Charlottesville — the 90 day review

Dear Charlottesville,

We’ve been living here for just over 90 days. It is time for your first, probationary review. Do not expect a raise. We dumped a bundle on our Albemarle County home and have continued to support the local economy shopping and dining in a number of independent, locally owned spots.

Accomplishments
We’re pleased with the progress we’ve been able to make with you as we learn our way around town. In addition, the population has been incredibly friendly.

We scored two party invitations and have, to date, been invited to dinner with new friends three times and lunch four times. We have invited others over twice. We’re behind. Our bad.
We have been able to convince five relatives to visit, with two more in the planning stages. One friend is scheduled to visit in the fall. We’ll be proud to introduce you to everyone.
We did the obligatory Monticello tour and found it abundant enough to support the future 2,000 times we estimate we will go. Props to the tourism people for the discount for residents when you bring a visitor. That there is smart marketing, folks.
The downtown mall! Oh my, you’ve outdone yourselves, here. Once my deciding factor for moving here, now my favorite “we’re going out!” destination. Many visits; many to come.
Springtime in Albemarle County. Beautiful. I’m all verklempt.
Newshounds, my husband and I are thrilled to have TWO weeklies to peruse. Keep the faith C’ville and The Hook, and we’ll keep reading.
Discovery of local magazine Albemarle Family was a plus; look for my feature on area boutiques in an upcoming edition; also in development a piece on local P.E. programs in schools.

Areas for Improvement

After multiple, extended visits to the DMV, we were at last able to be licensed drivers in the state of Virginia. While we understand that much of this is post 9/11 and therefore a “gravity issue” we encourage you to look at the long lines and consider extending the hours, bulking up the staff, and providing donuts to those who smile.
Our son misses Jack in the Box. We also had serious issues upon learning that there is no Dairy Queen. Finding suitable substitutes with Five Guys and buy one get one half gallons at Harris Teeter.

Thanks for a great first 90 days, Charlottesville. Your probationary period has now drawn to a close and we’re confident that you will enjoy a long career as our hometown. While the higher ups and the IRS do not allow us to increase your pay rate, we’ll do our best to spend an extra two percent when shopping.

Congratulations and keep up the good work.

Stlmom, dad, and kids