Time Flies When You Get to Sleep In

It's been a week and a half since I moved out of the apartment. Since then, I've been wonderfully sort-of busy. I went to the library and checked out my first decompression book: Kristen Britain's new novel, Blackveil. It's the fourth book in her Green Rider series. It was nice to finally get back to my fantasy roots, and there's nothing like the crisp rustling of the plastic protecting a library book. No, I'm not joking. I've also gone clothes shopping, the fun kind of preparation for traveling.

I've also done the not-so-fun kind of preparation. Unsure of my need for a student visa, I spent yesterday waist-deep in bureaucracy. Certificates of coverage, bank statements, plane tickets, and sundry proofs of existence were all gathered into a folder, awaiting a trip to the Italian Consulate in Detroit. Rewarded for my early rising with a sweet tea from McDonald's, I managed to stay awake during the 2 1/2 hour drive and the short wait before the visa officer came out to answer my question. And no, no I don't need a visa.

It might seem like a bit much to travel that far to confirm something on their website, but I needed to put my paranoia to rest. I have heard one too many visa horror stories (that is, I've heard one) to risk my trip.

My youngest cousins also came up for a visit. Jordan is 6 and Riley is 3. They ran us all ragged, as children of that age are wont to do, but it was fun. And, continuing one of my childhood traditions with their mom, my Aunt Laura, we went to "Putt-Putt." While my mini-golf skills leave a lot to be desired, I discovered a hidden talent for Skee-Ball, helping my cousins get some cool prizes.

I still won, though. By one point.

A victor's spoils.

In a few days, I'm packing up again and we're driving down to North Carolina. But so far, it's been a good start to the summer.