December News

Now I'm a YEAR late!!!

December was a busy month. So I applied for an Assistant Professor position in the Biology & Environmental Science department at West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, WV. I was very excited to be invited for an on-site interview at the college on Dec 3-4. With meetings and lectures and research seminars ahead of me I had a long 2 days! Up until this point, I had neglected to inform them that I was 8 months pregnant. However, a little birdie (ie Sarah) let the news slip down the grapevine that I currently had a temporary medical condition with symptoms including a greatly distended abdomen and a rosy glow. Hahaha! So the people at Wesleyan recognized me right off - particularly the President of the College as she announced during a luncheon (which I crashed!) "I recognize you - you're the one who's 8 months pregnant!" LOL The interview went well and, after some mild negotiations, I have accepted the position they offered. Hooray! Looks like we'll be moving back to WV in a few short months.


The Wesleyan trip would be our last in 2008 - as I was getting close to the "travel restriction" time. So Bill and I were both totally bummed to not be home at Christmas. This is the first Christmas away from family for both of us. Luckily, some angels descended upon us. A few days before Christmas, Cindy and her boyfriend Kevin (yeah girl - I said it - BOYFRIEND!!!) stopped by to stay with us overnight. They were in Asheville, NC (~1hr away) and were nice enough to drive up. It really brightened my holidays. Bill and I had some of his friends over for Christmas Eve dinner. Then the day after Christmas, Sarah and Alicia came to visit (actually "WORK" is more like the truth here). We had a Sal xmas, as Sarah brought down gifs from the family - and then took ours back up north upon her return. Finally, Bill's parents Betty and Clayton stopped by overnight on their way to Myrtle Beach for the annual "honeymoon". With their visit, we had a Pastorius xmas, then sent our gifts for Melissa, Brian, and the girls back with them. The whole thing reminded me of my "birthday hanukkah" celebrations! Haha! With all of our visitors, the holidays didn't seem quite so lonely after all. Thanks everybody for making us feel better! We had a good Christmas.