Moving Forward

Yesterday, Caspian and I got our lease end notice - it's up in August. If we renew for another year, our rent will actually be going down. Unfortunately, Caspian is losing his job at the end of July, and I don't want to pay for this posh locale without his contribution. He's planning on teaching voice lessons and working on his Young Artist Program and graduate program audition pieces, full-time, and will likely only be able to afford to cover his personal expenses (excluding food and rent, which are shared). Sigh. Looks like we need to get on the ball and find a new place to live.

We have until August to decide whether we could possibly be booking it out-of-state in the next year or not. If not... I would seriously consider buying a house. If so, I think I'd be willing to downgrade significantly and live in a collegiate-style apartment, which would likely cost 50% less than what we're paying now. Bah! Downgrading.

While neither Caspian nor I are particularly attached to the concept of "home" (Caspian much less so than I), it's been over a decade since I have experienced that "I have a Place" feeling. That deep understanding that one has an absolute point in space to call his/her own. I haven't stayed in a single place for more than two years, and usually much less. It would be nice to stay somewhere for awhile, for maybe 5 years or so - but that would mean resigning ourselves to the opportunities that arise for he and I in this area.

I personally feel like moving elsewhere. This city is nice, but I despise the politics, public schools and overall miasma of ignorance that lies just beyond the influence of the several quality universities and enterpreneurial and research hubs in the area. It's also flat here, hot and... So familiar. I feel a pull toward the Pacific northwest, where there are mountains to gaze at, the weather is fickle, and there is a presiding liberal political/cultural atmosphere.

It would be nice to have the geographical stability to start and finish my PhD. ;)

Speaking of degrees, Caspian and I took today off work to attend my baby sister's college graduation! She is now in possession of two Bachelor of Science degrees, one in anthropology and one in archaeology. I ate a GINORMOUS piece of cake (or two) at the boutique we visited afterward, but couldn't go to the departmental picnic because Caspian had to be home at 6:30 for rehearsal. Traffic was horrendous on the way back. It took us 1 hr. 10 mins. to drive there, and nearly 2 hours to return home!

3rd project is complete as of this evening! Look at my mediocre topstitching! I'm so proud.