All Signs Point to Yes…and Colorado Springs
Apr 22 2010
We have had a couple of people ask how we chose Colorado Springs and where the city ranked in the listing of cities developed from our RV trip. First, just to recap what we did (for any new readers), we were blessed upon Mary Claire’s retirement from the Air Force with immediate retirement pay, as well having the military store our household goods for a year. Those two items gave us the flexibility to show our kids the country the mom served and visit areas of the country to decide where to settle down.
Around Christmas, I was contacted by the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs and offered a full-time adjunct teaching position in their Professional Writing Program (teaching Business Writing). At that point, we were excitedly planning to head toward Green Valley, CA; and the Bend and Ashland, OR areas to check out those spots (along with possible excursions to Alaska and a hop to Okinawa). So, this offer created quite the dilemma.
After a lot of thought, we decided that the timing and opportunity was right to accept the offer. First, we thought about the job. UCCS was a strong school with expanding enrollment, and my future boss was terribly nice and personable on our phone interviews (and still is both these things in person).
Next, the location: Colorado Springs had not made our “A” list, but was at the top of the “B” list. The city itself was too sprawling for our tastes – lots of malls and housing developments (kind of like a miniature Phoenix or Southern California). But, there were three strong military bases there, including the Air Force Academy. Plus, it was in Colorado, one of our favorite states. Outdoor activities abound in the area and the entire state. Finally, good friends assured us we could find pockets where we felt like we were in a smaller town.
It turns out that they were correct. We found a house in Monument, CO on 5 acres with 360-degree views (and a spot for our RV until it is sold). Monument has only 5,000 people and good schools – plus it is 15 minutes from work and even less time to the Air Force Academy where Joe has joined a Boy Scout troop and we now attend church.
All the signs directed us to Colorado Springs, and we feel we made the right decision about where to live. We found a house and area suited to us, and I found a job working with great people.
Now on to my next dilemma: Sear’s Craftsmen tools or Home Depot’s house brand, Husky? This is tough.
Sounds like you found a nice place to settle down. It is a little difficult settling in one place especially since we are so use to moving every three years.
Still waiting for those change of address cards. Do you have a land line or are you still just using a cell? I called MC a few times but no response. I will try calling her this weekend. Is there a good time to try and reach MC?
Good luck selling the RV!
@Pat, we have a land line finally. Call us this weekend on MC’s cell or mine.
Hi there Tom & MC – great to hear your news of buying a house – wonderful. We look forward to coming and visiting – 5 acres almost counts as a farm stay. Any more than two chickens and you’ll qualify for tax breaks as ‘primary producers’. Nah, then you’d be wearing a tractor cap. Just stay with the tobacco chewing and firing your BB guns with Joe.
We’re all well. Busy as. Can you email us your contact details – the only Tom Wahl in your phone book lives in town. All our love> Paul. Angie, Tom, Mat & Lucy
@Eaglemont – it’s pretty neat that MOAA is getting visitors from “down under,” mate.