Heisenberg's uncertainty principle—one of those ideas that physicists love to ponder, first utterly pedantic, then utterly mind-boggling—states that time and energy cannot be measured simultaneously. The time that has passed since my last Christmas-season letter is one year. The energy charging through my life in that time (Dylan: ghost electricity howls in the bones of her face) is immeasurable; moreover incalculable, inexpressible, perhaps even inexplicable.
The year started with passing—by the skin of my teeth—Maryland's quantum mechanics PhD qualifier. Time subsequently filled with classes and research, spilling everywhere by the fall, at last resulting in the breathless completion of my coursework requirements. A summer conference in Maine rolled past, but the repercussions of a fire in our laboratory (too small to grill a bratwurst, no injuries, minimal property damage) never, ever seemed to pass. Meanwhile the experiment always wants repair and upgrade.
The real excitement came outside my working life: our wedding! (Mr. and Mrs. James Lewis Ellefson request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Cornelia McCall...) We took our honeymoon through Seattle and to Olympic National Park, hiking above tree line one day, on the beach the next, and through rainforest the next. Since then Neely and I have settled in an apartment in College Park, well-furnished thanks to the blessed generosity of many. And O yes, now more news rings loud as we look forward to our first baby this winter. Preparations abound!
Without exception we miss our friends this year, for meager time has left us lean in fellowship. We hope to stay in better touch as the semesters and trimesters become history. Our gratitude for those who could be with us at our wedding shall thrive with the same eternal longevity as the sacrament that was sanctified by their presence. Our gratitude for every dinner night, wacky email, or impromptu call comes from the same lively stuff—so please do keep in touch! Many ways to find us are listed below. And fear not, for the website will be awash in baby photos (and movies) very, very soon.
Our time and energy—so much akin to Heisenberg's—go like sand, go like fireworks, go like the echoing of a final crescendo. Hallelujah. May yours, too, be full and enchanting through the new year; let us all treasure our time and energy now and henceforth.
Doug and
Neely Kelley
http://dougandneely.com
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