The North Country, and SUNY Binghamton

Hi everyone. The last couple of weeks have been pretty eventful so I thought I would put up a couple of pictures from my trip with Erin to visit her family in "The North Country" of New York State. She grew up (and her folks still live close to) the St. Lawrence River that separates New York from Canada. It's rural, and very pretty. I realized this when I visited Western New York where Dad and family lived and am amazed that the rural areas are in the same state as New York City. Erin's dad built the log home where they live now out of the forest that they live on. It's a great place and I think it's so cool that it came from the property where it now sits.

We hung out there for a few days and then headed down to Binghamton where Erin's younger sister (Aliesha) just graduated from SUNY Binghamton in Human Development. It was fun, a lot of ceremonies and restaurants (not a bad thing with the restaurant part). You will be happy to hear that Erin and I have taught her family Nerts (as well as various Bozemanites). I've had a lot of fun with Erin's family. On the way to Binghamton her dad put on a Crash Test Dummies CD, they were both singing along to the "Hmmm mmmm mmmmm mmmmm" song. It cracked me up that they knew all the words (actually, they knew the whole CD) and did actions that go along with the lyrics like I do when I'm messing around. We had a pretty fun time. Here I'll put a picture of them all here (notice the USU sweatshirt Erin's sister is wearing?).

Sorry, I'm going to end this abruptly because I'm done writing but I'll try to give more details about the trip and/or my new job (or something else) later.

P.S. Erin wanted to make sure you all know that her dad is laughing, not just a weirdo.

Erin's free too!

Hi Moore's and associates across the land.

I've been reading up on everyone's lives and noticed a reference to me coming out of my hole, so I thought I should confirm that I am alive and well and out of my hole officially (as of Wednesday at 4pm). I realize that's not nearly as exciting as Joel finishing his thesis and getting a job, but this semester was especially stressful so I'm thrilled that it's over. I get to be worry-free for a whopping week and a half until my summer class starts! Ahhh....

There's not a whole lot more going on with me. I love having Joel back, of course, and I am so relieved that he got a good job. That's not an easy thing to do in this town and his particular field is very competetive here. So he must have knocked their socks off. As you probably know, we're off to NY on Tuesday for my sister's college graduation. I've never even been there before, so I'm excited to see her life and spend time with my family. I usually only make it home at Christmas each year, so it's a huge treat to see everyone twice this year! I can't wait. One of my aunts just started chemo treatments and my older grandpa has been struggling lately, so it will be especially good to be with them for a couple of days.

Summer has arrived in Bozeman so things are hoppin'. I always love this town, but summer is especially amazing here. Now I just need to find a beach that features couples in matching thongs! :) Thanks for the entertaining pictures, Kendi.

I hope you're all well and enjoying warm weather. Take care!
Love,
Erin

Job Offers

Things seem to be falling into place . . . finally. After the thesis approval my next big stress has been finding work in Bozeman. I've been combing through want ads for a while and last week interviewed with a couple of potential employers. One seemed like a great fit but couldn't promise that the work would be available beyond a three month project, and couldn't offer to take me on as a salaried employee. They offered me the position last week. I've been buying time with them while I wait to hear from another possibility that is more stable, and offers benefits, etc. I was offered the more permanent job this morning and I'm planning to take it. It will be a lot of work as I'll have to learn a number of new skills, but I'm excited about it because the company seems to be growing, and there is opportunity for advancement (non-existent in academia without a PhD). Anyway, thought I would share the good news.