Happy Memorial Day!

Did you all have an enjoyable (LONG) weekend? I sure did!
On Friday Kristi and I had a great time stealing Mrs. Pronk away for a fun girls' night out...

And meeting up with supa-fly Jeremy.

On Saturday Rick, Amanda, Carley and Claire came to Rochester to visit for the day... the girls seemed to enjoy the fare at Binkies and as well as a rather lengthy tour of Mayo. They are troopers! (FYI - seems the i.d. badge will allow access into all sorts of interesting places on campus during the weekend. I haven't received any reprimanding emails from Security as of yet, so I'm thinking it was all kosher :)

How's this for a cap to the fun weekend? My neighbor who informed me a couple weeks ago that she's been knitting a sweater for Libby finished it last night and insisted it be modeled. This picture of Libbs makes me giggle (she honestly couldn't look less enthused) so I had to share...

I have a FL address... great success!

Tork and I returned from the apartment-hunting trip to Jacksonville last Saturday -- and I'm happy to report I'll have a home for the next 12 months. After looking at several complexes in different neighborhoods (some close to the Clinic, some requiring a commute), enduring many golf cart rides, siting chameleons, asking copious questions and taking notes on pre-prepared checklists, I finally signed a lease on a great 2 bed/2 bath at the Cape House property on Hodges Blvd. I'll enjoy a big floor plan, newer features, great amenities, and close proximity to both work and play.

View from the balcony...

Pictures from a model unit -- gives you an idea of the layout and look.

This will be my DAHLC away from home -- thank goodness for 24 hour fitness centers!
Well of course we visited the beach while in town. :)

Does a beast like that drink regular or premium? (I still can't believe Budget gave us a Cadillac!).

Lukie's baptism

Lucas did very well at baptism this weekend! There was even a bonus after he braved the ritual stream of holy water and oil: his sweet little head smelled cinnamon-y all afternoon. :) I was grateful that the candle-lighting and holding part of the ceremony was delegated to godfather Scott -- my skills are better utilized in producing conditioned responses like, "I do" and "we are."

I'm going to love being Lukie's godmother! He is such a blessing in all our lives.

Heading back to the beach

Next week I will fly to Jacksonville for the 4 day/3 night home-hunting trip... and Tork will come with me! Based on our past track record as a fierce apartment hunting duo, I'm really excited for our explorations. I'm working to line up an itinerary of appointments to pack into our time there. It's my goal to know my new FL address by the time we leave to return to MN on Saturday. Every property down there looks so beautiful and is chock-full of great amenitites. The toughest part will be finding a rental rate that is also beautiful. Actually, I'd settle for manageable. :)

Wish us luck!

Figuring out what I need to figure out

Hello world -

In this, my first official post on the blog I'm surprised I even created, I feel pressure to produce something that sounds profound and witty and intriguing. Something that will grab my readers and immediately entice them to add my address to their Favorites. But all I have to share right now is my thoughts! :)

I'm already thinking in terms of "count-down"... it's six weeks and one day until I officially begin my new position in FL. Last week was all about making decisions and then sharing them. This week, the planning and anticipating of about a million details needs to start! I'm telling myself to take a deep breath and begin by writing a master "To-Do" list. This will help, I think.

Incredible excitement and anxiety are washing over me at the same time! These next few weeks are going to fly by. Stay tuned... tales and tears are forthcoming.