Kevin James and I had been married just barely four days when we got one of those phone calls that just turns your little self-absorbed world upside down. I was still basking in the glow of the bunting, The Dress, and the heel & toe polka! It was Kevin’s boss. He was calling to tell Kevin that they decided to close all the regional offices and relocate most everything to the company’s main headquarters. I can’t really be certain that I explained that correctly. Kevin has a “Chandler Bing” job – nobody’s really exactly sure what he does, but there are numbers and spreadsheets involved. Anyways, he was informed that these changes would be in place by the end of the year.

Well, that really threw a wrench in our plans! Whenever I am reflecting on it – which is OFTEN – I am reminded of the Proverb: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” Kevin and I talked and prayed and talked and dreamed and talked some more over the past 2 years about what we should do when we were FINALLY together. Should I move to Minnesota? Should Kevin join me in the DR? Should we go somewhere different altogether? Honestly, it broke my little heart to leave the DR. But we ultimately decided that I should move to Winona. The truth was that Corrie Anne needed a little r&r after three insane years of teaching while simultaneously earning her master’s degree and dealing with the stresses of living in a foreign country. I was going to look for a job, but not something that would consume my entire life. I told Kevin that I considered it my next mission to simply be a good wife. We also loved the idea of being near our families. It’s been EIGHT LONG YEARS since I have lived anywhere near my family, and I hate missing every single birthday and the majority of holidays. I was really looking forward to being home in September to celebrate my birthday month with my big brother (our birthdays are only 10 days apart)!

Over the next few weeks, Kevin and I were tossed back into the same situation of having to make a major life decision. Meanwhile, Kevin’s bosses were all trying to recruit him to move to the office’s main headquarters. Kevin’s a rising star in the company. I’m so proud of my husband! They flew him out for an interview, and were emailing him left and right. It was a TOUGH decision, but we finally came to the conclusion that if Kevin’s company gave us an offer we couldn’t refuse, we would move yet again.

I wondered if my life living out of a suitcase would EVER end? So I didn’t paint the kitchen pink. I didn’t join a gym.  I stopped perusing the classifieds. And I waited. It felt like an eternity, but when Kevin’s company finally gave him a formal offer it was pretty sweet. Kevin did a little negotiating and got some more vacation time (to visit family!) and a little more dinero, and this week – he signed.

We’re moving!

Just Kevin and me. Two little lovebirds.

Maybe you’ve guessed or overheard. But here’s the deal. August 22 (SO SOON), Kevin James and I will be heading out to…

Denver, Colorado!!!

We’ll be there for a week living in a hotel (second honeymoon! yeah!!), and Kevin will start his new job as Senior Business Analyst. Doesn’t he sound important? I just wish they made him wear a tie and a jacket. That’d be so cute! After that we’ll probably fly back to Minnesota, and Kevin will work from here for a bit while we take care of some grownup business stuff (like selling the house – boo!).

And yes. Boyd is coming with us. Why, God, why!?!?

Once again, it’s a bittersweet move for me, but now that it’s, Lord willing, a done deal… we’re excited! Kevin’s never really lived away from Winona (minus that THRILLING SEMESTER in Australia), and I’m excited about the running community in the Denver area! Also, I’m hoping my job prospects will be higher. At very least I’ll have loads of new blog material! I’ve pretty much exhausted what Winona has to offer!

Hence the North Face in the title. I’m not going to wear Pantagonia either. Or Tevas. Only MOOSEJAW!!! And I’m definitely NOT skiing. You know my rules about sports: they can’t be even remotely dangerous, and they can’t require me to socialize with strangers. I’ll be honest. I’m a little nervous about the big nature reputation. I’m not exactly outdoorsy. But maybe the 300 days of sunshine per year will entice me? Is that REALLY true? Wow.

Anyways. That’s Kevin in a North Face fleece. He wore it the first time he met my parents. I was conveniently located in the DR when this event took place. I CLEARLY remembering my mom sending me this picture in an email in November 2009 and thinking,”Who’s that hot guy in my mom’s kitchen?” It was my boyfriend. Long distance relationship… just LOL.

We love you. If we’re leaving you. We’re sad. But we’ll back to visit. Lots. And now you have a place to stay in Denver. Hugs & Kisses! And Besitos too!