The Lighting of the Monument

Seven years ago was a historic evening, one of the best nights of my life.

My first year in Baltimore, going to the Lighting of the Monument was just about the first social event that I ever was involved in. I went with my old friend Marcia; I brought my newly acquired dog Holden; I got a girl's number; I heard beautiful music and saw this magnificent thing light up in the middle of a bunch of old buildings. It was really the first time I felt like I was part of this city. It was amazing.

That's not the night I'm talking about, though. The second year I was here, the year that was seven years ago, was even better. By then, I'd made plenty of friends. Now, the Lighting of the Monument always occurs on the first Thursday of December. That year, though, there was a bad snow/ice storm on Thursday, so they delayed the Lighting to Friday. I think school was canceled, too, which made it even better.

We started off at Sascha's for dinner and drinks, then headed to the lighting. The monument looked so beautiful and I really felt like I was a part of this city. I was at the lowest point in my weight loss ever (right around 195), so I felt svelte and great. I sure felt good about myself then. And, I was in love, and it might have been that night when I realized it. Such a great night, ended by getting kicked out of Spy Club in the early morning hours several hours later, and talking to her in the cab the whole night home. I was at a crossroads then, and probably didn't turn the right way, but one never knows. I also might have dodged a bullet. But that night, everything felt perfect.

If my Baltimore experience is defined by moments, that one shines brightest in my memory. I still try to head to the lighting every year, but even tonight I barely made it in time to see it from my car (I heard Sheila spoke; that would have been cool). Too many responsibilities and commitments.

Honestly, they should just change them to Fridays permanently.