Hometown Holiday and a haircut

I apologize for the lack of recent posts. I had the best of intentions, but then life gets in the way. And I bought myself a Wii as a reward for my diligence on the presentation earlier this summer and I have been addicted to Super Mario Galaxy ever since. I'm thinking of finding a support group. Yesterday was the first day in two weeks when I did not spend at least 2 hours on the game. I know it's bad, but I'd like to think I deserve it.
2008 marks Northwood's 150th birthday, and I was very excited for the 4th of July celebration. I had always remembered the 4th being a great holiday when I was a kid, and I was not disappointed this year. Northwood (a town of 2000) rose to the occasion with a plethora of events including (but not limited to) a parade lasting an hour and a half, two nights of fireworks, two days of softball tournaments, three nights of beer garden and street dance, food vendors on the streets, historical tours of the downtown buildings and some homes, art show, all-school reunion, Beatles revival band, carnival for the kids, Mr. and Miss Northwood contests (with Jr. and Little divisions as well), and a Salute to Northwood pageant. Three days of small town fun. So much fun, in fact, that the whole family went home for a nap on Saturday and Sunday.
I was excited too for Rick to experience a small town Iowa festival. I don't know why, but I love the small town events sometimes more than big city ones. I think it's the sense of pride that you can feel knowing that everyone has pulled together to put on the event and want to show the best of what their town has to offer. Plus, it's always nice to know everyone, and I feel that a festival is more fun with people you know rather than strangers. And, as you can see from above, it also helps to know the organizers of certain events--the pedal pull is for kids, but I talked to my high school teacher holding the event and lo and behold, Rick is a pedal pull contestant. Such a good sport. We found out later that he beat the mayor (who pulled at the end of the contest). Way to go Rick!
Another highlight from the weekend is family bonding. And family bonding at the beer garden and street dance. It's funny how your parents go from your parents to older friends that you happen to be related to and know your entire life history. After asking Mom and Dad if they would pick us up so we could drink at the street dance, they decided it would be fun to come out with us. And it was fun. I think they had a good time and Dad was even dancing at the end. The cover bands were great and we all had such a good time. The whole weekend was so much fun.
Since then, things have quieted down a bit. Work in the lab has been frustrating and long, but I'm trying to keep a positive attitude. I'm taking a summer class online and although I have been neglecting my lectures, I'm doing well in the class. Trying to enjoy the weather but stay out of the heat. Allyson and Chad got a dog but she hasn't warmed up to the new environment when I last saw her (which, to be fair, was only 2 days after they brought her home). But really, for me, I've been pretty lazy and inactive lately. Rick's been travelling a lot for work and had to work this weekend, so I've got the place to myself which ultimately leads to more Wii. It's a vicious cycle. But I did cut my hair off the other day and will donate it to Beautiful Lengths. But right now the ponytail is sitting in a baggie on my kitchen table...
This week won't be any more relaxing--the Iowa Games are in town right now (I watched a college friend play tennis yesterday) and RAGBRAI will be in Ames on Tuesday night. The first week of August will be my final, then the Iowa State Fair, and then classes start again! We're going to buy Cyclone football season tickets (Clones play Texas A&M, Rick's Alma matter, for homecoming) and I just bought season tickets for the Civic Center for my sister and I. Can't wait for Wicked (though I may have graduated and moved on by then!). Apparently it's the summer of spending. And I'm going to Disney World over Thanksgiving break--too much fun in store! I can't believe that July is almost over...