Changes Come With Springtime

 This was an email I sent to the family and other persons.  In case I didn't get you with it, here it is.

Dear Friends and Family,

I am making a change.  I like you, so I want to tell you about it.

For some time, I have been talking about Tumbleweed Tiny Houses.  For some time, I have been wanting to teach, to write, to be at home; to spend some time in the woods, to hang out with my family.

I decided a few months ago to leave my job in June, but after spending time at home over the break I've changed my mind.  So, I'm going to finish the project I'm working on, and my last day at my job will be in the end of February.  While I have found an amazing community of friends and Friends (Quakers) here, I feel a powerful draw to spend some time really being at home, being with my family, before I start teaching in the fall.

Speaking of teaching, I had an interview with the Baltimore City Teaching Residency last weekend -- it went well.  I'll find out in a week and a half if I get it.  I've applied to two other fellows programs and two grad schools; I find out soon.  I have a lead on a job at Michie Tavern in Virginia in the meantime.

Perhaps it's folly to give up a job and friends to go home, to write, to look for teaching jobs, to spend Real Time with my family and friends who remain there -- but I don't think this change is silly at all.  I feel we have a right, an obligation, to do what makes us happy when we know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that it will.  I have found pieces of joy in this life here; I know, now, so MUCH more about myself than I did a year ago; I know how to build a life out of people, not stuff; I think I've gotten what I needed out of Texas.  It's time to move on.  The act is scary, but the thought is comforting.

So I want to shed the stuff, sell most of my furniture, and go home.  I've got a book in me; I'm going to go get it out before I throw myself into being a teacher.  There are logistics to this; I've got a lead on a waitressing job, I've got a subletter.  If any of you are interested in buying some books or furniture, I've got some pretty great stuff.  I'll give it to you for a few bucks + shipping and handling. 

The timeline: I'm leaving my job on February 18th, moving out of my apartment on February 20th, going to Spain for a few weeks, and then I'm driving to Virginia on March 13th.

I feel an immense amount of relief when I think about packing up my car and being at home.  I'm worried about not being able to sell my couch and stuff, but I feel the way will open.  When we are honest and clear about our lives, it always does, doesn't it?

I'm not feeling particularly eloquent right now; the West Wing is in the background so I'm not focusing, I'm hungry, and I'm tired from thinking about logistics, but this decision feels good.  You should know that after the 15th of March I'll be living with my dad.  I'll be there until a teaching fellows program starts (June), if I get into one, or grad school (August), if I get in there.  Alternately, neither of those options pan out, and I will be doing something completely different.  Whatever that thing is, it'll be within driving distance of the Shenandoah Valley, I can tell you that much!

Anyway, that's what's up in my life.  What's up with yours?  I hope you're as happy as I am... :^).

Love,
Morgan