Jonathan Chenier

I first met Jonathan Chenier over 10 years ago as a crazy Canadian track star. We ran track and cross country together at Marquette. Jon is the quintessential extravert, the sort of guy who could transcend the cliques between distance runners, sprinters, and throwers. He affectionately called me his non-sexual crush back in the day.

When he graduated in 2002 through a series of events he got a job teaching history at an international school in Mexico City. Over the last 8 years he's picked up the language and a wonderful Mexican wife. He teaches the children of diplomats from all over the world in addition to the Mexican elite at a school called The American School Foundation. He's moved on from teaching history to an administrative postition as an activities specialist, organizaing everything from camps to dances. I could see him being great at it.

Friday night Jon and his wife Carla insisted on having all 8 of us over for a BBQ to springboard the weekend. It was my first burger in awhile and it really hit the spot. Saturday night he led the way as we buzzed through the historic districts on a makeshift pub crawl. As we processed down streets and alleys he excitedly pointed out attactions in a well perfected Spanglish. He even convinced the owner of a famous bar to come to our table for a private history lesson. The night culminated in a place known as Garibaldi Square, which is full of Mariachi players. We ate dinner, drank beer and tequila and then Jon carefully selected the musicians to serenade us. I can't thank Jon enough for his hospitality and generousity. I plan to rendevous with Chen Dogg again in the near future.

By the way, in these pictures he is stoking the BBQ coals with his wife's colorful flowered hair dryer, posing with a Mariachi player who came by to compliment Jon on his hair cut and the non-sexual crushes are united once again.