I’m moving!
It’s finally happening. After the many times I’ve been disappointed, I finally get to move to Washington!
I can hardly believe it. Seriously. For the past two weeks I suspected this day would come, especially when I heard a company in WA was looking for me; enough to call and email me on weekends. I setup an interview date and didn’t expect much. I barely had enough time to pack and I dismissed that anything would get done in a timely manner. Besides, I had been here before–well, not exactly, not after an interview, but holding my breath for the chance to move up north. Been there, done that. I didn’t want to get my hopes up. But then, it all started happening. The request for a background check, more calls, more good news, HR getting involved, until I finally received an official offer this Monday, with a start date of Monday… of next week! OMFG!
I had to turn in my notice, and in my mind I told myself to wait until the background check cleared, but I have no criminal record and quit without notice. I rationalized that I need all this time to move. So, a part of me is nervous, given I’m technically unemployed for almost a week, in limbo, between jobs and, oh yeah, TWO STATES AWAY AND I HAVE TO MOVE!
I’m freaking out, nervous about anything that could go wrong in this process. “What if they take back their offer?” “What if they last minute they realize they don’t have the budget for me?” “What if they find out I took Claratin before my drug test!?”
Yes, I’m overthinking it, but I can’t help it. It just sounds too good to be true and I’ve never done anything this bold. There are so many ‘what if’ scenarios and sure, some could happen. I could drive off a cliff and the only book I ever published turned instant best seller! Okay, so maybe I’m daydreaming too.
This move is so badly organized on my part and so last minute that I’ll only be taking what fits in Demona (car) for now. The rest is being put up in storage tomorrow with the help of some dear friends. I intend to come back to not only pick up the rest of my stuff, but for a proper farewell. Sadly, I won’t get the chance to say goodbye to many of my friends. I’m a bit surprised by some of the texts/tweets/emails turned angry, but I guess that’s just because they care.
Washington has always felt right, from the moment I first visited in 2007. Something about it just fit. Every visit, every single time I saw our plane making that descent over Puget Sound, it felt like home. It’s hard to explain or even describe the feeling. It’s like sleeping in your bed after a long trip away from home. Or getting home after a long day at work and you breathe that sigh of relief to settle down. All that burden, that weight on your shoulders… just melts away. That’s Washington. That’s how it’s always felt.
So Friday morning I start my 19hr trip. Here’s to a new chapter in my life, to a new life in general. I plan on making a lot of life changes. I figure they’ll be easier to implement since I’ll already be adjusting to my new home. Time to pick up new habits.
Time to make that drive, where every sign reminds me that I’m far from where I used to call ‘home’ but closer to my real ‘home.’
I know how much, and for how long you’ve wanted this. And I couldn’t be more happier for you. Now I have someone to visit in Seattle:) Go kick some ass, and enjoy being in a place that nurtures you as a writer. And thank God you changed jobs…
Have a wonderful adventure and always remember that when you take the risk you don’t grow old thinking about what could have / would have / should have been. Look forward to the experience, both the good times and the hard and be proud that you took this step for yourself. I’ll miss seeing you from time to time, but you’re only as far away as the internet and I’m sure you’ll come down on occasion, and I’ll pop up to Washington and when I do, you’ll be on my list of “must see” people.
Drive safe, and be happy – YOU have spread your wings. Now on to the end of the Skittle rainbow.
I’m so, so happy for you!!! I wish you the very best!
My dearest friend, I am happy beyond belief that you are getting what you have been waiting so long for. You deserve it so much and I hope you find happiness there. It makes me very sad to think you are moving so far away, so much so I can barely read the words I’m typing. Even though we don’t see each other often enough, your closeness always made me happy. Please, let’s get together when you come back for your things. I can’t bear the thought of not seeing you again. I owe you so much, I could never repay. First, for saving me when I got back from Paris. You always made me smile when I needed it the most. And second, for introducing me to the man I’m going to marry. How can I ever thank you enough for that? You are such a blessing I’m sure everyone in Washington will fall in love with you, just as all your friends have here. I probably should have emailed you this. I was just going to leave a simple comment, didn’t think it would get so long (and I’m on my iPad and can’t transfer it over cuz I’m iPod illiterate). Anyways this makes it sound like goodbye when I know it isn’t. I just wanted to say that I love you, mi amor. Always and Forever.
I’m very happy and proud of you for taking this step. I’m going to miss you and I’ll probably cry but it’s ok. Follow your dreams, honey. May skittles fall from the heavens while unicorns gallop in the meadow and rainbows glimmer in the sunshine. 🙂 xoxo
I’m so happy for you! Go for it. You deserve to be happy and at “home”. xoxo
Hooray!!!!!!
When it’s right… it just is. 🙂
Congratulations! This sounds like one of those “must take” risks. There are some actions in life we’re just called to do. We ignore them at our peril. Even if something happens with the job prospect, I believe the right opportunity awaits. The universe just wants to see you invest in it by making the leap of faith. Have a merry adventure and enjoy the ride!
I think it is a brilliant move and one you clearly have taken hold of in that brilliant heart of yours.
Some may not understand your decision, but as long as you have faith in it, then you can’t go wrong. Of course, I kind of think you are brilliant anyway, so I also have faith you are making the right choice my friend.
As excited as you are to be moving to Washington, there are unknown friends there just waiting to make your acquaintance. And they will be exceptionally lucky to do so.
Congratulations again.
I felt the exact same way when I moved up from Victorville! From the very first time I visited the PNW in 2008, I knew it was where I belonged. I’ve found so much happiness here and I hope you do too!
Surely sounds as if that area is the home of your heart, so I’m glad you’re able to move there! SoCal will miss you but there’s ALWAYS twitter! HUGS and best wishes, enjoy the excitement. (Keep us posted, ok?)
So happy for you to have found this opportunity to come home. And if you need a home cooked meal, I’m not that far away. 🙂