We're moving to Albuquerque

Well, with a title like that, it's hard to bury the lead.

On March 22, David and I will pack up our home and drive the 12 hours to Albuquerque to start our new lives. Here's the story behind it.

A few months ago, a person at corporate headquarters contacted me. He said he was really impressed with my efforts at KXAN Austin News. He said that my boss' position was a newish idea, that they wanted to put that position at every station (my parent company owns 17 stations all around the country). So, he asked me, "Are you interested?"

I mean, of course I was. Great opportunity and editorial decisions are something that are really intriguing to me. So, he set up a phone call with the station in Albuquerque.

They called me about a month ago and we talked opportunities out at their station and what my responsibilities would be. They sounded really nice and excited to even talk to me.

A few weeks ago, there was a New Media Conference in Austin. All the New Media execs came into town and we met to discuss the company's goals, accomplishments, etc. I got to meet the people at the station in Albuquerque (KRQE) and they all seemed really awesome. So, I was inclined to say yes.

A couple weeks ago, the news director at KRQE called me while I was at work.

"I'm calling to offer you a job."

I was like, "What? I haven't even seen the station yet?!?"

So, we talked a bit about the expectations and I asked if he could fly me out to Albuquerque to see the station before I gave him my final answer. He said yes, so last weekend, I flew out to Albuquerque.

The city was great. The people were great. The station was great and has GREAT opportunities for improvement. They said there were on-air opportunities.

So, after talking to them some more about sheer logistics and such and talking to David, I said yes! Thus, you are reading the words of the New Media Executive Producer at KRQE!

Here's our crazy schedule before Albuqueruque:

* March 6 and 7, we are flying to Albuquerque to find a place to live
* March 13, 14 and 15 we are in Austin for the last time.
* March 19, 20 and 21 we are driving down to Pine Ridge to celebrate with my nephew, Collin, for his sixth birthday. On the 21st, we are driving back up to Austin, and will start packing the moving truck. On the 22nd, we are leaving town for Albuquerque.

Thus, if you want to go to lunch, guys, these next few weeks are the time.

David will be keeping his job in Austin, just telecommuting, which is wonderful. What man's dream job does not include wearing pajama pants all day long?

Yes, we are still having the wedding here. Yes, that is CRAZY stressful. But, it'll be OK. We have an army of attendants and great friends. So, I know that everything will be OK.

There's the story! Sorry I didn't tell everyone sooner, but I wanted to make sure that everything was squared away before I opened my big mouth!