Saturday, April 16, 2005

TICKET TO RIDE

The Task Master Cometh

It is a little after 7am. My Sister in Law will be arriving about 10am and the work will resume with a vengeance. She is teaching me a how to do things that I never thought I would be able to accomplish. And the truly remarkable result, other than the renovation, is how much I enjoy it. To start with something so beat up and in dire need of attention and to be able to turn it into something nice and pleasing is very satisfying. I'm looking forward to learning how to lay tile on a bathroom floor! That is a statement that I never dreamed I would utter.

It has been about two months since I learned we had to relocate for Poo-Poo's job. I am finally ready to let go. I realize two months is a long time to mull things over and prepare myself for the inevitable but my temperament demanded it. Yesterday I knew, I mentally had a roll over in my psyche that said, "It's time."

It would be a pleasure to just load up all the furniture, books, appliances, motorcycles, lamps, computer, dishes, pots and pans, all my photographs and artwork (other artists, natch) and leave. I am certain it would be much easier to sell the house without the distraction of all our personal stuff! The house we bought up North will be available in mid-May, so it is a domino effect waiting to happen. Three families moving in sync . I am preparing to leave my job at that time.

I have been seven years with this company. I have developed a family relationship with most my co-workers and it is going to be difficult to leave them behind. It is so much easier to keep in touch in this day and age than it was, say 10 years ago. E-mail and cell phones (we all have Cingular as personal phones) will enable us to stay tight. Yet, I know how it is. It will be up to me to keep in touch with them.  I have been through this a time or two before.

With the departure comes a newly realized freedom. I do not have to worry about benefits and having a job immediately. I may even have the luxury of finding a job that I really want, rather than taking a job I need.

I have contacted the alternative newspaper in the city I am moving to and inquired about guest columnists. Guess what? They told me to send a sample of my writing! I'm so psyched!  I pitched the concert I am going to this coming Friday, TEMPEST, in Dayton. I told him that it would not be a music critique, per se, but a piece from a music lovers perspective. Bring it on, he wrote, "It is not something we would publish, but it will give me an idea about your style." And to contact him when I arrive in town.

Being a Pisces, I have always had grandiose ideas and huge plans that I never follow through on. Isn't it funny how a little thing like redoing a front porch can unlock your dreams and present you with the unlimited possibilities life offers?

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

That's GREAT about the newspaper!  It will be fun to see new doors open.

Anonymous said...

moving is such a complex emotional thing. Leaving people you love,excitement about a new place,the idea of starting over...Add to that the physical realities of selling & buying a house and it is amazing you aaren't a basket case!
i think it is cool about the newspaper. maybe it's a sign of great things to come!
marti

Anonymous said...

That's great!  Be sure to post what you write for them and let us know what happens!  Pamela

Anonymous said...

Hey some things look like they are turning your way after the eye and teeth problems. The sun is shingin on you.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like things are beginning to fall into place. Yay!

Anonymous said...

I loved laying tile floors and counters.  It wasn't exactly easy.  OK, it was exacting, but I really got into it.  I think it's great you're looking into the columnist position.  Don't work too hard.

Anonymous said...

OMGosh! How cool if you will be writing for a paper!  If he doesn't LOVE your writing style, he is an idiot!  Good luck!  JAE

Anonymous said...

I love doing home improvements. I don't know how to do many things and unfortunately have noone to show me how to do such things but I think I would enjoy the challenge. It sounds like moving is going to be a wonderful adventure for you in the long run. I find myself in the same position right now. I can afford to find a job I WANT as opposed to not being able to pay the mortgage. That is a nice position to find yourself in. Good luck! Nelle

Anonymous said...

Mary, I am convienced that YOU can do anything you set your mind to. I admire you so much. We still need a get together to talk about Kentucky. One door closes and another one opens.  Anne

Anonymous said...

I hope you get a writing job. That would be just perfect for you.

Anonymous said...

Please follow up on that writing gig. You are a gifted writer and it's about time you make money out of your talent.

Anonymous said...

Hey Girl! Thanks for stopping by, when you get done painting, come back over and read the essay, let me know what you think. About this Pisces thing, well, if anyone can be a writer, it's a Pisces. Your perspective is far-reaching and profound with a philosophical perspective that allows you to see what many others miss. Good Luck! (not that you will need any extra luck) because this writing gig is yours, all you have to do is plant a flag in it and call it your own. Dalene of AHH at http://journals.aol.com/ahhliving/AHH

Anonymous said...

You are my hero, Mary.  You always have such a positive attitude about everything.  Home renovation?  Moving to a new city?  Getting another job?  You have a way of getting stoked about it, instead of getting mired in nostalgia and uncertainty, as I certainly would do.  You rock!  Lisa  :-]

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to see before and after pics!

Anonymous said...

Your positive attitude is inspiring and will be immensely helpful in dealing with the not-so-certain future. I have no doubt that you will succeed in your new endeavors.  Moving is always a traumatic & draining experience, but it can be very rewarding to discover new places - -I've never liked to stagnate in one place for very long. Good luck with your writing.....and with those bathroom tiles!

Anonymous said...

You have a wonderful way of writing, you also are so positive and that is inspiring.

Monica
http://journals.aol.com/photographybymon/Mamarazzi/
http://journals.aol.com/sonensmilinmon/SmilinMonsAdventures/

Anonymous said...

Your attitude about change is inspiring!  I hope your move will fill your life with new friends, enjoyment and knowledge! Best of luck with the newspaper!  What they'd be missing if they didn't hire you!  Lisa

Anonymous said...

I loved Tempest.  Saw them for the first time at the Pacific Northwest Highland Games in Enumclaw, Washington last year.  Very dynamic, uplifting, and excellent.  Lucky you...have fun and enjoy yourself!
~Dona  http://journals.aol.com/delela1/BlueSkiesandGentleBreezes