what you have all been waiting for.....

It all started on sunday on the ride home. I did not say anything to prompt the conversation, somehow it just happened. We talked about it thoroughly and Nat had pretty much already made up his mind. On Monday, Nat searched around and made initiative to talk to several people, on Tuesday he talked to his boss at work about figuring out how it would work, and basically because they love him, everything was approved DEFINATELY by thursday.

Basically Nat and I have decided to move to Cincinnati.

Nat will keep his current job for now and just work from home (whereever that may be, whether in Peoria or Cincinnati). He can start doing that as early as September 1. He is so excited about it, and so am i. He is eager for the change and expecting the best. Apparently he saw while we were there over the weekend that I seemed like a different person, his word was "lively" and he likes me like that. He finally met someone that was in his field that could help him navigate the job market (although he will be staying at his current job, it will help in the long run). I think he finally could see himself there, not just for me, but for him.

We both agree that now is the time to move and this is the best scenerio. There is no rush to find a new job and move (for him), he can stay here until everything is a green light here. He doesn't have to start a new job and rush into moving and being stressed about starting fresh, but will continue doing what he loves and since he will be working from home, we dont have to try to figure out how to get him a more reliable vehicle. We will move in with Cheryl for the time being and he has plans to help her renovate her house (we will see...).

I, of course, will have to find a new job, and i am debating on what i really want to do. Get back into a 9-5 career or branch out and start the business. I had a meeting with a photographer here in Peoria yesterday as we discussed my future in his company, I am hoping to still have a chance to work with him, just to build up my confidence and skill level before/if I decide to go out on my own. That is really the part that is bittersweet. I have this amazing oppurtunity in front of me to get into my field and to grow in my experience and abililties. It sorta sucks to have to not take it as fully as i thought, but still hoping that I can get enough life lessons under my belt and a friend co-photographer to help me get started when I get to Cincinnati (so I can drag Cheryl and Cindy around as my second cameras!). We will have to see how that goes. I am excited however to get out of my current job, as much as a cake job it is...its not fulfilling or challenging anymore. I am OF COURSE THRILLED to be coming home to my family and friends and rejoining in our life journey. I am so excited for you all to really get to know Nat and love him (if only because he loves me!! cant you see how much now!???!?!) I think I will be more comfortable and less terrified of starting to build our family and have kids, knowing I have such an incredible support system in driving distance! There are so many pros to this scenario, the timing, the way it all came about. And as excited as I am, I think Nat is MORE excited!

It has been an overwhelming week...thinking about, waiting for definate answers, trying to keep my head level and stay in reality, but everything has fallen into place seamlessly and without a hitch. But it is only the first step. The biggest dilemna we have is selling the house. We still need to do some final retouching and finish work. I need to clean it really good and take pictures to post. We need to find out about the capital gain crap and decide if we want to sell or rent it out. Although the move seems to be inevitable, the when aspect is all contingent on selling the house. So in that area is where we need the prayers...that someone will come along as they did in Tremont and sell it quickly and for what we need to get out of it.

As soon as we sell the house, the sooner we will be there. If it takes a year to sell, it will be a year...and I am not sure I can really wait that long. I am surprizingly very grounded even though it could take that long, I am of course in much anticipation, but seeing how it has been up to this point, I have no doubt that it is what we are supposed to do and everything else will fall into place as well.

We have already told Ken and Vanessa but will be telling Hope and Steve tonight. I am not sure how she will take it. Ken and Vanessa are quasi-supportive, of course they dont want to see us go. I know it will break Hopes heart because she so wants to be around her kids. I really do believe that this is the best thing for both of us, Nat and me. I will be excited to see how we grow as a couple and become more in love through this. We have already been through so much, I seriously doubt anything will weaken us at this point, but only make us stronger and better!

So there is the news. it is exciting , scary, fantastic and adventerous and although it is pretty much definate, it is still contingent on selling the house....so dust off your prayers and get to it!

LOVE YOU ALL!!! SEE YOU (more often) VERY SOON!!
Mrs. P