My Miss List

The holiday season is quickly approaching, and most kids are probably putting together their 'Wish List' for Christmas.  Since Jenna and I are moving in 10 days, I have decided to compile a 'Miss List', of the things I will miss the most about leaving Kalamazoo. 

Other than the first two, they are in no specific order...

1.  Family -  This one goes without saying....

2.  Friends - I can't list everyone out, so you all get lumped together.   I will let my friend Michael W. Smith expound on this...

3.  Radiant Church -  If you are looking for a new church, go here. 

4.  Yankee Springs, Fort Custer, and Al Sabo - Outdoor playgrounds located within 40 minutes of Kalamazoo.  I don't know the guys in the video, but they give you a little peek at 'the Fort'

5.  Lake Michigan - There is no replacing the miles of beaches and fun in the sun!

6.  Margherita Pizza from Martini's - I added this at Jenna's request, but I will admit, it is delicious.

7.  The Lions, Tigers and Wolverines - I will still be a fan, but not being able to tune into their games is going to be tough.

8.  Bronson Hospital - I was born there a little over 29 years ago, and a little over three years ago I started my career there.

9.  Lake Affect Snow - I know some would think I am crazy, but there is something exciting about a  forecast that calls for 12 to 18 inches of snow overnight.

10.  The Adventure Racing Scene in Michigan - Indianapolis does have some good races going on, but when it comes to quantity of quality races, Michigan is tough to beat for racing in the Midwest.

Counting down the days...

October is coming to a close rather quickly, which means my time as a resident of Michigan is dwindling. 

In just over 2 weeks, Jenna and I will be heading down to Indianapolis.  We will both be finishing out our current jobs on November 4th, and then will be making the move on November 9th!

We have have decided to try and save a few dollars in the move by using the strategy employed by these people...

Just another use for duct tape

I support the creativity, but we actually have reserved a moving van.  I did scour the web to find an online coupon code to get 25% off though!

Things have really fallen in to place for us in the past several weeks, which has been a huge blessing and confirmation in our minds that this move is God's will for our lives right now.

Jenna has secured a job, after having a handful of interviews over the course of two days.  She had several offers to choose from, and we are confident she has picked the best place for her.

We have also been able to sign a lease for a new apartment!  We had thought this was going to be a tough endeavor since we would have limited time to be down in Indy before the actual move to check out different complexes and locations. 

We managed to be able to take several tours on a weekend we were down there, and found an available apartment at The Park at Eagle Creek!



Main office and pool

We initially passed over this complex because the prices listed on the website were higher than we wanted to be paying, but when we stopped by to take a tour, they happened to have a few deals going on that will be saving us a considerable amount of money on rent!

We did decide to upgrade a little bit, and get a two bedroom apartment, rather than a one bedroom which we currently have.   So, when you come to visit us, you get the privacy of your own bedroom, and will be kept company in it by my bikes. :)

One other thing I am rather excited about is that it is right across the street from the largest park in Indianapolis, Eagle Creek Park.  It is over 5,000 acres of water, trees, and trails, which will hopefully allow me to cope with being away from Yankee Springs and Fort Custer.

Trail along Eagle Creek Reservoir

The packing process is a work in progress, since we can't just pack everything away yet.  We still have to live and eat for the next 2+ weeks.

 I really do not enjoy anything about packing, except for the fact that I have about 50 boxes in our apartment right now, which are great for fort making.

Fort or doghouse??

We have actually do have quite a bit packed though, and the boxes are starting to pile up in our apartment.

Since most of the essentials are lined up and taken care of, we don't have to make any more trips down to Indy prior to moving day.  Which means we have more time to see friends and family over the next couple of weeks!

Fall Color Tour

In recent months I have grown fairly fond of a couple different HDR apps for the camera on my phone.  The app makes my sub-par camera skills make me look like I know what I am doing.

With the beautiful fall weather we have had recently, I have been able to take advantage by getting a few bike rides in.  Not only am I able to get a little workout in, but I am able to enjoy God's beautiful creation at the same time.

I have taken all the pictures below, and all but one of them has occurred on a bike ride. 

So get up off your couch, find your helmet (just in case you encounter some wildlife), and go out for a ride before the fall color turns to snow piles!