Did I say that?

Did I say Oklahoma City? What I really meant was Memphis. Yeah, that's it... they're easily confused. Approximately an hour before Aaron called OKC to ACCEPT the job, he (for some unknown and crazy reason) decided to submit his application for a nearly identical job in Memphis, TN. A few short days later, after confirming everything with Integris, Aaron gets a call from Memphis. Significant pay increase mentioned, Aaron was soon shuffled onto a plane to check things out for himself. After a weekend of wining, dining and apartment searching with his future bosses, Aaron decided to change the address on his acceptance letter from OKC to Memphis.

I'm thrilled about the change, even if it is abrupt and chaotic. We had very little time to act, however, and between teaching, moving Aaron's stuff into my sister's shed (temporarily until he can move to Memphis), clearing out of our old apartment, moving into Monica and Corey's basement, and knowing that I'll lose Aaron in less than a week...well, I'm exhausted.

I've also decided to finish out the 1st quarter at Blair Oaks and then join Aaron in Memphis. Mr. Matlick was none too pleased to hear this, as you can well imagine. I've promised to help find possible replacements, but that still isn't going to change the fact that the class will be in turmoil for a while when I leave. A friend with whom I graduated has sent in her resume, although she's certified for business, not English. I know she's be a great teacher though. Mr. Matlick mentioned today that she'd called... rather made it sound like he's leaning towards her being a permanent sub for some maternity leaves, rather than step in for me. Which at least gets her in the door.. but she's not likely to stick around the next year when the then-mom returns to reclaim her position.

I'm glad I've made the decision to follow Aaron in Oct. During the first weeks of school, I was so terrified and depressed that I knew I couldn't use Aaron's new job as an excuse to run away from my fears. But, since then I've gotten my Shi'ite together, and somehow, now that I'm confident and know what I'm doing, I realize that I can leave for the right reasons.

O-ren Ishii Ashenafi Poo Poo Kitty Buck is settling in nicely here in the basement, given the fact that there are, residing in the house, another cat and a large chocolate lab. Miss Princess arrived quite dignified, was checking out the place calmly and curiously... and then a flurry of wet noses, toothy hisses and low gutteral rrrrr's. Sadly, I must admit that, excepting the wet nose, the hissy fit was all O-ren's doing.

It feels so odd to be "home" in somebody else's home. I intrude wherever I step. I'm sure I'll lose weight here since I feel rude just browsing their kitchen for food or drink. Little things... laundry, trash... taking a shower when tee only shower to use is upstairs. Mon's glad I'm here... but I'll be ready to move to Memphis. I can never truly relax here.