To the kind anonymous soul who, as I furiously shoveled my epic driveway, pulled his plow over to the side of the road and, without so much as a word, cleared the snow from about 150 square feet of driveway.

Thanks

Attention ladies and gentlemen. I have some very exciting news to announce. It’s been a long time coming, I’ve been working very hard over the past year to try and get out there and prepare for the next phase of my life. I’ve had a lot of ‘almosts’ in the past few years. In 2007? well, maybe if I’d been a bit more focused. But 2008? Yes. 2008 was a success.

Friends? Family?

I am now officially a platinum elite holiday inn member. (note the “Next Level” box on the right) What do I get with this accomplishment? Here’s the list

• Extended check-out
• Weekday newspaper
• Transfer points between member accounts
• Priority Check-in™ ensuring your room and key are ready upon your arrival
• Complimentary room upgrades (subject to availability)
• Guaranteed room availability (72 hours in advance)**
• 50% bonus in base points
• Exclusive toll-free Platinum Elite customer service number (may not be available in all regions)

And I’ll get a really flashy card that will say Platinum on it. I’m pretty sure that if I flash this card I’ll be able to get into all the hottest nightclubs. So look out, America. Next year Mike D is platinum.

Also fun to note is that I have nearly 200,000 holiday inn points. That is Epic friends. Perhaps I’ll save up for the SLR camera which is available at 300,000 points. To see all the fun redeemable items, check this out.