Even Calen doesn't want to see Daddy go!

Today is the day that Florin moves (up and out) of Blacksburg to the greater Peoria, IL area!


He's packed and ready to go, complete with a new briefcase and everything (Thanks, Nana!):


And even Calen didn't want to be left behind; I think he figured that if he curled up and was small enough, maybe we wouldn't notice him in the car before we drove off:

Surprise from my love

Today I woke up thinking this would be just another day: 

1. Wake up
2. Listen to NPR in bed
3. Shower
4. Continue packing
5. Meet with movers
6. Go to graduation
7. etc.

Amber was already awake and slightly giddy. I didn't know why, so we cuddled for a bit and just enjoyed eachothers company before the day's activities take us on different paths. Then it happened. The lady on the radio announced today's day sponsor. Here's the message she read:

"Today's day sponsor is Amber D. Evans who says to Dr. Florin Marcu: She's proud of him and his success. He's the love of her life and always will be." 

I was so moved I couldn't hold back the tears. I love my girl so much and I'm so happy she loves me back.

Oh, did I mention I'm graduating today?

H-1B application approved!

So today I found out that the H-1B visa application that Caterpillar submitted on my behalf has been approved. Hooray!

It's been a crazy couple of weeks full of great news. Let's hope the streak continues!

Triathlon, Cycling, and More in Peoria, IL

A little research uncovered that the Peoria area isn't the best for cycling, but that doesn't mean there aren't folks out there doing it!

Businesses

• The Blog Peoria Project: http://blogpeoria.com/
  
• Running Central: http://runningcentral.net/
• Bushwhacker: http://bushwhacker.com/
  
• Bellevue Cycle: 2212 S.W. Adams St.; 309-673-2734
  
• Illinois Cycle and Fitness: 9016 N Allen Rd; 309-693-2691
• Russell Cycle & Fitness: http://russellsfitness.com/
  

Triathlon:

• Peoria Triathlon Club: http://tri-peoria.org/

Cycling:

• Welcome to Illinois Valley Wheelm'n: http://www.ivwheelmn.org/
• Peoria Bicycle Club: http://www.peoriabicycleclub.com/
• Peoria Area Mountain Bike Association (PAMBA): http://www.pambamtb.org/

Trails/Commuting:

• Illinois Trail Map: http://www.trailresources.com/il13.html
• Wikipedia - Rock Island State Park: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_Island_Trail_State_Park
• Rock Island Trail (Toulon to Alta): http://www.ritrail.org/
• Keller Branch Trail (Alta to Peoria): TBD?
• Pioneer Parkway (Alta to Peoria): http://www.traillink.com/ViewTrail.aspx?AcctID=6015789
• Pimiteoui Trail (Peoria to Peoria Heights): http://www.trailresources.com/trail-illinois-pimiteoui-trail.html
• DNR River Trail of Illinois (Peoria Heights to East Peoria): http://www.traillink.com/ViewTrail.aspx?AcctID=6015793 or http://www.fermatainc.com/il/site_36.html
  
• Morton Community Bikeway (East Peoria to Morton): http://www.mortonparkdistrict.com/bikeway.html
• Pekin Park Trail (East Peoria to Pekin): http://www.pekin.net/pekinparkdistrict/Bike%20Trail%20Map.html
  

This appears to be one route to get to the Rock Island Trailhead from our house:

View Larger Map

Bid accepted!!!

The bid was accepted! After a few counter bids back and forth, we finally were able to settle on a price that suited everyone. Closing date is June 30 so I am going to have to find some temporary housing from my start date of May 18, but that shouldn't be a big deal. 

I'd like to finish this post with an excited "HOLY CRAP, WE'LL BE HOME OWNERS SOON!"

Passed the defense today. Just don't call me Dr.

Big news today! I passed my final defense for my Ph. D. The picture shows me shaking hands with Stefan from Volvo after my defense.

Now we're off to Peoria to look at homes. We'll be back Tuesday so if you don't get a response from us this weekend it's because we're out of town and without internet.

Skiing for the first time in 2 years

This weekend Amber, myself and several of our friends went skiing to Snowshoe Mountain for a weekend of skiing. Kate and Michael put together the trip and arranged for lodging in a very nice cabin at the top of the mountain. They invited us and 4 of their other friends, Gill and Jeremy, and Marty and Dave.

Although we were worried about the ski conditions, it turned out to be fantastic (at least the first day). The weather had been very cold at the beginning of the year, then it turned really warm for a few weeks. We were expecting to have very slushy conditions and earlier in the week only about half of the slopes were open. Since it was Valentine's day weekend, they apparently opened up all their slopes and although it was just above freezing, conditions were fantastic. No ice, no slush, just snow. We skied all day Saturday, then went to the local pool and relaxed in the hot tub for a while. After that it was off to the house for dinner and games. We played Apples for Apples, which was a very fun game that really teaches you a lot about the personalities of people you're playing with. It was great to get to know Kate and Michael's friends whom we had just met for the first time.

The second day wasn't nearly as good as the temperatures dropped significantly and the semi-slushy snow turned to ice. Not much fun but we got in another good day of skiing that will hold us over until next time.