Wednesday, August 27, 2008

(Re)Location, (Re)Location, (Re)Location

Today we began in earnest. We made the decision about a week ago. But today was the day.

Yep, we want to be outta Dodge in about 6 months. I applied for three jobs Down South in the past week, and DH applied for one BIG job Down South today. I also got in contact with a real estate agent Down South today, too. DH plans on applying for more jobs, and I will be getting in touch with the Down South JobBank tomorrow via telephone to find out how we apply for jobs and work with them on relocating from afar.

This is the culmination of a dream that's about 15 years old. I'm not good with the sun, my skin's too sensitive for salt water and sand, but you know what? I don't give a damn. I NEED to be near the sea. DH really wants this, too, and we will be working diligently to make it happen.

For once, I want to do something on my own that I want to do - I don't want to make the move at someone else's urging (like we did when we moved to North Carolina 10 years ago) - that only ended up with us coming back home 2 years later. It wasn't the right time, and we were never truly "at home" when we were down there. Now, with this move Down South, it's all us - WE have decided that this is what is right, WE have decided it's time, and actually, it's at the behest of everyone else that has any influence on our lives. Our friends will be sad to see us go - one has already told me as much - but at least she agrees that the time is right, and that this is the right thing to do. Heck, my BFF, when I told her I was going, said, "Hey, I might go with ya!"

If that's not a vote of confidence, I don't know what is.

So....therefore, wish us luck. We'd like to get everything done and get moved within 3 - 6 or 8 months. That includes new jobs, a new home, Conman enrolled in a new school, daycare secured, all the stuff that goes around with just daily life. It's a big proposition, especially with a young child, but I'm more ready for this than for anything I've ever been in my life.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Just Play

It's been 16 days now, and I just finished watching the Olympic Closing Ceremonies. There's a reason why I waited until after it was all over to post on the topic of the Olympics. But we'll get to that in just a minute.

First, I need to explain a little bit. One of the reasons I started this blog is because DH always says, "You look at the world a little bit different from the rest of people. There's a perspective you have that I don't think the majority of the world shares". Now, I told you that for a reason, too; it does relate to the Olympics. I was thinking while I was watching the Ceremony, and some of the clips they were showing as the program ended.

When it comes down to it, the old cliche of "Just do it" kinda applies. These men and women (and sometimes boys and girls) practice their entire lives. They work, they train, they get their routines and times and positions and bodies into as perfect shape as they can. When it comes down to it, though, and that starting pistol fires, all that doesn't really matter. They just swim. Or just run. Or just jump. Or just do about a hundred other activities that can either bring complete joy or utter disappointment. All that training, all that practice, it all comes down to just a few moments of competition and performance that will last a lifetime.

Just think - fifty years from now, Michael Phelps may have a grandchild sitting on his knee with one of his gold medals in his hands, paying rapt attention to his grandad as he explains the exhilaration of touching the wall and winning his 8th gold medal for the 2008 Olympics. The rest of the world may have moved on, may have forgotten about his achievements, but they'll live on in Phelp's heart and through his family.

I think the stories of strength - the stories of those that didn't win, maybe didn't even place, but competed anyway and didn't give up - are the stories that I will hold in my heart. The South African woman who lost her leg in a car accident but still competed in the open-water swimming competition. The Russian mother who won the marathon. The unbelievable Chinese athletes who did their country proud in the competitions, and the army of Chinese volunteers who made Beijing a welcoming, comfortable place for the world to call "home" for 16 days.

Thanks, Olympics. You show us that everyone has a chance for glory, and that the world can come together in peace. The world could learn a lot from the sportsmanship and good will displayed by its athletes.