“What a difference a day makes…” Billie Holiday
That seems to sum up the maelstrom that has taken over my life, and, by extension, the life of my very adaptable partner, Jack. In November 2005, I decided to send an application to the American University in Cairo for a visiting professorship that they were advertising. I knew I had the skills, the degree and the desire to do it, but figured that 7 years in the community college system would eliminate me as a viable candidate. I was wrong.
Nearly 2.5 months after I sent the application (and gave up on it), I received an e-mail offer of an interview in NYC. I returned from the interview excited and confident, only to wait, and wait, and wait, and wait. I had completely given up on the prospect of going to Cairo when I got another e-mail. This one offered me the position – 2 years visiting at AUC! HOLY MOLEY!! I never figured I would get the job, let alone have them offer a 2 year position. Jack and I discussed it endlessly, and I accepted the position. 🙂
So, after 10 years together, 9 years in Seattle, 7 years (for me) at Highline Community College, we are packing up to go to Cairo for 2 years. This move involves all the stresses of (1) a new job, (2) a major move, (3) a new culture and (4) getting married! Yes, it is true. The couple that figured they would always be together but never marry, is getting married! In order for Jack to come with me to Egypt, we must be married.
So that is where we are right now. I am finishing up Spring quarter at Highline, we are getting married on June 9th, we will leave for Egypt in early August. WOW there is a lot to do. The progress of the preparations and the experiences in Cairo will be loosly chronicled here. Mostly this will be a place to check out what is going on, keep in touch, laugh at and vicariously experience our pains and joys. Insh’allah.
So the adventure begins – at least for us, your vicarious audience – you have been seeking such adventure even before I first met you. I’ll most certainly go along for the ride. Always interested in greetings, sayings, epithets, etc. from other parts of the world, I Googled Insh’allah and came up with the interesting link http://www.twochapstalking.com/dictarchive/000127.html. I especially liked the last sentence, particularly in today’s current climate.
Cheers, Joe
[i]Yes, it is true. The couple that figured they would always be together but never marry, is getting married! In order for Jack to come with me to Egypt, we must be married.[/i]
That’s not a bad reason at all for getting married. You can always tell people, “We HAD to get married.” and let them wonder about the rest.
This is going to be great-Jack’s site has a picture of a coffee cup handle. Kadee’s has a pic of the sphinx and a cabin in VT. I am looking forward to this-
Jay
What a great idea! I want you to know this is the first time I have been involved with a blog! Your web site is now on my favorites list, and I promise to be modern!!!
P.S. LOVE the cabin shot on the site!
I love that you’re doing a blog, Kate. Seems like a book to me – “KD & Jack’s Excellent Egyptian Adventure”
Your sisters will love being able to keep track of you (as will I). What a great idea!! It lets us all share this journey in some way with you.
I agree with your dad…this could definitely be the intro to your book. But that title’s gotta go. ;> And I’m with Ancy…this is the first blog that’s interested me. Be sure and take your earplugs for traffic noise, wear your helmet when crossing the street, and take a walk along the Nile. Some of the camps looked untouched by time when I was there oh-so-many years ago. If you are solicited on the street to visit a perfume factory (with Jack as your chaperone), you could find yourself following a stranger down endless alleys, totally off your compass, until you’re invited into a room with lots of big floor cushions. Have some tea, smell some essences, and ignore the fact that no one you know knows where you are. Oh the stories you will tell!
A blog…what a great way to let all of keep up with your exciting adventure. Our own small window into life in Cairo and all the preparations to be away for almost 2 years, a truly daunting task. And a wedding to celebrate along the way. I promise I’ll put in at least 2 good days helping you pack after the wedding!
This is so cool! I’m so excited for you both. As for being married, we thought of you as married anyway:).
Can’t wait to hear about all your adventures.
I feel better knowing that I’m not the only one who is a virgin blogger! I’m looking forward to reading all the updates over the next 2 years. I can’t think of anyone who will handle this wonderful adventure better than you and Jack. I knew you were bound for great adventures when at the age of 3, in your little white flowergirl dress, at the front of the church, and out of the blue, you said to me, “Aunt Joanne…I didn’t know there was a lunar module on the moon!” From that moment on I knew that you were a force to be reckoned with!