u know how a few psots back i said i needed to consistently remind myslef that so long as my wife, our kids & i were together & healthy, that was all that ultiamtely mattered? well yes .... i need to continue to keep that in mind, to keep that as the priority. that mantra puts things in perspective, and helps u/me to deal with, cope with, certain things; such as missing out on that job offer i was hoping for. i got the call late morning. i was quite positive, thinking my chances were at least 50%. in the end, however, they followed the quite predictable path of recruiting someone from overseas, somebody with experience in an area very close to that of the husband of a key member of the selection committee, who could help advance the work of that husband, and indeed, his wife. the person who got the offer does have more expeicne than me in ONE (not other) key aspects of the job; however my opinion is that other experience of mine was probably better ... was it a political appointment? who would ultimately admit that anyhow? it's ok - it's disappointment too -no doubt about that ... but thus far i'm dealin with it quite well, despite some disappointment & a bit of sadness, i'm already (already was befoire hearing the decision) throwing around other ideas; other alternatives. not everything about this job would have been perfect & i had a few reservations. i think a BIg attraction was the guaranteed 5-year contract; which i don't have and haven't had in a decade this career. oh well - i know i'm pretty secure in what i'm ~doing for the next 3 years, at least ...

c'est la vie! ;-D

~