A Step Upward

 After much conferring with Jared and much thought, I have decided to accept the Assistant Professor position at the university but some things must be in the new contract. The university has accepted those conditions.

One of those conditions is the same as when renting a house off base. There must be an out clause should the Navy decide we must relocate. Without that, how could I accept? I have no desire to live apart from my family for any length of time while awaiting a contract to expire. It is also to be limited in duration. For now, I have opted for two years of commitment. I can always lengthen it if necessary.

The advantage of this new contract is, it will look better at a new university that I have already  been seen worthy to be a full professor. Eventually, I  wish to pursue tenure. This would contribute significantly to that end.

Preparations begin for the new cruise season despite an impending ship swap for Jared. I only hope the Navy brings him home for any change of command ceremony. They have been known to be conducted underway. That it happens is their primary concern. Families' desire to attend is a distant concern.

I must admit, Jared assuming command of a ship is intimidating to me. It was difficult only becoming a naval officers wife. The wife of a ship's captain? I have no idea what to expect. Jean, where are you when I need your advice? I know from observing other captain's wives, one is under considerably more scrutiny than other wives. But, no pressure.

I assume we will spend even more time apart. When not underway, it seems common for captains to be tdy attending this school or that meeting. As many outings must be planned before any changes occur. In the future they will likely be more spontaneous if Jared is to be included.

Event of The Week

A very tempting offer was made this week from the university. I have been offered Assistant Professor. The difference of adjunct and assistant is adjunct is part time on a limited time contract and an assistant is full-time faculty.

Currently, I must sign a new contract each term. I am listed as staff on the school roster. Students could address me as professor but it would be inaccurate therefore I am addressed simply as Doctor. Outside of those things I would appear as any other professor. The convenience of being an adjunct is that my ties to the Navy would not be interfered with in any way. Should I need to leave I simply resign and go.

Being offered Assistant Professor means I am no longer just staff. I would be listed as Professor Xiang in the roster and could be addressed as such. The position also opens the possibility of being able to research on my own. It also begins the path to tenure should I desire it, though I do not think it likely since I will not be here for any lengthy stay.

Pay would also increase. It is not a primary consideration for me. I teach because I enjoy it. My husband supports us well enough. I do not want for anything. Increased income would only result in a larger bank account.

Of course, with finals approaching, more money could pay for more headache tablets to help me survive  the usual onslaught of  unprepared students.

Is It Just Me?

 Or am I the only one that is frustrated when my husband is home too long?

Do not misunderstand. I love him dearly and enjoy his company but after a winter of lengthy under ways during which I adjusted to doing everything myself, I find him invading my turf and disrupting my methods. I have very specific ways of completing all of the tasks of the household. Jared does not know them so he continues to disrupt them. I almost believe he ignores them purposefully at times.

I know I have to cede some control of the household to him. In the beginning it was not so difficult but then, the separations were not nearly as long as this last season. I developed my groove to accomplish home and work needs. I was able to lay down my day planner and just go about my day with confidence.

Now, since Jared's return and his meddling with my methods, I find myself desperately clinging to my planner once again to prevent myself from forgetting what needs to be done since he completes tasks out of the order I have set and fails to mention it to me. I have been found to be sitting blankly staring, wondering what to do next.

I know he does not do this to intentionally disrupt me. He only does what he believes to be "his part." I understand that. And he is correct that he should do his part. It is only that one does not spend months on end without their spouse to have them just jump back in where they left it. As much as I would like that it was possible, it is not. They should more easily work their way back in to the routine.

The children adore Jared. He should begin there. I would not mind if he took over them for now. Chao lei needs to be delivered to school and retrieved. June needs to fed, changed and delivered to daycare and retrieved. That should be enough to occupy his time. Just this would ease my load with finals week approaching and the ensuing student panic that accompanies it.

Rant over. Now it is time to become a couple again. My teeth may be gritted and my tongue may be raw from biting, but we will do this. We always have.