hursday, November 13, 2003
Seattle Washington

6:38 AM. "Dxt Limousines " I read on my caller ID as my telephone rang. Today is my 6th year anniversary with Kyle. I haven't seen him nor talked to him for more than 24 hours. It was a bit odd, but not too surprising since we had planned on having dinner that evening.

"Is this Jamie?" A soft spoken woman asked. "Yes" I said with my groggy voice. "Sorry to wake you this early, but I am calling in behalf of Dexter Limousines, I hope you're in the mood for a bit of adventure…one of our drivers is on her way to pick you up and take you to the airport." "The airport?" Before I could say more, she continued "Kyle had arranged something special for you…a wonderful surprise, don't worry you'll have time to pack, the driver is instructed to wait while you get ready… Have a wonderful time."

I made a cup of coffee as if I needed one to wake me up. I did not even know where I was going until Gretchen, the limousine driver handed me a letter that had "Open Now!" written on the envelope.

"PARIS?" I looked at Gretchen in shock. As I continued reading the letter, she was smiling as if she already knew what I was reading. Oh my God, I thought, this is crazy! The letter was very detailed. It had specific directions, from what to bring and what to do when I got to the airport. It even addressed my concerns at work, it read, "Jack (my boss) has already agreed to grant you the time off." Just as I was ready to hit the shower, my friend Jeremiah called to confirm, he said "My role is the assuror; I just want to make sure you're up, pack your smile and go." This was good enough for me. This was not a joke. I was going to Paris.

I have never packed this fast in my entire life. I usually have a well thought out packing strategy. I did not even know what time my flight was so I grabbed the first 2 sweaters I found. Although the letter said I had 2 hours to pack, I was ready in 35 minutes. This was a record; I was not going to miss my flight.

I chatted with Gretchen on the way to the airport, trying to see how much she knew about this surprise. Of course, she didn't say much as not to spoil anything. Although she said, "I've known about this for about a week and a half now". Hmmm. Kyle must have been planning this for a while, I thought. I was really getting excited. She handed me another letter right before she left me at the airport. It read "DO NOT OPEN UNTIL PARIS!"