As many of you already know, I have accepted a position at Microsoft. As a result, Team Campbell is Seattle-bound. To be honest, moving so far from the area where we've spent a large part of our lives is frightening, but it's the right thing to do. The family benefits, job security, and economic stability of Seattle over Toledo were all heavy players in our decision-making process. However, there are many other reasons why Seattle is an attractive destination.

Seafood

Let's be frank. Seafood rocks, Toledo doesn't have it, and Seattle has it spades. I've eaten enough bluegill, largemouth bass and Lake Erie perch to last a lifetime. It's high-time for an upgrade.

Mountains

You see that? Mount Rainier. It's huge. 14,000 feet huge. In a word, ginormous. And on clear days, it's visible from as far away as Portland.

Music

I'm might be going out on a limb here, but I don't think that Toledo arts hold a candle to the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, the Seattle Opera, or the Pacific Northwest Ballet. I mean, just going by Wikipedia article sizes alone, the Toledo Symphony Orchestra is looking pretty sad by comparison.

Oh yeah, and Seattle had grunge music (pictured above).

Frasier

Remember Frasier, the last vestige of that wholly-remarkable television program, Cheers? Frasier was set in Seattle. Do you think it would've lasted eleven seasons in Toledo? Probably not.

Of course, there are some things about Toledo that are difficult to leave behind. Stay tuned for Leaving The Shire, part 2!