TENURE!!!

I just got the word - the departmental committee unanimously voted to recommend me for tenure and promotion!

Of course, it still has to pass through umpteen administrative offices, but because my father (former department chair of two geology departments) told me that almost never do administrators even question the department's decision, and because my department chair told me he'd "fight like hell" if the administration tried to overturn a favorable tenure decision for me, I think I'm in.

thank God. And I'm not just saying that as a conventional or pat phrase.

I do not have to think about selling my lovely lovely house.
I do not have to think about looking for another job in the dreadful academic job market.
I do not have to feel like an abject failure.
I do not have to worry.