For the long haul...

We "landed" in March 2007. We moved in June 2008. So, next month, we will have been here 18 months - well, including living in three different places and P being in Minnesota for the fall term of 2008. But, we've been here, one way or another, for a year and half.

For that year and half we've had to have a mind-set of "If we have to go back..." I'm too senior to get a decent academic position here and since there is really no work here for P in her [previous] career, well, you get the picture. We've felt that we had to be open to the possibility. It's easy to say, as was the case for just about everyone else who has made the move, "Well, just make it work." But, that doesn't really work when you have a kid and are up to your collective eyeballs in student loan debt. One of us has to have a decent job and New Brunswick... um, not really the place for that.

But, things are looking up. P loves her job. It's not permanent and it's not in her "real" area of expertise, law librarianship. But, there's potential and she loves it. I don't know what's going to happen with me. I've got almost two years before I really have to worry about it. I've been debating (and debating and debating) going ahead with getting licensed to practice here. The details are best saved for later, but I'm going to go ahead with the first exam and see how it goes. And, if P does it, too, who knows!

Basically, between how much - even with all the challenges we've faced - we like it here and how hideous the US continues to be, we've pretty much decided that - as suggested in my last post - we're in it for the long haul. We've got the super duper snow thrower. Tomorrow I get to drop that $1106 on winter tires. And, P just agreed to serve as secretary for the "Friends of the Douglas School." I'd say that's a lock.

October

I'm not sure, but this may be the first time that more than a month has passed since I posted. I don't want to terminate the blog, but I've been insanely busy and keeping up with most folks via facebook. Update: Nope. I just checked and 6 Aug - 25 Sep was definitely longer than a month!

I don't even remember how much, if any, of this I've posted already, but here's the update. In June I was able to get assigned to a doctor. He's not my "family doctor" - we don't have one yet - but because I'm considered high risk, I can schedule appointments with him, so that's a step in the right direction. Without going into all the details, as of today I've had, courtesy of NB Medicare, three x-rays, a whole lot of lab work, been put back on blood pressure meds, and have an appointment with a rheumatologist scheduled for November. I'm teaching a class at UNB and a class at my home institution, online. Tomorrow is discovery at the lawyer's office. We're expecting to go to trial as the builder, in the same situation with another client, was already advised to settle and refused, firing his first lawyer in the process. And, I've got some miserable, spit-up-a-lung cold. So, between all of that and the regular hum-drum - you know, do the laundry, shop for groceries, try to socialize - I've been a little busy with not much to say.

I keep hoping that the dust will settle, but the world keeps kicking up little dust devils all around me. At this point, while not looking for things (e.g., the blog) to start chopping off "the list," I know it's a low priority. But, I always feel like I should just say "hey" and let those of you who still check - and who don't do fb - know I'm still kicking.

The great news is that P is loving her job with the province. It's only "for sure" through next June, but things are promising. And, we had a lovely dinner with one of her colleagues and her daughter last weekend. It's nice to be getting out. 8YO - who will be 9YO before we know it, but was 5YO when I started this blog! - is doing okay at school. His favourite things are recess, lunch, PE, snack... but he's doing okay. Compared to the reading trauma of last year, he's really making tracks! He's also taking swimming lessons right now and looking forward to another season of skiing.

We've got some great friends and neighbours and I keep thinking that a year from now we will be able to feel a bit more settled. Being sued by a crooked builder and wondering what our employment futures look like have pretty much kept me from feeling like we're "home," but, all in all, not a day goes by that I'm not glad to be here.

We are now the owners of a new Ariens Deluxe 27 snow thrower. That really made me feel like we're in it for the long haul. And this week I get $1106 worth of winter tires, complete with winter rims. Nobody in Minnesota gets winter tires. We must be in it for the long haul. I know Halloween hasn't yet come and gone, but we're looking forward to a second Christmas in the house - hopefully, with power this time! - and a holiday season with lots of baking and the smell of the roaring wood stove. This house, I've decided, was made for winter...

Wishing you all a wonderful autumn!

Swamps

I have been absolutely swamped... As mentioned in my last, long ago, post, we headed out on vacation and then I was on the road to/from Minnesota for two weeks. My mother rode back with me, classes started, and I've been swimming upstream ever since. I like to think that about mid-term I'll be able to breathe, but that's about when papers will be due. Oh, well... The GREAT news is that I received approval to change my January course to an online format. Instead of having to travel to Saint Paul for a month, I can stay right here. That will be a tremendous help!

While there have been plenty of times that I haven't had the time or energy to post, this is the first time that I've really not been able to keep up with my blog reading. But, fortunately, I "see" many of you on fb and can check in there. And, I have been managing to sneak a peek at the blogs every now and again.

I hope everyone is having a pleasant autumn - we're getting some great reds in the trees around here! No question about it - this is definitely my favourite time of year!

There went summer...

Been entertaining, traveling, dealing with contractors, trying to get fall classes up and running... but this morning I decided to resurrect Traveling Without Unraveling.

I don't know how much posting I'll be able to do here in the next few weeks. I'm home with 8YO and trying to do school prep. On 22 August we leave for a week in L'Anse-St.-Jean on the Saguenay. We're staying at Les Gites du Fjord, but hope to spend a day in Quebec City. If you've been there and have any tips regarding "must sees," please let me know!

We return on 29 August and on the 30th I leave for Saint Paul. I plan to arrive on 2 September, with the faculty conference taking place on the 3rd. Fearing that if I waited until I got there to make plans I'd see no one, I've booked almost every single breakfast, lunch, and dinner with someone I want to see. In between I'll do some of the stuff I need to be on campus to do, do some shopping, etc. My mother flies in on 9 September and we'll head from the airport to Madison, WI. She's riding back to Fredericton with me. We should arrive on the 12th. She's here for almost a month. On 9/10 October we'll drive down to Boston and she'll fly out on the 11th. We'll head back on either the 11th or on the 12th, Thanksgiving.

So, needless to say, whether I post much between now and then is up in the air. But, I will check in on facebook and I will try to post a little something about my travels on Traveling Without Unraveling. Enjoy the rest of your summer! Oh, and if you have tips on snowblowers, feel free to send 'em my way!

Another long overdue post...

Time for a potpourri update of sorts.

First, I received a post card from my sister today. She's traveling in England. It struck me that if this is a stereotype in England, it may explain a similar trend in Canada - as has been discussed elsewhere among our blogs. The card is labeled, "How to be British, No. 8."

A man and a woman are seated at what looks like it's supposed to be an "upscale" restaurant.
M: This meat is as tough as old boots. How's your fish?
W: It tastes off. And these vegetables are cold.
M: This wine is awful - I asked for dry and they've given us sweet.
W: And look, there's a worm in my side-salad.
Server: How is your meal? Is everything all right>
M: Oh, yes, It's lovely.
W: Excellent, thank you!

Hmmmmm...

P has the (second) new job I wrote about earlier. And, yesterday she interviewed for another position. For a variety of reasons that I don't want to post here (small world and all), if this one doesn't come through, I'm confident that she'll have a professional librarian position before this time next year.

We spent 1-4 July in Nova Scotia. Although it was misty to drizzly and cloudy the whole weekend, we still had a delightful visit with our fellow expat friends C and A, their girls, and an extended family of A's siblings and their families, college pals, etc. There was an indoor pool so 8YO had a blast and I know he had fun playing with the other kids. We returned via Halifax so that we could stop at Lee Valley Tools. Picked up some odds and ends like countertop compost bin filters. What did I get in today's email? Free delivery from Lee Valley! Oh, well, it was fun to stop and check out the bricks and mortar shop.

The last full week of June I received a call from the High Risk Patient Registry Clinic. Apparently it's new and it's sole purpose is to provide "high risk" people who are on the patient registry list with a temporary doctor. My complaint to the patient advocacy office at River Valley Health must have paid off because they had no way of knowing that I would fall into the category of having some chronic issues. Long story short - it won't get me an ortho appointment any sooner, but I was able to get that mammo recheck scheduled. And, since my BP was 148/100 that day... we're going to keep an eye on that. It's been high, on and off, for years. Meds never helped. Just chillin' out is the answer. Like that's happenin' any time soon.

I had also scheduled an appointment with a naturopathic physician. And, as those of you on facebook might know, I'm doing a three-week elimination diet. My allergist back in St. Paul had given me the materials for it and said, "You might try this." Ha! Like I'm going to put myself through this for a "You might..." Not a chance. But, armed with three different supplements and the resolve to stop feeling like crap, I went shopping Monday morning. Fruits, nuts, chicken, fish, vegetables, spelt bread, eggs, rice crackers, club soda... No gluten, aside from the spelt. No dairy, aside from the eggs, if you're inclined to put them in that category. But, no cheese, no milk, no yogurt, no butter... Might as well die now. No orange. No corn. No beef. No pork. And - drum roll please. No Diet Coke. Arrggghhhh! I'm now at about 96 hours without a Diet Coke and, honestly, it hasn't been that bad. I find that I like it with certain foods and since I'm not eating those foods. Of course it's not in the house either! I'm not that good.

I also had my first acupuncture treatment yesterday. Nothing much to report there except that it didn't hurt. A few weird sensations, but no pain to speak of. My knee is actually worse today, but I don't know that I'd conclude a relationship between the two.

Today was one of those perfect weather days that make Fredericton look just beautiful. Blue sky, white clouds, about 23°, dry. Perfect. I think we're good through Saturday.

A friend from St. Paul arrives on Saturday for a week-long visit. I'm not really sure what we'll do while she's here. She just had surgery for a torn meniscus and, while her brace comes off Saturday, she won't be up for any long hikes, etc. (either). We are going to head down to Hopewell Rocks on Sunday, weather be damned. That's just a requirement and Sunday is the only day that the tides are right for a one-day trip. Fortunately there's a shuttle from the main area to the stairs that go down to the beach. One stair at a time...

What else? I've been reading a lot about the genocide in Rwanda. In perusing the shelves for books on Iran, I came across a couple of books on Rwanda that I had always thought about reading. I had used clips of LGen Dallaire in class the last couple of years, but hadn't read his book. And, of course I had seen Hotel Rwanda. But, neither had I read Paul Rusesabagina's book, An Ordinary Man. I'm still reading Dallaire's Shake Hands with the Devil: The Failure of Humanity in Rwanda and I'm also reading Philip Gourevitch's We wish to inform you that tomorrow we will be killed with our families.

I had probably picked the latter up at least half a dozen times in the last year or so, but just didn't have it in me to read it. Thus far I would have to say that if you're only going to read one book on the Rwandan genocide, the Gourevitch book is the best for the mix of history/reporting and personal anecdote. Although I haven't finished Dallaire's book, it's good, too. It's just very hard to follow, even with constantly flipping back to the glossary. Lots of military acronyms and personnel. I actually went ahead and watched the movie version, thinking it might help me to keep track of everything. When I finish these two, I'm going to tackle Rwanda's Genocide: The Politics of Global Justice.

I don't know how many of you recall the famous Stanford Prison Experiment or the work of Stanley Milgram. I think L-girl has mentioned them on wmtc. Anyway, all the reading about Rwanda has me thinking that it's not that people committed the atrocities that shocks or puzzles me. This sentiment is similar to that in a piece I wrote right after Abu Ghraib. I just wasn't that surprised, even by the women. What I do find perplexing is the degree to which people who survive phenomenally horrific experiences are able to go on with their lives. It's just so hard to imagine...

I did pick up another book, several times, but I just don't know that I can bring myself to read this one. I "never" have nightmares, but the week after I started the other books I awakened myself - and P - trying to speak as a dark figure was coming toward me - in my "dream." This book might do me in. But, I mention it because people should know about the issue and the work.

The book is called, The Men Who Killed Me and is described as "[a] searing testimonial to the horrors of sexual violence in war—a littleknown aspect of the Rwandan tragedy."

From Amazon - "In the hundred days of genocide that ravaged Rwanda between April and July 1994, an estimated 250,000 to 500,000 women and girls were raped. No one was spared. Grandmothers were raped in the presence of their grandchildren; young girls watched the massacre of their families before being taken as sex slaves. To a lesser extent, boys and men also fell victim to sexual violence.

Fifteen years after the Rwandan genocide, The Men Who Killed Me features testimonials from seventeen survivors. Through their narratives and portraits, sixteen women and one man bear witness to the crimes committed against hundreds of thousands of others. In their strength and courage, they challenge the stigma of surviving sexual violence and living with HIV/AIDS (an astonishing 70 per cent of survivors are HIV positive)."

They also have a website with links to some of the organizations working with survivors. Note: Two of the authors have Canadian connections and, though it's closed, a gallery in Toronto had an exhibit earlier this year.

I think that's about it. I should have made this two different posts. A weekend in Nova Scotia v. genocide in Rwanda. Kind of a disconnect. Sorry!

And now, The Great...

Canadian/American Expat Friends/Old Friends Sky/Road Trip!

I had hoped to get this posted earlier, but I’ve been a tad obsessed with Internet coverage of the US Department of Justice DOMA brief and then I had a conference that started today. In short, the brief - called odious, dreadful, hideous by friends - lays out all of the [alleged] reasons that DOMA is not unconstitutional. And, to provide examples of cases where states have been permitted to prohibit marriages that are deemed to violate public policy, it cites cases that prohibit incestuous marriages and marriages between adults and minors. To say that people are outraged doesn’t begin to capture what’s happening. Major donors are withdrawing from a DNC GLBT fundraiser scheduled for next week. I don’t honestly know that I’ve ever seen this kind of collective outrage from the GLBT community. The Internet has provided an amazing tool for organization, communication, etc. But, back to my trip.

Beware – this is longgggg! And, I’m skipping a lot of detail – ‘cause, well, most of you were there for part of it!

I was up at 3:15 am last Thursday in order to make a 6 am flight to Toronto. After an uneventful trip I think I was at L-girl’s shortly after 8, Toronto time. It was just fabulous to meet her and Allan - and, of course, the dogs, too! Tala is a bundle of squirrel-chasing-I-love-ya-but-I-have-to-run-fun. And, Cody is just a doll. The old girl is soooooo sweet. It was just great. But, I had places to go and people to see and L-girl had a party for which to prep!

I knew that the coffee shop, Jet Fuel, was next door to Sweet Creamery so I headed in that direction. As I guessed, I was able to get connected via their Wi-Fi so I had a mocha and checked mail, etc. I had called Adam and he was going to meet me and I checked in with Tom. I hung out, read the paper, and met Adam shortly before noon. We went next door and found Emilio and I got to see Sweet Creamery – but didn't start sampling just yet! Tom arrived soon after and we hung out there for a bit. Customers started arriving almost as soon as the doors opened! Excellent!

Adam and I were able to coerce Tom into going to lunch and the three of us had a great visit. It was great to see Tom again and I was really happy to meet Adam. It’s so strange (to me) how well you can feel you get to know folks through our blogs. I mean, we sat and chatted as though we hadn’t just met. At least it seemed that way to me. Tom had to get back to work, Adam had things to do, and I was advised (Thanks, L-girl!) to get back to Mississauga before rush hour really commenced.

So, back to Sweet Creamery. I was so full from lunch, but I couldn’t leave without sampling the wares. Emilio gave me a sample of the lemon-mint gelato that was amazing! But, I also had to check out the Cappuccino ice cream. It was soooo creamy. I was stuffed, but glad that I hadn’t been reasonable and left without checking out the goods. That evening I had dinner and a great visit with L-girl and Allan. But, I had been up since 2:15 am, Toronto time, and I was toast so, while they watched the Red Sox-Yankees match-up, I toddled off to bed.

Between Friday morning and Saturday noon I got to see Tom and Emilio again and met L-girl, Allan, Adam, John, and Gito! I’d call that a great trip, no? A while back I met Mary and Diane and Bob. His partner, “drf,” was back in Florida at the time so I missed him. I’m tempted to be a real sociology geek and do a chart of who has met whom - Is that right? I’m not grammar perfect… Our own one-degree of separation.

The only down side to the trip is that I missed wmtc4. It was the same time as the wedding that was the main reason for my trip. But, I hear that the weather cooperated and a great time was had by all! Hopefully we’ll make it another time!

Now, backing up a bit. I was supposed to do a road trip in May and had to cancel because P got that job. I had realized that the main place I wanted to go - a small town in New York where folks from my family lived in the 19th and early twentieth centuries - was four hours from Toronto. I had been wishing that I had planned to go there while in the area, so to speak. On Friday afternoon when I realized that I had seen everyone I was going to be able to see (Eric is working, working, working and might have still been out of town; I wasn’t able to connect with Mason and Nick), I thought, “Hmmm… road trip?”

I did some quick calculating and realized that I could be in Hornell, NY by about 11 am, do what I wanted, and then be in Cleveland that evening. If available, I could visit one of my very best pals and still make Windsor for lunch with Gito and John the next day. Toronto is great, but hanging out in the city alone when I could accomplish this just wasn’t so appealing. So, Friday morning I hit the road by about 7:15. I was in Hornell by 11:15.

First I went to City Hall to get information regarding my great-great grandfather’s death. I had ordered a certificate from the state, but parts of it were unreadable so I was getting that information from the town. I then started walking the cemetery. It was my second trip to try to find my great-grandmother/grandfather's and her parents' headstones, along with a few other relatives. Alas, I was unable to meet up with the caretaker and I couldn’t find them. I climbed down hills, looked at fallen headstones under brush, got soaked by a drizzle, and ended up with a ridiculously stressed knee. Then I went to the (wonderful Carnegie) library and was able to record information from town directories from the 1870s, 1880s, and 1890s. I was also able to look up a few brief articles in the paper, recorded to fiche. Although I had already checked and seen that the last house they lived in was replaced by a new one in the early 1900s, I drove down the street thinking, “That mountain was there then – that’s what they saw each morning.” It was cool, even without their house still standing. I went back to the cemetery and tried again. No luck. I did end up talking with the caretaker by phone and while he was unwilling to come out and help me on a Friday afternoon, suggested that I call ahead next time and he would arrange to meet me.

Around 5:00 I got in my little rental car and started out toward Cleveland. I love driving – in daylight, on the open road. I passed – and passed up – the Zippo Case Museum in Pennsylvania. But, I’ll bet it’s fascinating. I made it to the outskirts of Cleveland shortly before 9 and met up with my friends. We headed back to their house and ordered dinner from a couple of local restaurants. Again, I’m reminded that what I miss most in New Brunswick is decent options for dining out/ordering in. I had some terrific eggplant parmigiana and great company. But, after sitting up chatting until around 11:30 it was off to bed. We were all going to be up and on the road by 8. M, my friend’s husband, went out to pick up bagels before we were even downstairs. By 8:15 we were on the road.

Let me tell you. The radio between Cleveland and Detroit? Fantastic. I didn’t know that stations still played old Casey Kasem shows from the 1970s! I loved that as I approached Detroit I was listening to Madonna’s Holiday! Makes me think of Boston Pride, 1984, every time. Country, hip-hop, oldies, jazz – I heard it all. Very fun.

As I entered Michigan, I was reminded of one of my best-buds from law school, AV, so I called her just to say, “Hi, I’m in Michigan and thought of you.” Even though she’s from the UP, she was tickled.

I arrived in Windsor around noon. Gito and John met me at the bridge and I followed them to Little Italy. We had a fabulous lunch at a little place called Mezzo. I highly recommend the squash ravioli with mutzu apple in a bacon sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Yum! Again, I had a great visit with more of our little family. Turns out that John and I were at the University of Arizona for a one-year overlap. I got there in 1990 and he left in 1991. Too funny! They were just delightful, and I had a great time chatting with them both. They then guided me to the tunnel back to Detroit and with a wave, we were on our respective ways.

I headed to the hotel in Utica, MI and, oh my, I drove past every retail establishment you could possibly imagine. Consumption Junction come to life. Between getting off the Interstate and heading to the hotel, 8 miles away, there were two, count ‘em, two Targets and two McDonald’s. I got checked in and immediately went to find my pal, N, and her husband, M. N and I were roommates in the Army, in Germany, 1978-1980. Her husband was room mates with my friend J, who was getting married. It was great to see M as he has been working every time I’ve blown through Chicago for the past 20 years. They had brought three photo albums with them so we had a blast going through those! It has never – really, never – occurred to me that other people have a record of your life in a way that is likely unknown to you. Wow.

Shortly after 6 we headed over to the hall. There was J, in all his splendor. We had not seen each other in 27 years. He visited me in NYC the summer of 1982. One hug reduced that to nothing. With the three of us standing in front of him, his eyes just filled with tears. We met his husband-to-be, R, and then we went to find our seats.

J had seated us at a table with a few other military folks from more recent times. Let’s just say, we had nothing in common with these guys, but the three of us had a great time. Joe had made a photo album for the table. OMG!!! I saw photos I didn’t know existed. Yikes! He had intended to make a CD of photos for each of us, but had trouble with the scanner. I really hope he is able to do so. I couldn’t believe the photo of me at a Halloween party holding a beer. I mean, seriously, who was that woman (child)? Regarding our tablemates – while we were light years apart. e.g., Person 1: “Is your son thinking of joining the military?” Person 2: “He doesn’t have to think about it. He is.” – let me hasten to add that they traveled to Detroit to see their old (and former!) sergeant marry a man. There’s not much I like about the military these days, but I do have to say that people would be surprised if they really got to know any number of service members. The broad brush isn’t broad enough.

The ceremony was brief and I was almost in tears. And that’s unusual. As posted a while back, J came out to me in 1979, but spent the next 28 years single and pretty much expecting to remain that way. Then he met – or re-met – R, literally the boy who had grown up next door. I honestly don’t know that I have ever been as thoroughly, profoundly, happy for someone as I was for him. It was great!

J made a few comments, including asking us to think about the military personnel serving overseas – he’s retired Army and works for the VA. But, he added that he hopes that they all come home safely and are able to marry whomever they wish. He thanked the Canadian government for giving him the opportunity to marry the man he loves. Privately he told me that he planned on emailing the White House to say how pathetic it is that a man who served the US Army for 20 years had to leave the country to do so.

After a terrific buffet, I took a trip to the Candyland Cornucopia. They had a table filled with Bazooka bubble gum, Pop Rocks, Mary Janes, wax lips, candy necklaces, Pixi Sticks, licorice sticks, and much, much more, along with cellophane bags in which to take your stash. Score – present for 8YO! Later that evening, the four of us were able to visit and look at all of the photos together, reminiscing. One guy, B – who I also last seen in NYC in ’82 – was supposed to be there, but had brain surgery – for debilitating migraines - scheduled for Tuesday. A few of the photos were just J, B, and me being crazy. I was sorry he couldn’t join us and hope all goes well. It was getting late and we needed to go, but, even with a really bad knee I couldn’t resist going without one dance. So, when Holiday came on, J and I danced. And talked. And danced. And then, we – well, me – hobbled off the floor and let all the youngsters keep whoopin’ it up.

It was a really cool wedding. Almost everyone was extended family – from kids who could barely walk to folks in their 70s, if not their 80s. His lesbian aunt and her partner of 27 years were there. People were of all colours and classes in everything from suits and dresses that were, um, a little too tight to jeans and shirts that celebrated the American flag and motorcycles. And, everyone was there to see two men say their vows and become hyphenated-gay-men.

I returned to the hotel around 11 and crashed. The next morning I was on the road back to Mississauga. I got to hear great music, again. Lots of oldies. And, NPR, too. It was really weird to be in Canada, picking up a US NPR station, doing a show on Health Care in Rural America and the potential health program being outlined by the Obama administration. Surreal. I arrived in Mississauga with time to spare. So, I went directly to our old friend, Panera. I knew that P would flip – so I bought bagels and cookies and packed them in my bag for delivery to New Brunswick.

That’s about it – minus about 1000 details. But, all in all I had an absolutely wonderful trip. It was such a great mix of old friends and new friends, good music and nice driving… Gd, I love a good road trip.

That's it for now!

One Year

On the one hand, it doesn't seem like a year. On the other hand, it seems like an eternity. But, yes, one year ago today we arrived in Fredericton.

It feels somewhat odd that I don't have anything remarkable to say about it. I'm glad we're in Canada. On most days I'm glad we're in New Brunswick, or at least in the Maritimes. On my travels last weekend I found myself thinking, as a I drove, "This seems nice... but there's no ocean!" When we got here I found myself wondering how I had ever lived in land-locked Minnesota for 13 years! Note: The 10,000 lakes don't count!

Today, I'm particularly glad to be in Canada. I just send a message to the White House, expressing my disgust over the Department of Justice brief on DOMA. 2012? I don't think so.

But, let's recap the year, shall we?
12 June: Left Saint Paul, MN
16 June: Arrived in Fredericton, NB
16 June - 1 October: Lived on Charlotte Street
1 October - 16 October: Lived on Bridge Street
16 October - 17 November: Lived on King Street
17 November: Moved into the incomplete house in Douglas, NB

P was, unexpectedly, back in Minnesota from 20 August to 10 December, with a few visits in between. From January to April she completed her last credits of law school by doing a practicum at UNB and graduated with her JD. She is now working again and will start a new job in her field - libraries - on Monday. Woo-hoo! And, it's a government job. Even better.

8YO - who, L-girl reminded me, was 5YO when I began this blog! - has had a wonderful year. Having done K and grade 1 in French Immersion, this year in an English school has been great for him. He has caught up with his reading - nothing short of a miracle if you had seen last summer's meltdowns. He was able to ski this winter and is now playing soccer. He's anxiously awaiting trips to Killarney Lake to look for tadpoles and lives to play in the water down on the Bay.

Me? I'm still walking better some days than others, having trouble with my shoulders, and waiting to be seen by a doctor in Canada. Oh, well... I'm hangin' in. After waiting 51 weeks for the powers that be to figure out that it was okay, my work situation is set for the next two years. I'm thankful for that as it means I can teach, mostly, from here, but for my "home" institution. I was able to teach a class at UNB this winter and will be doing another next year. I'm [still] being sued by our crooked builder and one of the subs he failed to pay. But, I try to be hopeful that everything will, eventually, be fine - both with my health and the house.

I often ask myself what I would do differently. Honestly? I'm not sure that we would have come to New Brunswick. When I tick off the reasons it's a great place for us versus why it's not, I think that we might still have done so. The only reason I really continue to wonder about the decision is the health care situation. I have come to the conclusion that I would still have built a house. It made sense in terms of finance, timing, and lifestyle. And, we absolutely love our location. Not just the area, but the exact lot is perfect. But, if I'd had a crystal ball, I would simply have hoped it would have told me to use a different builder - or to have not worried about being perceived as a bitch for insisting that they do things right. But, as above, I try to have faith that eventually it will all work out.

We've met some absolutely great people and 8YO has some really good friends. But, I'm also thankful for the cyber-community. It sounds kind of lame when I look at the words, but I really think that communicating with my friends - expats in particular, family, students/alums, and colleagues - be it via blogs, email, or facebook, kept me sane. Well, as sane as I am, regardless of locale. I loathe to think of what this year would have been without that ease of contact.

This summer we will visit the shore in Nova Scotia - celebrating a special occasion with another expat family, spend a week in a small village in Quebec, and, if we can swing it, spend a weekend on Campobello Island. We'll get down to the Bay again for various day trips. A friend from Saint Paul will spend a week with us in July. At summer's end I'll be driving to Minnesota for the "opening games"of the academic year, returning with my mother in tow. She will probably stay for 3-4 weeks, able to see the change of seasons. For the past 21 years my life has been lived on the academic calendar. That hasn't changed. Summer? I have the good fortune for that to mean more than that the weather has become warmer.

So, one year. Wow. What will the next year bring? I'm almost afraid to consider the question! But, we're here and, as I said earlier, I do like to think that we've "turned a corner." I just remind myself that, regardless of the challenges, we're living in a place where our family is treated equally under the law. That's enough to make it all worthwhile.

I am not kidding, but...

perhaps we really have turned a corner. Hold on to your hats, we may on the way to having two good posts in a row in this blog!

You may recall that, in late April, P was offered a two-month position at UNB. I don't even recall whether or not I posted about it, but that was then extended until April 2010. Of course they love her, it has been great, etc. Let me hasten to add that some of these work-related posts would be far more interesting if I included details, but I hesitate to do so in a public forum. So, the Cliff's Notes version is that yesterday she received a call from the director of the New Brunswick Public Library System. And, if everything goes through HR without a hitch, she'll have a new job. It's a one-year, but it's a provincial job paying $6/hr more than the position at UNB. She will have an opportunity to work on her rusted-out French and, most importantly, she'll be internal. Right now, with a provincial hiring "freeze" I guess they can actually hire; they just can't advertise. The folks at UNB have been great and, after originally declining interest, they encouraged her to pursue it since it's in her career field. Fingers crossed that it all works out! I actually went shopping without stressing about the cost of groceries. What a difference it makes for us to both be gainfully employed.

In other news, you may know Richard Florida's work - The Rise of the Creative Class and The Flight of the Creative Class? His latest book is Who's Your City? - with Canadian content! He, too, moved from the US to Canada. Imagine my delight...

Best cities for families, overall -
Ottawa/Gatineau, Toronto, Calgary, Fredericton, Guelph

Best cities for cost, overall -
Ottawa/Gatineau, Quebec City, Fredericton, Toronto, Montreal

Best cities for families, gay & lesbian -
Ottawa/Gatineau, Toronto, Fredericton, Calgary, Guelph

Best cities for cost, gay and lesbian families -
Ottawa/Gatineau, Quebec City, Montreal, Toronto, Fredericton

I'm not sure what the last ranking says - maybe that those in Fredericton feel compelled to spend more money traveling to spend some time in more queer-friendly large cities?!? Weird that it would be ranked lower in "best for cost" than the bigger cities listed. Anyone with a guess as to what explains this?

I'm sure we can quibble with the methodology and I've not read the book yet, but just seeing that Fredericton was even on the radar was great. But, get this - I had looked at the book in a store and decided I'd pick it up at the library as it isn't one I feel compelled to have in my collection. The library has the original hardcover - sans Canadian content! Grrrrr!! The above, therefore, is from the website.

So, there you have it. We're on a roll!

And, another great Sunday!

Yesterday morning we drove down to spend the day in St. Andrews-by-the-Sea. It was just lovely. We arrived around 11 and first stopped at the Visitor Centre to check out the best places to walk along the water. Then, we went to the Gables Restaurant for lunch. Although it was a tad chilly in the shade, we sat on the deck watching the tide come in. Broiled scallops, lobster roll, and, of course, chicken fingers, all with excellent fries. It was almost high tide. This place is sort of known for the fleece wraps they keep on the wall, for those wanting to sit outside but being a bit chilled. P and 8YO each ended up wrapped in one.

From there we went over to the Blockhouse, not to visit the Blockhouse, but to walk out the "spit" that was created as the tide was going out. From there we went to the aquarium at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre. It's a very small, and not terribly well maintained place, but it is primarily a working site - as opposed to an "attraction" - and 8YO had an absolute blast. The seals, Loki and Snorkel, were old news to him. But, he loved the touch pool. He was able to pick up seastars, though he skipped the crabs, and was able to touch anemone and sea cucumbers. The touch pool in Minnesota is occupied by rays - and he would never touch them. We had to drag him away - his hands were red and freezing by the time we were successful!

From there we drove to the other end of town and parked near the water. We walked the trail at Pagan Point Preserve, walked along the shore for a ways and then back. With a stop for a treat along Route 3, we were home by 6:30 and threw some brats on the grill. Not a bad day! Here, of course, are a few snapshots.

Out to the end of the "spit" near the Blockhouse.

If it involves water - but doesn't involve soap - 8YO is in heaven.

Along the coast at St. Andrews, New Brunswick.

Fun/day

I think that Fun/day is what you get when you have fun on a Sunday along the Fundy. In short, we had a great day yesterday. One of the few since last summer that actually made me feel glad to be here.

We started out by meeting up with a small group of other transplants at someone's house in New Maryland. One couple moved from Toronto with their young son almost two years ago. Another family with three girls came from the UK. And one woman has lived all over Canada and I can't recall where she lived last. Anyway, we headed off on the Trans-Canada and picked up 7 to head toward Saint John. First we passed a porcupine walking by the side of the road and then a ground hog that made it across the road. This is a stretch of highway that is one of, if not the, worst for vehicle-moose collisions. Last August, in the fog of early morning, we saw two dead moose. A good deal of the road has had fencing run alongside the trees. But, yesterday... we had our first live sighting of a moose! And, it was a juvenile, just strolling along the fenceline - on the other side, thank goodness. And, 8YO saw it too which is even better because he often can't spot things when one of us says, "Look!"

We got down to where you go left to Saint John or right toward St. Stephen and turned right. Our first stop was the Musquash Head Light. On the way to the trailhead I even got to have my first Subaru moment. Our fearless leader was driving her great, but two-wheel drive, Mazda 3 and was having trouble negotiating a point where the gravel was very uneven. We just rolled on through. We were prepared to ferry folks to the trailhead, but she persisted and made it in the Mazda.

We parked and walked the trail to the lighthouse, perched on the edge of some pretty steep cliffs. It was very foggy, but nice. I'd like to go back when we can actually see more of the water than a tiny slice at the bottom of the cliff.

This is the group, strolling down the trail, toward the fog!

Here you can see a little bit of the water down below.

From there we drove into Lorneville and stopped at a little public park/playground for a picnic. As we sat, we looked out across the salt marshes of the Musquash Estuary. The kids had a blast running and running and the adults got to visit. 8YO, of course, ended up in a ditch with his shoes covered in mud. First change of the day. Swap the shoes for clean socks and rubber boots and the jeans for shorts.

From there we drove over to Chance Harbour and stopped at Cranberry Cove. Our fearless leader had checked the tide tables before organizing our little jaunt and the timing was perfect. The kids were able to walk quite a way out on the mud before getting to the water's edge. 8YO - true to his zodiac - loves, loves, loves the water. Of course he was advised not to go so far as to have the tide wash over the top of his boots, but, c'mon, that just made it more fun. So, off came the boots. Then, off came to t-shirt so that he'd have something dry to put on later. By the time we were packing up to leave he was riding back in a towel and the dry t-shirt and later his rain pants and the t-shirt. And. That's. It. I had brought more extras and then had forgotten I had done so! Funny thing is that, when he heard we were stopping at a beach, he asked if I had packed his swimsuit and I said, no, that it was too cold to go in the water. Guess I've learned my lesson.

The kids playing when we first arrived.

8YO, near the end of our visit - no boots, no t-shirt, wet shorts...
and having a blast!

We headed back to Fredericton and even made it home before the rain came. On the drive back we saw a juvenile deer on the other side of the fence, but no moose.

The day was fabulous. P even re-connected with someone in the library system here and will be following up, per her request, with her resume. Not bad for a lazy Sunday!

This morning has been busy, too. Our realtor stopped by to see the deck, we had two cord of wood delivered, and the new contractor's guys are putting up sheetrock in the basement. Maybe we're turning a corner...

While I'm here, a few more photos before I sign off -

Our Green Cone digester and Earth Machine composter.

The beginnings of our square foot garden.
Still have to make Mel's Mix and then we'll plant with the moon.

The deck! Well, part of it anyway.

The house, from the back, sans snow!

That's it for now. Little by little...

More DADT Ludicrosity

Please, if you haven't already seen it, watch this video.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

A few details (e.g., the Pentagon statement) are a bit dated, but the overall story remains accurate. No matter one's objections to the military, to the US presence in Iraq and Afghanistan, and even to Lt. Col. Fehrenbach's description of his role in Baghdad, this is a travesty. If ever we had an example of the degree to which the US really doesn't care about "accomplishing the mission," "winning," etc., this is it. I mean, it's one thing to toss a combat-veteran West Pointer who is an Arabic linguist who voluntarily went public (still wrong), but to seek out - as it is being suggested was the case - this decorated combat pilot and toss him out. Who are they kidding? This just makes it clear to me that they don't really care to what degree the military "knows its stuff" over there - just so long as there's a presence.

Let me be clear - I do not think we should ever have set foot over there and, having done so, we should have left long ago. I am not defending our presence in Iraq. My point, that I may not be making clear, is simply that the Obama administration cannot continue to talk about how we're going to "win" anywhere, how the military needs to be supported, etc., while tossing people like this out. I am beyond amazed.

My favourite quote today: "This administration is becoming the greatest bait-and-switch in history. That, you know, he's morphing into his predecessor." It may have appeared elsewhere in the expat blogs, but it hit me today when reading a lot about DADT. The speaker? Jonathan Turley, professor of law at my undergraduate alma mater, The George Washington University. That about sums it up.

Oh, and if you're willing to sign the petition opposing Lt. Col. Fehrenbach's dismissal, go here.

Life in Douglas

It's a quiet morning as 8YO is home today with a slight fever and a sore throat, so I thought I'd take a moment to check in...

Of course we ran out of kids' Tylenol last night, so, off to the store we went this morning. Silly me. I forgot that that our Atlantic Superstore doesn't open until 8 am. So, we waited 20 minutes. Then, in the store, we found that the pain relievers are locked up at the pharmacy, which... you guessed it, doesn't open until 9. So, off we went to the closest "real" pharmacy. They don't open until 9. So, we went next door to Sobey's. Victory. The pharmacy wasn't open, but the pain relievers weren't under lock and key. Woo-hoo. Now, let me say that I actually like that things aren't open 24/7 and - though I acknowledge the issue of it being Sunday morning - I particularly enjoy the fact that nothing opens before noon on Sunday. But, I do have to say that, after living in a place where it seems like anything and everything is available 24/7, except alcohol, which I don't care about, it takes some adjusting!

In other news, I don't think I ever posted this, but shortly after we moved in P and I were driving up our street and coming toward us, overhead, was a pair of bald eagles. We pulled over and just watched as they circled and swooped, as if they were welcoming us. It was soooo cool. P is really into raptors, so it was especially cool. Then, a couple of months ago, I was driving down the street and a fox trotted across in front of me. It crossed, stopped, and turned its head back. I stopped and just watched it. BTW, we're out of the city on a street that has next to no traffic. Last weekend, 8YO and I were sitting at the dining room table when, at the door to the deck we saw a hummingbird. Then, the other morning I had put 8YO on the bus and was walking the dog when I heard, and then saw, a woodpecker. Finally, yesterday morning, as I drove down our street, three deer crossed in front of me. They had come from the grassy area in front of one home and up through a heavily wooded area in front of another. We've never seen them in our "yard," but P saw tracks in the snow this winter. Of course we see rabbits and they are surprisingly unmoved, literally, when I walk by with the pup. I often wonder if they are trying to be invisible. Anyway, that's what we've seen thus far. While we will have to create a "cover" for our square foot garden, that's okay. I really like seeing that the wildlife hasn't been completely dispossessed of its habitat.

In other news - some of you may have read my recent post about health care and my need to go to an after hours clinic to get an appointment at the hospital, as the hospital requested. Well, the closest one and the only one that has morning, rather than evening, hours sounded like a good option until I read this. Nope. I won't be seeing her. She may be a great diagnostician, etc., but I don't need a lecture, thank you. Talk about unprofessional and adding unnecessary stress to a doctor visit!!!

What's ahead? 8YO starts soccer two nights a week on Monday. And, we've got the requisite class trip and school/family BBQ coming up. Two weeks from today I'll be in Toronto and Windsor/Detroit for the weekend. Yes, Sweet Creamery is on the "to-do" list! After that I'm attending a conference here at UNB. 8YO has three more weeks of school. In early July I think we're going to Nova Scotia for a few days. Then, hopefully, I'll be taking Part I of my genealogical field trip to New Hampshire and Massachusetts. While I'm away, 8YO will do an art camp at UNB. Unfortunately my good friend in Boston will have already left for Greece so I won't be able to see her. Then, on 11 July one of our friends from Saint Paul arrives for a week. After that I think we'll hunker down for a month of summer at home. P's mother might come later in July, but we don't yet know for sure. In late August we head to Quebec for a week and then I'm off to Saint Paul. Of course, in and among all that is the question of litigation, house work, etc. But, we're hoping to have a great summer, super-size mosquitoes and black flies be damned!

As with a few others, I've been spending more time on facebook than blogging. I've just been tired and stiff/sore and just haven't really had the presence of mind to write. I have taken a new strategy of trying to get one thing done each day (e.g., hanging a mirror, sorting books, hanging blinds - which damn near did me in) and not worrying about how much more there is to be done. So far, so good!

That's about it from our little corner of Canada. I can't believe that we're fast approaching the one year anniversary of our arrival. A helluva year it's been. It was such a departure from what I had expected, from what I had hoped for that I'm afraid to even think about what the next year might have in store! And, with that, cheerio!

Sound Bites

This isn't a list, per se, but just a not-so-random catch up.

I met with a lawyer last week so that he can handle the builder bullshit. For those of you not following the other blog, our builder didn't finish the house, wrote up a fake invoice, and sued me. So, I get to pay a $1500 retainer, have our defence filed, blah, blah, blah.

The new contractor's crew built the deck and parged the foundation. He also, after telling me there "is only one guy I trust to do the caulking," had someone else on his crew do it. A bunch of it needs to be redone. Lovely. Oh, and I get to pay him about $6200 for work we're already paying for in the mortgage.

I'm waiting for a call from a guy who is supposed to give us a bid on redoing the window well drain and some topsoil. Don't know if he'll call or not. We've decided that that's how New Brunswickers tell you they don't want the job. They just don't call back.

I bought and assembled a grill - or, as I've learned they say here, a BBQ. The deck and BBQ were a surprise for P who was in Atlanta when they happened. We didn't know when the deck would happen and on the 6th the [new] contractor pulled up and said, "We're here to do the deck." Alrighty then.

8YO is doing great. 14/14 on his latest spelling test. This from a boy who hated school. Being in this little school - the oldest continually operating school in Canada - with 14 kids in the class has been wonderful for him. I'm going to see about registering him for an art camp at the university - drawing aliens and monsters and stuff. Right up his alley.

Yesterday we had a guy from the university, and his partner, over for brunch. That was nice. Atlantic salmon, spinach, and gruyere quiche, fruit, bread, cheese, and the most amazing homemade blueberry muffins you've ever had. We just hung out, visited, and, of course, they tolerated some Wii time with 8YO. Nice afternoon.

Today I - drum roll please - unpacked the last cardboard box. That doesn't mean that everything is put where it needs to be - we need more bookcases and I have to finish the closet shelving - but everything is out of the boxes. Some of the boxes were packed a year ago. Hard to believe.

P spent much of the day cooking. A cauliflower/leek/sweet potato soup and a leek/sweet potato risotto. Later - homemade rolls and oatmeal cookies. Yum.

We had hoped to do some work outside, but it was 9-10 degrees outside with on and off rain. But, we got lots done inside so that was good.

Although I was in college when the first one, the real first one, came out, I had never - until this month - seen any of the Star Wars movies. Yes, it's true. But, I've now seen them all, except for Episode VI. We also watched Bedtime Stories. Cute and family friendly.

P goes back to work tomorrow. 8YO, to school. I should start turning the dirt so that we can get things going in the garden, set up the new composter, etc. I don't know if my joints will be up to it or not. We'll see...

That's about it. I've not been much up to writing. Too many details to take care of here and not a lot of energy to do much more. Have to file an amended tax return. Even though it means more money, I dread doing it. Have several boxes of papers that need filing, weeding, etc. Got to get this desk area organized...

But, I'm looking forward to sunny weather and some summer travels. Soon, soon.

Well...

I didn't actually plan to be posting again so soon and I don't know that anyone will see this, but... since I had a flash of good news to report I thought I'd take a minute to share it.

P was offered an eight-week temporary work assignment on campus. It's awesome because, aside from generating some much needed cash, it still leaves July and August open for our visitors, summer jaunts, etc. By the time it ends she should know whether or not she'll be in school in the fall; meaning that she'll then know whether she's looking for part-time or full-time work. Hallelujah!! What a relief that is!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Okay, but you know me and of course it's not all good news. I have an interesting tale that is, simultaneously, both the upside and the downside of New Brunswick health care. A number of months ago I received a notice, since I'm over 50, telling me to schedule a mammogram. Even though I'd had one in the US in late 2007, I wasn't going to not go and risk having it being another two years before I could be seen. This is a program aimed at insuring that all women of a certain age get screened, something that, I'm told, has been a problem here. So, in mid-March off I went, down to Oromocto for the x-rays. A few weeks later I received a phone call telling me that I was scheduled for a follow-up imaging at the hospital in Fredericton. Okay. No other info, just that they wanted a follow-up. So, I wait two longggg weeks and yesterday I went to the hospital here.

The facility here does digital imaging; an approach many find preferable to the old-fashioned x-ray because of the way they can work with it on the monitor. After the images are taken, the tech tells me to wait outside until the doctor can take a look as they might want to do an ultrasound or take more images. Earlier she had said something vague about just wanting more images. I finally said, "So, let's be clear. Did they see something that prompted them to want more images? Or, were they just not happy with the quality of the first images?" She still gave me the vague answer. But, I know that the techs are advised to really say nothing. So, I waited. She called me back in and said that they didn't need any more images, but that the doctor wanted me to schedule another exam in six months, rather than the usual year. But, get this...

The doctor at the hospital can't order the exam. And, since I don't have a family doctor, and may not get one in this lifetime, here's what I have to do. In about two weeks - presumably to let the record of yesterday's visit get in the system - I have to go to an after hours clinic, tell them what the hospital said, have a manual exam, and have them order a mammogram for six months from now. Am I nuts or is that not about the biggest waste of time - not for me, mind you - but for the medical professional I'll see at the after hours clinic? Why the hell can't the reviewing physician/radiologist at the hospital just order a frickin' follow-up mammogram?

So, the "upside" is that I was seen at all. I have now had two mammograms courtesy of New Brunswick Medicare. The "downside" is that I got vague responses to my questions regarding their concerns and now I have to play this stupid game to get a follow-up exam scheduled. Good heavens. No wonder this place doesn't have any money and can't attract doctors.

But, there you have it. The latest. I'm here. I'm keeping up with those of you on the blog roll. But, between taxes, the house, health care, and work (or lack thereof), things were a bit, uh, well, beyond challenging. I have never been accused of being an optimist, but I have to believe that things are going to start looking up. Seriously. It's gotta happen.

I don't know how frequently I'll post, probably just when I have something specific to report. But, who knows. I mean, hey, Iowa is marrying gay and lesbian couples. You just never know what's going to happen!

Clarification: No, that last paragraph doesn't mean we're leaving! What I meant to imply was just that I never imagined Iowa would have same-sex marriage so, who knows, I may post again sooner than I think.

HIATUS

This blog is on indefinite hiatus. I'm not sure if or when it will be resumed. Thanks for visiting.

Greetings from New Brunswick

Well, it's been a while since I last posted. My mother used to tell me, "If you can't say something good, don't say anything at all." So, rather that piss and moan, I've just not written. I did update the other blog a couple of times. And, I check in on facebook because it's quick and painless. But, I just haven't had it in me to write here. Maybe soon, but right now it would just be pissing and moaning. Hope all is well in your world!

I am not kidding...

So, back when we were trying to get 8YO (then 6 or 7YO) jazzed about moving, we promised that we would build him a playhouse/fort of some kind. Here it is Spring - well, according to the calendar anyway - and we have to start thinking about how we're going to manage this. Here is what we're going to attempt. It's great because it doesn't rely on nails in trees, etc. Any carpenters out there feeling the need for a little Maritime getaway? Just kidding. But, yes, it's true. We're going to attempt this. I would have looked forward to it back when I could actually get down on my knees. This will be interesting...! I promise photos of whatever it is we end up creating. Yes, photos of the fort, not of me on the floor unable to get up.

The Downside of the Internet?

Let me say first that I'm not posting so that folks can tell me I'm biased, etc. I know I'm biased. I don't care for people who support candidates who actively work to legislate my second class citizenship. Now, that being said, I really am puzzling over the following.

I had several roommates in college. One we'll call W. We lived together our junior year and actually graduated sitting next to each other. We last saw each other in the early 90s when she, with her husband, young son, and nanny, came to Tucson. We were last in touch around 1998. A couple of days ago I received a message from her via LinkedIn. She had simply typed my name in a search and found me. I wrote back, she wrote a longer update, I replied with a longer update. Let me add that I was "out" to her in college and that's never been an issue.

I had mentioned that we were going to NYC in April as P's graduation present. She hadn't mentioned that they no longer lived in North Carolina and that, in fact, they now live in Connecticut. She wrote back that they lived only an hour by train outside the city and that we should come visit. I wrote back that we will only be there for a day and half, but that if she wanted to come in and meet for lunch, great.

We're staying outside the city in Stamford, CT on Thursday and Saturday, but in the city on Friday night. Realizing that she had said "small New England town," I did a whitepages search and, lo' and behold, they live 12 miles from where we're staying. Then, because it's what I do, I typed her husband's name into Google to see what he was doing these days. Don'tcha know it? On the very first page of hits, visible without even clicking the link, was the fact that he had contributed to the GOP. In fact, I clicked and then saw that he has given the maximum allowable contributions to the Guiliani for president campaign, the Shays for Congress campaign, and the 2004 Bush campaign. Ick.

So, here's the deal. I don't really care to spend one minute of my life with someone who supports people who have, among other heinous acts, actively sought to limit my civil rights. But, I know that W - as in my roommate, not the other "W" - while she is likely a "fiscal conservative Republican," is also anxious to see me, meet the family, etc.

She may well suggest that we meet for dinner or that we come over. I would be fine seeing her and catching up - I don't see how I can avoid it at this point. But, I really don't want to spend time with her husband or in her house. But, I'm not sure that I can avoid that either, at least not without somehow raising the issue of their/his politics. I have a few ideas regarding what I might say. But, I'm wondering what you think. Any suggestions?

One of course is, "Suck it up. You won't see them again." Another is that plus "teachable moment." There are others. I'd love to hear what you think.

As promised...

It's not everyone's style, I know, but we love it. As those of you who have been checking in for a while know, we had a local guy build us a table. He delivered it this afternoon. Woo-hoo! P is thrilled because she no will no longer be knocking her knees on the end of the folding table we've been using.


Next are the chairs and the bookcases. Eventually we'll actually be unpacked and it will actually look like we live here!

It's a go!

I just bought my ticket! I leave for Toronto very early in the morning on 11 June. That way I arrive around 7 am and have the entire day. Don't worry, I won't call anyone or show up on your doorstep at that hour! I'll have two full days in Toronto and then, mid-day on Saturday I'll head over to the wedding and spend the night there. For my return on Sunday, the 14th, I went ahead and booked a flight with a change in Ottawa so that I could sleep in, have plenty of time to get back to Toronto, and still get home at a reasonable hour - and get the cheapest flight. Car rental is set. Now all I have to do is call the "wedding hotel" to book my room for Saturday night. Fab!

In other news, it was 9/48 today, and glorious! Of course I chose to spend all day at a conference on Community Forests. It was really informative and well done, but when I walked outside at 4:00 I thought, "Oh, my! I should have been outside all day!"

That's about it for the moment. I just wanted to post that I'm really going to make it to Toronto this time! Woo-hoo!

Finally!

On 24 March 2008, I met with my dean to discuss my proposal for the academic years 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. Last week, after a ridiculously long process of back and forth, here and there, I received a letter outlining approval of the proposal. It will enable me to teach online from here in New Brunswick, spending 3+ weeks in Saint Paul in January teaching on campus during our short winter term. Many of you can well imagine what a relief that is!

Some of you might ask, "Why not cut the cord and get a job in New Brunswick?" Well, aside from the fact that I actually like developing and offering online courses, as a tenured full professor - never mind the economic situation - it is virtually (no pun intended) impossible for me to get a full-time academic job here.

So, what happens after August 2011? It is unlikely that they will permit me to do it any longer, especially since they can hire someone new and pay them a little more than half of my regular salary. I hesitate to put this in writing, but...

I am considering, with an appropriate level of hesitation, doing what it takes to practice law here. I'm still licensed in Minnesota. I've decided to fork over the big bucks to the National Committee on Accreditation and at least find out how much additional coursework they will require of me. Probably between 30 and 45 credits, but if I could do that while working online and having an income...who knows. And, if I could position myself to be articling during the second year I'm teaching or the year immediately following, I'd have something I could do, market permitting, beginning fall 2011. As with everything, it will be interesting to look back at this in a couple of years and see what's really transpired.

Well, that's it for a quick Sunday morning update. We're having friends over for brunch early this afternoon so I'd best get back to picking things up, etc. P just made blueberry muffins - we froze lots of New Brunswick blueberries last summer! - so that was a good reason for a break!

Another reminder...

As some of you know, we've had more than a few, shall we say, bumps in the road to our getting settled here. None of them has made me seriously question our decision to move. But, it's sometimes nice - in a twisted kind of way - to be reminded what a good decision it truly was. Case in point - Pam's House Blend. I check in every now and then because it is very up-to-date and it's really tough to keep up with GLBT news via the mainstream press. But, the last couple of times I've been reading, I've had the thought, "I'm so glad we got out." I mean, it's insane - the things that continue to happen down there. Ugh.

It's Sunday. I should be installing more ClosetMaid stuff or folding clothes, but I'm being lazy. Three cheers for just being lazy on a Sunday. It's taken me years (and questionable health) to just be lazy. The fire is going, just enough to take the chill off. P is baking bread. 8YO is playing the Wii. I'm going to go read about gardening. It was snowing this morning, probably about 8 cm. But, it's already melted off the railings, etc. and is 3/36 right now. Woo-hoo. I've also finished a rather voluminous document that I will be hand delivering to our builder's lawyer tomorrow. Okay, so I'm not 100% lazy. Maybe when that gets resolved - not that I'm hopeful that will happen soon - my perpetually stiff neck will go away.

I am so very ready for spring. Friday we picked up a bunch of seeds and the things we need to start them inside. We're going to start square foot gardening with two 4x4 boxes. Yesterday we picked up a really nice rosemary plant - it smells delightful! Since 8YO didn't have ski class, we also went to the Farmers' Market and picked up some gouda, Vlaskaas, smoked salmon, samosas, and a pork roast. I just love our farmers' market. And, we went to choose the stain for the table that we're having made. We'll have in less than two weeks. Can't wait! I'll post a photo when it's here.

So, there you have it. Even though we're back to a few weeks of meeting the morning bus in the dark, I love having more light in the evening. Love it, love it, love it. I sense a better mood already!

March already?

Time out for a quick check-in...

1. It's snowing. Again. But, tomorrow they're calling for 8/46 and sunny.

2. 8YO is a Pokemon addict. It's hopeless, really.

3. I am really looking forward to meeting more of the expat family in June! Toronto, here I come!

4. The Harper government's actions re resisters pisses me off.

5. Filing taxes in two places also pisses me off - in a different way.

6. My builder has beyond pissed me off.

7. It looks like the California Supreme Court will probably piss me off.

8. I have had a stiff neck for days. It just won't let up. See #s 4, 5, 6, and 7, above.

9. Where does the expression "piss me off" even come from?

10. 8YO will be playing soccer and swimming this summer. Thank goodness. See #2, above.

11. I'm looking forward to our trip to NYC in April. Not the drive itself, but "the trip."

12. Spring - well, calendar-wise - arrives this month. Hallelujah!

13. I enjoy facebook and how it let's me keep in touch with folks. I don't care what the naysayers say.

14. Fredericton has a great farmers' market and a couple of nice organic shops.

15. Fredericton needs a really, really good pizza joint. Note to self: See #11, above.

16. We'll be getting our dining table this month. Photo when it arrives.

17. We'll be getting our sofa next month. Yes, we do have some furniture.

18. I've been thinking about what I would do if I had unlimited funds...

19. But, I do not.

20. For the first time in my life, I'm looking forward to working in the yard. Seriously!

Thursday Miscellany

Early today the California Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case(s) regarding Proposition 8. I wasn't able to watch - overloaded server I'm guessing - so I've been surfing around, looking to see what the pundits, etc., are saying. Here's one of my favorites, from the ACLU:

"This case is not just about marriage or gay people. If a simple majority of the voters can take this core right away from gay people, it can take any right away from any other group as well (Kenneth Starr – who argued for the supporters of Prop 8 – acknowledged this in court today). If Prop. 8 is upheld, then Californians could, for example, vote to take religious freedom away from Muslims, or free speech rights away from women, or the right to vote away from Chinese-Americans. This case is important for every Californian: it’s about whether the limits we’ve set on the power of the majority have meaning.

The California courts have a solemn responsibility to enforce the state constitution to protect the rights of all people, regardless of popular opinion. We hope the court will recognize that it is not just the rights of lesbian and gay people, but the rights of all Californians that it must protect by striking down Proposition 8."

Exactly.

My (printable) response? One word. Canada.

Since I was unable to get a connection to the video, we had a nice afternoon out. Bought seeds for the garden, essential oils for the homemade green cleaning products, had snacks at our favorite coffee shop, ran into a friend, and it was sunny. Excellent! Tomorrow we're due for more snow and rain, but today was beautiful. But, Saturday - they're calling for a high of 9/48 and sun. Woo-hoo! Hopefully, the shape of things to come.

Even with a few physical ailments of late and the continued nightmare of the house, I find that glimpses of spring are making me thing we might get through this after all...

Uniting American Families Act

February 19, 2009

ABA, Task Force Express Public Support for UAFA

In an outstanding development this week, the American Bar Association adopted a resolution supporting immigration rights for lesbian and gay binational couples:

RESOLVED, That the American Bar Association supports the enactment of legislation and the implementation of public policy to enable a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident who: (1) shares a committed, intimate relationship with another adult individual of the same-sex; (2) is not married to or in any other legally-recognized partnership with anyone other than that individual; and (3) is unable to enter into a marriage with that other individual that is cognizable under the Immigration and Nationality Act, to sponsor that individual for permanent residence in the United States.

Immigration Equality commends the ABA, the premiere association of attorneys in the United States, for their support for equal immigration rights for LGBT couples and families! ABA and its views are hugely influential in both the legal community and on Capitol Hill. ABA’s support, like that of the American Immigration Lawyer’s Association, shows that as professionals, U.S. attorneys are tired of not being able to assist all of their clients with the family immigration benefits they deserve.

Source

Note: If you click on the source, be sure to read the comments.

Couch surfing, etc.

An old friend of mine is getting married. To the boy next door. Literally. A guy from next door, from back home in Detroit. He is head over heels, gaga, in l-o-v-e. They got together in 1987, when my friend was back home for his 30th high school reunion. Anyway, they're getting married in Windsor this June. I was beyond thrilled for him. Longer story for another time. I just have to go! And that's where this post comes in.

As many of you know, I have been trying to get to Toronto for a while now. But, life has intervened. But, I'm thinking of flying to Toronto and then driving to Windsor/Detroit. That way I could, hopefully, meet some of you and get to the wedding.

If anyone has an extra guest bed or sofa and would be willing to host me for Thursday and Friday, 11 and 12 June, I would be forever indebted. My tentative plan is to fly into Toronto early Thursday, spend Thursday and Friday in Toronto, and drive to Windsor/Detroit on Saturday morning. The gala event doesn't begin until evening. I would then stay in Windsor/Detroit, drive back to Toronto on Sunday and fly out Sunday afternoon/evening.

Now, I fully realize that this may not be possible for any one of the Toronto crew, but I thought it was worth a shot. Don't feel badly if you can't help out. Maybe we'll meet anyway! If you might be able to help, zip me an email off-blog. Thanks!

In other news - we were supposed to get 15-25 cm of snow today, but then they cancelled it and took us straight to the freezing rain. Even that hasn't materialized as badly as they indicated. But, it meant that we stayed in all day - and made sure we had water, a functional lantern, and wood for the stove. So far, so good - as you might infer by the fact that I'm posting!

More Immigration Changes Ahead?

From the Canada Immigration Newsletter of canadavisa.com:

"If you have been contemplating immigration to Canada, you would be wise to submit your application as soon as possible. Citing economic uncertainty and rising unemployment numbers in the country, Canadian Immigration Minister Jason Kenney has announced that Canada is considering reducing its immigration targets for 2009.

At the present time, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Canada (CIMC) plans to maintain its 2009 immigration numbers of between 240,000 to 265,000 new Permanent Residents. This makes it one of the only developed nations that has not contracted its immigration plans in the face of current global economic turmoil.

However, that may change by the end of March, once Minister Kenney meets with federal, provincial, and territorial officials to review economic data and to determine if modifications to immigration levels are needed.

“We don’t want people coming to Canada and facing unemployment. We need to be sensitive to the changing labour market, and if we need to make modifications, we will,” stated Minister Kenney.

Taking a longer-term perspective, he has expressed his preference to maintain current levels, noting that immigrants will be greatly needed to help fuel Canada’s economic growth once the economy turns around.

“We need to be flexible, prudent and ensure that our response to short-term conditions does not counter out long-term goals, in which immigration will play a significant role,” he said. “We don’t want to turn off the tap of the future growth that is represented by immigration.”

The Immigration Minister has the authority to make changes to the immigration selection system without any advance warning. In this case, he has signaled that an imminent reduction of immigration targets is a real possibility.

If you would like to immigrate to Canada, you should take the Immigration Minister’s words seriously. Now is the time to submit your Canadian immigration application. After the Immigration Minister’s meeting at the end of March, it may become more difficult for you to qualify or it may take you longer to realize your plans to come live and work in Canada."

Snow Day

1. They're predicting anywhere from 20-40 cm/8-16" of snow for us by the end of the day.

2. The universities and K-12 schools are closed.

3. The wind is amazing - and that means that in some spots it looks like 40 cm already.

4. Sean Penn is nothing short of wonderful. I'm sooo glad he won.

5. I'm glad we went grocery shopping yesterday.

6. We watched The Trouble with Angels (1966) the other day - and 8YO loved it! We love that we can now watch more than Disney/Pixar, etc. as a family.

7. I heard from another person who is in a protracted battle with our builder.

8. If all goes well, P will be in school for two more years. By "well" I mean that she'll be admitted and, with successful completion, will also have a Canadian law degree.

9. I should start playing the lottery.

10. I want to visit Ottawa, PEI, Cape Breton, Alaska, and Churchill, Manitoba - not necessarily in that order.

11. I'll never be able to afford to make it to Churchill.

12. I want to go back to Montreal, Vancouver Island, the Netherlands, and France - not necessarily in that order.

13. Today - we probably won't make it to the end of the driveway.

14. I've read three somewhat trashy suspense novels in the past week. I started a fourth last night. Yea for me. That's actually quite an accomplishment.

15. We hope to do raised bed square foot gardening this year.

16. I am so glad that I have my blog friends to keep me up to speed on things in the world.

That's it for now - off to have some hot cereal!

Quickie

We just got back from an overnight in Bangor, Maine. We ordered two bookcases and six chairs from a terrific place in Brewer. I wish there were more furniture options here, but not so. Hard to believe that in a province like New Brunswick there wouldn't be an unfinished furniture place. Meaning, a place that is largely trees. But, I looked high and low, to no avail.

Heading back home we had rain until we hit the border. Then, snow, snow, snow and it got dark right away. The border agent said that part of the highway to Fredericton had been closed earlier in the day - due to accidents and ice. Yikes! We didn't drive more than 60 km/h on the Trans Canada. But, we made it back safely so I don't care who might have thought we were going too slowly!

I've got a lot to do before class tomorrow, but I wanted to post a quick note, primarily, to alert you to a new blog, My Life in Exile de Facto. I've only had a moment to take a glance, but I look forward to reading. Welcome, MJB!

In other news, we're looking forward to hosting our friends from Wolfville, NS this weekend. Also expats from Minnesota. Should be fun! I hope the weather doesn't prevent them from making the trip.

More as it happens...!

Obama seeks assessment on gays in military...

Obama seeks assessment on gays in military

[Boston Globe]

And why, why, why am I not surprised?

Newcomers

Not a whole lot happening - no movement on the house nightmare. But, we're hanging in. Last night we actually went out. Yes, it's true. We got a babysitter and went to the Fredericton Newcomers' Pub Night. And, I actually had a beer. Guess that's it for 2009. Ha, ha. We got to see friends, A and D, and meet some new folks. One woman, who lives on our side of town, is from France. Her husband is British. They have three small children, a cat, and some chickens. I think there was another animal mentioned, but I don't recall what. Another woman we met has lived all over Canada. Her parents came to Canada from Sweden about 35 years ago. A lot of the folks in the group are from the UK, but not all. Though going out to a pub isn't anywhere near our top 10 list of things to do, I'm glad we went. We met some nice people.

But, let's back up. We were showing the new sitter "the ropes" - i.e., the TV, the Wii, etc. and 7YO pointed out that he has all of the Harry Potter movies and P said, "I'm sure K knows all about Harry Potter," pause, to which she replied, "I'm not allowed to read [or watch] Harry Potter." P - who is a certified Harry Potter addict, reads fan fiction, etc. - said something about the Twilight series. "I'm not allowed to read that either." Whoa. We came upstairs and P said, only somewhat in jest, "We can't go." Obviously we did. We knew that they were "really Christian," but clearly our family isn't an issue for them so it's [their Christianity] a non-issue. But, I don't think we've ever known - up close and personal - any of the Christians who forbid exposure to Harry Potter. Wow.

This afternoon, A and D, and their son A, came over for an afternoon of snacks and chatting. We sat and chatted for almost three hours - while the boys played. That was delightful. They moved her from Toronto a little less than two years ago. It was so nice just to sit and visit. Although we live on opposite sides of town I hope we can see more of them.

Tomorrow begins another week. I don't know that I should expect to hear from our lawyer, but I hope I do. Next week 7YO becomes 8YO, so we've got some planning to do in that regard. I can't believe that when I began this blog he was 5YO! As I often say, stay tuned.

Robin Williams on Obama

I soooo needed a laugh - and this was perfect! Enjoy!

Nightmare

Short story - we're now in a very, very ugly dispute with our builder. Thus, I have made the building blog "private." Some of you whom I know checked in every now and again have received an "invitation." If you didn't, and you'd like to check it out, drop me a note and I'm happy add you.

I have one tiny piece of good news and that is blogging. As some of you know, in that blog I was able to document the process, including some references to important conversations, etc. I am now able to use the blog to respond to the builder's assertion that we owe him - when the fact is that not only have they not completed the job, as he asserts, but that they owe us. So blogging may ultimately have a pivotal role in resolving this dispute. We'll see.

This morning I hated every square metre of New Brunswick and almost every soul who lives here. But, having had three very, very good conversations with three of the sub-contractors, who know what a nightmare this has been, has restored some of my faith. Were it not for not wanting to disrupt my son (he loves his room, his school, his yard...), I was ready to pack it in. Yes, it's been that horrible. You might not be able to imagine it, but it's true.

Anyway, that's the latest here. I spent two hours in my lawyer's office in on-again/off-again hysterics. Then I visited the sub-contractors. Now I have an arm's length list of work and/or repairs that have not been completed, a need for a new lawyer, a lien on the house, and money that they owe us that we may never see. Are we having fun yet?