live somewhere other than Michigan

lived in Michigan. I guess I have completed this goal. =)

Due to our initial plan being CRUSHED by the real estate market, it looks like we’re going to be in Michigan for another year. But we’re hoping to get out of Flint as soon as possible, and to try some new opportunities downstate, maybe in Detroit.

I only have two more days of my current job. And my boyfriend finds out today about his potential relo (where / when).

I’m nervous. Cross your fingers for me!

A few things are being set in motion for my boyfriend’s potential relocation through his company.

Our top cities from the available list are, in this order:

1. Chicago, IL
2. Boston, MA
3. Charlotte, NC
4. Memphis, TN

I think he has a meeting today with a couple of people who could get this thing moving and shaking. I have my fingers crossed.

Continued setbacks due to the down market in real estate here in MI. My beautiful baby told me to make plans to move to Chicago on my own, as he didn’t want me getting stuck in MI (it has that effect on people.) I told him No Way, Jos�! Our relationship is way too amazing (not to mention hot) to burn out because of some stupid, preventable condition like distance. I am sticking it out and when we go, we’ll go together.

He’s looking into different options, so the vaguery involved in “live somewhere other than Michigan” might be founded. Chicago might not be the only destination in the running any more. Strangely, this doesn’t phase me at all. I’m actually kind of excited.

We’re going to talk about it all more later.

“Well, it’s a test, but I believe
A kiss is all we need.”

A few hours after I wrote that last entry there were some pretty significant changes to… well, not only “The Plan” but my life in general.

The good news: I get the perfect “roommate,” the one I hoped for all along. (The extra bonus is I’m totally in love with him. ;)

The “meh” news: the move has to be put on hold for a bit. While perhaps this is a bit frustrating, it’s just “meh” news, not bad news by any stretch, because it’s a chance for us to get some personal stuff sorted out, and to save some extra money up.

I’m reading my moving book. I’m packing up out of season clothes and CDs, anything I don’t need on hand for daily life. Trying to pay off small debts, make plans. Trying to keep the momentum going in spite of the short pause.

Bought myself a couple of Valentine’s Day presents; see attached (the Wilco is just for fun.) Emailed my friend Whitney about potentially rooming together in Chicago (she has already lived there a year, which would be a real plus.)

Started putting together a spreadsheet of one-time move expenses – I have surprisingly few so far, maybe that book I ordered will enlighten me to things I’m missing – and monthly expenses… Got phone / utils / rent / transport card / groceries / health insurance (if I don’t get a job that covers it) / laundry… Anything major I’m missing? Like car payments / insurance? OH WAIT!! I don’t have to worry about those!!!! * does a little dance * (seriously, though, if you have insight for me on the subject, please let me know.)

I decided not to apply to grad school.

I decided I’m moving to Chicago.

I hung up the CTA map I got on my last trip there. Thought it might be nice to see what I’m shooting for. When I’m fed up and frustrated being here, it’s a reminder that I won’t have to be much longer.

In truth, though, I keep looking at it, and it is scaring me horribly.

This is BIG.

When I moved out before, I moved twenty minutes away from home. I was in college, so everything was planned out and cut into nice 55 minute blocks. Scheduled auditions, the same professors and their predictable casting biases. Treading a path hundreds had trod.

I’m planning to move five hours away from home, with less of a plan than I’ve ever had in my life.

I am so, so scared.

Now that I’ve decided, I’m more worried than ever that this is the wrong way to go.

Am I wasting my other talents? Should I get my degrees and get it over with??

God. This is hard.

Iv’e never been to Michigan. But I know it’s cold in the winter, and I hate being cold. Today in Sacramento CA it was 42 degrees F. I thought I was going to die.

I will go back to Michigan but for now I need to grow and evolve elsewhere. The D.. I love you.. but I must move on.