1 year ago
27 July 2007
It's All Because (The Gays Are Getting Married)
A friend in Massachusetts sent this my way. It's both sad and hilarious. Check it out! And, thanks to Bob for helping me edit this!
26 July 2007
Get Me Outta Here
23 July 2007
In Case You Missed It
Why Dennis Kucinich is the only person for whom I will even consider voting. From tonight's Democratic debate...
COOPER: Our next question is on a topic that got a lot of response from YouTube viewers. Let's watch.
QUESTION: Hi. My name is Mary.
QUESTION: And my name is Jen.
QUESTION: And we're from Brooklyn, New York.
If you were elected president of the United States, would you allow us to be married to each other?
COOPER: Congressman Kucinich?
KUCINICH: Mary and Jen, the answer to your question is yes. And let me tell you why.
Because if our Constitution really means what it says, that all are created equal, if it really means what it says, that there should be equality of opportunity before the law, then our brothers and sisters who happen to be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender should have the same rights accorded to them as anyone else, and that includes the ability to have a civil marriage ceremony.
Yes, I support you. And welcome to a better and a new America under a President Kucinich administration.
(APPLAUSE)
COOPER: Senator Dodd, you supported the Defense of Marriage Act. What's your position?
DODD: I've made the case, Anderson, that -- my wife and I have two young daughters, age 5 and 2.
I'd simply ask the audience to ask themselves the question that Jackie and I have asked: How would I want my two daughters treated if they grew up and had a different sexual orientation than their parents?
Good jobs, equal opportunity, to be able to retire, to visit each other, to be with each other, as other people do.
So I feel very strongly, if you ask yourself the question, "How would you like your children treated if they had a different sexual orientation than their parents?," the answer is yes. They ought to have that ability in civil unions.
I don't go so far as to call for marriage. I believe marriage is between a man and a woman.
But my state of Connecticut, the state of New Hampshire, have endorsed civil unions. I strongly support that. But I don't go so far as marriage.
COOPER: Governor Richardson?
RICHARDSON: Well, I would say to the two young women, I would level with you -- I would do what is achievable.
What I think is achievable is full civil unions with full marriage rights. I would also press for you a hate crimes act in the Congress. I would eliminate "don't ask/don't tell" in the military.
(APPLAUSE)
If we're going to have in our military men and women that die for this country, we shouldn't give them a lecture on their sexual orientation
I would push for domestic partnership laws, nondiscrimination in insurance and housing.
I would also send a very strong message that, in my administration, I will not tolerate any discrimination on the basis of race, gender, or sexual orientation.
(APPLAUSE)
COOPER: This next question is for Senator Edwards.
QUESTION: I'm Reverend Reggie Longcrier. I'm the pastor of Exodus Mission and Outreach Church in Hickory, North Carolina.
Senator Edwards said his opposition to gay marriage is influenced by his Southern Baptist background. Most Americans agree it was wrong and unconstitutional to use religion to justify slavery, segregation, and denying women the right to vote.
So why is it still acceptable to use religion to deny gay American their full and equal rights?
(APPLAUSE)
EDWARDS: I think Reverend Longcrier asks a very important question, which is whether fundamentally -- whether it's right for any of our faith beliefs to be imposed on the American people when we're president of the United States. I do not believe that's right.
I feel enormous personal conflict about this issue. I want to end discrimination. I want to do some of the things that I just heard Bill Richardson talking about -- standing up for equal rights, substantive rights, civil unions, the thing that Chris Dodd just talked about. But I think that's something everybody on this stage will commit themselves to as president of the United States.
But I personally have been on a journey on this issue. I feel enormous conflict about it. As I think a lot of people know, Elizabeth spoke -- my wife Elizabeth spoke out a few weeks ago, and she actually supports gay marriage. I do not. But this is a very, very difficult issue for me. And I recognize and have enormous respect for people who have a different view of it.
COOPER: I should also point out that the reverend is actually in the audience tonight. Where is he? Right over here.
Reverend, do you feel he answered your question?
(APPLAUSE)
QUESTION: This question was just a catalyst that promoted some other things that wrapped around that particular question, especially when it comes to fair housing practices. Also...
COOPER: Do you think he answered the question, though?
QUESTION: Not like I would like to have heard it...
(LAUGHTER)
COOPER: What did you not hear?
QUESTION: I didn't quite get -- some people were moving around, and I didn't quite get all of his answer. I just heard...
COOPER: All right, there's 30 seconds more. Why is it OK to quite religious beliefs when talking about why you don't support something? That's essentially what's his question.
EDWARDS: It's not. I mean, I've been asked a personal question which is, I think, what Reverend Longcrier is raising, and that personal question is, do I believe and do I personally support gay marriage?
The honest answer to that is I don't. But I think it is absolutely wrong, as president of the United States, for me to have used that faith basis as a basis for denying anybody their rights, and I will not do that when I'm president of the United States.
(APPLAUSE)
COOPER: Senator Obama, the laws banning interracial marriage in the United States were ruled unconstitutional in 1967. What is the difference between a ban on interracial marriage and a ban on gay marriage?
OBAMA: Well, I think that it is important to pick up on something that was said earlier by both Dennis and by Bill, and that is that we've got to make sure that everybody is equal under the law. And the civil unions that I proposed would be equivalent in terms of making sure that all the rights that are conferred by the state are equal for same-sex couples as well as for heterosexual couples.
Now, with respect to marriage, it's my belief that it's up to the individual denominations to make a decision as to whether they want to recognize marriage or not. But in terms of, you know, the rights of people to transfer property, to have hospital visitation, all those critical civil rights that are conferred by our government, those should be equal.
COOPER: Our next question is on a topic that got a lot of response from YouTube viewers. Let's watch.
QUESTION: Hi. My name is Mary.
QUESTION: And my name is Jen.
QUESTION: And we're from Brooklyn, New York.
If you were elected president of the United States, would you allow us to be married to each other?
COOPER: Congressman Kucinich?
KUCINICH: Mary and Jen, the answer to your question is yes. And let me tell you why.
Because if our Constitution really means what it says, that all are created equal, if it really means what it says, that there should be equality of opportunity before the law, then our brothers and sisters who happen to be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender should have the same rights accorded to them as anyone else, and that includes the ability to have a civil marriage ceremony.
Yes, I support you. And welcome to a better and a new America under a President Kucinich administration.
(APPLAUSE)
COOPER: Senator Dodd, you supported the Defense of Marriage Act. What's your position?
DODD: I've made the case, Anderson, that -- my wife and I have two young daughters, age 5 and 2.
I'd simply ask the audience to ask themselves the question that Jackie and I have asked: How would I want my two daughters treated if they grew up and had a different sexual orientation than their parents?
Good jobs, equal opportunity, to be able to retire, to visit each other, to be with each other, as other people do.
So I feel very strongly, if you ask yourself the question, "How would you like your children treated if they had a different sexual orientation than their parents?," the answer is yes. They ought to have that ability in civil unions.
I don't go so far as to call for marriage. I believe marriage is between a man and a woman.
But my state of Connecticut, the state of New Hampshire, have endorsed civil unions. I strongly support that. But I don't go so far as marriage.
COOPER: Governor Richardson?
RICHARDSON: Well, I would say to the two young women, I would level with you -- I would do what is achievable.
What I think is achievable is full civil unions with full marriage rights. I would also press for you a hate crimes act in the Congress. I would eliminate "don't ask/don't tell" in the military.
(APPLAUSE)
If we're going to have in our military men and women that die for this country, we shouldn't give them a lecture on their sexual orientation
I would push for domestic partnership laws, nondiscrimination in insurance and housing.
I would also send a very strong message that, in my administration, I will not tolerate any discrimination on the basis of race, gender, or sexual orientation.
(APPLAUSE)
COOPER: This next question is for Senator Edwards.
QUESTION: I'm Reverend Reggie Longcrier. I'm the pastor of Exodus Mission and Outreach Church in Hickory, North Carolina.
Senator Edwards said his opposition to gay marriage is influenced by his Southern Baptist background. Most Americans agree it was wrong and unconstitutional to use religion to justify slavery, segregation, and denying women the right to vote.
So why is it still acceptable to use religion to deny gay American their full and equal rights?
(APPLAUSE)
EDWARDS: I think Reverend Longcrier asks a very important question, which is whether fundamentally -- whether it's right for any of our faith beliefs to be imposed on the American people when we're president of the United States. I do not believe that's right.
I feel enormous personal conflict about this issue. I want to end discrimination. I want to do some of the things that I just heard Bill Richardson talking about -- standing up for equal rights, substantive rights, civil unions, the thing that Chris Dodd just talked about. But I think that's something everybody on this stage will commit themselves to as president of the United States.
But I personally have been on a journey on this issue. I feel enormous conflict about it. As I think a lot of people know, Elizabeth spoke -- my wife Elizabeth spoke out a few weeks ago, and she actually supports gay marriage. I do not. But this is a very, very difficult issue for me. And I recognize and have enormous respect for people who have a different view of it.
COOPER: I should also point out that the reverend is actually in the audience tonight. Where is he? Right over here.
Reverend, do you feel he answered your question?
(APPLAUSE)
QUESTION: This question was just a catalyst that promoted some other things that wrapped around that particular question, especially when it comes to fair housing practices. Also...
COOPER: Do you think he answered the question, though?
QUESTION: Not like I would like to have heard it...
(LAUGHTER)
COOPER: What did you not hear?
QUESTION: I didn't quite get -- some people were moving around, and I didn't quite get all of his answer. I just heard...
COOPER: All right, there's 30 seconds more. Why is it OK to quite religious beliefs when talking about why you don't support something? That's essentially what's his question.
EDWARDS: It's not. I mean, I've been asked a personal question which is, I think, what Reverend Longcrier is raising, and that personal question is, do I believe and do I personally support gay marriage?
The honest answer to that is I don't. But I think it is absolutely wrong, as president of the United States, for me to have used that faith basis as a basis for denying anybody their rights, and I will not do that when I'm president of the United States.
(APPLAUSE)
COOPER: Senator Obama, the laws banning interracial marriage in the United States were ruled unconstitutional in 1967. What is the difference between a ban on interracial marriage and a ban on gay marriage?
OBAMA: Well, I think that it is important to pick up on something that was said earlier by both Dennis and by Bill, and that is that we've got to make sure that everybody is equal under the law. And the civil unions that I proposed would be equivalent in terms of making sure that all the rights that are conferred by the state are equal for same-sex couples as well as for heterosexual couples.
Now, with respect to marriage, it's my belief that it's up to the individual denominations to make a decision as to whether they want to recognize marriage or not. But in terms of, you know, the rights of people to transfer property, to have hospital visitation, all those critical civil rights that are conferred by our government, those should be equal.
20 July 2007
What's a mother to do?
This is a first. At 11:30 this morning I delivered 6YO to a friend's house to go camping for the weekend. 48 hours. Away. Without us. Swimming. In the woods. Bees. Am I panicking yet? Just don't think about it. Just don't think about it.
As I was pulling away from their house I heard, "thumpa, thumpa, thumpa." The tire suddenly looked awfully low. I have to admit it. I hate cars. I hate maintaining cars. So, we don't do as well as we should with routine stuff. A chunk of change later we have four new tires. We needed them. Having to replace one was the catalyst. Normally I freak at such unanticipated (in the immediate sense) expenses, but I feel like it's one more thing we knew we'd do before moving that's done. And, before winter.
It means I didn't get to the housework I had planned to do this afternoon (i.e., priming the sheetrock, painting...). Oh, well. Soon I'll be picking up P to go see Sicko. If we're feeling particularly indulgent we may even go to a second movie tonight. Perhaps, Hairspray. Or, we could stay home and watch Thank You For Smoking. Hmmmm... Then we will be joining the hordes for the Harry Potter release. I'm not a fan, but P is more than a fan. Unless she changes her mind, we'll be there at midnight. Hey, I'm not the one who has to get up for class tomorrow!
On the TM front, I spoke to a wonderful rep at Penske and we will probably end up renting from them, driving to F'ton and unpacking, and then returning the truck to Maine. Their rates and reviews are good. There's also a AAA discount. And, unlimited mileage. That's a biggie. Of course that could all change before next summer, but it's still data. Since they provide more days than we need for the trip, returning the truck to the US is worth the savings - if they continue to beat the other vendors' rates and offer unlimited mileage.
Off to the movies!
As I was pulling away from their house I heard, "thumpa, thumpa, thumpa." The tire suddenly looked awfully low. I have to admit it. I hate cars. I hate maintaining cars. So, we don't do as well as we should with routine stuff. A chunk of change later we have four new tires. We needed them. Having to replace one was the catalyst. Normally I freak at such unanticipated (in the immediate sense) expenses, but I feel like it's one more thing we knew we'd do before moving that's done. And, before winter.
It means I didn't get to the housework I had planned to do this afternoon (i.e., priming the sheetrock, painting...). Oh, well. Soon I'll be picking up P to go see Sicko. If we're feeling particularly indulgent we may even go to a second movie tonight. Perhaps, Hairspray. Or, we could stay home and watch Thank You For Smoking. Hmmmm... Then we will be joining the hordes for the Harry Potter release. I'm not a fan, but P is more than a fan. Unless she changes her mind, we'll be there at midnight. Hey, I'm not the one who has to get up for class tomorrow!
On the TM front, I spoke to a wonderful rep at Penske and we will probably end up renting from them, driving to F'ton and unpacking, and then returning the truck to Maine. Their rates and reviews are good. There's also a AAA discount. And, unlimited mileage. That's a biggie. Of course that could all change before next summer, but it's still data. Since they provide more days than we need for the trip, returning the truck to the US is worth the savings - if they continue to beat the other vendors' rates and offer unlimited mileage.
Off to the movies!
17 July 2007
Preparation
This morning we took another step toward the move. Perhaps I'll start referring to the whole relocation process as TM - as in "the move," not "transcendental meditation." Though, come to think of it, perhaps a little TM - the latter - wouldn't hurt.
We spent an hour and a half with a realtor, going over what she would suggest we do to the house before putting it on the market. The good news is that there's only one thing she suggested that we weren't already planning on doing and she wasn't adamant about that. But, not to keep you in suspense - it's the kitchen countertop. It's probably from the 1970s, if not earlier. It's a yellowy-marble-like formica. Since there is so little of it it hasn't bothered us. Of course, walking in and seeing a nice gray SilverStone or something would be nice, especially with everything else being recently painted and new stainless appliances. The materials, even something really nice, wouldn't be much. Labor, that's another issue. We'll see. Also, I've been worried that an inspector might "call" the roof. She didn't think it would be a problem. Hope she's right. All in all, good news. Now, if the market would just ease up, even 2%. Fortunately we're in the "entry level" market and, while prices have dipped a bit in the past two years, that's still fairly strong market for sales. Even though I loathe to do one more thing to this house, anything that makes it feel like we're closer to moving is great!
That's about it for this week. 6YO doesn't have any camp this week so we're hanging out. Last night was baseball where I think he shocked himself with a nice hit off his second swing. Next time up he had a nice hit, too. That was fun! Tonight it's swim class. Tomorrow his team is going to the local - literally just up the street - minor league game, the Saint Paul Saints v. the Sioux City Explorers. Thursday is baseball practice and swim class. But, Friday he's been waiting for all summer.
For the last two years we've gone to Rainbow Family Camp. We weren't going to go this year because P has class and I didn't want to go alone. I just don't enjoy it that much. But, our fabulous friends, K and S, who have two boys with whom 6YO plays, asked if they could take him along. Ask me how thrilled 6YO was with that! S introduced 6YO to fishing so he adores her. I hope it goes well. He'll be in seventh heaven and us? We get to have a big night out - dinner, Sicko, and the 00:01 release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Speaking of Sicko, did you hear that Canadian nurses were to get free admission to the film this Monday through Thursday? And, his website has this page about Canadian health care, etc.
So much reading, so little time...
We spent an hour and a half with a realtor, going over what she would suggest we do to the house before putting it on the market. The good news is that there's only one thing she suggested that we weren't already planning on doing and she wasn't adamant about that. But, not to keep you in suspense - it's the kitchen countertop. It's probably from the 1970s, if not earlier. It's a yellowy-marble-like formica. Since there is so little of it it hasn't bothered us. Of course, walking in and seeing a nice gray SilverStone or something would be nice, especially with everything else being recently painted and new stainless appliances. The materials, even something really nice, wouldn't be much. Labor, that's another issue. We'll see. Also, I've been worried that an inspector might "call" the roof. She didn't think it would be a problem. Hope she's right. All in all, good news. Now, if the market would just ease up, even 2%. Fortunately we're in the "entry level" market and, while prices have dipped a bit in the past two years, that's still fairly strong market for sales. Even though I loathe to do one more thing to this house, anything that makes it feel like we're closer to moving is great!
That's about it for this week. 6YO doesn't have any camp this week so we're hanging out. Last night was baseball where I think he shocked himself with a nice hit off his second swing. Next time up he had a nice hit, too. That was fun! Tonight it's swim class. Tomorrow his team is going to the local - literally just up the street - minor league game, the Saint Paul Saints v. the Sioux City Explorers. Thursday is baseball practice and swim class. But, Friday he's been waiting for all summer.
For the last two years we've gone to Rainbow Family Camp. We weren't going to go this year because P has class and I didn't want to go alone. I just don't enjoy it that much. But, our fabulous friends, K and S, who have two boys with whom 6YO plays, asked if they could take him along. Ask me how thrilled 6YO was with that! S introduced 6YO to fishing so he adores her. I hope it goes well. He'll be in seventh heaven and us? We get to have a big night out - dinner, Sicko, and the 00:01 release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Speaking of Sicko, did you hear that Canadian nurses were to get free admission to the film this Monday through Thursday? And, his website has this page about Canadian health care, etc.
So much reading, so little time...
14 July 2007
Back in the US of A
We made our flight Friday morning and - with a few minor annoyances, courtesy of Northwest Airlines - returned to the US around 1 pm. I am making a point of saying "back in the US" rather than "back home." I am relieved to imagine that in less than a year from today we'll be living in Canada. Although much of this should be evident from earlier posts, here or on Traveling, we ended up absolutely loving Fredericton. And, things look promising with our academic connections. We can't wait to get back!
I'm catching up on some of the news. Looks like McCain is pretty much out of the running for '08. That thrills me since he personally insulted me - I mean, to my face - back when I was a constituent. I only caught a snippet of Bush's address the other day. Whine, whine, whine. I don't think he'd piss me off so much if he weren't so whiny, petulant, something! I'm also catching up the blogs - keeping my fingers crossed for the guys in Seattle, thrilled that Mary got a job - albeit temporary, etc.
That's about it for now. I have three weeks to get things ready for my family to arrive. My sister arrives on 5 August, my parents on 8 August, and my brother and sister-in-law on 11 August. Everyone leaves on 14/15 August. Whew! Throw page proofs in there somewhere - and finishing the laundry from vacation - and things will be busy.
On the immigration front - if anyone has any particular insight about moving, US to Canada - and I mean, actually moving your stuff - let me know. We'll be moving ourselves and can probably manage with a 17' rental. I'd love to find a company that has a truck with an extended cab, but I don't think they exist. We'd use something like PODS, but I don't think any of those companies are serving the Maritimes yet. So, all advice is welcome! Thanks!
I'm catching up on some of the news. Looks like McCain is pretty much out of the running for '08. That thrills me since he personally insulted me - I mean, to my face - back when I was a constituent. I only caught a snippet of Bush's address the other day. Whine, whine, whine. I don't think he'd piss me off so much if he weren't so whiny, petulant, something! I'm also catching up the blogs - keeping my fingers crossed for the guys in Seattle, thrilled that Mary got a job - albeit temporary, etc.
That's about it for now. I have three weeks to get things ready for my family to arrive. My sister arrives on 5 August, my parents on 8 August, and my brother and sister-in-law on 11 August. Everyone leaves on 14/15 August. Whew! Throw page proofs in there somewhere - and finishing the laundry from vacation - and things will be busy.
On the immigration front - if anyone has any particular insight about moving, US to Canada - and I mean, actually moving your stuff - let me know. We'll be moving ourselves and can probably manage with a 17' rental. I'd love to find a company that has a truck with an extended cab, but I don't think they exist. We'd use something like PODS, but I don't think any of those companies are serving the Maritimes yet. So, all advice is welcome! Thanks!
11 July 2007
10 July 2007
The Latest...
Let's see, what's new? Yesterday we looked at the apartment that I've mentioned here before. The location was terrific and the yard - though not fenced - was amazing. Each year the landlord has the garden tilled for tenants! And, 6YO really wants to live there because he found bugs under the big tree! I wasn't particularly taken with the apartment, especially given the rent, but we were able to see a different apartment that may or may not be available this time next year. It had wonderfully large bedrooms! But, there are a lot of aspects of the old Victorian that leave a little something to be desired. The very steep stairs and lack of adequate railing in the attic bedroom that would be for 6YO is one.
So, we continue the conversation about renting v. buying, etc. There are two townhomes right downtown that looked intriguing. Of course we can't buy now, but we figured if we could see them then we'd know if we were interested should something become available at the right time. Yesterday evening we saw one and this morning, the other. Either one would be terrific except for the lack of yard. We've been going back and forth over things like yard v. no yard, downtown in exchange for bigger, etc. More "decisions, decisions."
I think we've identified all of the areas we'd consider living and the core of the area that we consider ideal. I think that next March I will probably line up a bunch of prospects and spend a week looking at whatever is available - rental and purchase - and take it from there. We've also got folks who will be keeping their ears to the ground for faculty members who might be looking for someone to stay in their home during sabbatical, etc. and who wouldn't mind us having our dog. Long shot, but you never know! While we don't have something lined up, I feel like we got a ton of information about neighborhoods, possibilities, etc. And, with mls.ca, we have tons more at our fingertips!
After lunch with a couple of UNB colleagues, we headed to Moncton, really wishing we could just stay. As P said, usually by now you're ready to get home. We've been on the road for 11 days! But, we would be very content to have stayed in F'ton another week!
Tomorrow we will spend the day in Halifax; hopefully visiting Pier 21 and the Discovery Centre. Then, our last night will be at a hotel near the airport. Early Thursday morning we'll be on our way back to the States - where I see Bush has a record low 29% approval rating.
This has been a terrific, albeit stressful at times, trip. We've learned more than I could have hoped about all kinds of relocation "stuff." We can't wait to get back and settle down. I wish it weren't a year off and I wish we had a lot more answers than we do right now. But, we just keep telling ourselves, all in due time.
In addition to the "relo recon," we had some fabulous vacationing - we watched Canada Day fireworks over the Halifax harbour, saw the lighthouse at Peggy's Cove, skipped rocks in Blue Rocks, ate seafood galore, went swimming in the Northumberland Strait, saw Hopewell Rocks at low and high tides, dipped our toes in the Bay of Fundy, walked across the bridge to Maine and back, and just had a generally great time. We shopped at the Atlantic Superstore and Chapters - as well as some nice independent booksellers, made our first visit to Canadian Tire with our friends in Port Williams, and discovered some wonderful shops in F'ton. We were here long enough to get used to looking for the "washrooms" and to not have to look closely at our coins to figure out which coin was which. I hadn't seen any US news until this evening when CNN was on in the restaurant. I've been reading the Globe and Mail and the Daily Gleaner. Life is good.
So, we continue the conversation about renting v. buying, etc. There are two townhomes right downtown that looked intriguing. Of course we can't buy now, but we figured if we could see them then we'd know if we were interested should something become available at the right time. Yesterday evening we saw one and this morning, the other. Either one would be terrific except for the lack of yard. We've been going back and forth over things like yard v. no yard, downtown in exchange for bigger, etc. More "decisions, decisions."
I think we've identified all of the areas we'd consider living and the core of the area that we consider ideal. I think that next March I will probably line up a bunch of prospects and spend a week looking at whatever is available - rental and purchase - and take it from there. We've also got folks who will be keeping their ears to the ground for faculty members who might be looking for someone to stay in their home during sabbatical, etc. and who wouldn't mind us having our dog. Long shot, but you never know! While we don't have something lined up, I feel like we got a ton of information about neighborhoods, possibilities, etc. And, with mls.ca, we have tons more at our fingertips!
After lunch with a couple of UNB colleagues, we headed to Moncton, really wishing we could just stay. As P said, usually by now you're ready to get home. We've been on the road for 11 days! But, we would be very content to have stayed in F'ton another week!
Tomorrow we will spend the day in Halifax; hopefully visiting Pier 21 and the Discovery Centre. Then, our last night will be at a hotel near the airport. Early Thursday morning we'll be on our way back to the States - where I see Bush has a record low 29% approval rating.
This has been a terrific, albeit stressful at times, trip. We've learned more than I could have hoped about all kinds of relocation "stuff." We can't wait to get back and settle down. I wish it weren't a year off and I wish we had a lot more answers than we do right now. But, we just keep telling ourselves, all in due time.
In addition to the "relo recon," we had some fabulous vacationing - we watched Canada Day fireworks over the Halifax harbour, saw the lighthouse at Peggy's Cove, skipped rocks in Blue Rocks, ate seafood galore, went swimming in the Northumberland Strait, saw Hopewell Rocks at low and high tides, dipped our toes in the Bay of Fundy, walked across the bridge to Maine and back, and just had a generally great time. We shopped at the Atlantic Superstore and Chapters - as well as some nice independent booksellers, made our first visit to Canadian Tire with our friends in Port Williams, and discovered some wonderful shops in F'ton. We were here long enough to get used to looking for the "washrooms" and to not have to look closely at our coins to figure out which coin was which. I hadn't seen any US news until this evening when CNN was on in the restaurant. I've been reading the Globe and Mail and the Daily Gleaner. Life is good.
08 July 2007
Maritimes Update!
Let's see - I posted here on Thursday after our driving over in the rain... Details of what we've done can be found over on Traveling. For my US2CA friends... if all goes according to plan we're headed to Fredericton.
On Friday morning, as planned, I called my contact here at UNB. He suggested we meet for coffee, that he would run down to the hotel after taking care of a few emails, etc. I went down to the lobby to get some change for the laundry and there was someone at the desk, waiting for the clerk to get off the phone. Having seen one photo on the website I had a feeling it might be him, but I waited. Sure enough, it was. I could tell right away that we were going to "hit it off." I brought him upstairs to meet P and 6YO. When we walked in the room, 6YO was watching tv and had spilled applesauce on his sock. P was in the bathroom. She came out having had water sprayed all over her by the "exploding toilet." There had been a problem with the chain in the tank and she was fixing it. We all had a good laugh - how nice that he wasn't some "stuffed shirt." So, off the two of us went to, yes, Tim Hortons! We talked for about an hour and a half with him basically asking, "What can we do to help make this work for you?" I won't try to detail more of the conversation and a lot of it is out of his hands, but let's say it's really, really nice to know that, at a minimum, someone is willing to advocate for you!
We spent the afternoon wandering around downtown, walking on part of the recreational trail, did a little shopping, and had a great time. We also drove around some neighborhoods we hadn't seen before. P contacted the law school folks and is going over for a visit on Monday. We have a much better "feel" for the area and, as long-time readers will know, what we can make happen with regard to academic opportunities is key. So, while nothing is cast in stone for the long-term, Fredericton is looking like the perfect place to start. So, unless something completely unexpected happens we'll be coming here next summer with the plan to, at a minimum, stay for my sabbatical.
What we do today depends - big surprise - on the weather. Tomorrow we'll spend some more time on campus and then check out the apartment at 4 pm. We've decided to drive back to Halifax Monday night so that we wake up having all of Tuesday there. We didn't get to either Pier 21 or the Discovery Centre earlier so we hope to do that before we have to leave.
So, there you have it. I think that Fredericton has everything we're looking for and a lot of "bonuses" that are attractive, too. And, of course, the possibility of things working out in the academic world are key. I'm bummed that milk is ridiculously expensive, that the USD is down to $1.049, and that we can't just buy before we sell, but, minor points considering the trek we've taken thus far! On to see what today holds!
On Friday morning, as planned, I called my contact here at UNB. He suggested we meet for coffee, that he would run down to the hotel after taking care of a few emails, etc. I went down to the lobby to get some change for the laundry and there was someone at the desk, waiting for the clerk to get off the phone. Having seen one photo on the website I had a feeling it might be him, but I waited. Sure enough, it was. I could tell right away that we were going to "hit it off." I brought him upstairs to meet P and 6YO. When we walked in the room, 6YO was watching tv and had spilled applesauce on his sock. P was in the bathroom. She came out having had water sprayed all over her by the "exploding toilet." There had been a problem with the chain in the tank and she was fixing it. We all had a good laugh - how nice that he wasn't some "stuffed shirt." So, off the two of us went to, yes, Tim Hortons! We talked for about an hour and a half with him basically asking, "What can we do to help make this work for you?" I won't try to detail more of the conversation and a lot of it is out of his hands, but let's say it's really, really nice to know that, at a minimum, someone is willing to advocate for you!
We spent the afternoon wandering around downtown, walking on part of the recreational trail, did a little shopping, and had a great time. We also drove around some neighborhoods we hadn't seen before. P contacted the law school folks and is going over for a visit on Monday. We have a much better "feel" for the area and, as long-time readers will know, what we can make happen with regard to academic opportunities is key. So, while nothing is cast in stone for the long-term, Fredericton is looking like the perfect place to start. So, unless something completely unexpected happens we'll be coming here next summer with the plan to, at a minimum, stay for my sabbatical.
What we do today depends - big surprise - on the weather. Tomorrow we'll spend some more time on campus and then check out the apartment at 4 pm. We've decided to drive back to Halifax Monday night so that we wake up having all of Tuesday there. We didn't get to either Pier 21 or the Discovery Centre earlier so we hope to do that before we have to leave.
So, there you have it. I think that Fredericton has everything we're looking for and a lot of "bonuses" that are attractive, too. And, of course, the possibility of things working out in the academic world are key. I'm bummed that milk is ridiculously expensive, that the USD is down to $1.049, and that we can't just buy before we sell, but, minor points considering the trek we've taken thus far! On to see what today holds!
05 July 2007
Halifax v. Fredericton
I put a "travel update" on the Traveling blog. Here, I get to muse over what we've discovered in our Maritimes journey thus far.
We loved what we saw of Halifax and the other areas of Nova Scotia we visited. But, we also had beautiful weather. Today has been very gloomy and it's hard to get a real sense of the "life" of the city. As in every other Canada trip, the people are exceptionally pleasant, helpful, etc. So, on what measures shall we distinguish Halifax and Fredericton from each other?
Size, cost of living, access, weather, politics, economy, university, GLBT community...? We're going to see what the next couple of days bring, but at the moment we're very torn about which would be the better fit.
We like the size of F'ton.
We like the cost of housing in F'ton.
We like the easier access to Halifax. People might actually visit us there!
Weather is a toss up, though winters in Halifax do tend to be more mild.
Halifax wins in the politics category, hands down.
Halifax - and Nova Scotia in general - has a stronger economy.
University issues remain open - i.e., admission, etc. The big unknown(s).
Halifax, because of size, has more of a GLBT "presence."
Both have UU fellowships.
Both have decent shopping options.
We like the proximity of F'ton to Boston, but that's no dealbreaker.
So, fellow travelers, your thoughts?
We loved what we saw of Halifax and the other areas of Nova Scotia we visited. But, we also had beautiful weather. Today has been very gloomy and it's hard to get a real sense of the "life" of the city. As in every other Canada trip, the people are exceptionally pleasant, helpful, etc. So, on what measures shall we distinguish Halifax and Fredericton from each other?
Size, cost of living, access, weather, politics, economy, university, GLBT community...? We're going to see what the next couple of days bring, but at the moment we're very torn about which would be the better fit.
We like the size of F'ton.
We like the cost of housing in F'ton.
We like the easier access to Halifax. People might actually visit us there!
Weather is a toss up, though winters in Halifax do tend to be more mild.
Halifax wins in the politics category, hands down.
Halifax - and Nova Scotia in general - has a stronger economy.
University issues remain open - i.e., admission, etc. The big unknown(s).
Halifax, because of size, has more of a GLBT "presence."
Both have UU fellowships.
Both have decent shopping options.
We like the proximity of F'ton to Boston, but that's no dealbreaker.
So, fellow travelers, your thoughts?
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