Change is a-coming

The last couple of months has brought about significant change. The largest change being that NJ will no longer be home. In a few short weeks, we are packing up and heading back to the good 'ol Midwest. Now that Brian and I have given our notice to our jobs and we've finally got the moving company scheduled, it's sinking in; especially as we fly back today to MN today for a house hunting trip. I can't say I'm too eager to trade in 80 degree temperatures today for cold and snow, but long,miserable winters comes with the territory; MN is home. (My enthusiasm for the frozen tundra will soon wear off next winter). I knew keeping my MN license plates on my car would come in handy. Except now I have to show up at the DMV tomorrow and pay for two year's worth of renewals.

Since we're keeping all of our stuff in storage until we buy a house, it is limiting the amount of stuff we can move back with us. Our solution so far has been to check extra luggage on this trip, full of extra clothes. This sounds great in theory, but I am quickly realizing I don't know how to reduce all that I need for the summer into a few suitcases. You think years of working as a camp counselor and Youthworks staff would prepare me for moments like this, but unlike Brian, only packing five

outfits for the summer seems a little daunting.

The last few months has also given us some time to really maximize the sights and beauty of the east coast before we leave. I take for granted how close we are to so many great places--places that most people take vacations to go visit because they don't have the convenience of making the visit a day trip by car. I had hoped to see a Broadway play in NYC before we left, but time is running out. Good thing MN has a good theater community.

(from left to right) day trip to Baltimore, Washington DC during the Cherry Blossom festival with Melissa Q. and her family, a trip down memory lane on the Appalachian trail and a day of learning to be a circus star in Philly.