Last week several of my Young Harris friends were in town. They came over and we had dinner Wednesday night. It was fun! We caught up, we joked about old times, we ate well. We had to be careful not to veer too much to the old YHC stories, our spouses were there and they've heard enough. It was funny to see us all with our significant others...and kids! How old are we now??? I still cling to my 20s, even though I'm closer to my 40s.

This past weekend I went to Gatlinburg with Rachel, Anna and Stephanie. It was supposed to be Rachel's wedding weekend, but her ex-fiance cancelled the wedding 3 weeks ago. Who does that? He says he's not ready for marriage and couldn't love her like she deserved to be loved. Basically what it boils down to is that he just didn't want to be married to her, or even be with her and now it's over. She's still hurting though, understandably. It'll take some time.

I talked to my dad last night- he hooked up with an old friend while he was in Daytona last week. His friend, Dave Smith, and he used to be business partners and friends. They hadn't spoken or seen each other for about 10 years. Much has changed. Dad said Dave and his wife came over for dinner one of the nights- they exchanged kid and grandkid pictures. I really think dad gets tickled over that- he's such a proud Grandpa!!!

Here's the interesting part- One of Dave's kids, Eric, used to be really into karate. In fact, the last time I saw Eric, he was visiting us for summer break- I must have been about 20-something. His enthusiam for karate got me interested and I took it briefly (15 years ago, mind you). Last week (before I knew that Dad had reconnected with Dave), I went to the place I used to take karate and signed back up. Fortunately, when I signed up 15 years ago, I did the "lifetime" membership- so, other than the cost for a new karate outfit, there's no cost! How exciting is that??? Look out world- I'm about to learn how to kick butt!

Lucia and I came to some good conclusions today. It's time for Jeff and I to get our real estate licenses. Gavin deserves better from his parents then stress and worry. We want to be better teachers than that. We want to give him something more precious than anything material on this Earth...our love and time.

Gavin's favorite thing to do is take the dog for a walk. Maggie doesn't seem to mind either...all hail the little girl!

back at work today...nuff said.

Our Research Conference ended today- I really like going! It's great to get together with a bunch of my peers and exchange ideas and commisserate... :). I do wish we could do it more than once a year!

I'm in Tampa this week for a Research conference. It's actually not too bad. I usually have at these things and learn a lot. There's a lot of brain power in the room, that's for sure!

I miss my men though. Jeff said he and the little man is doing really well.

Guess I ought to run, time to get some breakfast!

It's been a minute since I was last on, huh?

So, we went to my brother's engagement party last weekend in Pawleys Island, SC. It was pretty fun- SC's elite showed up, which was fun to watch. Interestingly enough, one of the guests, Lynne's uncle, took a class that my great grandfather, the Lord, taught at Clemson. Plus, his wife was his secretary for about a year and a half. Small world!

We stayed in a sweet Inn, the Litchfield Inn, right on the beach. It was great- we had a suite, so Gavin had his own room. Definitely worth it.

It was nice seeing all of Joseph's old college friends, it had been awhile. Everyone looks great and seems to be doing well.

On another note, Dad started his cancer treatments this past week. He's staying pretty positive, so am I, actually. It's not like his cancer is aggressive, even if it isn't curable. As long as he takes care of himself, I'll be ok. Speaking of which, I need to do the same. At this point, I'd be happy if I lost just 15 pounds. At least my face wouldn't look as fat as it does right now.

It's so hard for me to stay focused and regiment on this diet. It shouldn't be, but it is. The thing about this diet is that it ends and when you get to the maintenance point, I'd basically be eating like I was on Weight Watchers. Which, is easy. Wish me luck, I need it!