Except that I am pretty swamped.  I’m sure most of you are not surprised that this blog falls pretty low on my list of priorities.  But since some people also use it as a way to see if I’m still alive, I should probably post just a little today. So here are some updates:

  • My first two weeks of classes have gone well, but are pretty time consuming since 1) these are classes I haven’t taught before, and 2) giddy with the thought of small classes, I’ve assigned way too many essays to my students.   Grading, anyone?
  • We went to watch our first home football game of the season yesterday.  I thought it would be fun and it seemed appropriate since about 1/10 of the team is enrolled in my classes.  It was a nailbiter, finally lost in triple overtime, in 95 degree heat.  I still have the longstanding question, “How is it that a school with only 1200 students manages to have a roster of 100 football players?”  But we realized that sacrifices have taken place – there is no college marching band.  Instead, the local high school band plays at our games.
  • We also saw the first half of one of the women’s soccer games, since about 1/4 of that team is in my classes.  They got their first loss of the season.  Maybe I am bad luck?
  • I bought a new bike – it’s a sweet ride.  A 2009 Giant Cypress ST.   I will be riding it to work tomorrow (wearing my helmet).
  • I have discovered that I am not entirely slothful.  Given a short commute and a nice gym at my workplace, I’ve actually been working out 3-4 days per week.
  • We learned this week that the BK Steakhouse burger is kind of disgusting.  We will stick with the Whopper.  (Clearly, I have been less than 100% dedicated to the diet.)