Apr 07 2008
Crossin’ the Rockies
So, Brian and I ran off to Denver. I know, I know, not exactly the exotic location I expected to spend a second honeymoon in, but there was method to our madness. Brian called his parents–who were either too stunned or too naive to say “no” when asked if we could drop the kiddos off there for the weekend–and the ball got rolling from there. Brian met me at his parents on his way home from work on Friday. We left there at around 6:00 p.m. and then drove through the mountains until we reached Grand Junction, where we stayed the night.
Bright and early the next morning, we jumped back into the car and drove the four hours to Denver, where we met my brother Chris (a Denver resident) and his wife and kiddos. They showed us around and were the best hosts you could imagine. Chris and I are 9 years apart, so we really didn’t know each other very well as kids. I always looked up to him and I knew that all the girls in his high school were in love with him. Beyond that, I’m not sure I ever really knew him. It’s fun getting to know him now that we’re pretending to be grown-ups.
We drove through neighborhood after neighborhood, picking up brochures from homes for sale, getting a feel for what life on the other side of the Rockies would be like.
Because, you see, Brian has been offered a job. A good one. Actually, he’s been offered TWO good jobs. The other is in Chicago. We will likely make the trek out there sometime this week (though, um, NOT by car this time).
Therein lies the problem. Two good jobs, each in great locations. How to make that decision? It’s a biggy and I’m not sure how we’re going to narrow it down. The more we find out about the jobs and the locations and the housing and the autism therapies, etc, the more conflicted we are.
Anyway, we spent all day Saturday looking at houses (except for the hour or so that we spent at my darling niece’s soccer game, that is), and then we spent all day Sunday driving back to Utah.
A bit of a whirlwind, you see, but very worth it. We kinda fell in love with Denver…
We have both companies breathing down our necks, eager for an answer to their offers. In this moment, we honestly have no idea which direction we’ll end up moving in!
I’m feeling very blessed, and rather stressed… :-D But hey, a change was necessary, and now the opportunity for change has presented itself. Wheeeeeee! Let the fun begin!
br>
Oh wow! Good luck in making that decision . . . what an opportunity for you and your dear family . . . I’ll pray that you’ll be inspired in the right direction to go!
Blessed by opportunities but conflicted…yay and ouch! My favourite Colorado blogger though? She’d so talk you into it:
http://crazybloggincanuck.blogspot.com/
Good luck figuring it out - I sure am excited for you guys!
How exciting! I’m sure that the best place to be will stand out soon, what a great opportunity!!!
Wow, God must have known you wanted a change and even gave you a choice in the matter!
Here’s praying that he will help you make a decision that you enjoy and have no regrets about!
You and Brian seem really good at listening. I’m sure you’ll make the right decision for your family.
Can’t wait to hear how it all works out - I’ll keep you in my thoughts.
Yeay! Good for your family. Can’t wait to hear what you’ve all decided. Good luck.
SUCH an exciting decision! The way will become clear to you, I have no doubt.
Wow, Brill, that’s exciting!! I have always wished I had the nerve to pick up and move to a different city - one FAAAR away…not just a little more out of the suburbs, I mean.
And, hey, you get amazing choices!! Honestly, I’m hoping you absolutely fall in love with Chicago, but that’s a little selfish of me. (It’s only like 6 hours away.) I can just imagine how gorgeous it is in Colorado, though. (I really HAVE to imagine as I haven’t been there since I was roughly 2.) Any pictures??
Que Kate sobbing because you won’t be in Utah when she goes to visit her family.
That’s great news! Like I told you, I’ve lived both places and I’ve loved both places. Ethan will be sad though…
Congrats. I’m glad that you have two good options instead of one sort-of good option.
Good luck. Prayers with you!
Wow, amazing news, I hope you have fun making the choice. x
That is so awesome Anne! Chicago or the Rockies??? That is a huge decision?? My step-mom would be pushing for Chi-town and my love of mountains would pull me to Denver. HOWEVER, winter lasts a little longer in Denver. And those, of all the reasons you have to move, are the lamest. ( “
wow what a luxury problem! Great to be wanted.
If Denver and Chicago are equally good…I’d go to the one close to family.
Brillig,
I would be so happy if you came up here!! (I’m in Ft. Collins, just 1 hr north of Denver!)
I’m sure you already know this, too, but the STAR center is in Denver - a great resource for autism and other developmental issues. I would love to help you out if you do in fact decide on Denver. Our daughter’s OT has a lot of Denver connections, and my area’s leading child development expert was one of my professors at CSU, Dr. Lee Rosen.
Definitely keep us updated on which direction your family ends up!
Wow! Those are both much farther away than just down south in Utah. Promise us we will do another lunch before you switch kingdoms!
I love that you said while were “pretending to be adults” my sis and I were just talking about that. I was asked if I wanted to chaperone a group of my stepdaughters friends for an event and there was this part of me that thought..”me a chaperone?? Really…I hardly qualify. I’m not a real “grown-up”
Ahem but on to matters at hand. First, congrats on having two wonderful choices to make! I wish you the best of luck.
Wow…that’s big. I guess now you know why you didn’t feel right buying your ‘dream’ house. I’m sure you’ll make the right decision. At least Twas Brillig’s not leaving, right?
That is huge! I’m so excited for you… change can be so refreshing.
I also love the “pretending to be adults” line. Aren’t we all? And when can we stop?
Everything will be fine and normally..Dont be excited my friend
Just want to remind you of our Blogging Babes potluck this Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at my house. Details are on our group blog . If you have any questions, send me an e-mail.
Hope to see you there!
Karlene
My fingers will be crossed for you…I am sure you will make the right decision…
interesting… never have been there, but one day i will come to denver…