Change is a'comin

I've been pretty horrible about posting to the blog lately.  We've had a lot going on.  I've been a bit stressed.  To recap, the short version of the story is...

We're moving to New Mexico!!

And the less-short (but still quite shortened) version of the story is...

Josh got laid off in December.  Over the last two months, he had job interviews on both coasts (hence the trip to San Fran) and a few places in-between.  After a lot of stress and waiting, last Tuesday he was offered a position with a company in Albuquerque, and accepted.  This works out terrifically for many reasons.  Allow me to present those reasons in a handy list:

1.  The company I currently work for has an office located in Albuquerque, at which there is a good likelihood I can continue to work for the same people in the same position.
1a.  Even if #1 doesn't work out, I have many connections in New Mexico and have a lot of experience in the state, so it would not be hard for me to find new work if needed.
2.  With close proximity to more than one large national laboratory, Josh also has multiple employment opportunities, should anything go awry in the future.
3.  Josh already owns a house in Albuquerque.  It is currently rented out, but will be all ours as soon as the current lease runs out in the fall.
4.  We already have friends in Albuquerque.
5.  Josh's new employer will help pay for him to work towards his master's degree at UNM.
6.  Unlike Arizona, New Mexico actually has seasonal weather patterns!  That means skiing/snowshoeing!
7.  We will now be (slightly) closer to our families.
8.  Two of our good friends will be able to take over our awesome house in Tucson.  This is great for them, and also for our landlord.
9.  Sopapillas and fry bread.  Enough said.
10.  Getting away from Arizona politics can be nothing but a blessing.
11.  I love Albuquerque!!

I already have a huge long list of places I can't wait to re-explore.  And a separate huge list of restaurants I can't wait to revisit.  And another list of potential places to ride my bike in the ABQ.  I'm so excited!  I'll be sad to leave Tucson and all of my wonderful friends here, but next to staying in Tucson, this is really the best outcome we could have asked for.

Josh starts his new job next Monday, so this is all going to happen pretty quickly.  Chances are, we'll be totally moved to NM by mid-February at the very latest.  It's a bit overwhelming at the moment, but I know it's going to be a great thing for us in the long run.  And we'll have plenty of space for visitors (hint, hint)!!