SNOW... In Raleigh!!

We had our first snowfall of the year in Raleigh on Saturday. It's hilarious when it snows out here. Everyone freaks out! It snows so rarely that they don't even own plows, so basically everything stops when it snows. You can't really drive anywhere so, all the stores and restaurants close. They even went to the extent of canceling all sporting events and activities downtown.

We only ended up getting about an inch of snow at best, but people still freaked out. Everyone went to the grocery store to stock up on milk and bread. Apparently they had a large storm come through a few years ago and no one was able to drive. Everyone was sliding around basically playing bumper cars on the highway. Now when it snows, the schools close and the big companies let their employees out early to help with the traffic. It's truely hilarious to watch.

The Snow on the Car Makes It Seem Like It Snowed A Lot... We Barely Even Got An Inch.

Don't Let the Sun Fool You, The Snow May Have Passed, but It's Still COLD!!

Yes, It Rained Before It Began to Snow :-P

Christmas In California...Babies Everywhere

The Christmas Tree and Presents at my Parents' House

"Why Did Mommy Make Me Wear This Goofy Dress?" :-P

Reshaan Excited About the Presents

Om and Liya...Buddies for Life

Reshaan Getting Into Trouble

Reshaan And His Best Friend... Grandpa!

Liya Sittin' On Her First Christmas Present

Liya, Who's Your Favorite Football Team... and Don't Say the Pats :-P

Reading

Liya Getting Started Early On Her New Years Resolution of Eating Solid Food

...I Think She May Still Be A Little Small

Ariyan, the Newest Member of the Family

Just Hangin' Out with Mommy

"I'm a Big Girl!"

CHICAGO!!

IT'S OFFICIAL!! As some of you may already know, I have been in the process of interviewing for permanent positions with Cisco for after I graduate from the Sales Associates Training Program. I am happy to announce my tour of the US will be coming to a close next July when I move to CHICAGO. That's right, I am moving to Chicago in July!! I am super excited about it!! It's incredible to think that in 3 years, I will have lived on the West Coast, the East Coast, and the Midwest.

Now, don't get me wrong, this was not an easy decision to make. After all, I have spent all of 4 days in Chicago. Ultimately I had the choice between Los Angeles and Chicago and moving back to California was extremely tempting. When it came down to it, there was no decision to be made. The right opportunity for me is in Chicago. It was hard to finalize my decision, but I think a few years from now, I will look back and be extremely happy with my decision. After all, I don't think my interview with my new manger could have gone any better. Plus, he wants me on his team, and working for someone that believes in you really is invaluable. And the team itself is incredible. 2 years ago, they were the top performing Commercial Sales team within Cisco and it looks like they will achieve that status again this year. No doubt, there will be high expectations of me, but I think I am up to the challenge and after all, who better to learn from than the best.

Moving to Chicago will be a change, that's for sure. They have 4 seasons there and the winters are awfully cold. Although I haven't spent much time there, from the little time that I have, it seems like a great place to live. It's exciting to live in a city with so much to offer. Also, I have to say, I was truly impressed with how clean the city is and how nice everyone is. There will be a transition period, but I know a few other people in the program who are from Chicago and will be moving out there with me, so at least I will know a few people whose brains I can pick about the city. I am nervous about moving somewhere so new, but far more excited than anything else!!

I will be going on my first field visit on February 25th for 2 weeks to meet the team, etc and making the final move in July. Wish me luck :)

P.S. I expect visitors... Chicago has a little more to offer than Raleigh :-P