First Things

We've been here in Cullowhee, NC for nearly two weeks now. The new job is going well - at least as well as a new job can go. I think I've already been useful, so that's good and important to me. The folks here at WCU have been VERY friendly and pleasant. I need a bookcase and a lockable file cabinet, but my office is nearly moved in. We've gone through most of those "First Things" such as new driver's licenses, e-mail account, etc.

I don't think I've ever really taken over a job from another specific person, so that's been new - to understand what my predecessor did and how I can at least fulfill those responsibilities. I am in an odd place - I'm not the computer tech, nor a professional education expert. I'm right in between those things in this job, with enough fluency in each to connect them as needed. I suppose that's what systems engineers do best! (apologies to Tigger)

Another first thing is that this is the first job I've had that didn't have a definite end point (unless you count bagging groceries). After a co-op, graduate assistantship, and a post-doc, it's strange to think I could actually settle in to this for some time.

I also have a PDA for the first time in my life. I've seen people ruled by their PDA and didn't like the sight. First thing I did was turn the sound off. Still, it's hard not to play with a cool new toy!

So, to all our friends - we are settling in well. We're very much looking forward to Thanksgiving visits with family here.

Last Things

Well, we're here in North Carolina. Having just gone through it, I'm reflecting on the move, particularly the leaving Texas part. Kristy and I kept saying things in our last week in Texas like "this is the Last Time we'll _____." Fill in with worship at Westminster, eat at Freebirds, drive to campus, etc. It was a bit difficult to realize, even with the house and my office packed up that we were simply not going to be back in Bryan, TX for some time.

When we moved to Bryan, we knew my job was limited by the grant and would end at some point. It actually made me hesitatnt to put down roots and make friendships at first. But, it happened anyway - you just need those connections. We've loved our Aggie friends and miss them greatly - especially as we now have to start that process over.

One final thought. You know how in movies and TV shows that things happen instantaneously? For example, a conversation ends and the telephone immediately rings to bring on the next event. Driving east for two days in a UHaul truck made me think about all that "boring" time in between. Our family just had to spend all that time driving and it was really uneventful. Also, you just have to spend all that time unpacking boxes to get your house in order (we're getting there). It made me think about how much I desire instant gratification, and I suspect that comes from how much media I take in. Maybe our switch back to dial-up from DSL at home is a good thing.