Ok, made it back safe and sound...barely. We almost got trapped in the parking lot of route 81 north just outside of Harrisburg, PA. Other then that, we were about 12 hours behind the huge ice storm that blew through this part of the country and had pretty clear dry roads all the way there and back.
So we got a chance to spend about a day looking around the area and have already discounted a couple areas. Soddy Daisy, sure could use burning down, that would be an improvement. Maybe there's nice parts, but I sure didn't see any near the route 27. YUK.
We really liked it down closer to Georgia around Apison and Occee (sp?). The real estate prices were a little higher then we first thought, but still not out of line.
The interview went great, they loved me and were drooling to get me to commit. Naturally.
(Modesty is one of my better traits)
I did not get a chance to speak to the GM since he was out of town and he is supposed to call me sometime soon to negotiate some more with me. I really would prefer more $$ then they have offered and they also said some relocation bucks could also be found for us. That would also help in the decision. Everything is negotiable I was told.
It was pretty nice though, the area sure has a lot to offer and I am sure we could find somewhere to call home that would suit both of us. Just not in the city, at least 20 or so miles out is what I envision if we do the move.
So now we are in the discussion and research of moving expenses mode. I would still need to negotiate with the X as far as what the girls would do. I figured at least finish the school year in NY, then come down for the summer and decide if they want to go to school in TN or back in NY. They would most likely choose NY cause of their friends and such. That would also determine what size and location of a house to buy since school will be a big deciding factor. If they go to school in NY, then school districts are a non-issue. My oldest has said she wants to go wherever I go though. They are also both old enough where they would be allowed to make that decision themselves. But going back and forth would be a slight PITA, but still do-able for vacations and holidays. It's only a three hour flight and tickets are about $200 roundtrip.
Anyway, we're still thinking about it. No decision has been made either way as yet.
And thanks to Mark (Arsenalfan) for the assist and information. Sorry we could not hook up as things were pretty hectic for both us.
Stay tuned.
