$7500 more sounds like they definitely want you. Don't worry too much about the holidays -- "we've already bought the tickets" is pretty understandable, and if they won't accept that, then you're right that you don't want to work with them.

(And welcome back! And congrats on the job!)

Rassenfrazen browser ate my post.

I have a job offer

I figure if they're not OK with that, they're probably not people I want to work with

I hope things work out perfectly for you.

(eta: okay, what amych said, as she said it better.)

As do my caped and sombrero'd otters. They out-cute cats...

Oh, billytea, I am so sorry that this is such a painful thing. It's just so hard, even when it is right. My thoughts are with you both.

It's ok. It saddens me, but I've pretty much already worked through the prospect. It seems to be hitting Bec harder.

They were swimmin' around in the wild, any alleged poo would have rinsed right off.

Not to the otters. They use it to recognise who's in their gang. Instead of the Crips and Bloods, you have the Poos and... the other Poos.

Cass, I saw otters up close just by renting one of the kayaks out behind the Monterey Bay Aquarium. They give you a little speech about not getting too close to them because of violations of federal law, but the little fellows just suddenly pop up beside you.

I do not care about poo I cannot smell.

I should put that on a little plaque.

Yeah, otters pretty much have no respect for authority. Did you call Homeland Security?

Did you call Homeland Security?

Got put on hold when they tried to figure out what color code to use for otters outside the law.

Renegade otters! Above the law! Like Butch & Sundance otters!

Yeah, otters pretty much have no respect for authority. Did you call Homeland Security?

I did! I told them, Terrorists! And they're SOOO CUUUTE!!!

Terrorists!

If not terrorists, then they're definitely furry mob hit men. Have you seen them take out a crab? Bash! Bash! Bash! And it's all over.