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Our First Two Weeks in Minnesota

Written October 21, 2007 4:02 pm by Chad Kraus

The wife and I have been in Minnesota now for over 2 weeks. Things are going great here! First, it’s just really good to be back in the Midwest. Immediately after my arrival, I fell in love again with the state of Minnesota and life among it’s inhabitants. I love the attitudes of the people, the things they talk about, and the hard Midwest work ethic ingrained in them.

I love my new job! The first two weeks went great. Everyone there is really nice and gets along with one another. Another great thing is that everyone really likes the boss. Those two things are such a blessing. I’ve heard stories of when fellow employees don’t like each other in the workplace, and it doesn’t sound like a good environment to work in. Furthermore, when the employees get along, but have a common dislike for the boss, I would think that could get really old too. I’ve been lucky and had good bosses and fellow employees, so I’m not speaking from experience. My point is, this place does not suffer from either of those two problems, and I really love that.

Then there is what I do all day at work, my job responsibilities. I love what I do! It’s exactly what I have always wanted in a job. I enjoy it so much in fact, then after I begin work in the morning, before I know it, the clock is saying noon and it’s lunch time already. Same thing after lunch. Before I know it, it’s time to go home for the day. There is plenty of work to be done there at all times, and it fun, fulfilling work. I’m doing pretty much all programming so far, but am really enjoying it. I’m excited to do the sales part of my job description when they are ready for me to do that too. When I was on my own, I really enjoyed that part of the business too, so I am certain this new job is only going to get better as I take on more responsibilities.

The wife is doing well too. She applied for the college in town and is awaiting an acceptance letter. They told her it would be 3-4 weeks before she hears back. I am so proud of her for getting on that right away. I know she’s going to do great!

We are really enjoying our family and friends in town. One of my best friends and his wife live just a minute away from our apartment and we love spending time with them. We also enjoy going over to my mom’s place and chatting with them. I am developing a great relationship with my sister too. She is really growing up to be a great young woman! Sometimes we even get together with her on Friday nights. Other family we have gotten to see in town since we got here have been my Grandma J and my aunt and uncle that live next door to her. We went over there last Monday evening for rice and beans, and homemade apple pie. Grandma, you are such a wonderful cook! We ate the leftovers for 3 straight days! Please come over to our apartment sometime and let us cook for you in return. I also got to see my other best friend/cousin this weekend. It was great hanging out with both of the buds! Oh, and I can’t forget those family members that helped us unload the moving truck! It was great seeing all of you and thanks for the help!

I’ve been keeping in touch with my brother in Florida too. It sounds like he is doing really good there. He got moved to a different store and is really liking it. He doesn’t have as far a drive, and he really enjoys the customers at that particular location. I was proud to hear too that my sister-in-law was awarded “Teacher of the Week” recently as well! How long have you been there? About a month? Good job! Well, we miss seeing the Florida family, and hope they are all doing well.

Lastly, the wife and I are extremely excited about the church we are joining here! We love it! Today was our third service. We are going to get involved there too. Today after the service they had a little fair in the community hall were everyone could sign up to help depending on their talents. I am hoping to get involved in the music ministry, whether it’s playing guitar or doing sound board, and helping out with the direction of the church website. The wife wants to get involved in youth group and sports ministry, and might sing in the worship band. We both signed our names on a bunch of lists, and we’ll see what the needs of the church turn out to be.

We joined a Sunday night Bible study. There are 5 couples total, including us. Our good friends from down the street are in it too. Everyone is so nice, and I think we will develop friendships with all of them. Currently, we are doing the 40 Days of Community. It’s something we did at our old church in Florida, and it is highly recommended.

That’s it for now. Any family or friends in the area that want to get together, don’t hesitate to call or stop by!

Chad Kraus , ,

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Written September 21, 2007 9:07 pm by Chad Kraus

Mrs. Kraus and I are moving to Minnesota. Back to my hometown where I grew up. We are very excited about this!

I am starting a great job on Monday Oct. 8 as a full-time web developer/sales person and I am SO exited to start! I put my 2 week notice in this past Monday, so next week will be my last week at my current job. Mrs. Kraus has one more week at her job too.

We are getting all of our furniture and both cars moved to Minnesota by a semi-truck, so we get to fly home! It will be so nice not to have to make such a long drive. However, we have to get a plane ticket for our cat! This will be an interesting experience. When we take the cat in the car it does not stop meowing… so I’ll have to get a little kitty sleepy pill to zonk it out for a few hours. That will be necessary to spare the nerves of the other folks on the plane. I can just hear Jinx’s chorus of “Meee-ow! Meee-ow! Meee-ow!” and the thought of that is horrifying… so bring on the kitty Xanax.

Our furniture will arrive one or two days after we get to town and we already have an apartment picked out! We are giving away/selling some of our furniture so if any family or friends are interested, please feel free to get a hold of us. Basically, we have to get a 4 bedroom house with 3 car garage down to a 2 bedroom apartment!

What is Mrs. Kraus going to do when we get there? She’s going back to college to finish her degree! This is very exciting for her and she can’t wait to get back to school in January. There is a fine college right in town.

Mrs. Kraus and I will miss our dear family and friends here very much. D-K-J-A… B-L-L… we are so sad to leave you guys. You have been wonderful to us through everything. We love you guys very much.

Family and friends in MN, we are excited to see you all. Please stop by and see us when we get settled into our new place.


Comments from old site:

Written by Mr. Kraus
Posted: Saturday, September 22, 2007 at 6:37 PM

Thanks Lisa! Adam would definitely be a good addition to my super cool “Truck Unloading Club”… the truck will arrive either Friday the 5th or Saturday the 6th. Thanks for adding us to the Bible study roster. We’ll be there!

Written by Lisa P
Posted: Friday, September 21, 2007 at 9:11 PM

YAHOO!!! We are VERY excited for you!! I already signed you up for our small group - you can start when you get here (Sundays, around 6pm). Let us know if we can be of ANY assistance as you relocate! Adam’s good at carrying stuff, and if nothing else, we could stock you up with meals for a few days while you get everything unpacked. I have a killer Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice recipe I could make for you.

Chad Kraus ,

I PASSED!!!

Written August 19, 2007 2:32 pm by Chad Kraus

YES! I just passed my real estate post-licensing final exam!!! I am so happy and relieved to have that over with, because now I can renew my Florida real estate license for another 2 years. I don’t really use it anymore… but it comes in handy. In particular, it is helping me save some money on the sale of my house.

SWEET!


Comments from old site:

Written by Vid
Posted: Monday, August 20, 2007 at 8:01 PM

congrats man!

Chad Kraus

Duncan Passes Away

Written August 15, 2007 10:00 pm by Chad Kraus

Today started out with a bit of a surprise. This morning when I went to feed our rabbit, Duncan, I discovered he had passed away in his sleep. I knew something was up immediately, when I started to pour his food and he didn’t come out of his little house at the first sound of the food hitting the dish. He always tried to eat while I was still pouring. I just kept pouring because I didn’t want to lift up his purple rabbit house. I had a feeling what I would find underneath. My suspicions were correct. I found a cold, stiff bunny.

Mrs. Kraus had already left for work minutes earlier, so I had to call her and deliver the news. She took it well, but it was kind of sad because Duncan was a good rabbit. He got along good with our Cat, Jinx. Farewell, Duncan.


Comments from old site:

Written by Princess Consuela Banana Hamick
Posted: Wednesday, August 29, 2007 at 6:22 AM

DUNCAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :’( poor bunny…. i guna miss him!

Written by Lisa P
Posted: Friday, August 17, 2007 at 8:44 AM

Hey Krauses. So sorry to hear about the death of your bunny. Little critters can be such a fun addition to a household, and its hard when they’re gone, especially when you’ve had them for a few years. Chad - hope everything goes well for you this next weekend - maybe we’ll get to see you while you’re in town!

Chad Kraus ,