Speed Bump

My last post was a bit of a downer, but, in the interest of keepin' it real here on Speed Bump, some days are like that. While I focus on the positive events in my life on this blog, I don't ever want to give the impression that every day is sunny and rosy. Life is messy and hard sometimes - and I think having challenges and obstacles in our lives is what helps us appreciate the good stuff. In the words of one famous Scarlett O'Hara, "Tomorrow is another day!" and I'm looking up. Next week I am going to a science conference in San Diego to give an invited talk. If I were just getting by in my work, they wouldn't invite me to speak and pay my way, right?? Positive self-talk is something I am still working on. circa 2006? As an added bonus, I will meet up with two of my dearest and oldest friends - just like we did at this same conference in San Diego several years ago. I doubt we'll stir up much trouble like in the good old days (Susan!), bu...

Old friends, as in the kind you've known for most of your life. There is nothing better. Ah, the stories we could (and do!) tell. I have two close friends that live far away and even though I don't see them but once or twice a year (if I'm lucky), its as if we talked only yesterday. These two friends have wonderful spouses that I consider close friends as well, and I think that aspect has only made our friendships better over the years. Bringing kids into the picture certainly adds a new dimension to things. Conversations are a bit more stop and go and often interrupted by busy and noisy little ones. But getting to know the children of your closest friends lets you see them in a new way. Double M and I go way back. Charlie got to hang with the Mits last summer in Toledo. He can hold his own a bit more now and we caught up with Double M and E recently in LV. Ah, I know where she gets that look! But those curls...?? No idea! Todd ...