So today begins my two week escape into my own past, visiting with friends and family, and traversing the haunts of my youth for a time. The trip is planned around a traditional gathering of my closest friends from high school and college that takes place tomorrow night, and I plan on having a mini high school reunion with some old friends during my time in the hometown. I like to travel with an "open itinerary", going where I feel like when I feel like it. Having lived in Southern California for 7 years, I'm also looking forward to experiencing to genuine winter. I may get more winter than I bargained for, with a large winter storm coming across the country as we speak. Speaking of as we speak, my journey has gotten off to an inauspicious beginning, and I'm writing this now from the airport in Nashville, where my flight has been delayed. I also found out today that one of my oldest and best friend's father died yesterday. He is one of the friends that I was looking forward to seeing at the gathering tomorrow night. This obviously changes the complexion of our gathering, since we've all known him, and his parents, since high school and before. I can only assume that he won't be attending. But, if you are one that believes that things happen for a reason, then perhaps the timing of this sad occurrence while we are all in town together is meant for us to be here to support him. We can only guess.

I'll update as I can from the road, but I'm not sure if it will be easier or harder. I'll have more time for writing, obviously, but less internet access. If anyone in North Carolina is reading this, email me and lets get together!