Saturday, October 25, 2008

One More Winter For Us!

We just found out Wednesday night that Mara will be doing her clinical rotations (for the next 2 years) in Phoenix, Arizona!
We are really excited since it was our #1 choice. Colorado was #1 for a long time, but we found out they have 3 "out rotations" that each take a month, so Mara would be gone for 3 months out of the year next year, which didn't sound that appealing for either of us. Especially with the kid on the way!
We are just speculating right now, but I think we'll be moving the last weekend in May so we can start our lease June 1 there and avoid paying two rents. Hopefully the 24 drive time in the U-Haul won't be too terrible...but I can't sugar coat that one...:)
We are looking for places to live, daycare, and school/work for me. Not sure if starting a PhD program is the best idea if we are only guaranteed to be there for 2 years. I would have to leave in the middle of it, so it might be best for me to work for 2 years. I still have to see if I can find a program that will work with me in that area.
We are also REALLY happy that so many of our friends got their #1 choice as well. Our friends Brian & Jenny, Sasha, and Jackie are all coming to Phoenix with us as well so we are going to have some great times (when everyone isn't in the clinic!). Our friends Greg & Nicole live there as well, as does Mara's Aunt Heather & her family so we have people to show us around as well!
We are also happy to be out of Kirksville, and be somewhere with mountains, hiking trails, and places to shop other than Wal-Mart! Not to mention the lack of a winter...:) Greg had said that the Midwest has 4 months where you can't do much (winter) whereas the Southwest has 4 different months (summer) where it's too hot to do much. But the high the rest of the year is between 65-80! Perfect golfing weather...:) Here is an idea of the weather spread for the year in Phoenix. It shows record highs & lows, and the average high & low for each month:

Well, back to studying. Mara has Pharmacology and I have Biochemistry exams on Monday. Woo-hoo!

6 comments:

John and Heather Schmit said...

Wow, how exciting for you guys! We are excited to have more family in this part of the country. That will make 6 families out in the southwest counting Steve and Erin in Vegas. I am sure you will absolutely love it here. We sure do!! If you need anything at all be sure to let us know.

Carrie-Area Director said...

That's great Mike! Will you be in downtown Phoenix or in the suburbs? Just an FYI, we have a 3 bedroom house in Gilbert, AZ that we rent out so if you're in that area and need a place to live let me know!
Carrie Wiederholt

Gatfly said...

So happy for all of you!! Now maybe I can get your Dad to visit the Phoenix area!

John and Heather Schmit said...

FYI, too, the summers are gorgeous here (definitely our best kept secret). John and Jordan golf all summer long and get the awesome summer rates ($15 for a round of golf & cart at Vistal - which is across the road from us). They just go early in the morning. And we are in the pool every day! There are no bad months here.

Timothy and Allison Peet said...

How exciting! Congrats, I'm sure you're more than ready to be out of MO!! Hopefully we'll be able to visit someday.

Calds and Nico said...

Thats great news:) Congrats!Nico~