I've got some tough news

I'm not really sure how to say this, so I'll just say it. Since most of my closest friends read this blog, I felt that this forum would be the most efficient way to deliver this news.

My family and I have been pretty uneasy living in Seattle for the past twenty years, especially after September 11. We feel that urban centers pose far more risk than living in suburban, or even rural, settings, and furthermore, our two kids have always felt more comfortable in the wide open spaces. They've always expressed a desire for playing outside, for owning pets bigger than just cats and dogs.

We've reached a point in our lives where mobility is more realistic for us; Terri, who is now able to teach any upper elementary grade, and I, who can easily telecommute, are employable anywhere in the United States. Our family has discussed this issue for hours on end, tears have been shed, and ultimately, a difficult decision has been made.

In two weeks, we will move to Bismarck, North Dakota.

If you are one of my co-workers, this is probably the first you've heard of this, and I'm thankful that you're hearing it from me. You've surely noticed that I'm not in the office today. I delivered my notice this morning, and my manager responded favorably, probably more favorably than I had hoped. You guys know how I feel about you. I love you.

To my friends and extended family, life will go on. In fact, the kids and I got a really good deal on stationery at Staples yesterday, so expect lots of good old-fashioned cards and letters.

We're moving to the state where my mother was born, and the residents are wonderful, salt-of-the-earth German Russians, a very resilient folk indeed. We can only hope to become like them. To prepare, we've purchased every season of Little House on the Prairie, Terri has learned how to make hard tack biscuits and I have mastered the fiddle.

I won't say goodbye, because it's too painful. I'll just say, see you in a really, really, long time.

-Tim

Author's note: The preceding message is an April Fool, and if you believe it, I've got some old Bush/Cheney bumper stickers to sell you for really cheap. In addition, no offense is intended to the residents of North Dakota, or any other state with a population of less than 1000.