Wednesday, September 03, 2008

The fast lane...

My oldest son, Bill, flew to D.C. this past summer to visit his wife Laura while she was doing an internship at the Small Business Administration. One of those airplane conversations started with the gentleman next to him; it has turned into a job offer with a contractor that puts his degrees in physics and astronomy to use calibrating weather satellites!

This has come up within the last 10 days; he has to be there by mid-month! We snuck in a family "going away party" for him on Monday and even managed to surprise him, thanks to Laura's help. She is finishing her last semester at KU and then will be joining him.

I spent last Saturday putting rear brakes on his car to make sure they were "good" before he left and he wouldn't have to pay someone else to do it when he's back there. He and Laura have spent their spare time house shopping on-line trying to figure out if they can pull off buying an house instead of paying rent when they move, and figuring out the logistics of supporting two households for 3 months and moving...

So these next few days are going to be a bit hectic for them and in a lesser way for us as we try to spend what time we can with him before he moves. I'm happy to see him working at something that puts his knowledge and grasp of physics and astronomy to use; Dottie would be happier if he were closer to "home".

I haven't pointed out to her that he will be no further from "home" that she was when she came here with me instead of going "home" to Vermont when Bill was born...

We kept Talia and Caleb overnight on Sunday as Monday was the "Labor Day" holiday, and took them to see "Fly Me to the Moon" on Monday. My sister had kept Dillon overnight and met us there; it was her first "modern" 3D movie and it was thumbs up all around from us. Usually we try to do a family movie the day after Thanksgiving, and she has decided if "Bolt" is out, that's going to be "the one" this year.

After the dinner celebration Monday evening we went back to my sister's house for cake. Dillon and Talia had school yesterday, but Caleb having missed the birthday deadline by a few weeks, hasn't gotten to start kindergarten yet. When his parents told him to get his shoes and socks on so they could leave, he told them he was going home with us.

Noel came to ask us about this, of which we were unaware, but since Dottie was off yesterday after having worked Saturday and Sunday, we said it was OK. Caleb was admonished for telling them before he was invited, then got his way...

I wonder why there are only quiet weeks in "Lake Wobegon"?

May the rest of the week be kind to each of you!

alan

13 comments:

Sassy said...

Ya know, I've NEVER seen a 3D movie. What is up with that?

My week will be kind when it's over with :p Come on Friday!

Angeline Rose Larimer said...

Thanks for the peaceful well wishes. Same to you.

I took the kids to Star Wars this weekend, and they were fully entertained, so it was a good movie as far as I'm concerned.
One of the neighbor boys wanted to go see Fly Me to the Moon, however.
Maybe next weekend.

Kranki said...

That is pretty cool about the job. Funny how those things work out.

I've never seen a 3-D movie either.

Jennifer said...

Oh, Alan. You're the Energizer Bunniest of Energizer Bunnies, especially since retirement. I think you'd be bored out of your mind in "Lake Wobegon!"

Lucie G said...

What a great chance meeting.
The 3d film I saw, over did the pointing at screen I thought hopfully they're more sophisticated today.

Connie in FL said...

Talk about being in the right place at the right time! Wow! Good for him... it is such a bonus when you get paid for what you love.

Green tea said...

Nothing peaceful here in
"Lake Wobegone" tonight.
If you watched Sara Palin's speech, you'll know why.

Anji said...

The best way to find a job is by word of mouth. Congratulations to Bill.

You certainly keep busy in your family;

beckyboop said...

Congrats to your son. I'm with your wife, I would want him closer as well. It does sound like a great oppurtunity.

Have a good one too!

JLee said...

You never know where those random conversations will lead! That is wonderful.

Have a great weekend :)

CrackerLilo said...

Wow, that came around fast! Good for him!

And I think you would shake up even Lake Woebegon just by being there. :-)

robin andrea said...

Great news about your son's job offer. Isn't it cool when chance encounters work out like that.

Hope you have a fine weekend there, alan.

ryssee said...

That's so exciting about your son's job offer and move! You must be so proud of him. There are few things that make you happier professionally than doing what you know and love. Hope you get lots of good time together before the move. And the holidays are right around the corner-so maybe visits will be sooner than you think.