When I returned from Canada, I went to work at the Balsams.

Being a resort, I was really making good money. Between those who were coming in from the cold to enjoy the spa, or just those who were there for the hotel and its amenities, I was seeing good tips on a regular basis.

Having decided to become a sommelier, I really dove into wine. I would use ten percent of my paycheck to order wine and have it shipped to my residence for late night pilgrimages to my makeshift cellar. It wasn't much, but it was something I was pouring (no pun intended) into my heart and soul each and every day.

There was France, Germany, Australia, Napa, Virginia, New York and smaller countries like Portugal that I dived into with abandon. I would have to have a broad scope of knowledge if I wanted to pass the advanced exam at Disney. Disney itself had produced many a sommelier, and I knew I could get training and experience next winter that would fully prepare me for the advanced and master's exams.

Knowing exactly how much time I had left in Vermont, I began making plans for Samantha and I for the summer. She was planning to take some summer classes, but would have a break in mid-July to go on a vacation. It was the Tuscany region of Italy that I became enamored with, so I proposed a trip for Samantha and I to the region. We would travel around Italy and taste wine. Perhaps not the most romantic vacation; us being the lushes that we were, but I needed the knowledge and the practice with tasting.

When Samantha and I talked that Wednesday nite, we began making plans.