Ready....Set....Go!

Okay. So it's been awhile. A long while. There are so many stories, so many changes, so many things that I've failed to keep you updated about. And just as my good friend, Darcy, likes to explain things in a list format, so will I:

1. We're moving. This is probably the biggest news I have and most worthy of the number 1 news story. In August, we'll be relocating down South to Boise...and it's for sure, mostly. While we don't have a place to live yet, we'll be headed down there in a couple weeks to scope out some options, and based on the 30-40 new postings every day on Craigslist, we're not too concerned about finding a place to live. The hard part is finding a place that will take Jersey, regardless of her charming attitude and dashing good looks. The harder part is finding a job, which leads me into....

2. I'm on the job hunt. After giving my 3+ month notice back in April, I started this awful, daunting process of finding a new job. There are a few prospects here and there - one really great one that was foolish and turned me down - and I'm just working on getting my foot in their doors. I'd love something that doesn't nail me down at a desk all day, but at this point, I'm willing to look at all my options. I'm trying to be as optimistic as possible...and saving up in case that turns sour.

3. COLPLAY (live). On Saturday, we're heading over to the Gorge for the Coldplay concert, which is the one concert I've wanted to see for a very, very long time. AND, I've never been to the Gorge, so this should be an all-around crazy-cool event. There will be pictures...and several of them.

4. Lewis....is the dog that our neighbors abandoned when they packed up and moved to Alaska. To make a long story short, we somehow managed to temporarily adopt him and give him some much-needed attention. He's a darling dog, but unfortunately has been so neglected that he has very little training, except for "sit", which he does well if you have a treat in hand. He's a digger, an excited/scared pee-er, a jumper, a leash-puller, a barker, a whiner and a non-fetcher...but we're confident that with the right people and right training, he would be a great dog for a family. He just needs some serious work. The plan is to call animal control, who will then take him to the Humane Society where he will get the training he needs to be adopted into a wonderful family. Even with all of his faults, we're happy that we were able to take him in and help him get the new life he deserves.


5. Grant's acceptance into SCAD. With all of his amazing talents, Grant was accepted into the Savannah College of Art and Design, a very prestigious school in Savannah, Georgia. I couldn't be more proud of him. It's quite impressive that a 2nd year student from North Idaho College was accepted into one of the top 10 graphic design schools in the country. He plans on starting the program online while we live in Boise, while also taking a few of his basis classes that didn't transfer from U of I (arrrrgggghhhh) at BSU and then moving to Savannah to finish up next year. So in August of next year, I will be either living in Savannah with him or in Boise by myself. EEK!

6. Allyson Rae Kline. Born at 9:11pm on July 1st, she came into the world at a very small, but healthy 5 pounds, 14 ounces. I am so happy for Shannon and Keith and only a tiny bit jealous ;) She's a beautiful baby girl and a wonderful addition to their family of three. Hunter will make an excellent older brother and I'm anxious to see both of them grow up! As a side note, KMC ran out of jello the night of Ally's birth....can you believe that??!! A hospital with no jello??? That's just ridiculous.

Also, congrats to Sarah and Dan who welcomed baby Alyse in early June. Another beautiful girl!

7. I'm a Local celebrity. Well, not exactly, but that's what I've been called several times leading up to the 4th of July. As the "fantastic fireworks coordinator" as I was called in a recent news article, part of my job entails posing for pictures with a variety of businesses who contribute to the fireworks fund. Therefore, my photos were sprinkled across the news section starting mid-June...and you better believe it, my mom has kept them all. I was also featured in the Local section's "In Person" article, where they interviewed me and asked all sorts of questions about my job and my life. It was pretty cool, although I'm a little confused as to why they picked me. Nonetheless, flattered.

8. Other. I feel like every list should have an "other" category. So along with the news above, life continues. I'm really anxious to move and start fresh, although sad to be leaving my family and friends back in CDA. I'm sure I'll come home on a regular basis, and Coeur d'Alene will be a much-loved place to visit. For now, I wake up, wrangle the dogs, shower, primp, chug my Slim Fast, and face each day knowing that life is sure to bring new twists and turns, but it's all about how you make the most out of it that matters.