Don't know whether I've mentioned it or not, but come August '09, I'm leaving State College. That would've been the time I left with Kat, and it's when Matty McMatterson will be leaving for his job (wherever that may be), and I feel like I should leave then--so Matty and I have decided to depart this little burg together. It'll be like a couple hire, only we're not a couple! I don't really belong in Central PA, having come here only as Kat's partner, so in the waning days of the summer of 2009, I'll be migrating to another (hopefully boreal or shoreline) habitat.
So this week, Matty got the first bite on his hook: Sonoma State in sunny California! (Hope I'm not jinxing him!) The idea of living in California is exciting -- a whole new field guide full of birds to learn! Wine Country! A year-round growing season! I've never been in that part of California, but I'm sure it's nice. Anyone have any info to offer, just in case?
Our other possibilities are also along the "edges" of the country; neither of us will live anyplace in what Matty calls "the fly-over states" in the middle. Here are the states/cities in which we might live, depending on Matty's job offers:
Atlanta, GA--interesting, but HOT
any number of places in Massachusetts--which would be lovely
San Francisco, CA--which would RAWK!
Chicago, IL--which I've heard is a great city
Buffalo and any number of other places in New York, but not in NYC--which would also be lovely
I think that covers the apps he's sent out so far. One job posting was rescinded due to budget cuts and the economy, which is scary. Still, I hope he gets a sweet job in a neat town with some good schools in it.
Right now, our plans are to pack up and move to wherever and find an apt or house where we can both fit for a while. By springtime, we'll know where we're going and whether I'll be able to continue my education (depends on schools available), so I'll apply for financial aid and apply to a school, etc.
Remember that whole forensic science thing I wanted to do? I think I've changed my mind. I would much rather do something outside and bird-/nature-involved, so I will likely get some sort of environmental resource management degree so that I can work someplace where I can restore/maintain habitats for animals and plants. I'd be Delia Gets Native!, working (probably for the government) to make sure that birds and other species are able to live well.
Or I'll stick with forensic science. Depends on the school. And who knows? Maybe there will be soooo many jobs available wherever we end up that I'll just decide to work someplace and be a townie! That's the positive "Obama = Recovery!" thinking there. Work with me.
Life sure can have its ups and downs. Things are going well right now, with the help of my wonderful friends (both here and out there on the intertubes), and work is -- well, it's work. I'm busier than ever there, which is a good thing.
Next year holds quite a few unknowns and "depends on..."s for me, but I'm strangely optimistic. And if these plans don't work out, I'm sure my parents will take me in... at least for a little while! But I'd rather not go back to Texas; it would seem like going backward in my life, you know? So while I'd love to live near my parents, we'll just have to see what happens.
I'm hoping to scrape together some savings here in time for the move, so that I'll be able to eat. Otherwise, those of you I know in the area of wherever we move, you might find you've been invaded by a little-known but rather larger-than-usual pest that doesn't eat too much, is fairly neat, and likes to watch birds.
13 comments:
I'm afraid (sniff) that Minnesota (sniff-sniff) must be on the fly-over state list. You'd be welcome here any time Delia.
I'm glad you have a new focus and a new beginning in mind. There's alot of peace in setting a new direction. You are such a SMART person. Wherever your road takes you, you'll be great.
The second part of this reads like a high school graduation card...
But really- I mean it.
Delia- like deluge.
Word verification: vallystu
If I were a selfish person, I would suggest Cincinnati. But frankly, you two probably wouldn't like it....well, maybe the Clifton area (where all the INTERESTING people live).
But California? That's so.......FAR!
I'll go ahead and put in a plug for east TN/nw North Carolina. We're one of the most conservative areas of the country politically but we're getting better on the gay front. Cost of living here is lower than elsewhere and homes are not too expensive. We have mountains, temperate weather (most of the year), and Asheville is close by. Move here and help us make this area more gay and lesbian friendly and greener. Or just come visit us. That goes for you and Matty.
Go West!!!
I've never been so impressed with the respect for the environment and forward-thinking than what we observed this summer traveling to Washington.
If I had it to do over again (and you're lucky to be able to) I'd "do" the West.
Any place west.
And if you're passing through, I'll leave the light on for ya!
If you come Georgia, there will be lots of birds and a place to crash. The Dancer will be heading off to school next year, so that will free up some space....
Well Sonoma ... can't beat that. Beautiful country, great people everywhere. Just that California is sort of always in some sort of a jumble! There is a poem somewhere .. something like a take off on Desiderata .. that says everyone should live for awhile in northern California ... but to not grow soft there ... I think ... anybody remember that?
I hate moving. There are so many details!
Hey, Delia! If Northern California is the spot, we could definitely hang out.
Keep us informed.
Look at us all fighting over you. I am here to say NYNYNYNYNY!
We have some good birds and the cost of living in Albany is not bad compared to NYC etc.
Wherever you go, you know I will be happy for you to find a new roost!
You know--I read this when you first posted, and couldn't think of anything spiffy to say. Not sure if I do now--but I certainly wish you all the best.
The great thing is--blogging erases distance. We can still follow your birding exploits wherever you are.
Life is an adventure. It's so exciting to look forward to whatever may come. What an incredible feeling that must be to know that in less than a year you'll be somewhere else, not even knowing where that somewhere else will be. I feel like a kid waiting for Xmas. I want to get to next August so bad just so that I can see where you wind up.
If you wind up on the west coast, be sure to make a trip up here. We'd love to take you out on one of our adventures.
Lynne--you're so sweet to me. Minnesota's just too damned cold! And Matty doesn't want to teach "anywhere in the middle."
Susan--yeah, but you guys could come do Western birds! And wine!
Dr. Monkey--I definitely would like to come visit sometime, just to go shopping with you at all those cool antique/thrift stores.
Nina--that's exactly what I've heard about the PNW. I've got my fingers crossed!
DCup--sweet! That would certainly take a little of the sting of hot weather out of it. And I could help Mathman with the garden!
Rabbits' Guy--if that's not a song/poem, it should be.
Dr. Z--no kidding! I'm not looking forward to that. Matty and I have so much stuff!
Matty Boy--don't think I haven't already fantasized about hanging out with you!
Fran--what I said to Matty Boy, double! There's one place in Buffalo that Matty really likes the sound of. Can't remember it right now though.
KGMom--I'll be sad to leave PA, but I can always check your blog to see how things are going!
Earl--You captured my feelings exactly. It's exciting and scary and just insane. OMG I would LOVE to go on one of your adventures with Bucko!
I think its friggin awesome that you can pick from such a vast array of places.
Sonoma is great!!!! Its in a wonderful part of Cali and per chance I can visit ya! ;)
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