Life changing news!!!

We have several friends who have started blogs. Most of them have kids, and therefore, they always have new and exciting news to post... Well, we decided to create a blog because WE have some exciting news... we... are... NOT... pregnant!!! Okay, so that's not the big news; but there were already some rumors circulating that we were and we wanted to squash them early!

Now, on to the real story... I (Elliott) have accepted a position with my agency in the Richmond, VA office! We have known this could happen, but since the federal budget has been under scrutiny lately, everything has been on hold. It all became "official" last week. So, NO MORE SNOW!!! At least not the record amounts that we're used to! We are really excited about this opportunity AND the climate change! Not to mention, the proximity to Knoxville, cute nephews and Neyland Stadium. Though, it does have a few setbacks... Lauren put in her notice with her current employer last week. This was an extremely difficult decision for us to make. I know that even though it was tough for La to leave her job, but she will find another great opportunity in Richmond.

We have a house hunting trip planned for early May. We're thinking that we'll stay in some type of corporate housing for the first month or two, to get acquainted with the area. Because there are several big job markets surrounding the Richmond area, we could wind up living just about anywhere in VA. We will officially be in VA at the end of May! So, if you know anything about the area we would love to hear about it. Well, there it is, our "big news," for those of you disappointed that La's not knocked up, settle down- there's plenty of time for that!

Springtime arrives (we think) in Minnesota!

Last year we were spoiled. E for one was in DC and Northern Virginia away from all of the major snow (with the exception of DC's 2010 snowmaggedon) and I was here in Minnesota experiencing a very mild March. This year has been a bit different. It is FINALLY warming up a bit. The only snow that remains is held in the big brown littered mounds in parking lots. The hope is that it melts by June! A few things we have learned in dealing with these terrible Minnesota winters...

1. Everyone gets to gripe about it
We all share the joy of complaining, particularly at the "end" of the winter. We've all dealt with it together and we all know it sucks... let's have a grump fest.
2. No one judges the plastic on your windows
3M makes these FABULOUS kits for insuring that your old home doesn't attempt to heat the entire Midwest (seriously folks, our single pane windows are straight up breezy). They make for a nice room accessory and protect the glass from finger prints. In all reality, they look awful and I can't wait to rip them down and open the windows!
3. Snow boots are in- every winter season.
But don't forget your dress shoes for once you get to work...
4. 50 Degrees really is shorts weather 
Okay, maybe not for us- we aren't quite that hearty but it is unbelievable how people are drawn out of their homes wearing flip flops and t-shirts at the first signs of spring.

We have experienced a true winter and are better for it. With reference to # 4, E and I attempted to go on a bike ride yesterday. Considering winter workouts are nearly impossible (i.e. we aren't dedicated enough to brave the elements to go to the gym) we are out of shape... After a hill climb E was afraid he was going to have to resuscitate me... it was ugly and I'm embarrassed. (In all fairness it was a really, really big hill).

BIG news coming in the next post... stay tuned!