It feels so wonderful to be back in Athens, Georgia. There is no doubt that some of my fondest memories are still, to this day, in this wonderful college town where there is the perfect downtown a block from campus and a famed, historic North Campus which was where the oldest state university started classes is 1785.

But, before I share Athens with you, let’s back track to Cincinnati. My trip there was short and sweet. We stayed at the Downtown Westin which is always trustworthy. You know your room will be nice, the bed will be comfortable, the gym will be crowded, and the breakfast at Ingredients downstairs can’t be beat!

Wednesday night’s team dinner was at Jeff Ruby’s which was just as incredible as I remembered it being seven years ago! While I didn’t indulge in steak since I just had one last week in Houston, I loved the fish and the service was phenomenal.

I was off to the airport again early yesterday morning for a direct flight to Atlanta. The Cincinnati airport does a wonderful job of having plenty of food options in almost every terminal! I was able to snag a healthy breakfast and a sunny window seat while I waited for my flight.

The uneventful flight was short and sweet, delivering us safely to Hartsfield 20 minutes early!

Since Atlanta is known for its’ horrible traffic, I took advantage of their public transportation, MARTA. By taking MARTA (Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) to the northern most station, Doraville, I was able to help my father in law avoid traffic.  The trip was smooth and easier than I remember. For $2.50 it can’t be beat!

By 2pm, I was finally back in Athens ready to reunite with old friends, celebrate my sister-in-law Meg, reminisce, and enjoy the gorgeous weather!

The campus was alive with the sound of graduates!

Before she headed down to graduation, we wandered North Campus taking graduate and family photos!

It was surreal celebrating Meg’s graduation 6 years after I graduated from the University of Georgia. While the names of the bars have changed and some of our favorite restaurants are no longer downtown, everything else seems the same. I was even recognized by a number of my old professors, mentors, and University staff who I worked with due to my involvement in Student Government, Greek Life, and the Arch Society while I was a student. So wonderful to have so many warm hugs yesterday!

When I graduated, graduation took place between the hedges in Sanford Stadium at 10am. Due to heat and other issues, the University has since decided to make the main graduation an evening event which worked perfectly! By 7pm the sun is setting and even the hottest days are starting to cool off which makes a 2 hour graduation for over 5,000 graduates who decide to walk in graduation more than bearable.

Meg, like many graduates, decorated her cap in hopes that her family could spot her in the crowd. Miraculously, as we sat waiting for the procession I realized that her school, the Grady school of Journalism, was the first school to process into the stadium. Within seconds I spotted her blue and white polka dot cap and dashed down to capture some photographs.

Luckily, we were able to meet up with the graduate for an evening of celebratory drinks after graduation ended! Three of my friends from undergrad who happen to live in Athens came out to spend the evening celebrating and catching up with us which was such a wonderful surprise! Great friends along with Sweet Water 420 made for the perfect night!

Now that we’re awake and recovered after a delicious breakfast with Bo’s parents and grandmother at Big City Bakery, it’s time to hit the Athens hills for a long run! Catch you later from Atlanta!