Downhill Slide

Now that we've entered July, it is the downhill slide for SYF.   The program ends on July 28th.   It's been decent so far but has it's usual behavioral issues pop up.   We are having issues with ordering our t-shirts too due to some rule changes with ISU colors.   I need to start organizing the Family Night event on July 27.   I want to change the schedule for the evening so things flow better but I'm not sure much can be adjusted. 

I spent most of the morning finalizing my schedule for the graduate student orientation I hold from August 15-19.   I need a couple people to confirm their availability to speak to the students but it is set for the most part.    I hope to send it to the new and returning grad students tomorrow so they have early notice on what to expect for that week.  I am color-coding the agenda this time to make it easier for the students.    Some events/meetings only need to be attended by the new students, or those that only teach, or everyone, etc.   I didn't think past versions were too difficult to read but confusion has occurred.    (And these students are getting master's degrees or their Ph.D)

I've been reading a lot lately and it's glorious.   I finished the third Harry Potter book so I'll be obtaining the fourth book soon.   I actually meant to grab it before I left Mom and Dad's this weekend and forgot.   I also read "Darkspaces".   It another book by the author that wrote "Gone Girl".    It was funny that Dad was raving about his book "Gone Girl" when I was reading her other novel.   "Darkspaces" was pretty decent.   It definitely keeps you guessing since it's a murder mystery.

I am currently reading "Memoirs of a Geisha".   I remember hearing about the book years ago and I found it at a book sale in Des Moines.   I think I paid $0.25 for it and it was well worth the quarter.   The author actually sat down with the lady and recorded her verbal recollection of her years as a geisha.   It's an interesting perspective about the social ranks and societal norms.  I think I'll try to read "The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo" for the last time after this book. 

I was able to attend Nicole's wedding reception on Saturday.   It was a very fancy affair but the set-up of the event fit the two of them well.   I was happy that Mom could go with me.    I heard from Nicole on Monday with a thank-you for their gift.    It wasn't much but then again, they didn't really have a gift registry since they recently combined households.    We have tentative plans to see ourselves in October when they return from their honeymoon. 

I was able to spend Sunday in Waukon too and it was lazy for the most part.   I was able to join the Smith breakfast and then we went to Riceville later in the day to have dinner with Tony and LeAnn.   Good food, some physical activity, and I got to pet a cool dog.   Not too shabby.   I am wicked sunburnt but luckily it never hurt too badly.  

Dan and I are taking his boys to Dubuque on Friday-Sunday for a mini-vacation.    I'm excited to go somewhere that focuses on swimming.   The indoor water park looks pretty cool.   I need to start my list for packing.   I want to bring snacks with so we aren't spending money on overpriced food at the resort.   Gavin has to work and has a football obligation too.   Saddness.

I guess that's all I have for my update.   I'll likely blog after the vacation this weekend.