Even as we welcomed the new fellows over dinner and a night out, I could feel the hustle and bustle of my first year of fellowship wearing away at me – literally, when I noticed the heel of my shoe crumbling away in clinic last week. Fortunately, my parents had decided to spend two weeks in town to provide me home-cooked sustenance to save me from my bachelor-like lifestyle. Together, we made many of my childhood favorites: pan-seared kingfish, beef stew, fried butterfish, winter melon soup, sesame paste, and lo mai chi. In return, I treated them to local Southern fare like fried chicken and NC-style barbeque. I also bought them a copy of the Entertainment book for discounts at the bowling alley and science museum. Last weekend, after trying our hands at the local driving range, we spent a day at Southpoint mall and Ross to score some bargain new shoes, shirts, and ties, just in time for interview season. We also shared our recent photos, with them showing off their new Android tablets, which inspired me to update my Nook with a new Cyanogen Mod build with Jellybean and the v6 Supercharger script. Our last weekend was spent mostly relaxing, with a brief tour of Raleigh after satisfying Korean food. Before taking off, they left behind enough leftovers for the entire week, not to mention groceries for another two. Nothing soothes the soul like proper home cooking, and my parents’ two week visit helped prepare me for the busy fall ahead.