So AH got the job at Duke. Which is very very good for his sanity, and our collective sanity. Long term, that is. We can yammer about the very good benefits and the nice pay raise and the daycare and all the stuff that suddenly matters to us but what it really means is - we have to leave on July 6th. Be packed, cleaned and gone in less than two weeks. Did I mention my Mom is coming for her first visit ever to see me EVER this week? She is, for a week. As we pack the house around her and spend some serious time cleaning and not having fun. My poor Mum. Wait, poor me! AH starts July 16th, so I will have one month alone, pregnant, unemployed, and living in temporary corporate housing near a deserted university. I am afraid for myself and my depression when left to my own devices without access to a great library and matiness and friends...

Speaking of matinees, when AH got the Big Call and cheerfully accepted, I couldn't take his "Guess what?" call because I was watching "Je T'Aime Paris" and because who does not love Paris and short movies by famous directors? Also, I was wearing a sweater I had bought in Paris so it seemed like a sign that I must see it. It was uneven, as such things are, but I found it a hugely enjoyable afternoon matinee. And the film that topped the whole collection by Alexander Payne just slayed me - I can't describe why but he just perfectly captures the bittersweetness and pains and pleasures of life. Agh, it was sheer perfection. I also happen to think his films Election and About Schmidt are about as good as character driven film gets - there are very few celebrity types I actually want to meet but my devotion to A.Payne and wish for him to be my alternate life husband (which would give me the best ever hyphenated name)is seriously as strong as my wish at age 12 to meet River Phoenix. That strong, people.
Now excuse me, I must pack everything I own for the 6th time in 5 years. You think I would have nothing left to pack or the whole system down to a science but nothing could be further from the truth.