thirty

Over the past month Kate and I have struggled with a decision about whether or not accept new jobs in New York and move away from our adopted home, Chicago. Moving to New York City has always been on the radar for me, but that meant leaving Chicago and I never wanted to do that. The past couple weeks have been crazy; filled with questions about leaving as well as some doubt about if this is what we really wanted to do. The decision to leave Chicago and move to New York has been extremely difficult and I’ve definitely lost some sleep over. But, in the end both Kaitlin and I have been offered amazing jobs in Manhattan that we can’t think of any reason to turn down. Both of us want to get out of the Midwest for a while. Just long enough that I can look forward to going back to Minnesota at some point…maybe. That’s me anyway. I’m sure Kate has her own opinions on that :-). We are going to miss Chicago and all the great friends we’ve made here like crazy. If we have ever said “hello” to each other than you are welcome to come and stay in our micro apartment that we hope to find this weekend. I’m sure there will be some space in a corner by all the books. :-)

We fully plan on coming back for Barry/Cummins house BBQ’s, Crawfish boils, that Pork Chop Sandwiches! FC championship match, US soccer matches at Soldier Field, Arsenal at The Globe, Stocks ‘n Blondes and those delicious late night tacos at Tony’s.

Scared Panda will continue on with as much force as it has here in Chicago. Maybe instead of creating city specific t-shirts we’ll focus on taking our lovable panda character and putting him in fun and unique situations. This has worked out pretty well for Pillow Fight! and DJ Panda. We’ll see, I guess you’ll need to keep an eye out for what happens.

Manhattan (by Matte Stephens)

<3

(via openwindows)