Six Years.

The blog turned six today. Wow. In reflecting on the number of commitments or activities I've kept up with for six years, the only things that come to mind that top the blog are dyeing my hair (so long grey!) and Big Brother every summer (now on season 16). Should I be proud of these or go put myself in the corner? Not sure. I guess you could also say my passion for working with college students since that's been going strong since 2005! In any event, I'm pleased with myself that I've kept cityinmysoul going for so long. The blog has chronicled my graduate school experiences in Athens and two professional moves and new adventures since I departed Memphis back in 2008. With over 675 total posts, there's a lot of memories and lessons I've learned bundled up here. Though my number of entries has decreased over the years and I'm now barely able to blog more than 2-3 times a month, I know I'll cherish the blog down the road. Heck, I already do!

The last couple of weeks have been busy ones but overall, I can say that the month of July has been kind to me. An amazing Fourth of July weekend in Mobile, a day of tubing down the Bogue Chitto river with Katie, the 8th annual Running of the Bulls NOLA style, and some great evenings both out and in. I'm over all the rain (when did New Orleans become the new Seattle??) but happy that the daily downpours have led to a relatively mild July. But a wet one. Big gulp once we hit August and September.

I spent this past Sunday helping my grandmother pack up the only home I've ever remembered her living in, one she shared with my grandfather for 30 years, and the one I'll always remember for family gatherings. The day was incredibly bittersweet for me and I know incredibly difficult for her. She's moving to the south shore to be closer to family over here now that my grandfather has passed and though I'm looking forward to having her even closer, I know the move is a hard one for her. She remains one of the strongest women I know. Her resilience is beautiful.

A family vacation is on the horizon and I'm looking forward to the down time and to hopefully knocking out a couple books and soaking up some QT with the family. Oh and an escape from the humidity and the roaches!

Cheers.