Back down in LA. Will be here until the new year! Anyway, I had phone interviews with both Cal State Channel Islands and Loyola Marymount University on Monday (12/10). I felt really good about the Cal State one and am hopeful that they'll ask me to come down. They said they won't let me know until January though. As for LMU, I thought that I did well- but it was the loooongest phone interview I have ever done. Like 20 questions!? The end got a bit difficult because I was getting fatigued from doing two in one day and the questions were seemingly a bit less important. "What would you do to build community in the department?" I expect that from the social science department, not the natural sciences... Whatever, I thought I sold the rest well- they said they'll let me know next week whether I made it to the next step.
Meanwhile, I had to take the time to figure out how to remotely access both my home and office voice mail so I can actually respond to them (and hopefully other future interviews) while away. I felt a little bad about the Idaho call. Apparently, they left me like three phone messages over a four day period- but I was down here for Thanksgiving! They also said they'll let me know this coming week. Fun fun...

Idaho phone interview over. I think it went really well, but I won't know for a couple weeks whether I made the cut. They gave me the questions, so it was the easiest one I have done so far!!

Also, since I haven't posted a photo lately...

Add one more phone interview- Cal State Channel Islands... Fun fact about that place- it used to be Camarillo State Hospital- a mental hospital where I volunteered as part of an abnormal psychology class. Weird. Some say that it is "Hotel California", as in the song by the Eagles. "We are just prisoners here, of our own device... They stab you with their steely knives, but they just can't kill the beast... You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave."
Of course they also say that "The Last Resort", also by the Eagles, is about Pepperdine University. Perhaps the So Cal scene is just used to having things sung about them...

It is such a relief to be getting interviews!!!!

Job update- I have two phone interviews so far. Loyola Marymount in LA, and University of Idaho (which is 7 miles from here). I am excited!!!!!

So, I guess I better explain the random photo of my drinking with some woman... ha! I am at a conference in San Jose, Ca. Hob nobbing with the great ecologists of our time. The photo is of Betsy one of the next greatest ecologists- but more so just a good friend from the Blaustein lab. The odd thing about these conferences is the friendships you develop. You only see these folks at the conference, ocassionally if they speak somewhere and yet they reach the level of comraderie that you would have for any friend at home. Take for instance my buddy Pieter Johnson, world reknowned amphibian ecologist- works on parasites causing frog deformities. We chatted last night off and on all night long like were are long good friends. I have known him for 5 years now. Yet I probably have only hung out with him for a total of 40 hours. I suppose it has to do with living similar lives that brings us closer together... or it could be the drinking at the bar?

Texting at ESA

Having a small drink.

A couple closeups...

My nephew was just born! 8:02pm Ervin Carl Krueger- "Vin"- 8 lbs 7 oz. Here are the Krueger guys and a closeup.

We were all at a wedding when just before the Bride was going to walk down the aisle various cell phones started receiving messages that my sister-in-law was in labor. So we watched the ceremony and said a quick goodbye to the Bride and off we went to the hospital. I left to pick up some food. Everyone was fed and then he started coming. My first nephew! Too cool...

Lucas loves his trains!

For Barbara (she pointed out that I neglected the requisite Ben photo in the last post). Which is ironic, because the entire reason I decided to blog was that i had the perfect blog type photo of Ben (left) and his buddy Sam... Sierra Nevada on tap in Chico, CA: that's why he's smiling.

So we are currently on our trip to LA. Started off in Pullman, WA with Lucas throwing up all over himself 20 min into the trip. Oh yeah! We arrived the first day after 14 hours of driving (yes with a 2 year old and a 2 month old on the 4th of July when every town on the way decides to throw a parade on the highway we need to drive on). We could see our friend's Brian and Angie's house when... Lucas throws up once again! Oh yeah! Luckily they live near a swimming hole where we where able to chum the fish. Once that fiasco was over we continued our trip down to LA. It was then we realized the A/C was not up to par- 100 degrees outside, 85 inside the car. Lucas was in the back sweating and we were all fearful of what was to come. Luckily, we survived it and made it to my parents. The next day I took the car in to get the A/C repaired for free (gotta love having a mechanic for a dad). Then Saturday we went to my cousin's wedding. Our table was named Tatooine- I was told because of my two sons Luke and Ben. My brother got to sit on Hoth (not sure if it was under the A/C). It was fun- not too fun because there was no booze. Nothing better than watching relatives get skunked... Sunday we went out for a ride on my dad's boat. Even caught us a fish! Lucas loved it, got to drive and everything. We hit a major wave and he went flying across the boat. I was pretty amazed because he kept his feet- even as the boat threw him back the other way. Of course when we were in the harbor on the way home in completely still water he bailed twice. I blame it on being way past his nap time. Oh yeah and the dolphins came right up to the boat! It was pretty cool, we also got a seal to stand up from the dock and look right at Lucas. Given Lucas' track record in the car, I had reservations about what would occur- but I think that I got more sick than he did.

So, Monday was going to be just an ordinary day when my aunt calls me at 3pm to ask if we want to go to Disneyland with her! Um, YEAH! She gets free tickets because my uncle is a volunteer fire fighter there. So off we went to Mickey's house. We only got to go on a single ride- Storybookland because well Lucas is two and we also took Ben. He loved it though. We went to Toontown and played with all the gadgets. And then it was time... to see MICKEY. I should preface this with the love my son Lucas has for Mickey Mouse. He watches the disney channel show at every chance he gets. Despite this excessive exposure he hasn't figured out that his name starts with an M and not a G- but regardless we went to go see "Gicky". So we headed toward the Mickey house. Apparently, Gicky lives in a sauna. Rachel and Ben lasted about 10 minutes before they lost too much water and had to give up. Lucas and I held strong. Let me also say that if you have ever gone to Disneyland and wondered where all the small children are- they are all locked up in Gicky's house. We were in there for over an hour! I would estimate that at one time there must be 200 people in that place. Perhaps 300- I mean this place is amazing! I actually think you could fit the whole town of Pullman in this place. So turn after turn we keep thinking we are closer, but no. Lucas is getting a bit impatient at this point when I begin to think about how he might react to a 6 foot tall fascimile of his favorite mouse. So, I start telling him that he is going to see "BIIIG Gicky". And then for the next 20 min he asks "Where Gicky go?". A damn good question- where is this mouse?! Luckily, we entered the ante-ante chamber (yes that is how it goes at Disney rides) and they were playing movie clips of mickey mouse. Lucas thought this was the finale and was loving every minute of it. Uh Oh Gicky! Agua! Little Fantasia action. So after 20 min in there we finally got to the room where they release you to one of the 6 mickey mouses that pose for photos (I am guessing only two were working that day). We got "Steamboat Willie Mickey" for which I felt a bit slighted for two reasons: 1) he is in black and white and 2) Steamboat Willie was the first Disney mouse cartoon- and the mouse was actually named Mortimor at the time... yes, I know too much about disney trivia. But instead of trying to explain to Lucas that this was "Gortimor" I embraced it as the end to a long journey. So, now the meeting. What does one expect when a two year old meets a giant cartoon character? Fear and tears... That is actually what the photographer expected- but not Lucas. Deathly afraid of people, but you put on a 6 foot suite of an animal and he will run right up to you! I don't know if I have ever seen a bigger smile on his face. He gave Mickey a high five and I set him down next to him to snap a few photos. Then we turned and had the Disney photographer snap a couple of the two of us. I thought during the photo, there is no way I am buying this photo- but when I looked at it online I realized that it is the only photo of just Lucas and me (because I took most of the photos). And the journey was so arduous and the payoff so rewarding- the $12 seemed like nothing (and that is how they get you). After that we had dinner and Lucas regressed into his hard pooping again. So, we were cut short and had to head home. I don't know how much more I could have handled anyway. Five hours at Disneyland with two young children is something to be proud of. Anyway, yesterday I was totally sick- mostly just recovering from Disneyland. I thanked my dad for all the times he took me to Disneyland- because now I know the joy it gave him but also the pain... Today, we went down to the beach and played in the waves. Lucas had a great time although he was a bit reticent after getting sand on his feet. "Uh oh, mess!" And that is the update for now. More as the trip progresses...

Family Photos!

Sorry about the lack of postings... I'll try to get a bunch of photos and video up tonight. I am back at work today trying to get things settled so I can get back home and do important things like take pictures!

We are home! Things are going well! Lucas seems pretty into Ben. Rachel told Lucas she was going to feed him and clearly she is not doing a good job since he is emptying out the pantry to provide his brother with food. Pictured above is some juice and oatmeal, nice brother. The other photo is him catching Ben up to speed on how to properly kick back and enjoy some Wiggles...

More photos...

Hey all. So we get to go home today! Paul, Amy, and Rose left for the airport about an hour ago, but no worries as more help is on the way! Rachel's mom is arriving tonight to help us out. Such a sacrifice for her... :) Lucas is at a friend's house now, I am picking him up in a couple hours so he can nap at home. After his nap, we'll come back and bring the whole family home. My plan is to have Lucas help me convert his crib back to the newborn position (with the mattress moved way up). Trying to get him involved in welcoming hs brother home. When he first saw his brother, I could tell by his eyes that he knew something was up. So curious to know what is going on in his head. "Let's see, mom and dad kept calling her belly a baby, and now she is holding a baby, this cannot be good" He kept looking at Ben with a curious look- like who is this baby mommy is holding? Then he was like whatever there is a ton of stuff for me to break in this room, I need to get going! Then he started answering the phone, adjusting mom's bed, typing on dad's laptop. The true test is when we get home...

I'll post some more photos later in the day. For those still following though- everything is going well. We all slept great last night (despite my snoring). He is feeding great and Rachel is recovering well.

Stats: 20 3/4 inches, 8 lbs 2 oz
Getting his shots now. He's a tough guy.

He is here! At 4pm on 5/6/07.... weird! Stats to come!! He is healthy and awesome!

10cm! The pushing begins now!!!

9cm!!! Just a small anterior lip... Like I even want to know what that means. Baby is showing head compression and he's at 0 station! Anyone want to guess a time?? Email Ben at benjaminkerby@gmail.com!!!

This has got the be the most attention my blog has ever recieved! Ha. Rachel is trying to nap now- you got to love epidurals. From excruciating pain to sleepytime. Amy is in charge of pushing the button for the extra good stuff...

They are setting up all the baby stuff so looks like it will be any time now! Keep on checking!

She is fully effaced and at 6cm! The epidural is in full effect and she is over a BAD few minutes. Gotta get back...

Rachel is at 4cm! She is on top of the contractions and putting off the epidural for awhile. Why? I have no idea, but I am not broaching the subject...

Things are progressing well. We signed the papers for the epidural- the anesthesiologist goes to our church. Always good when the hand of God is involved. Hopefully he'll be able to administer the drugs soon. The doctor will come in an hour to check on her- hopefully photos of the baby will follow soon!

Just updating while I am able. Not much progress, more frequent contractions that hurt more. Still not at 4cm. The day goes on...

I got two hours of sleep! Mmm, hospital coffee. Pitosin is getting bumped up pretty high and contractions are a few minutes apart and lasting for a minute. They seem to be more painful than before. If the baby is born today- his birthday will be 5/6/07... something to shoot for!

We have restarted the pitocin. The doctor reduced the dose in hopes that the problem won't reoccur. Rachel got some sleep, Jake got none, Amy on the other hand was in happy dreamland. More soon...

Okay, so things have calmed down and I can elucidate the goings on. So, first off- why is Rachel getting induced? Rachel had severel symptoms of pre-eclampsia which is bad. The blood tests were negative so that's good. The doctor was worries that something is funny with her kidneys though and offered to have her induced just to stop the worrying about it. So, since Rachel's brother Paul and his family are here we thought why not? We have a babysitter with Paul, and Amy can see a live birth! (Rachel got to see her give birth to our niece, Rose).
So, we thought things would cruise along and there would be no issues. Rachel began contractions right away and they were consistent and strong. After 30 min, they checked her and she was at 2cm. When she arrived she was a little over 1cm. Soon after, they became concerned with the "late decelerations" of the baby's heartrate. Which means that the placenta was not getting enough blood and causing the heart rate to drop. Since that stresses out the baby, the doctor decided to take her off the pitocen. She was having contractions still after it was removed about every 2-3 minutes. Then it tapered to every four, then every five, and now she has not had one in over eight. A good thing since they want her to sleep. So now, Amy is sleeping on the couch, and Rachel was getting close to sleeping but now is getting hit with a monster contraction... 118! She maxed the little graph thing out! Baby's heart rate is looking much better now that she's off the pitocen and the instructions are for Rachel to get some rest. They cannot give her an epidural until she is 4cm- so we'll see how much rest she gets. I didn't sleep for nearly 40 hours when Lucas was born so I got to give Ben the same respect. I think this time though instead of pretending to sleep, I'll actually just catch up on work. (I have a feeling work is going to suffer in the next week!).

Doctor said we were stressing the baby out so they took Rachel off the pitosin until morning. So, won't be anytime soon. They will start it again in the morning...

Contraction are coming! So far about 2 minutes apart...

Hey everyone! Something to blog about! Ben is coming! Rachel was having some minor indications of problems so they decided to go ahead and induce. They just introduced the pitosin like 15 min ago. I will keep the computer online throughout the night to keep you posted!

Jake

UNBELIEVABLE! It worked!!! I got the thermal paste in the mail today, and so right when Lucas went to bed I went to work tearing the xbox apart. I spent about 30 min cleaning of the CPU and GPU and then carefully applied the new stuff. Started it up and BAM! Works great, no overheating! Dancing with the Stars is on now- so after that is over the true test begins! I hope this thing stays strong!

I didn't even have trouble putting the face circuit board on! My friend Brian gave me all the confidence to do it alone... (HA- too bad he is not here to enjoy it!).

Blog... I forgot I had one of these. Let's see if I still have anyone that reads it- likely you have all given up hope now. Part of my absence is due to neglect, another part due to my xbox online subscription... After reaping the heaps of cash from Christmas I have hoarded it all to pay for an online subscription for my xbox. This allows me to play others online. Normally, I am not into that- but my brother got an xbox for christmas and so playing games with him brings me back to the days of old. I bought a headset and a couple games and now we talk about our lives in the middle of the night while we save the universe from evil creatures. The remaining pool of money was being drained down monthly by my subscription to Gamefly- a video game Netflix. I get the game, beat it, and then turn it in for another one. Brilliant. Instead of dropping $60 on a game I play for a couple months and then never again, I pay $15 a month and get four months of gaming for the same price on a large number of games. I was just about ready to get my brother signed up with it when the unthinkable happened- my xbox died! Yeah, I went to turn on a DVD for Rachel and I to watch and RED lights came up instead of green. As Lucas would say- uh oh! I played with it, and somehow it worked again and we got through a movie. After that, it worked a couple more times but then NOTHING. The red lights of death is what they call it- spinning off of the infamous blue screen of death known from another Microsoft product. So I look online and discover that this is a HUGE problem with xboxs and a common one. I call up xbox and demand they replace it or repair it- the best I get is a reduction in the repair cost to $100. I ain't got that money AND I don't want to give it to them for building such a crappy game system! (Seriously- I have owned Nintento, Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, Playstation 2- and ALL still work to this day!) So I do my online searching and find two apparent do it yourself solutions- replacing the thermal paste (which was low quality) or literally torching the motherboard (to re-solder the connections). So, I start with the less extreme method, but think I might have bought the wrong stuff- and regardless it has no effect. So two days ago, I went out and rented a heat gun for $10. Mind you, this heat gun reaches a temperature of 1000 degrees F! Looks like a hair dryer- suprised I have not seen this mixup occur in a horror movie yet... Anyway- so I pull the whole thing apart and torch the memory and graphic chips- let it cool for 30 min and put it back together. I start it up and... BAM! IT WORKS! My game loaded up perfectly! And then... it died about 30 seconds later. This time with an "overheat" error, instead of the "general hardware failure" error I was getting. My hope is that if I use the better thermal paste it will be fixed. I ordered it off Amazon so we'll see. Of course, the idea that it gives an overheat error after I torched with 1000 degree heat might also be related... I'll keep you posted! Although my blog followers might be rooting against its ressurrection since it takes away my blogging initiative...