This morning, I was an employee of the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission, and now - I am unemployed and on a plane to Chicago for South Park Illinois, or SPIL 2004 - and I cannot think of a better way to begin the next chapter of my life.

My South Park family has been a part of my life since only 1999 - but it seems that they have been in my life since the day I was born. From the first time I sent out a South Park Digest on September 1, 1999, I have met close to 200 people - 23 of whom I will see when I land in less than an hour.

The hosts of SPIL are Dan and Kandice, two people who never knew each other until they became members of the South Park Digest - and who now not only live together - but have given birth to the real star of this weekend's festivities - my Godson Cole, who celebrates his second birthday tomorrow.

I have always marvelled at life and its experiences. How one single decision, no matter how insignificant, could completely change the course of a person's life. When I made the decision to send Comedy Central a copy of the review I wrote about South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut, I had no idea that doing so would land me a job with South Park, and introduce me to an entirely new group of friends from literally all over the world who I would not have met otherwise. And I am sure that when Dan and Kandice decided to join the South Park Digest, they had no idea that doing so would introduce each other to their respective soul mate - and spawn a child that truly defines the miracle of fate, chance - and love.

This is the third time I am going to Chicago. The first time was in May of 2002 for Cole's Baptism, and the second was in August of 2003 for the first SPIL. Each time I went, I saw Dan and Kandice, as well as a few additional Digest members who decided to make the same journey I did. This time, almost two-dozen other members of the South Park Digest will be joining me for my Godson's big day. Among them are Mek and Deborah from Ohio and California respectively, Arthur and Helen from England, Debbie from Florida, Lynn and Bob from Wisconsin, America and Timmah from Indiana, Gary and Sue from Iowa, Mike from Chicago, Erica from Ohio - and Summer from Chicakmauga. These wonderful people are now members of my family that I never would have met if not for one simple insignificant decision.

Each time I travel to see members of my South Park family, which averages about three or four times each year, I always get giddy with anticipation as my plane inches closer and closer to my final destination. Some people have already arrived at Dan and Kandice's house, and Kandice is waiting for me at the airport as I write this. So although I am on an aircraft that is travelling at speeds exceeding 300 miles per hour - I may as well be on a tricycle - because I am so eager to see my friends I cannot wait another minute...

...even though I have to wait another 40 minutes until we land.

Can't this thing go any faster?