Around this time last year, I was having these VERY strong "premonitions" that something "big" was going to happen to me in 2011. I wasn't sure what, but I just KNEW something was going to happen! When I left Youth Court for Friends of the Elderly in February, I thought THAT might be it. But, instead, the feeling persisted.
As many of you know, while I loved the mission, the size (and the location!), etc. of Friends of the Elderly, I found soon after I started that the org was seriously effed up. Unfortunately, due to the terms of my "separation agreement," I can't share any details, but I think the "simple" fact that they are now looking for their SIXTH Executive Director in five years gives at least a hint of the "issues."
In any case, the end came rather suddenly - thanks to both parties. So I had to make a decision as to what to do next. Of course, for anyone that knows me, you'd probably NEVER guess I'd consider a return to Oklahoma. But over the past year or so, I actually found myself a little "homesick."
I went back in February for a week and really enjoyed hanging out with my sibs, parents, nieces & nephews, etc. Both my brother Danny and my kid sister Angel have adorable little girls I'd like to see more, and said kid sister is also in the midst of an exciting adventure to adopt a baby boy from Africa - an experience I'd like to share in and support.
My brother Danny actually has a wife that I like AND is an awesome and nice person! I don't know HOW he bagged her! ;)
Also, as it turns out, my kid brother Mikey recently returned to Oklahoma from an, er, "adventure" in Arizona, and I'd like to help support him in getting his life together, etc.
And, of course, the parental units (all three of them) are getting "up there" in years - like ME! - and I'd like to spend more time with them.
It's just unfortunate they all happen to live in Oklahoma! :) Also, my meager unemployment will definitely stretch much farther in Oklahoma, so...
Yes, I'll bitch about the weather. Yes, I'll bitch about the politics. And the culture. But due to the outrageous hours I was putting in at my job, I haven't really been "taking advantage" of living in San Francisco for over a year. And there is, frankly, no way I could find another job quickly enuf here to keep from losing my apt., my savings (such as they are), etc.
Too, there's probably the issue of my inherited "gypsy feet" - my grandma had that bad, and she passed it down! I only wish she were still around for me to see again. Best. Grandmother. Ever.
No doubt, this move is NOT permanent. I can not EVEN envision retiring there. But, due to cost of living, I can't imagine retiring in SF, either. Thus, my secret, master plan is to move back to OK and spend the next 3-5 years convincing folks to move to Portland, OR - where I just spent this past Thanksgiving and really enjoyed.
My date of departure is tentatively scheduled for 12/20. Hit me up if you wanna hang out before I leave!
