to Izzy.
He's one of the bloggers I've "known" the longest; I started reading his site in December 2003. Even while studying abroad in Europe, I managed to keep tabs on his site and even develop an email friendship. I spoke with him via the phone for the first time one night in late April or early May when I was just really upset to be leaving the Netherlands.
Izzy is the person with whom I've had the longest phone conversation ever (10 hours, right?). I had a postcard competition with him once, and I bet it's just about the only competition that Izzy has ever lost. I sent him a daily postcard for about 20 some days. I still have 7 postcards from him up on my door at my parents' house (3 of Cleveland and 4 of vintage product ads).
I appreciate Izzy's presence in the "blogosphere," even if it is sometimes sporadic. I'm sure he'll make a great family practice doctor, and he's just an all around cool guy.
Happy birthday, Iz. I hope it's a good day for you.