Lest anything be simple...

Over 4 weeks ago I applied for a job as a Research Coordinator for a study of treatment methods for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders at Ohio State University. It looked like a great position--great benefits, close to Neal, I could take 10 free credits per semester, it was related to my major, and paid well. While in Canada, I got a message requesting an interview. I was interviewed Tuesday, and Wednesday and Thursday all my references were called. I was told in my interview that there were over 100 applicants for the job. Thanks to my wonderful references who said nice things about me, I was offered the job Friday. Before talking to the lead researcher who was actually hiring me, but after being offered the position, Neal called to say that he called George Washington University to see where he was on their wait-list, and learned he was in their top 25. He was told he might be offered a position Tuesday. GW is his top choice of schools. We would both love to be in DC. My excitement was starting to become overwhelmed at that point, but I decided to call the researcher and ask if I could have until Tuesday to make the required two-year commitment. When I called I learned they were hoping to fly me to Columbus for an important conference relating to the study, and that tickets would have to be purchased that day (to ensure a certain cost). Because the Dr. sounded a little annoyed that I couldn't commit, I offered to buy my own ticket with the knowledge I would be reimbursed if I took the job. So I bought tickets...

Neal and I spent a lot of time talking yesterday. We decided that even if he wasn't accepted to GW in this Tuesday's batch, it was worth the gamble for us to stay available for an offer at any time. So, I called Delta and cancelled my ticket and will call tomorrow to turn down the position. It was a sad day. However, it feels great to know that even if I can't accept my dream job, at least I got an offer for it. Even if he goes to OSU, with my two year commitment he would either have to stay in Columbus for all internships, or we would have to spend the summers apart.

After being offered this position I realized something. I need to find a job that will allow me to have summers free so that I can stay with Neal when he moves for internships. It is also exciting to think we might be moving to DC. I guess the job hunt will resume...after Tuesday.

O Canada!

You know something must be pretty fun if 28 people are willing to drive for two days straight to get to it. Neal's extended family owns a cabin on an island in Canada, and it is well worth the drive. Complete with waterskiing, fishing, kayaks, canoes, an inflatable trampoline, marshmallow gun wars, and the Water Olympics, there was never a shortage of activities. I have been hearing for years about the fun times had in Canada, but to my surprise, the stories weren't just exaggerated fishing tales! I am not much of a writer, so here are the photos (Neal might comment later):

The cabin itself. It is basically one room, with partitioned sleeping areas, but if it were luxurious you just wouldn't have the same experience. With 20 adults, 8 children (3 one-year-olds), and two large dogs there was never a quiet moment:


You get to the island by boat (obviously, I guess), but you also get to church by boat:


This is a photo of my fish, which I think is slightly bigger than Neal's fish:











Neal's sister, Claire and her husband Justin have two boys, Logan and Tolan. We have fun playing with them. Neal liked to rub his stubbly beard on Tolan's cheek to see the face he pulled.
















On the way home we stopped at Mount Rushmore. I had never been there before, but wasn't disappointed. If you can't tell, the lower picture is our imitation of the presidents. Pretty good, eh?