We have been trying to keep ourselves busy while we wait to hear back from the universities Katharine applied to. Its kept us both frantically busy, trying to consider all the possibilities/ pros and cons; 2007 is going to be an intense year, new jobs, international move etc. Academia involves a boatload of waiting it seems, but now we have another possibility in addition to Albright in Pa. Friends we met through the UT just found work at the Exeter campus in Cornwall and recently let Kat know they were hiring someone in policy with a focus on the environment. We talked a lot about what it would mean for all of us; the bottom line is it checks off enough boxes to consider. It would be easier socially in a culture closer to America, there is a considerable amount of timberframing in Britain, its a beautiful natural area, health care and vacation are advantageous (free and at least 5 weeks paid + 21 weeks paid maternity). Anyway, we'll see what our options are when we get some responses.
James gets more mobile everyday- check out the all-terrain jumpsuit!
When the weather is really bad I try to wear him out walking up and down the stairs; there is also a mall with an indoor playground that is pretty handy. We recently had some healthy and reasonably peaceful interactions with James' 2 pals Anna and Lina. Our friend Kristin's daughter Anna is a little older and dextrous; she pretty much took control of the situation as James followed her around trying to grab stuff from her.
We also babysat the neighbor's little girl Lina. It was hilarious watching them interact. James was mostly sweet, though a little jealous, managing to 'inadvertently' step on or very near her when she was lying within reach.
In other big news, after a long evening of plumbing, we finally have a toilet downstairs again. Life-changer.
_640.jpg){kind=link}
5 comments:
where to begin?? I took the virtual tour of the campus, it is impressive. I can only imagine the waiting is nerve racking. You must feel good that you have more than one option, and there are pluses about both of them. 21 ms maternity leave is a dream.
re:james. We love the all terrain jumpsuit, that is sure to come in handy this winter. now you know why malls and old mc donalds are such a hit here, gotta love the indoor playground concept! love, dor
Dor-Word. and its actually 26 months paid maternity leave. Housing costs are significantly higher though compared to Reading... who knows. The all terrain jumpsuit was from a great second hand consignment store; its always wet here and you can't stop him from cruising around so its pretty ideal.
Wow, how exciting to have all of these possiblities at your fingertips! But, probably a little nerve-wracking at the same time.
We are thinking about you over here.
Okay, so what are your choices? PA or Cornwall? I know which one i would do, esp with the paid maternity and um, don't think we are letting that go by without comment.
Precious pictures. Can't wait to see what is going to happen in your lives in the upcoming months! Good times, good times! :)
Post a Comment