In solidarity with Chris, I'll share some news about what's going on in my life these days (don't worry, this wont get weepy) which I think passes the basic requirement of "what this blog was intended for".
The news is, we are moving back to Columbia this summer. Even though it's an hour closer to everyone except Anthony, this will probably have absolutely no effect on any of your lives. But it's a lot of fun for me and Catherine. I'm going to be with the same employer, but I'll be the only person heading up an outpost office in Sumter, SC. It's about a 45 minute commute from Columbia, but we'd rather live in the "big city" with friends from grad school, things to do on the weekends, and job opportunities for Catherine.
Other benefits to moving: gives Catherine the opportunity to move on from a career track in banking that wasn't really her cup of tea, moves both of us away from my in-laws (love them lots, but they're right around the corner), and we're still a two-hour drive from all parents and beach houses. I'm still practicing personal injury law, which I'd love to expand out from, but there are still interesting challenges to meet. The real fun and challenge will be taking an ownership interest (not literally) in how the office is doing and trying to expand our presence in that area of the state. Catherine wraps up her job this week, so we'll be kind of on a shoestring until she finds something in Columbia.
As of June 1, our new address will 306 South Bonham Rd Columbia SC 29205, but it probably doesn't matter since three weeks later we'll all have been married and no more wedding invitations to send to physical addresses. Pics for your review (we're not rich; we're renting): http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/306-S-Bonham-Rd-Columbia-SC-29205/11701238_zpid/ Sorry I'm not adept at hyperlinking.
In other news, I've dropped 20 lbs and have gone back to my high school pants size of 33. Catherine did this "boot camp" that put them all on a diet of no salt, sugar, or fat. I worked out on my own, not with the boot camp, but both of us did this diet. Sugar and fat are easy to avoid; pretty much all educated people try to do it to a large extent. Salt is ridiculously difficult to avoid and basically requires you to cook 3 meals a day - meals with no flavor. No (or minimal) processed foods or eating out because they invariably add tons of salt. The only consolation is that it's "real food" - meat, pasta, carbs, eggs, all the veggies you can scarf, etc. So anyways, seeing results is nice, and hitting the beach this summer will be even nicer.
In other other news, I'm back on the Jesus train. We got involved with the church (the same church we got married at), and one weekend on a backpacking trip with the mens' group the light switch turned back on. Don't worry I haven't gone overboard or nuts. Just letting you guys know, the guys who I habitually turned down the invitation to attend mass with. The downside: not so much feeling the Catholic thing. This church is Anglican, but all dogma aside, it makes it a lot easier to attend with contemporary music and clergy you enjoy listening to.
So that's my life lately in a nutshell (how did I get into this nutshell?). My next order of business this morning is to reserve a room at the Marriott in Peabody. Look forward to seeing most of you guys soon.
Lots of love,
Pat
