Things are changing

In my last post, I mentioned briefly that I am wrapping up my PhD studies at Brandeis. Well, I am not the only one mixing things up in our house! Josh made the difficult decision to take a (possibly permanent) academic leave from his PhD and throw himself in the direction of teaching at the secondary level (again). Not two weeks after telling his advisor about his plan, he was teaching a sample lesson as part of an interview for a position at a prestigious private school. That job didn't work out and Josh felt like it wasn't a good fit and a bullet dodged. While doubt sometimes crept into his thoughts, he plowed ahead and completed perhaps a dozen public school applications (or more). Simultaneously, he courageously decided to take on (in addition to his managing editor position at an academic journal and TAship at Boston College) a full-time maternity leave replacement for the rest of the school year at Wellesley High School. That's when Lexington High School showed interest. He went in for two vigorous interviews--teaching sample classes--and then today had a final "interview" with the principal. Good news: he got the job! Lexington High is ranked 5th on Boston.com list of best MA school districts and is pretty close to where we live right now. Importantly, he likes the people there and would feel comfortable working with them. Yet when it rains, it pours: it seems that Wellesley wants him too but they haven't advanced their search as quickly as Lexington. Like in a cheesy romance novel, Josh will have to way the pros and cons and choose the best suitor. Stay tuned for what happens next! Disclaimer: Josh still needs to meet with the HR person to make it "official", but I say, congratulate him anyway!

So if I'm still at Brandeis, Josh is teaching five days a week, and Isaac goes to day care four days a week, what's going on with Isaac? you might ask. Well, first, we made Isaac's non-daycare day Friday and then asked Danielle if she could help. She will! Just today we finalized the details. I'll bring Isaac to Cambridge really early (in pjs and without breakfast) to avoid the horrible Fresh Pond traffic. She plans to take Isaac and Izzi to Fresh Pond to play all morning--there are various things to do there for kids. She has a plan of attack for how to lunch and naps--Izzi first (easy napper) and then Isaac in a different room (chatterbox). Then Josh will pick-up most afternoons. I'm excited that Isaac will have these special Fridays and I think he'll get a lot out of the experience (special time with his aunt and cousin, experiencing new things, possible use of the potty like his younger cousin??)

Anyway, there is a lot going on. We now we've been neglectful friends, email correspondents, etc. so I hope this serves as a lengthy excuse! We promise to be more attentive in just a few months!