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Third-Place Winner
Jeffrey Giles
St. Louis, Missouri

Too many journeys, trips, and vacations to limit this tale to one,
Many found me flying west to the land of fun and sun.
There was the time I left my laptop with the San Diego airport security crew,
Probably had something to do with me gathering my things while putting on my shoe.
There was the time I flew from Paris with a Golden Retriever (not mine) at my feet,
It seems that guide dogs fly business class too, although they don't get a seat.
On a flight back from Miami with my family, we sat by a famous rapper,
My mom tried on his "bling" and he was cool, even when my baby spit up on his sweater.
On my recent trip home from Dallas, the airport shut down due to lightning and rain,
Somehow I missed the boarding announcement and nearly missed the plane.
I ran to the counter and pleaded for help all the while holding my dinner plate,
Although the doors were closed, the plane had not yet left the gate.
The friendly agent made a call to the plane and YES, I could still get on,
I ran down the ramp, found my seat, and with that we were gone.
Grabbing a pillow and resting my head, I picked up American Way,
I took a deep breath, gathered my thoughts … just another typical day.

Jeffrey chose his hometown of St. Louis to spotlight in a Celebrated Weekend.

American Way: You obviously travel a lot. What restaurant do you pine for while on the road?
Giles: Definitely Paul Manno's Café. It's a fantastic Italian restaurant that happens to be in a suburban strip mall. Don't let that fool you though. It's upscale without being stuffy and is very popular with the local professional athletes. They have the best baby lamb chops I've ever tasted.

American Way: What about a spot that's popular with the locals?
Giles: Got to be Sportsman's Park. It's a neighborhood bar and grill that has been around for years. Great chicken wings and toasted ravioli. (Toasted ravioli are unique to St. Louis and an absolute must-try.)