I’m not sure how it happened. I had big plans for my spare time during the summer. I was going to read the books I’d let slide during the busy months of the year. I was going to write about my travels, my time with Noriko and the kids, and the projects I completed. Now summer is over and I haven’t accomplished nearly what I’d planned. Oh well, it was a good summer nevertheless. Here’s the CliffsNotes version of the past two months.
End of June brought a trip to the Moon Palace Resort in Cancun for work. It was hot. The beach looked scummy. I worked long days, but the conference went off without a hitch and evenings were pleasant with cooler breezes, cigars and beer.
On July 6 I traveled to San Diego to man the booth at a competitor’s conference. I love San Diego, but it’s not nearly as fun when I’m not with Noriko. The booth hours were short, so I had the opportunity to relax in the Gaslamp Quarter and watch people. A good couple days.
When I returned home from San Diego, Noriko and I frenetically completed home improvement projects to prepare for the arrival of my in-laws. Wood floors in? Check. Lower level painted? Check. Old landscaping pulled out; new landscaping put in? Check. Move May and Julia out of their bedroom to make room for visiting family? Check. Bathroom ceiling painted? Check. Everything done before in-laws arrive? Almost.
Noriko’s parents arrived on July 24 for a month-long visit. Long visits can sometimes create some stress around the house. It’s not because of anything they do; they’re incredibly helpful, generous, and courteous. (Noriko’s mom cooks a ton and her dad weeds the yard for several hours every day.) Nevertheless, the change in our family routine, a language barrier (they don’t speak English and the kids and I don’t speak Japanese), and my generally crotchety demeanor tend to make visits a little, um, tense. Fortunately, there was little tension this trip. We had our moments, of course, but all-in-all it was the best visit we’ve had in recent years. Their visit was filled with trips to state parks, a visit to Washington Island (which included skeet shooting, boating, and lots of water fun), and kids’ soccer and T-ball.
I headed to Las Vegas for work in early August. I hate Vegas. I stayed at the Venetian which is a great hotel, but it can’t make up for the rest of the town. I was glad to leave.
Then school kicked in. Pre-reading and then six long days of classes to start off the year. The year looks promising and I like the direction of the courses so far–more application, less busy work–but the program will undoubtedly stretch me more than it did last year. I’m looking forward to seeing the positive effect of school on my day job. Should be good.
Today, I’m in an airport again. I’m traveling for work, but this time it’s to the mountains of Montana (so much better than Vegas or a Carribean resort). Mornings will be spent in sessions, but afternoons = fly fishing the Gallatin River. Wheee!!! Plus, attendance at the conference is well beyond our expectation. It looks to be a good week.
Summer’s gone. It was good. Fall looks promising too.
