Geeze, I just post an innocuous little thought I had, you guys are all over it! I can't get away with anything around here! ; )
First of all, nothing has changed with Ralph since I last posted. I haven't seen him in three weeks, but we've talked on the phone a couple of times. We exchanged Christmas presents, as we usually do, but not in person. Perhaps, we'll start dating at some point, but there's no telling if or when, and I'm Ok with that.
As for the idea of moving. I really don't mind sharing, but I hope I won't sound like I'm looking for a pity party. For a couple of months now, along with the general holiday stress, I've been stressing about several things, most of which I think I've mentioned at some point. Erin has a new step-mother coming into her life, someone I've only met once briefly. My ex has lost his job, and he has some time to find another one, but may or may not be able to match his current income, and may or may not be able to stay in Denver. He also, during his period of unemployment, wants to travel for periods of time, leaving me to hire someone (he would pay, but I dislike the idea of Erin being with non-family members 6 days a week, although I won't have much choice) to watch Erin on some Saturdays while I work. My job is satisfactory, but I haven't had an evaluation or a raise in some 4 or 5 years, and I know that they want me to work more hours, while I would like to work less. I'm not thrilled with the idea of trying to find another job, feeling that 1) I won't be able to duplicate the flexible schedule I have now, and or 2) I won't be able to match my income. I feel that the possibility is there, that I could have to make the decision to sell my house, and move to an apartment or something, OR spend a lot less time with Erin.
Whew, do you suppose that's been enough to think about for awhile? So anyway, I suddenly have this thought of moving, and the idea is appealing in some ways, and not so good in others. I've promised that I would not move Erin away from her father, unless he chose to move first, so it's not something to seriously consider before that happens.
I do think I could find a job there, in fact, there's a CPA firm that specialies in tax preparation and tax planning and they consistently have an ad in our statewide CPA Society magazine looking for people with advanced tax experience. I'm sure it's not easy for them to find qualified people, since they are in a pretty remote area of the state. I feel that I could offer my services to them, and basically be able to make my own terms as far as hours, etc. I don't know anyone there, but there's a church, and I'm sure I could start there as far as making new contacts. It would not be easy to leave the sail club, nor my church, nor Erin her school and friends. That's the downside. The other positive/negative is that it is a small town (pop.15,000) and it's fairly remote -- 350 miles from Denver and 225 from Albuquerque.
There's plenty of time before I would begin to really think about doing it. I suspect that Sean probably has a six month job search on his hands, and by then I'll have an idea of whether he finds something here or not. In the meantime, it just makes me happy to know that I have a fall back plan -- something to be excited about in case the world turns upside down. Of course, I risk being disappointed if I can't do it, but in that case, it means something postive will have happened, and at least then I won't have to go through a move, or leave our friends, etc. What it has done for me is to give me a positive view of whatever will happen, instead of sitting around saying, "oh me, oh my, whatever shall I do?
It's all good. I've never been one to be too excited about change; I much prefer predictability. The last time I was so jazzed about making some big change was when we moved to Colorado in the first place 12 years ago. I was SO ready to get out of California, and try something new, and I really feel the same way now, although I do feel that, in some ways, there is more I would be leaving behind at this point. We shall see what happens.
As always, thanks for your concern and good thoughts. But life is good, I'm feeling strong, and whatever happens, I know I'll be able to handle it. Christmas is over, and I'm really looking forward to the tax season groove, and Easter which is always a good time for me. Redemption and new beginnings and all that.
Oh, and our tax season ends this year, on the 17th of April, which happens to be the day after Easter Sunday.
