September Already

The second week of classes was as full as the first, even though it was a shortened week because of the Labor Day holiday on Monday. We had program meetings for FYS and the President's update, and I contributed a short presentation on Ascend for our faculty learning session. I had lots of meetings with students since my FYS section was required to have one-on-ones with me before Friday, and some of the students from my other classes also showed up.

On Thursday evening I met K and P in their new neighborhood in Decatur for a free outdoor jazz concert. They generously provided dinner and beer. I enjoyed the music, the time to catch up with friends, and the opportunity to see a new part of Atlanta.

Gwen and the band, Grits Bits.

Wednesday evening I attended the athletics pep rally on campus, Petey's Madness, where the fall teams were introduced. It was not as stiflingly hot as last year, and there was less pressure for faculty to attend. I only recognized one other faculty colleague there, although I did meet someone from the Advancement Office. After the team introductions, there was a silly relay race and then a 3-point shot contest. I did not snag any swag except a paper fan.

Our mascot, Petey the Stormy Petrel.

On Saturday I met the Sunday Assembly group for a walk in Sandy Springs. It was only about two miles on a paved path, and we stopped for beverages at a coffee house near the end. There were only three of us, so I was able to get to know them a little and it sounds like we have several interests in common (science, beer, books). After that, I went to my local public library to pick up my reward for reading 50 books so far this year. It was a nice mug, sticker, and bookmark. The theme is "100 Years, 100 Books" celebrating the 100 years of the library system and we earn a prize for every 25 books read. The Friends of the Library was doing their annual Lemonade Party (which I missed last year) so I attended that and signed up to be a Friend also.

My prize library mug.

I've spent my Sunday working on my review portfolio, which is due to my Chair this week. I think the letter, the main component, is done. I just need to assemble all the supporting materials, and Chair says she doesn't need to see that so I have a few weeks. I almost cannot believe that I'm going through the tenure process again; it was difficult enough the first time and I certainly had no wish to repeat it. But I believe changing jobs and coming here was the right thing to do, so here I am.