baptism at the WTC Krispy Kreme where "Cyndy" would be waiting. I made a brief trek to my room to deposit my bags and it was a good thing, too: PremEx rang to ask exactly which Krispy Kreme in the WTC were we supposed to meet. Foiled! PremEx's backup plan was to give me 5 minutes to get back down to the lobby and he would stroll in right after.

When I returned, Catman asked about "Cyndy's" whereabouts. I was about to utter my final fib when "she" showed up. It was a scene fit for a MasterCard commercial.

The venerable Boomer joined us and I was soon acquainted with the joys of what cannot be described as "just a donut." I would step over my own mother for one of these . . . yum yum.

The rest of the afternoon passed quickly, details of which have been documented in previous posts. My only regret is that I couldn't clone myself and be in two places for the rest of the weekend, if only to witness the conga line of tanked FTers waltzing up Broadway to Central Park. I heard even the KKK was terrified!

Seriously, thank you again, Catman, for putting together such a wonderful afternoon. I look forward to seeing you - and Boomer and PremEx and all the others I missed - real soon.


[This message has been edited by essxjay (edited 10-25-1999).]