Book 17

I ended up reading another professional development book recommended by our new provost:

 It was fascinating to read about the key characteristics of each generation and how they impact each other. Working on a college campus, I can see some of those interactions so clearly now, and it was helpful to think about how the world is changing as Gen Z becomes adults. I highly recommend for anyone in leadership in any organization.

Books 15 and 16

I recently finished two more books!

The first was our latest book club selection; I loved it and actually made it to book club:

Somehow this author never hit my radar, but I love him. It's a fantasy world that speaks directly to our current one, and I appreciated the discussion about religion versus faith.

The second book was a major goal of mine:

I really wanted to read a popular book in Italian. I picked this one up at the co-op in Sansepolcro, and it was just a fun read. The title translates to I Hate You But I Love You More, and it was just a fun rom com read. I'm sure proud I could do it--and enjoy it!
 

Happy Birthday to Me!

I turned 45 on Monday, and while this is one of the busiest work weeks of the summer for me, my family has made sure we have taken time to celebrate.

Sunday night, Brad made me an angel food cake. Gram used to make me one every year, and I don't think I've had a homemade one since she passed. I was missing it, and Brad killed it. Like. I cried it was so good.

Monday night, Mom joined us for dinner at Nomad. It really is one of our favorite places, and it was lovely to just relax after a very long day on campus.

Last night, we went to McKay's, which is our new favorite book store/media store/game store. It's all used, and it is huge but incredibly well-organized. We have been talking about getting a record player for a while, and last night we did it:

We picked up a stack of vinyl, including most of Taylor Swift's albums, Billy Joel, Bon Jovi, and Harry Chapin. It was so fun to listen to them last night, and even Evan said he is enjoying having music downstairs again.

Saturday we are spending the day doing nothing as the final celebration, which I am so very, very excited about!