Really awesome week

I convinced Willamette to let me work as a contractor once I get to DC to finish up the fall issue of the magazine and some other projects that aren't quite done and won't be until after I leave. That's money (not a lot, but some) coming in that I didn't think we'd have for a while. YAY!

Also, some intriguing job possibilities have come my way. Looks like I'm on tap for a couple of interviews in the next few weeks.

And the law school is hosting an informal reception in my honor next Friday, my last day at work. The associate dean sent out the nicest email today. Here is what it said:

"Hi, all,

I am sad to report that Lisa Lednicer, the Director of Communication for the law school, will be leaving Willamette.  Lisa will be relocating to the East Coast.  Lisa has served as the school's Director of Communication since 2010, and, during her time here, she helped oversee a remarkable transformation of our marketing materials, most notably the Willamette Lawyer magazine which won several awards under her editorship.  We will miss Lisa, and we wish her well in her new endeavors.

Lisa's last day is next Friday, August 2nd.  We will hold an informal reception next Friday at 1:30 in the Faculty Lounge to honor Lisa's time at Willamette.  I hope you will be able to attend."

A party! For me! No one has ever done this for me when I've left a newspaper.

***

"I love you with all my heart," Rachel said the other day. "You're the deepest part of my body. You really are."

***

I took a good look at Rachel's legs tonight -- bruises and what the pediatrician called "road rash" all over them. You'd think that we (or someone) regularly beats her. Of course, it's just what comes from playing all day.

"I like getting owies!" Rachel said when I remarked on how banged-up her legs are. "It means I've had a lot of fun these last days."

I've said it a million times: she is truly ready to be a mom. NOW.