Going to Carolina in my mind

[cyrano]

But going to Michigan in a van. In a month, pretty much exactly. For at least a couple of years, I think. So we should get together if you're local, especially if you would like something from me or I would like something from you. Or both.
The short of a long story is that after six months of trying to find work and two months of trying to get back to school, I'm relocating and starting over. So it's a little bit like why I came to California in the first place. Fingers crossed.

Comments

[kirbyk.livejournal.com]

Boy do I understand.

In the late 90s, California was high cost of living, but desperate for smart people, so handed out decent paying jobs easily. But then the craziness ended, as I suppose it must, and it just became expensive without the surplus of jobs.

But it was sure great while it lasted.

[cyranocyrano.livejournal.com]

What you said.
And once I'm rich and famous, I'll be back again. Or I'll be in Seattle living on my own island.

[roseneko.livejournal.com]

*hug*

Just did the relocation thing myself, albeit under slightly better circumstances. Seems to be working out okay for us, so here's hoping it's a plus for you as well. (And I get to see you! Yay!)

[cyranocyrano.livejournal.com]

You are an inspiration. And I'm looking forward to seeing you again.

[phillipalden.livejournal.com]

Yours is not the first exodus, nor will it be the last. I was saddened and frustrated when my friends moved away because housing was too expensive, and now I'm angry that my friends are again forced to move due to the criminal behavior of people who are not being held accountable for said behavior.

This bullshit has to stop!

But I understand the terrible decision you were forced to make. I was in the same place shortly before I met Erik. The Bay Area was becoming too expensive for me to live here, and I was working full-time!

I hope you are able to come back soon. The Bay Area will be a poorer place without you.

[cyranocyrano.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the kind thoughts. And I hope to be back soon. Looking forward to seeing you.

[wildpaletz.livejournal.com]

I totally understand moving from CA, as you probably figure :). My only fear is because of what's happened to our friend. It's a lot cheaper, but the jobs are even more rare. Then again, if you get a good job and need a buddy, we know someone who could use a job there too.

Are you bringing your car? It's really not like SF re: walkability. I think that really hurt our friend's situation.

If you need to get away and wanna come visit, we're probably about 5-6 hours south and east by car.

[cyranocyrano.livejournal.com]

Your fear is completely justified. It is a great concern of mine as well, I assure you. I'm not bringing my car, because I don't think she'd do well on the roads there, but I'm going to be replacing her. I promise. (:
And I will definitely want to visit, once things get settled. (Plus, Rowan is working at Penn State, and I would like to see her too.)

[wildpaletz.livejournal.com]

What's up with your car? I ask because we have the same cars we had in CA and they're fine. Then again, it's less snowy here and (I kid you not) the municipalities actually can afford to still plow the roads here.

Yes. They are plowing the roads less in Michigan because of money problems.

Anyway, I know *nothing* about the specific town you're going to, but my sense is that much of Michigan is more like where I grew up in NC--not really walkable. One of the things I like about Pittsburgh is that it actually has a couple really walkable neighborhoods.

I think we may be on the way (or at least one way) to Penn State. :)

[cyranocyrano.livejournal.com]

My concerns are mostly (a) that she's really low slung and (b) that the road conditions were really craptacular--cracks and potholes and whatnot--and I'm not sure she'd take that very well.

[wildpaletz.livejournal.com]

Oh god, that's definitely true.

FWIW, it's true for most of north of Baltimore where I've lived. Winter/freezing/ice is really tough on roads.

[wildpaletz.livejournal.com]

PS fine but with better tires :). And the winter is hard on them, but they aren't subarus with 4-wheel drive, is I guess what I'm trying to say.