i have a plan!

well people, i have come to a decision of sorts.

for the last, well, forever, i have been trying to get out of here. i have waffled on location, sometimes feeling one way, then another. i have waffled on timing, wanting to go asap, but not having the financial resources to do so. so many factors and decisions that seem to elude me constantly.

for the past couple of months, a 'dark horse' location has been tugging at my strings. i still don't feel as though i have gotten the 'be all end all' confirmation that this is 'the place', but i can't deny some of the feelings i've been having about it.

so, after a conversation with my wise friend deb, who does not read this blog, but still knows how wise she is, i have started to put one foot in front of the other.

i reserve the right to change my mind, and i'm sure none of you will be surprised if i do, but for this very moment, i have a plan.

the 'plan' is to put in my notice on september 1st and work through September 15th. this gives me a chance to resolve some things (i.e. finish paying off debt, get my car fixed, and finish my tooth implant process) before i leave. it also gives a decent amount of time for someone to replace me before the next event.

on the 16th, i will hop in my car and drive out to california--sadly, leaving my dog with my parents--where i will be living with my cousin's family for a month. the hope is that if i am actually there, i will be able to secure a job and housing.

if after a month, i have failed miserably, i will return to virginia and try another approach.

i'm incredibly excited about this plan. (southern) california is a place i have always dreamed of living, but with virtually no contacts or support network there, i never had a 'reason.' it is the least logical of all of the choices, yet it gives me warm fuzzies.

also giving me warm fuzzies is the drive out there...i'm planning to spend about a week on the road, making stops in savannah, new orleans, san antonio, phoenix, then on to santa ana. i have never been to the first three and have always wanted to go. i have friends in san antonio and phoenix, so if i can figure out cheap lodging in savannah and new orleans, this could be the best trip EVER!

so there you have it..the plan of the moment. i'll admit, it's the first time one of my 'plans' has me this insanely giddy. i'm sure the terror will set in as it approaches, but it's only a month, right? and if it doesn't work, it doesn't work. and if it does...