I was invited to a 30th birthday party this weekend. It was a friend from work who crossed the threshold into the world of 30-somethings. Being in that group myself going on four years, I can honestly say it's a pretty darn good crowd! That said, the party was filled with co-workers and a few former co-workers. One of them being my friend Jack!

You have to understand, I haven't seen Jack since I went to his wedding two summers ago! He married one of my best girlfriends. Olivia and Jack are both former WVEC-ers. They made the trip to Hampton Roads especially for this party. I'm happy to say we fell right back into our pattern of good times the instant the three of us locked eyes. After big hugs all around, we got to the business of catching up on gossip, telling stories about work & play and planing future visits. All of this... while stuffing our faces with party food (one of my favorite things). I focused on the cheese tortellini and mashed taters. Olivia went right for the cheese cubes (that's her regular m.o.) and Jack, well... Jack had a little bit of everything, but it's the chocolate cake that brings everything full circle.

You see, I had my eye on the cake from the moment I walked in the door! I saw the cake before I even saw Olivia and Jack. You've got to understand. I have a 'thing' for cake, especially chocolate cake with chocolate icing and a reputation for my 'thing' for cake & food in general.

We all sang happy birthday. The birthday boy blew-out his candles and we ate cake. Jack, Olivia and I... catching up on the good 'ol times and eating one of my favorite foods of all-time. It was moist, rich and delicious. I was lucky enough to get a big slice with a super-yummy red-icing rose, right on top! I call it heaven on a plate.

There are countless things in life to be thankful for -- good health, a wonderful family, loyal friends, a rewarding job -- but sometimes it's 'moments' I'm the most thankful for. On this day, that moment revolved around a nice slice of chocolate cake and my friend Jack, it's as simple as that.