After 15 years I’ve decided it’s time to head east, I’m going to move back to Ohio to be closer to my family. It was a hard decision. I love it here. I have great friends, an amazing support system and there is so much to do. This is home.
But it’s time. I want to reconnect with my family. Spend more time with my nephews. It’s cheaper to fly to Europe from there. Ok, not really a reason but a fun bonus.
I’m nervous. Excited. Scared. Anxious. Ready. Not Ready. Sad. Thrilled.
I can’t really wrap my brain around the fact that I’m leaving. I visit Ohio, I haven’t lived there for 21 years. This isn’t an October Road situation. I’m not going back to all my childhood friends. I don’t really know anyone there beyond my family. Will I be able to find a job? What do I want to do? Will I be forced to work at Wal-Mart again? Am I being crazy?
Possibly. Probably. But you gotta shake things up every now and again. I’m telling myself that if after 3-6 months if I don’t like it I can come back. But it really feels like the end for me and Southern California.
So I am conducting my own farewell tour, revisiting favorite restaurants, touring former haunts, seeing people important to me and making sure I soak up all of the beach I can.
It’s just surreal. I don’t think I can quite wrap my brain around this notion that I’m leaving at the end of January. Six weeks. That’s it. Yikes.
I’m thinking about doing the same thing, from Chicago. As I get older, I miss what is left of my family, and the reasons for living in a large city are becoming less important.
I have the same fears as you, esp. about the work situation. I don’t want to work at Walmart either
But the job situation here in Chicago is not so great anymore, and housing has become unaffordable…
I wish you all the best, and will keep an eye on your blog!
Thanks for the good wishes. I have less than 30 days til the big move. I’m freaking out. This feels monumental and life changing. UGH! Maybe I need to just breathe.