We're Moving!

I haven't been able to keep up with the blog because I've been up to my eyeballs in boxes and bubble wrap. Before Ali came home four weeks ago, he'd had several interviews - and it looked like one more round of interviews would result in a job in either Palo Alto or Chicago.

We spent a good chunk of that first week talking about what to do next, since I didn't want him leaving without me again, but I didn't want to quit my job until he had an offer. Then, three days before Christmas, he got an email from the company in Palo Alto offering him a job. I went straight to Mike and gave notice - although I agreed to teach first semester, since he doesn't have much time to find a replacement.

Moving arrangements were made so fast that the past couple weeks are just a blur. We sold all of our applicances on TradeMe (the NZ equivalent of eBay), and made a friend, Jean, in the process. The movers packed our stuff into a container and took it away on Tuesday, and we spent yesterday trying to get our phone and internet service back on (a long story). Today I've been frantically gathering up all the materials I need to prepare for classes next term, since I'll be going to the U.S. with Ali on Saturday, then coming back to teach the first semester (March-June).

After almost two and a half years, our NZ adventure is winding down quickly. If all goes as expected, we'll be settling in California. Chicago is our back-up plan, but in the last two days Ali has also been headhunted for jobs in Houston and San Diego. When I gave notice at the University, Mike and James both offered to help him find a job here - unfortunately, about six months too late.

I'll miss many things here, and it's been a really great experience. But I'm also looking forward to being back in the US - living abroad has given me a new perspective and made me appreciate a lot of stuff I used to take for granted.

Cheers,
Sandie