May have to switch blog names

Been in MN eight years already, wow how time flies. Liz and I made a call and well, we are going back to TX. No, not like eventually or as soon as "insert excuse here" happens. We're leaving in three weeks. I tendered my resignation today. I gave my notice and on May 10th the day after Lizzy's graduation we'll be on our way back. We simply made a call, we have been seriously up in the air about leaving or staying for a very long time. Eventually we wanted to go back, but we just didn't know when.

We're not heading back without some preparation though. I applied for a couple of positions at UT Pan Am. One as a Systems Analyst II and one as a Programmer/Analyst II. I have to say, I really did well on the interviews and even on a written exam. I interviewed with two great teams for two exciting positions and got offers from both. Nevertheless, it was pretty nerve-wracking waiting for responses--even though I felt I had done well. I went back and forth on which offer to accept, but I ended up choosing the programmer (mainly web devlopment) spot because it was very reminiscent of work I did at the Mayo clinic. I'll be able to work on a web app from db to ui, and they're looking for new ideas and innovations. They even mentioned that they were looking to to create some apps for mobile platforms. Symbian, Palm, Iphone, Windows Mobile? I couldn't pass up that chance. Plus, I'm getting a promotion to boot.

Liz is also working to find a job. She first needs to get TX licensure, then take a bilingual exam (which apparently every teacher in South Texas needs), then she'll be a serious contender for a teaching position. She still has some time though, apparently schools don't know precisecly how many teacher they'll need until later in the summer--when teachers that are leaving finally fess up.

Oh yes, and we're looking to buy a home before the end of the year. That may turn out to be a headache, even with a VA guarantee. We're not asking for much though, most of my friends who are buying homes have highly recommended that I be conservative with my purchase. I definitely agree. We are looking to spend around 75k. In MN, that is probably not even enough to buy a foreclosed home, but in TX you can get a very nice 3 bed 2 bath home built only a few years ago, if you're lucky you will find one with a two car garage as well (definitely on my list). Even higher priority is getting the kids a good place to live. They are very excited and I can't wait to see them in their own rooms. I'm really most excited about the move because it will mean little Alex and Keila finally get some stability. They get their own room, settle in to make friends, grow up knowing their culture, and have a place to call home.

All is not complete though. We still need to qualify for a loan and buy a home. Until then we'll be living with the in-laws. That is certainly not my favorite thing, but hey, no pain no gain. Things are moving fast. A year ago, I would not have imagined I'd be in The Valley for summer 09. I'm excited about the move, the job, the stability. There's still a way to go, and really buying a home will bring it home.

Everyone is very excited for us, many people have come to MN from TX, think that one day they will go back. But like they say, "life is what happens when you're busy making plans". We're setting our plans to go back into action and I think a few will follow. My mom will go back if she gets laid off, and Cris hasn't been working for months now. If Cris can sell his house he'd go back in a flash & rest assured Mario and Wardo will follow.

So, mninthevalleydotblogspotdotcom? Hmm, well we'll see about the name, but we're certainly looking at RochaFamily in the valley.