I left my heart in Miami.

I'm sure some of you readers are far classier than I and left your heart in some place a bit more bon vivant, like Paris, but I left my heart in good ole crime-ridden, Spanish-speaking Miami.

As many of you long-timers know, I grew up a mere five minutes away from the very spot my parents met at on the University of Miami campus. The city is embedded in me; it is as much a part of my personality and soul as anything else. When my family left Miami 11 years ago, I promised myself that I'd return someday. I made good on that when I attended college in Florida five years later.

This past weekend, I got a bit nostalgic for my hometown when I was reunited with my oldest friend.


CRJ and I have been best friends since we met in kindergarten class at Beth Am at the ripe old age of 5. I could not imagine my life without her. She's an avid reader of JGIWC and is moving back to New York this Fall to pursue her dream - Columbia med school! I'm so proud of her and so happy to be able to look forward to many more fun times in the future.

The other reason I was strolling down memory lane is not as joyful; the Heat lost game 7 and got knocked out of the playoffs. And then Wade didn't win MVP. REALLY LEBRON JAMES??? Anyone? Bueller?

MM, turn your head away from the computer screen for a moment. DWYANE: I still love you. You'll always be MVP in my book, baby. I will follow you wherever you may go. Especially if it's to the Knicks in 2010.