Pamela's parents don't really understand what I do for a living. They aren't computer people, so when she explained to them, I guess they didn't grasp it too well.

For the record, I'm a web developer. I code things up and I make the web work. I also, in the course of a day, may teach seminars on using the web, or do training for people, or help people with general IT questions. I'm also using "web developer" in a kind of trite fashion - I help deliver web services. I do this, it should be noted, at a University.

So, when the Mother-in-law (who we'll call "Millie") was asked what I did by her sister, she replied, "Oh, he's a professor up at the University."

The inexactitude of this statement sent Pamela into giggles. Not that she thinks I couldn't be a professor (in fact, she thinks I should get a PhD and do just that) but that her mother didn't understand the difference between web developer and professor.

Another example: the father-in-law (who we'll call "Phil") brought me an ad about a job position opening up at a college the next town over. The college needs a new CIO - a Chief Information Officer. I tried very hard not to laugh, but took the opportunity to explain a little bit more about what I do. When reading this, keep in mind that I am 26 years old.

Me: Well, see, the CIO at the University is my boss, so this is kind of my field.
Phil: Oh, good. I thought it would be good for you.
Me: Well, yes, but...
Phil: How long has the CIO at the University been there.
Me: About a year and a half.
Phil: Ah, so I guess he's not really looking to retire soon. I know you'd prefer to be there.
Me: Yes but...
Phil: So how much experience did he have when he got the job as CIO.
Me (after quick count of age differences, schooling, etc.): Probably about 25 years or so.
Phil: ...
Me: Yes, I think I'd be a long shot for the position as CIO, but thanks for looking out for me. I'll see if I have any contacts there and figure out what my options are.

I didn't even talk about the school requirements that I would need.

In other news - the little one slept for 6.5 uninterrupted hours last night. Let me put that down again. Six. Point. Five. It was bloodly brilliant. I wish we'd taken the opportunity to sleep for the first three hours, but instead, Pam and I just made out the whole time. Hooray for sleeping babies!