Mike

It was a little surreal.

I knew that MSJC was closed on Fridays. I sent an e-mail to the VP of HR earlier in the day on Thursday, asking about the status of the mathematics position, since I was driving myself crazy.

We went to the bear gathering at Koffi (every Thursday from 6-7), our first time, where we were totally ignored.

Then we started wandering through Villagefest in Palm Springs. At about 7:00, John said "Is that your phone ringing?"

It was - Indigo Girls "Hammer and a Nail".

I looked at the screen and saw the 951 area code and thought "Oh my God - MSJC!"

And it was the woman I've usually talked to, who said she always thinks my answering the phone is just voice mail, offering me the job!"

Of course, I accepted. There is some confusion about my post-master's credit hours. She said she counted 43 at NIU, but I only took 32. If there is some sort of 4:3 ratio, that would work, but I just don't know.

My salary might go down a little, but I don't care. We're set, and we can make things work now, and our new life can begin.

I am SO TOTALLY happy right now.

Thanks to all for all the positive thoughts, prayers, and energy. I've always known that lots of people were pulling for me, and I really feel like I can totally start our new life here now.

As most reading my journal would learn or guess, I like stability and predictability. Or at least I like the appearance of those things. Thus, I know that even the most rudimentary planning for the moves John and I have taken in the last 6-9 months would cause me to get out of equilibrium a little.

So although it seems to me I've been whining in some (lots?) of my entries lately, I know that it's probably just a way for me to let out some frustration over the changes taking place - and not really anything about specific changes, but rather about change itself.

So now, when I'm feeling very anxious about the MSJC job and whether I got it, I know I have to keep in mind the positive things that have happened. John and I are now together, not 2000 miles apart, and we can face what will come much better that way. The house is getting closer and closer to being sold, with only the most minor of obstacles still standing between now and closing on the 31st. We both have degrees and work experience that should enable us to find some sort of jobs, even in this economic climate. AND we are on a grand adventure, and I need to try not to lose sight of that - not seeing the forest for the trees and all that you know. :-)

I don't want to look back on this time in 6 months, or a year, and regret my attitude and not enjoying my first few months in Palm Springs. Thus, a change of thinking is in order!

The interview went well last week. I thought I connected well with the president and the two vice presidents and demonstrated I would fit in well with the college culture.

They indicated that they were in the middle of 14 or 15 different searches right now (!), which was causing a bit of a backup, so that I shouldn't expect to hear anything until the next week (which is this week).

And, although I know the interview went well, and that they said it would take time, the wait is growing incredibly tiresome.

Whether I get the job or not has very real consequences for us as we make various short-term and long-term plans. Do we look for a house, or plan to make this apartment our home for the next year or so? Should I start investigating part-time work? Subbing? Something else? When we take Bill to Phoenix the weekend of 7/24-27, do we stay two nights or three?

So I'm feeling a little down, thinking irrational thoughts. To top it off, I joined World Gym here (which is good), but I saw on the scale there today that I've gained about 15 pounds back. I know the stress of getting ready to move did a lot of that, but it really sucks. And 114 degrees doesn;t help. :-)

It's hard to know for sure, but I think I sold the house!

Well, at least we have an accepted contract. At least I THINK it is accepted. LOL

We accepted the 2nd buyers offer - almost. We agreed to pay the 1000 in closing costs if she agreed to accept the house "as is."

She agreed, I amended the contract, and e-mailed the new pages to my realtor.

If all goes as indicated in the contract, we will close on it at the end of July!

Woo hoo!

We've started getting offers on the house.

List: 115,000

Buyer #1 (1st offer): 107,000 + we pay up to 2000 of closing costs

Buyer #1 (2nd offer): 115,000 + we pay up to 2000 of closing costs (upon hearing there would be an additional offer made tonight)

Buyer #2 (1st offer): 115,000 + we pay up to 1000 of closing costs

So things are looking good. This is where I'll probably rely on the experience of the realtor....

We made it to St. George, UT, and the house is listed. When I told a gay acquaintance I was using a stager, he said "But you're a gay man. What do you need a stager for?"

I had to explain that John and I really missed most of that part of the gene.

And, I am VERY happy with the results. You can see in the photos, and the virtual tour really shows off the house well. We even have a showing already for tomorrow!

http://www.raar.com/Property_Search/Search.asp?LSN=46412&spost=2&tHSE=1

We finally got out of Rockford at about noon on Monday. It was very strange walking around the house and leaving it for probably the last time. I think it was the place both John and I had lived the longest (over 15 years).

We stayed in Lincoln, NE, last night and are currently in Silverthorne, CO. We should stay in St. George, UT, tomorrow night and then arrive in Palm Springs on Thursday.

MSJC just called to invite me for a final interview! I will meet with the president, the vice president of academics, and the vice president of HR next Wednesday. I'm very excited of course. Thanks for all the good thoughts and positive energy!

I got to Palm Springs yesterday, after flying O'Hare--->Phoenix--->Ontario.

The interview at MSJC went well this afternoon I think. I believe that I successfully communicated what I wanted to say. They had some impromptu classroom questions that students might asked that I certainly answered correctly, although on the way home I thought of a better way I could have answered.

They have at least one interview yet on Friday and will then meet to decide on 2nd interviews. Those interviews will have to be coodinated with the president's office, so they said it might be up to 2 weeks before I hear one way or the other (so don't freak after not hearing anything Friday).

I fly back tomorrow, Ontario--->Denver--->Colorado Springs--->O'Hare. Yuck. I leave Ontario at 11:30 and get to Chicago at 8:25. I doubt I will be able to catch the 8:30 bus to Rockford, so I will have to wait for the 9:30 bus and get in at 11:00.

We're going to leave Friday as an open day, and probably start the drive on Saturday. Woo hoo!

In summary, I feel good about the interview and think I did about the best job I could have done. I think the members liked me and connected with me, so I am hopeful.

Things are great! John is here, and I have tons of stuff going on...

Friday:
8:00 See oral surgeon to pick up "night guard." Apparently, I'm a "clencher" at night, which is causing mobility issues with my front lower teeth.
1:00 Sign listing papers with realtor.

Saturday:
10:00 Go to visitation for friend's father.
3:00 Host open house for friends and neighbors to see house progress (and for going away).

Sunday:
10:00 Play final service at St. Chad. Have send-off at coffee hour.
Do most final packing.

Monday:
Pack "Relocube."

Tuesday:
Fly from O'Hare to Ontario, CA. (not purchased yet)

Wednesday:
1:00 Interview at Mt. San Jacinto College. It's a 50 minute interview, with a 15 minute teaching demo. I need to present a partial lesson introducing the concept of limits to a first semester calculus class. It's no problem - I just have to decide what I want to focus on and how to use wisely some of the technology they are providing (to make the point that I can use technology in a way that supports learning, and not just in and of itself).

Thursday:
Fly from Ontario, CA, to O'Hare

Friday or Saturday:
Start the drive to CA. LOL

May you live in interesting times? It's all good. :-)

I've been making good progress on the house - all the mulching is done and it looks fabulous.

I cleaned out my office at the college and turned in my keys and college ID, so I'm "done" at RVC (unless I need to come back after my year leave).

I was busy doing the mulch this afternoon and then had a couple cocktails and dinner with "the straight people" next door.

When I returned to the house, I wondered if I would have a voice mail on the home phone from an oral surgeon about some sort of night guard they want me to wear (they think I'm clenching my teeth at night and it's causing mobility issues with my front bottom teeth).

Sure enough, there was a voice mail on my home phone.

But it was from MT. SAN JACINTO COLLEGE wanting me to come for an interview!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The woman said there had been a delay in the process (uh, yeah, since the closing deadline was 4/22), but that they were moving ahead and would like to interview me.

Great news, of course. Timing is weird, since they are doing interviews next Wednesday, and we were hoping to start the drive west on Tuesday or Wednesday, but I'll make it work.

Option (1) I fly to Vegas, pick up John's car (that he drove there today to fly here tomorrow LOL), go to the interview, and stay in PS while John and Bill do the drive without me.

Option (2) I fly somewhere, rent a car, go to the interview, and fly back here. Then we all drive out together after I get back.

I'm really leaning toward option (2). There's really no rush to get the move going. We do have to pack the pod on Monday, but there will be enough stuff left in the house for living purposes, since the Rainier can be packed with a few things.

Needless to say, I am totally excited right now. Off to Orbitz. LOL

I TOTALLY understand why moving is usually listed as one of the major stressors in one's life. Since I am in non-stop moving mode, a lot has happened:

• ALMOST all of the house painting is done. Left to do: touch up trim and cabinets in house, paint two tiny strips in kitchen the trim color, paint replaced back garage door (person-sized, not car-sized)


• Bob and Harry are taking all of the stuff I might have auctioned for a garage sale. Almost all that crap is out of the house.


• The mulch is here, and I've already finished a large amount of the mulching. It looks GREAT, and I can't believe how much better the house looks.


• Got new windshield and tires on the Rainier.

Left to do:

• Finish painting.


• Finish mulching.


• Finish cleaning out college office (on Wednesday).


• Pick up John on Thursday at the RFD airport.


• Clean basement walls, etc.


• Clean windows.


• Finish packing (not really much left).


• Call Jose to fix a couple of last minute things he did that now need fixing.


It's been quite a process. I'm very thankful for Bill's help, and Bob and Harry's here at the last minute. It's amazing how friends are sometimes angels!

Happy Birthday to joebehrsandiego!

No, I am not passed out on the floor. No, I am not posing for one of the workmen. :-)

The new floor and counter top made me realize how dirty the front of the dishwasher really was.

My life in some ways has become totally different. The move process has become practically my only reason for living right now, if that makes sense. It's good, in a way, because I'm getting a lot done. But I understand why moving is considered such a big stress.

EDIT: My feet are doing a lot better.

Recent events:

• The hardwood floors in the living room and computer room have a fresh coat of polyurethane and look amazing. The only bad part was having no media connection in the house of any sort from Thursday a.m. until Saturday afternoon.



• Bill helped me sort through more stuff in the basement. I got some more boxes of books packed to donate and a bunch of stuff to throw away. Bill's been a HUGE help to me through the whole process.



• I reserved a "Relocube" from ABF for June 22. The plan is to load on that day and then start the drive on Tuesday or Wednesday.



• I used credit we had with Allegiant Air to buy Bill a ticket from Mesa to Rockford on July 27. He's going to drive with me to CA, stay with us for a while, visit his sister and cousin in the San Diego area, etc.



• A new development: I used remaining Allegiant Air credit to buy John a ticket from Las Vegas to Rockford on June 18! He will then be part of the drive back out to CA, during which we will pass through Vegas where he can pick up his car again.



• New counter tops and kitchen floor are installed, well almost. One little section of counter top needs to be finished, and the flexible baseboard needs to be installed. This will be done Monday, as will the bathtub resurfacing. This should be the end of all major work to the house.

I'm VERY happy with how the house is shaping up. I can't help but think we're going to get some offers quickly once it's listed.

( Some house pics behind the cut )

At least I've SORT OF been rolling.

My foot troubles haven't helped. I really think I have had a mix of gout and tendonitis (of the Achilles tendon) - maybe in both feet. I think the gout is gone, and tonight the tendonitis seems a lot better. I did call and get a doctor's appointment for Thursday morning, so I will still see him unless I feel really good tomorrow a.m.

I didn't get much done this weekend, then, since I was trying to give my feet a rest. I visited the straight neighbors for a while Friday night. Bob and Harry and Bill came over Saturday night, and we had a nice fire outside in the fire pit. I played organ in church Sunday morning, and didn't do much else. Well, I did make some good progress on the solutions manual over the weekend, finishing chapter 2 and most of chapter 3, but that may not mean much now.

See, I've been writing my solutions manuals using a piece of software called EXP. It's been around for a long time (originally it was DOS based, but now runs on Windows). I've learned to use it ever since I started teaching at RVC 18 years ago, and can probably do more with it than most users of it. The problem with it is that it got left behind. The publisher it was associated with abandoned it, and it's now distributed by its developer. I imagine he has few clients. My publisher's web-based distribution system can't distribute EXP files, so they want to know if I can use Math Type, a professional version of Word's Equation Editor.

I say "Sure, but there is NO WAY I will meet your deadlines if I do, since all my old files are in EXP and I can't just transfer them."

They're trying to figure out if they have someone who can transfer my LAST editions into the new format so that I don't have to type everything from scratch.

Anyway, I made some progress on the solutions manual last weekend, which may be all for naught.

Hmm. On Monday I went to see Star Trek. I liked it. I know the whole "time-travel-to-change-what-happens-to-the-Star-Trek-Universe" thing is a bit bogus, but I loved the movie anyway.

I touched up some trim painting today and had Bill over for dinner. We planned out the next few days and weeks until we leave. I think I might actually pull this off.

In other news, John is having some difficulty with having stopped a medication too quickly, but he thinks the worst is over. I hope so.......

We were able to get a good jump on the Memorial Day traffic last Friday and made remarkable good time through Chicago on the way to Joe and Bill's house in Saugatuck, MI (well, Fennville, but who's counting?).

The house painters were at the house Friday and part of Saturday, thinking they might even finish by Saturday at noon. They did not. Finish by then I mean.

The visit with Joe and Bill was fun, as always. Another couple of their friends, Joe and Terry, were visiting from Chicago that weekend as well. We helped Joe and Bill plant a Burgundy Lace Japanese Maple.

John flew out of Grand Rapids Monday night. It was nice that Joe and Terry could take him to the airport, as that was the opposite direction from Rockford. Our friend Bill had come with and rode home with me. (At times there were 2 Joes, 2 Bills, and 2 Mikes all present at the same time).

When I got home, I was amazed by how good the house looked freshly painted. The texture they applied to the living room and entry/hallway was particularly great. I also realized that the painters were nowhere near being done.

Thus, Tuesday morning found the painters here AND the handyman. It was like this on Tuesday, Wednesday, and today. The house is torn apart (to make room for the workers). There is nowhere to sit. It's been much more stressful than I ever imagined.

Fortunately, the painters finished today, and the handyman will finish early tomorrow (replace some window panes).
( House details )

My plan is to load the moving pod on Monday, 6/22, and start the drive soon after. Our friend Bill will ride with me, and will stay with us for a while - maybe a month. Then we'll spend a few days in Phoenix and fly him back from Mesa to Rockford.

Oh, and I need to finish a solutions manual by the end of June too. (chapter 1 out of 9 mainly done) - [groan]

It's been great having John back in Rockford. I picked him up at the airport in Rockford Friday morning. We went to a favorite Chinese restaurant for lunch and then came home. He napped a little because he had to get up early after a harrowing day of travel from Palm Springs to Las Vegas on Thursday.

We saw the "straight people" (neighbors behind us) for a while, and then headed to band practice. There is a band that sometimes actually practices. This night, there was practicing, but there was no drummer and no bassist. The keyboard player has two electric pianos, so at one point I used one to play a bass line. It was fun and definitely helped the band sound better.

Saturday was fairly low key. A guy and his brother came over to give me a painting estimate. Originally, I thought I might have him just paint the woodwork inside the house, but I ended up hiring him to paint the whole outside and most of the inside for an amazingly good price. I am still SO excited that I don't have to do it all myself. There will still be some painting for me to do, but much much less.

We went to Bob and Harry's house Sunday afternoon for a cookout. That was a lot of fun. We also started making more progress on sorting through all our stuff and deciding what to move and what to get rid of. Back home, we watched some of the first season of Quantum Leap on DVD.

Monday was spent doing more sorting of stuff and included a trip to drop off donations at Goodwill.

Yesterday I ordered a bunch of paint and we saw some more friends, in addition to sorting more house stuff.

The painters started today. I've been moving things out of the way. We also met a friend at the local synagogue's fund raiser lunch, featuring excellent corned beef sandwiches. John is visiting former coworkers at hospice.

I'm feeling a little tired right now. This moving process is tiring in lots of ways.

Actually, there are a lot I need to make. Right now, I'm thinking about books.

I've always loved reading. As a kid, mom would take me to the library, and she had a limit to the number I could check out. If it were up to me, I would have easily picked 20 or so.

Eventually, I started getting books as gifts and buying my own books. There were certain series of books that I loved, and it was mission to get all the books in the series.

Examples: Asimiov's Foundation/Robot novels, McCaffrey's Pern novels, Brooks' Shannara novels

These are books I've read over and over and over again. Because when I really like a book or series of books like those above, I have no problem reading it more than once.

For me, I love these books more for the WORLD they create than for anything else. I know that they are not necessarily the best written books, but I've always found myself totally drawn into them.

At one time, I would have never dreamed of ever getting rid of any of these books. Now, however, moving boxes of books is at best cumbersome and at worst expensive. A terminal-to-terminal 8x8x7 container move will cost me $1200. Two containers goes up to around $1900.

Plus, our space is limited in Palm Springs and probably will stay so. Even if we get a 3-bedroom house, there will not be a basement. And, it's likely we will only get a 2-bedroom house.

So I've actually started thinking, "You know, if I want to read some of these books again, you can go to the LIBRARY."

Any thoughts?

It was a nice Mother's Day. I got up and played for church. Then it was down to my brother's house for lunch/dinner with the family (including Mom and Dad).

The pop-up had been set up down there since the middle of April, when they used it for kid sleeping space at Mairin's third birthday, so I packed it up and brought it home.

After getting home about 5 or 6 I mowed the lawn. Here is a picture of our house and part of the backyard.



One of the math teachers had a party for the department, sort of an end-of-the-year thing, but also a farewell-to-me thing. It was nice of him to do that. He is from China, and he and his wife served homemade eggrolls, potstickers, and fried rice. Yum. I had leftovers just a little bit ago.

I just got done playing some World of Warcraft. Got my priest to 79 tonight (hunter is already at 80).

Plans for tomorrow:

Work on solutions manual.
Work on getting master bedroom cleaned out (piled with boxes, etc., right now) for painting. I figure I'll get that room ready to sell first, and then I can move the bed in there. It would be nice to get this done before John gets here on Friday.
Give final from 6-8.

A progress update on several fronts:

( School, Home, and Job )
The tub guy is coming tomorrow at 9. I hope he's cuter than the handyman. Maybe he'll want me to show him how I typically USE the tub. LOL!

There was a test today in my MTH 115 (General Education Mathematics) class today over the statistics chapter. The test day was on the syllabus since the beginning of the semester, a good 15 or so weeks ago. Students were allowed to bring in a note card for the test.

A student comes in and mumbles something about his car. I can't really understand what he is saying, but I get the impression he doesn't have his car for some reason, which means he doesn't have a calculator. Or his note card. And he wonders what I think he should do about it. (Other students have already started, since he came into class late.)

I suggest that he could go to the Faculty Support Office downstairs and borrow a calculator using a driver's license. He wonders how he can get formulas for a note sheet. I suggest that he COULD go to the Math Lab downstairs as well, which has copies of texts on reserve.

So he leaves, and I assume accomplishes these tasks, as he shows up again after about 30 minutes (of a 75 minute class). NOW, he wonders if I have a pencil he can use.

MAN.

I don't think I want to even look at his test. Actually, it will probably be easy to grade. The ones that are all right or all wrong are the fastest to grade.