With summer drawing to a close, and the first day of school rapidly approaching (Tuesday, September 4th), I can’t help but reflect on what an exciting time we’ve had over the last few months. Highlights from Summer 2012 include:
Toasting my successful dissertation defense at this cabin in the woods:
Meeting Abigail Washburn after her concert at Millennium Park:
Devouring Luke’s homemade waffles for my birthday:
Visiting family at the lake house in Minnesota:
Going to Pool League to cheer on my husband and his awesome team:
Watching this storm move across the sky at sunset:
Clinking beers with this man:
Seeing the Blue Angels dive over Chicago:
Giving Philip Seymour Hoffman a standing ovation in “Death of a Salesman”:
Enjoying Rib Fest with a great group of friends:
Screaming with delight at the Jack White show:

Photo credit: Jo McCaughey
http://jackwhiteiii.com/live-photos/
Celebrating every day with Luke:
Luke and I have been making lists of our goals and aspirations for the upcoming (academic) year, both individually and as a couple. My favorite part of moving is always the feeling of a “fresh start” or “re-do” on the parts of my life that seem neglected or unsatisfying.
While looking forward and planning ahead are two of my favorite pastimes, I appreciate the challenge Lisa Sanchez put forth in her recent blog post: “to delight in what the past is teaching me about today and to allow the future, real or imagined, to illuminate possibilities for the present.”*
Here’s to being in the present! Cheers!
*To read the full article, visit: http://bit.ly/NCu3oL
What about the semi trailer at Bonnaroo and the bear in the Smokies?! ;-) J/K. Good luck jumping back in the scheduled academia. I’m one week in and feeling pretty good so far…wishing you the same!
you inspire me.