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!