First thing first, we left our beloved Athens, GA. Kyle applied for a position at the University of Virginia back in November of 2013. At the time I was seven months pregnant and not entirely excited about the idea of relocating, but he said he would regret not applying so I supported him. Thankfully the process lasted four months and he officially accepted the position in late March. I was so proud of him and happy to move back to Virginia. Charalottesville is two hours from my parents and to say they were excited their grandson would be so close is an understatement.
Then in June I accepted a position at U.Va. What a miracle! I was nervous after Kyle accepted his position about what I would do. I was trying to remain positive and looked at positions in Charlottesville, and also in Richmond, even though the idea of commuting hours a day seemed HORRIBLE. This wonderful position posted on the U.Va. website for an Athletic Academic Coordinator. In grad school I did an internship with academic support for student athletes and absolutely loved it. Working in athletics has always been an interest of mine, so this job was a little like a dream come true. And the process went fast. I applied and was hired all in two months. I was so focused on closing up shop in Athens, finding a place to live in Charlottesville, finding a daycare in Charlottesville, and temporarily living at my parents that I wasn't obsessing over my job future. Luckily it all worked out and I am so thankful. I started my job a month ago and we officially put down or roots in Charlottesville July 4th weekend, after living on grounds in temporary housing (insert: one bedroom, one bathroom hotel room with a five month old for two weeks, kill me now).
I grew up in VA, but in the 10 years I lived here I never once went to Charlottesville. When we told friends we were moving to Charlottesville they said it was like Athens, but classy. So far, so good. We are loving our new college town. Even though I will admit I put JSD in UGA pajamas last night and started missing Athens and my friends. Athens was so great for our family, I feel like I grew up there. it will always have a special place in my heart.
