Maternity Leave

Today was my official last day of work before I start maternity leave. Although I will be returning on the 14th and 15th of this month to take part in opening events for the new Darwin Center. I’ve made an exception to be a part of the VIP and public openings and it should be a lot of fun. Just you wait to see the posts I make from that week! Hopefully soon the website will go live that also features the preparation video I star in that will be an exhibit in the Darwin Center for years to come. A fantastic way to show friends and family who will probably never make to the museum in person to see it and a sampling of the odd job I have.

I chose to start my maternity leave at the earliest date allowable, eleven weeks before my due week. High on the deciding factor: the three and a half hours of commuting a day. It’s already uncomfortable for me. But other factors contributed too.

It was a bittersweet day as I was tying up loose ends and cleaning up my work space. It really has been an amazing experience to be a part of this museum and this department. I’ve learned so much, met some truly remarkable people and hopefully have left a positive contribution in my wake. Even though today I knew it wasn’t going to be the last time I would be there, I was sad as I walked away from the building today. I hope to return, even for a brief stint, before we return to the US sometime next year.

This has been a big part of an exciting chapter in my life. But soon, the next chapter will begin and the plot is taking a wildly unexpected turn.