My first blog.....

When I learn how to actually get pictures posted this will surely be a much more interesting page. In the meantime I've created this blog to chronicle the move our family will be making as we leave the Bay Area life and home we've made since 1992 and become a Sacramento area family.

A little over a year ago we discussed the prospects of moving and decided then that we weren't quite ready to make that change. As Kali got closer to the middle school transition and we assessed our family and career needs, the prospect of moving became more clear to us earlier this year. So, on April 13th, 2006 we placed our house on the market. Of course that was after much work to 'clean up' the place. Last summer we had begun a makeover of the living and dining rooms, hallway and had the bathroom professionally painted. Then we had some lighting and electrical work done to enhance the living room and mounted the plasma TV over the fireplace. With all that in place we felt the house would be attractive to buyers.

The good news is that we were right! It's been very attractive to potential buyers. We currently have two offers, one in contract and we are awaiting their final sign off on the deal as we speak. We are eager for that to move along because we have also found a home in Elk Grove, CA that we very much want to buy. This waiting game is killing me!

Why Elk Grove, you ask? Compared to my current 80 mile commute each way to work now, it will be a mere 30 miles each way. Given that I am averaging 2.5 days per week to Stockton, the gas prices are putting a major dent in my budget. The other reasons are, in order of importance: family is there (my mom's brother & family, my cousins!), schools are very highly rated, middle school doesn't start until 7th grade (Kali gets to be a kid for one more year), house prices are dropping and the diversity of people in that city is very balanced. They've also got a softball league for girls and I did find at least one Jazzercise class to attend.

And of course your next question is: what about Duane's job? He's just transfered to the Korn Ferry executive search practice from the Futurestep (technical recruiting) division. He will still focus on technology searches but at a higher level and will have an opportunity to move to the partner level within a couple of years. And they are happy to have him telecommute most of the time. He may need to travel a bit with this new job but at least now that will be somewhat minimal. And in the long run his earning potential is greatly increased! Yippee!

So, as our lives in San Mateo wind down after nearly 14 years living in this community, we are finishing up our first season as softball coaches for the girls team (7-11 reg season), ending our involvement in Girl Scouts and enjoying our final weeks at North Shoreview Montessori School. Kali will graduate from 5th grade on June 14th and Melia turns 10 the day before. Then we begin to pack it all up for a big move..... pending this close of escrow!

Stay tuned for more of our family adventures... it's bound to be a busy summer!