Dear Family and Friends,
As many of you know, the Burke and Liz Rich family has recently vacated the beautiful garden level apartment at 1343 Normandie Circle, Salt Lake City, Utah and moved to the great state of Texas. YEEEHHHAAAWWW! Before June of 2010, neither Burke or Liz had ever considered or even thought about moving to Texas but after a hot weekend trip to Dallas, moving to the Lonestar state began consuming many of their thoughts.
Burke, a recent University of Utah MBA graduate, had enjoyed his position managing study funds for a team of doctors working at the Department of Neurology in the School of Medicine at the U of U while completing his degree. However, upon graduation, he was itchy for a new adventure and started sending resumes throughout the town hoping to identify his next professional step. Thanks to a contact made by Steve and Melissa Rich (Burke’s older brother) Burke and Liz were invited to visit the sunny state of Texas to check out a hot new business opportunity in Dallas. Smile Magic Dentistry and Braces (www.smilemagicdentists.com) is a company that provides pediatric dental care for under-served communities throughout the greater Dallas area. After a series of very encouraging phone conversations and a weekend interview, Burke was offered a job to open their third location in Garland, Texas. After analyzing the business plan and opportunity and after spending time inside one of the practices we were convinced that working for Smile Magic would not only be a good idea, but also it would provide a grand adventure for our family.
In October 2010, Burke moved to Dallas and began training for the position of Office CEO for Smile Magic and has spent the last several months learning the in’s and out’s of the dental business. Lest you forget, Burke is a businessman (not a dentist) and has been hired to run the business end of the dental practice. While the dentists and technicians are busy drilling, filling, capping and crowning teeth, Burke, is keeping the office, schedule, files, employees, and clients happy and moving in a forward direction. One of the aspects that attracted Burke to this job is the positive work environment and kid friendly approach they take to dentistry. Smile Magic is dedicated to providing a positive experience for all families regardless of financial income. Parents and kids follow a kid-friendly (yet, highly cheesy) story of Charlie the Chipmunk as they move from x-ray to exam to treatment. Each site has a specific theme and provides a fun and enriching environment for both the children and their parents.
Burke and 98% of their belongings moved to Dallas in October so he could begin training for the new job. While Burke was learning about dentistry in Texas, Liz remained in Salt Lake City to complete her student teaching at North Star Elementary and then eventually finish her graduate program at Westminster College. Even though moving to a new state while juggling student teaching is not highly recommended by any Principal or college professor she and her brave little third grade class not only survived the experience but successfully learned how to use a ruler, do double digit subtraction, AND write a friendly letter. WHEW!
Thanksgiving brought a much needed break and time off for Burke and Liz to settle into a new city, find a grocery store, a movie theater, and put a few more things away in their new apartment in Dallas. Turkey day was delightfully quiet and delicious and there were never two people more happy to remain home in their PJ’s and do absolutely nothing but make tasty food and be together.
The Monday following Thanksgiving Liz flew to Mexico to complete the final project of her Masters program. This extended field trip explored the challenges found within the Mexican educational system through a series of lectures, school tours, interviews and hands on experiences. Liz returned to the United States inspired, discouraged, curious, and grateful for all of her blessings. On December 17, Liz defended her non-traditional thesis and officially finished graduate school, thankful for the experience but confidant that her formal educational pursuits have clearly come to an end. The next day she packed up her computer and toothbrush and made her way to Texas and officially moved to Dallas just in time for Christmas. The holiday was spent relaxing and recuperating together as both of Burke and Liz got sick for Christmas but in-between coughing, sneezing and wheezing they were quite delighted to finally live in one city together.
Just after Christmas Smile Magic Garland began servicing patients and is successfully helping children and families receive greater dental health. Once the antibiotics finally took force, Liz returned to the land of the living and has enjoyed unpacking the last few boxes, exploring a new city and simply doing nothing. In time, Liz hopes to find a teaching job in Dallas but is waiting for her credentials to be processed by both the Utah and Texas offices of education. In the mean time, she is thoroughly enjoying the low-key lifestyle of loafing around the house, reading fiction, finishing up a few neglected sewing projects, baking bread and testing out a few new recipes.
All in all, moving to Dallas has been an excellent experience for our little family. We miss family, friends, and the beloved Wasatch Mountains but are feeling more at home with each passing day. Please know that we are forever grateful for your love, kindness, and support. We hope your holidays were full of good food, fine people, and enjoying conversations.
Merry late Christmas and Happy late New Year to all!
Love Love!
Burke & Liz
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