Rhythm

Being on a quarter system is different. Classes start a bit later in the academic year; we try to squeeze 16 weeks of information in 10; we meet with students for hours at a time. Just when I get the hang of it, the quarter ends.

I am serving as director of graduate studies this year. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and I’m enjoying the challenge. I have implemented a new class for grads called the “proseminar.” As the name entails, it is designed to professionalize the students. I’m also teaching a seminar for the grad students who are instructors in their own right. We meet weekly to engage pedagogical issues. Both seminars require readings, writings, and active participation from the students. And that means lots of readings, editing, preparation, and leadership on my part.

I continue to teach undergraduate theory. I believe in this course (and the way I teach it) so much that I’m writing a book for it. That’s a year or so down the line, however.

I have other research projects going on – changing rates of working poor across the country and interviews with women who work in low-wage jobs. I’ve got two papers close to publication – one on rates of work poor; the other on teaching about it.

Any spare time I have is filled with faculty meetings, department duties, and individual time with students.

It’s not hard to get into a rhythm when you have such a full life.

First Day of School!

It finally arrived -- the first day of kindergarten! Nathan and I were very excited and eager get started on this phase of his public education. He had a wonderful day and loved it. "How was it?" I asked. "Excellent" he replied.

Early August Sprinkler Runs

It was a very hot day. We set up the sprinkler in the backyard and our neighbor friend Chris joined us to cool off.

Swimming Lessons

Nathan is making great progress in the Tadpole 2 class at our local pool. He can stick his head (all of it!) under water for the count of 3 alligators. With the help of the teacher, he does front and back kicks. And tonight he picked up a ring underneath the water! I can't get very good pictures of him because they make the parents watch from the outside (part of modern swim education theory). But here's a glimpse:

Where I found Simon...

I had been looking for an extra dog, one that would fit our family. Some of you may remember Skateboard, a puppy we fostered in Ames (I've heard he's doing well and is VERY big!). From that experience, I learned that we needed dog that was (much) more calm. So I was very selective in my search.

I discovered Simon at the local animal shelter, where they called him "Jet" because of his speed. Oops... looks like his petfinder ad has been removed.

Jet - ADOPTED - Basset Hound,Black Labrador Retriever - Petfinder.com PetNotes

A picture of us appeared in today's Athen's News. You can read the story about the local shelter online. Only the print version shows our picture, however:

The Athens NEWS: Athens' Only Locally Owned Newspaper

Just for fun, you might want to read about the riot yesterday in Athens. It was started by the local anarchists. When the police came & asked them to leave, they willingly complied.

Melee breaks out uptown at end of anarchist confab