so much for life as usual....

I'm never going on vacation again.

Last year, I went for a week of training in Melbourne. When I came back, my boss Maryanne had resigned. I had 3 weeks before she left to prepare.

I agreed to step into her role, and was just getting these hang of it when we went back to the US to visit family in July. While I was away, the administrative officer submitted her resignation, I came back to find she had one week left of her notice before I was alone, managing 2 jobs, with 4 months of experience in the organisation.

This is hell for several months while we work through the hiring process.
I hire my assistant Annie--she comes into chaos, and we work together to set up new processes, transfer 2 databases, and life resumes to a somewhat even keel for the next 8 months.

When we went on vacation in May to Exmouth, I return to find my colleague, Andy, who I worked with very closely had resigned and would be gone in 2 weeks. They arrange an interim, to keep things afloat, but begin the long hiring process.

So, when I come back from vacation, and there are no big announcements, I relaxed. Finally, things are going to plan. Annie and I are working well as a team--I only had 3 pages of handover notes for her...which is a miracle. Within a week, we were back to caught up.

But....(da, da, dum--sinister music)

This week, on Wednesday, Annie asks me to sit down.
"I've got some news...(da,da dum.....more sinister music).
Diana, the Dean's PA is leaving, and I've gotten the job as his new PA." I stumble through some words of congratulations, and after the initial shock, begin to regain confidence. We've set up processes, Annie will have time to train someone etc.

I go into to meet with the Dean, who somewhat sheepishly, fills me in on the details. His PA Diana will be moving to work with the faculty dean (next admin level up)...he found this out a month ago. Before I left they started doing interviews. The decision was made this week. He told Annie 5 minutes before she told me. then...

Da, da, dum......

"She'll be taking Diana's role on Monday!"

(gulp) back to panic.

"Don't worry, I've found a temp. They'll be here on Monday, we are already starting the recruiting process."

Don't panic, don't panic, don't panic.

So much for life as usual....

California to Perth--

We arrived in California at midnight on the 30th. As frequent travelocity users we got a discount on a convertible, so drove to our hotel in San Rafael in style. (Sorry Todd...I'm sure there are expedia discounts....) We sunk into a glorious California King, watched 10 minutes of cable TV, and fell HARD asleep.

July 31
As a little luxury we slept late the next day, before putting the top down to cruise up to Santa Rosa to spend the afternoon with Nathan's grandparents, Bill & Ethel. Bill asked a question about Australian geography, and we enjoyed flipping through the big Australian coffee table book to say, "We've been there, we've been there, we've got to there" We had to leave soon, so with big hugs, Bill & Ethel watched us drive our rented Mustang convertible into the sunset.

We drove a couple of hours North to Fort Bragg to see Nathan's Dad, Mike & his sweetie Terry. As its winter in Perth, the sunny drive was wonderful--except for the part where my nose and Nathan's forehead got terribly sunburned. We arrived in time for a tour of Terry's garden and sculptures, before Mike whisked us off to a fantastic seafood dinner. We kept trying to talk Mike into coming to Australia to drive truck for the mines, where drivers earn about twice as much as Nathan and I. We talked as late into the night as we could manage (Mike had to be at work at 5:45 am--late for him!).

Aug 1
We hopped up at 5:30am for a sleepy hug goodbye to Mike. We awoke again at 11:00am, time for a sleepy hug goodbye to Terry. After leisurely showers, and repacking for the international flight, we started to make our way to San Franscisco for the flight home. We stopped in Mendicino for a look around at the coastline and shops. After lunch on the veranda overlooking the ocean, and the purchase of Nathan's ritual "holiday shirt" (he buys one every vacation--with the number of tropical/hawaiian/fijian shirts that make the cut,, he must get his style from Mike!), we head down Highway 1 toward San Francisco.

We stop along the way for photos of the coastline, cows on the road, a group of seals sunning on the beach. Nathan tempts me into the grass along the road for a better view of the coast. On the way back to the car, I realise he is trying to increase my sympathy for his persistent poison oak problem by exposing my bare legs to a thicket of poison oak. Nathan's poison oak is improving with steriods, but he's still itchy everywhere. After confronting him about his evil plan, he agrees to take me to the nearest bathroom so I can scour this vile substance from my legs.

The rest of the drive my legs feel itchy, and I'm careful not to touch them to spread the poison oak anywhere else. When we get to the airport, I go to the bathroom for another scrub. Where I realise my legs itched because they were still caked in restroom soap from the last scrubbing.

We board our United flight at 10:30 pm, right on time. After qantas' delays on our way to the US, and some recent dramatic plane malfunctions, we were feeling pretty good about changing companies. Until we realise that United doesn't have the 4 essential things we have come to rely on in an international flight. 1) individual TV controls with movies on demand (1 screen at the front of the plane for 300 people) 2) an assortment of dietary requirement meals to accomodate a variety of vegetarians (he usually gets indianfood--which is vegie and tasty) 3) the little qantas snack bag that lets you eat fruit, choc, chips, every hour or so to keep from going stircrazy. 4) qantas service...which is very used to dealing with tired travellers after 14-20 hour flights.

15 hours later we arrived in Sydney, then hopped (5 hours) to Perth, then caught a cab home by 4:30 pm--August 3rd. We've spent 20 hours in the air, but lost a day to the international date line. Knowing jet lag will be difficult, we struggle to stay away until 8 pm, because I have to be on the right time schedule to get up for work the next day. 12 hours later back to life as usual.

The last 2 days of visiting in California was way too short, but it gave us a little more time with Nathan's family, and a little "unwind" time before heading back. Next year, we'll plan enough time for a more relaxed visit....I hope.

Touring the Midwest...

All the great rockers have done it....toured the midwest. Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper, Laurence Welk, Garrison Keilor, Quiet Riot (well, without the lead singer). So when Nathan and I hopped the Suncountry red-eye from San Franscisco to Minneapolis St Paul, we were following in the footsteps of some well-travelled folks.

July 22
We arrived July 22 at 6:30 am, with about 3 hours of sleep to find that our rental car was rented at Alamo at Lindbergh Terminal, not Humphrey. No mention of that on the website we used, just booked it into MSP airport. So we take the train over to car (which works slick) but the delay puts us in rush hour traffic after not very much sleep. Finally, we arrive at Gretchen's at about 8:30 am--late enough to miss the party, but not too late to say good bye.

You see, we just missed Nathan's grandma's birthday party (94!) by about 8 hours. If only we had known when we booked the flights...but then again, nobody tells us anything! Nathan's aunt Sarah left at 5 am, so we missed her by a few hours too. We did get there in time to see Len, Karen, Kari, and Jon before they drove back to SDakota.

With some showers, we are ready to face the town. We take a visit to Valley Fair for Nathan's birthday. It's been a long-time since I've been (high school graduation), Nathan doesn't remember visiting (although there is some dispute). The suggestion comes from Gretchen which is suprising as she doesn't like rollercoasters. That didn't stop her though, after a few fun rides, she worked up the courage to join us on the OUTLAW. (Well first she worked up her courage to ride the CORKSCREW but someone had gotten sick in her seat and we had to work up to it again). Nathan and I rode STEEL VENOM which turned out to be the best rollercoaster I had been on in years!

After our adrenaline fix, we were wide awake. So headed to Martha and Dick's for a quick visit.

July 23--Nathan's birthday!

We had a lazy morning before picking up Nathan's grandma for a joint birthday celebration. We had a nice visit with her, looking at photos, eating her candy, and installing some birdfeeders. After the candy was gone, we dropped Gretchen back in Chaska before heading to Rochester for an impromptu birthday party. We met Kirk, Dave, Cheryl, Curt, Nancy, Karen & Keith, Carole, Jaymi, and Tony out for Wings and Beers at our old local. (We found out old house was for sale...tempting!) Had a great time...but way too many friends to visit with....and we wish we had time to get in touch with a few more.

July 24--
Jaymi hosted and we got to spend the morning visiting (at Barnes and Noble...of course) before meeting my favorite folks from the Diversity Council for lunch. I miss them so much (and the wonderful work they do). I enjoy my work now, but it's an amazing team. Meanwhile, Nathan was catching up with Tobin and other friends. Nathan somehow finds time for a trip to the hockey store where he buys some birthday presents of his own (including a shockdoctor bag--thanks deb and tim).

At about 1:00 pm we split up, Nathan back for a few more days with his Mom and Grandma. I met my mom and sister for the 2 hour trip to Elmore.

The trip to Elmore was great. Julie, Mom and I spent the whole time talking (alright I distracted Julie while mom completed the shopping for Julie's birthday party.) It seems like we could have talked for weeks....somehow its different when its in person.

July 25--
Up early to walk with Mom and her friends around Elmore. It was about 90% humidity at 7:30am, I thought I was in a steam room. Can't say I've missed the humidity! Sam, Owen, and Jamie came over to help us prepare for Julie's Birthday party. It was great to spend some time with them, especially Jamie before she heads off to School. After many jokes about Julie turning 50, we lifted our glasses to salute my wonderful sister.

July 26--
Saturday I pottered around the house with Mom and Dad. hey had a wedding in the afternoon, and the dance in the evening. Nathan's day was full of adventure (a personal best during a 5k in the morning, then meeting Kirk for sailing in the afternoon.) TNathan joined me in Blue Earth for the demolition derby (mud, mud, mud!) and we bumped into my cousin Shannan and her family. It was hard to talk in between car smashes, but we managed. We had hoped to get together after that, but our time just got away from us. The demolition derby has refired Nathan's life goal of driving in a demo derby....if only either of us knew anything about cars.

July 27--
We went to Shiloh for church. We went home to throw together a BBQ for the evening when my siblings, neices, nephews (and great neices and nephew!), Aunt Connie & Donnie, could join us for some relaxed visiting. After lots of jokes about "shrimp on the barbie", we caught up with family and had a great night. Mom as always makes hosting 40 people look incredibly easy....how did I miss out on that gene!

Nathan has develeoped a severe case of poison oak. Somewhere in the weekend it goes from a few local spots to a systemic reaction. Nathan begins dipping himself in Calomine lotion. MMMM pink.

July 28-
Despite his ailment, Nathan is excited to get the chance to go golfing! We met my Dad after he played 2 rounds on the senior tour, for 1 more round. Dad spoiled us with some coaching advice, which worked for Nathan but I was too tough for him (I refused to improve). Mom joined us for the last few holes and we picked Earl Cowin up on the way through as well. It was a great time (even if my golf needed improvement). It seems that its not really a trip home unless there's golf in there somewhere. We met Brian, Jen, Julie, Scott, Crystal and kids for a final night of pizza and talking. Somewhere in between the jokes, stories, and kid adventures, I didn't find the moment to say how precious my short time with my family in MN is. I started dreading leaving MN again, before we had even arrived. This visit was too short by far, but sometimes I am amazed that I ever get back on the plane. It's probably a good thing I didn't say that, they would have teased me about being sentimental anyway.

When Jen invited Nathan and I to go see the Dark Knight at 11:00 pm that night, it seemed a good way to stretch our visit a little longer. It was a great movie...wow... but I'd take back those 2.5 hours now if I could and squeeze out a few more hours of conversation.

July 29-
Woke early to walk with mom and her friends. Another humid one. Spent the rest of the morning quietly with mom and dad. As we sat down for lunch, it hit me that our time in Elmore was over already. Mom forbade me from crying, so we joked a bit as we headed out the door right on schedule.

We met in Chaska. Nathan and his mom for one more night, while I spent the night with my girlfriend Connie. Connie was just what I needed to lift my spirits...she knows me well and kept me laughing all night long as we raced home in her Camaro, to play Rockband, and catch up on news.

July 30-
Now the minutes really fly by. Connie drops me back in Chaska. Nathan gets some steroids for his poison oak, after having received the most minimal physical exam possible.. After some important last minute shopping (I miss Target!), Nathan and I settle in to an amazing dinner with Gretchen and her friend Vicky. We pack our things.."borrow" some of Gretchen's books...weigh bags one more time...before having to say goodbye.

We climb back on our SunCountry flight for 2 days in California before we make the long trip home.

Whirlwind US Tour

Hey there!

We are just recovering from a whirlwind US tour, which explains the lack of blogness.

When I say whirlwind here was the itinerary.

Tuesday July 15
Work, work, work!
Nathan plays hockey game while Kris finishes packing
Nathan arrives home 20 min before the taxi arrives to pick us up

Wednesday July 16 12:30 am
Flight from Perth to Sydney delayed because plane is struck by lightening.
Wait, wait, wait!
Board plane for Red-eye flight to Sydney.
Arrive on time, (6:30 am)find chairs to try and get real sleep in the Sydney airport.
wake (11:30), grab a coffee, panic when the monitors show our flight as closed.
wander around the airport trying to get an answer.
wander, wander, wander.
At last discover our flight has been delayed for another 9 hours.
wait, wait, wait!
Email alan to say we will be late.
wait, wait, wait!
Board at last, for our 14 hour flight to SFO.
wait, wait, wait!
Arrive in California, pick up the rental car and head to Alan & Masami's.

July 17
Sleep to noon. See the boys for breakfast. head to Taco Bell for lunch.
Stop by the bank to deposit bank draft--its missing!
panic, panic, panic!
Email friends at home to see if we left it in Perth.
panic, panic, panic!
Take our mind off lost check with cribbage marathon, swimming in pool, and dinner with Alan & Masami, Michael, Bradley, Gregory, and Stephanie and her boyfriend.

July 18
Say farewells, head to Santa Rosa. Life with out cellphones requires finding a payphone off the freeway...fun, fun, fun!
Meet Mannix's for mexican dinner.
marvel at recent events: Molly & Missy are roommates, Missy and Quinn graduate, Max becomes young curmudgeon.

July 19
Kris goes for fun run, Nathan helps Tim dig a ditch at the Church, everybody digs, then trip to Laguna Road to help Mike & Terry clean up the Gran Mannix' home for sale now that they are in new digs. Load 6 metric tonnes of wood into a skip, Nathan gets exposed to poison oak, meet Mannix's at same Mexican restaurant for dinner.

July 20
Meet Mike & Terry for a diner breakfast (who's heard of biscuits and gravy without sausage!), then loading more wood, before heading up to the ranch. Deb, Tim, Caitlyn and Grandpa meet us there to inspect the property (which has been particularly important because of fires in the area). Teary farewells.

July 21
Cancel the missing bank draft. Finally relax!
Head to Bill & Ethel (Gran Mannix's) 's new place for a nice long visit.
Meet Tim & Debbie at Himalayan restaurant for celebratory dinner.
Teary farewells.
Hit the road to Fly to MN.

That's just the first week! FULL ON!

Kristin