I hinted at this earlier, but this month has been a big one for me. I left my job at Stanford Medicine (!), and on Nov. 16 I started a new one at Gilead.

Most readers know I was at Stanford for a loooong time: I started in the communications office in the spring of 2001. I didn’t intend to stay that long, but my job changed/grew every few years, and I adored the people I worked with. I often referred myself to myself as a “lifer” and, despite my age, I sort of assumed I’d retire (early!) from my office.

Alas, COVID changed a lot of things – and I slowly became open to new opportunities. Everything happened very fast with my new job, and I broke the news to my old team about leaving in the middle of October.

I have tons of happy memories of my time at Stanford, including with the girls, and walking away from the place that has been my professional home for 20 years wasn’t easy (especially given what a sentimental person I am). But it felt like the right time in my life and career to make a move – now or never, right? – and I hope I’m modeling to the girls the power of change!

-M

Zoe’s birthday looked different than it would have if we weren’t in COVID – but we couldn’t let 14 happen without a celebration. She got together with a few friends the weekend before her big day, and the 23rd started with her opening presents, including a Marauders hoodie she had been eyeing and an autographed copy of her new favorite YA book. And the day before Thanksgiving we took her to the bookstore to do her favorite things: browse and buy books. She’s smiling under the mask!

-M

The girls’ school started at the end of August, but a big milestone was reached this month when it welcomed the kids back in person. The re-opening was a slow process, with the kindergarteners and first graders going back first and the other grades arriving every week thereafter, and it was (finally) Avery’s turn last Monday. She was cleared to go after a negative COVID test.

Though she’ll only be there two days a week (Mondays and Tuesdays) to start, Avery was all smiles about being back with her friends.

-M

A highlight of our Maryland trip was our last day there. After days of anxious waiting, the election was called for Biden – and impromptu celebrations sprang up in cities across the country, including DC. It was PopPop’s idea to drive downtown and check it out, so we grabbed masks and hopped in the car.

Zoe wasn’t super excited about joining us (Avery, meanwhile, stayed back with Safta), but we wanted her to be part of the historic day. “You’re going to look back someday and be really happy that you came,” I told her when we arrived. And I know she will!

-M

I recently found myself on a bit of a break from working (story soon), and we decided to take advantage of the time off and go visit family. Traveling during COVID can be risky, but after weighing the pros and cons and knowing we’d continue being super careful (masking, tons of handwashing, etc.) we made our way to Maryland.

The good thing: Traveling wound up feeling/being very safe. The better thing: Being with family after going almost a year without seeing them was wonderful!

(As I type this, the country is experiencing an increase of cases – and many things are closing up again. We got there and back just in time!)

-M

There was no trick or treating for us this year, sadly, but we still got out and about during the day. We met Avery’s BFF and some other Brandeis families for a socially distant pumpkin carving party, and Zoe joined a few friends for a Halloween potluck in the park.

It was unlike any Halloween we’ve ever had, but we managed to have fun!

-M

-M