Trading Earthquakes for Hurricanes

In 21 days, Johnathan and I board a one-way flight to NC for what should be our last flight for a while. Ben will follow with Mercy a few days later in the truck and we will officially be residents of North Carolina again.

We came out here for our careers and to have some fun. We did what we set out to do. It's time to raise the kids back home. In a bigger house. With better schools. Closer to family.

Once we really started looking at schools - not only preschool but kindergarten as well, we realized how horrible the public school system was. Only 33 percent of the 3rd graders passed the state test for reading in our school, 85 percent speak English as a second language and 65 percent qualified for free lunch. That's not what either Ben or I grew up with. We found a fantastic private school but it left Johnathan as likely the only Caucasian in the classroom and while I appreciate the vast diversity that California provides, I was hoping for a little more equal ratio.

And really - 2 kids in 1100 square feet. And the need for an office. And visitors. No.

So the house is sold. It sold in 5 days for more than we asked for, had 4 offers and a bidding war. Thankfully that was a fast process. One I will NOT repeat again with small children and a dog.

Johnathan is handling it pretty well aside from a few outbursts around the time we put a lot into storage. He knows we are getting a new house near the grandparents and near the beach. He hasn't however figured out yet (nor have we told him) that he will say goodbye to all his friends. We aren't making a big deal out of it. The kid can make friends with a rock so we're hoping he'll bounce back quickly.

We've got a quaint rental at Carolina beach for 2 months this summer while we find a house - no small feat finding an affordable monthly rental in high season. But we've talked for years about living at the beach. And why not. You only live once. And the school system is good. We've identified about 5 houses in Kure Beach that we really like and give us the space we need and a secluded office for Ben to work from home.

Now, all that's really left is to figure out what the heck is up with Carolina football and basketball and who the players are.

Go Heels!