Subtle Suggestion:  (Okay, maybe I shouldn't be so subtle?)  Some of my loyal followers have pointed out that the blog is best enjoyed in chronological order.  I agree whole-heartedly.  Many entries refer back to previous posts, ideas, discoveries, incidents, allegations, etc.  You get the picture.  I really hope that you enjoy, reflect, and perhaps walk away with an insight or two from my aimless musings.  That, however, is best accomplished if you begin at the beginning...  Occasionally, I ask someone I really care about, "Hey, have you read my blog?"  And they will say, "I looked at it" or "I browsed it."  I'm afraid it's not one of those 'browsable' or 'perusable' pieces of prose, it is really meant to be read....  

HAPPY READING.  I TRULY HOPE YOU'LL BEGIN WITH DAY ONE.


So, I'm back in Southern California...  So what?  Notice that I didn't say I was 'home.'  Southern California has never felt like home to me and I suppose it never will...  Take that for what it's worth.  If my peanut didn't have her own little peanut, I'm not sure I would have come back at all.  Who knows?  And since the point is moot, I'm going to continue now.

The first thing that you become aware of once you begin traversing the freeways of SoCal is the high level of angst, anger, and aggressiveness that you can detect on the faces of the drivers.  Everyone has some place to be (okay, save me), and everyone is doing their level best to make it there as quickly as possible....  Okay, stop right there!  Not everyone is doing their level best; they're texting, reading, talking on the phone, putting on makeup, driving slow in the left lane, sending and receiving faxes, pretty much every- and any-thing in addition to driving that you can possibly think of.  It all adds up to one big, giant mess.  I prefer not to take part in that, thank you.

So, how do I avoid this morass we call 'traffic' in Southern California?  Well, there are several ways:

1.  Relocate.  This has been suggested to me many times.  I've considered it many times.  I haven't yet done it, and I've been living here for over 20 years...  What's up with that?

2.  Telecommute.  A possibility if I can get a job teaching on-line.  If I didn't have to drive on the freeway, would I be okay living in SoCal?

3.  Do something else to make money other than teaching.

4.  Find someplace in SoCal that I like.  I loved living in Santa Barbara, but that is an expensive proposition. I might be able to live out in the desert away from the populous areas, because I won't be around in the summertime anyway...

5.  Give in and become a Californian.  I don't know, this seems a rather draconian solution, and one of which I am not very fond...

6.  Get a great job and find a great place to live right next door.  I tried this approach with my last gig - apartment was .6 miles from school, but too many other night time commitments (teaching) to be able to stay off the dreaded freeways...  Also, teaching in Santa Monica (SM), and living in SM, means paying SM rents, and SM rates for food, etc.

7.  Die.  Not ready for this one yet.


I have definitely ruled out Los Angeles (LA) as a place to live.  I just don't feel at ease in the megalopolis that is Los Angeles.  I could do Orange County (OC) or San Diego (SD), but each have their drawbacks as well...  Places I liked on my trip and could where I could possibly live:

Greenville, SC
Wilmington, NC
Tupelo, MS
Albuquerque, NM
Flagstaff, AZ
the High Desert in CA
Denver, CO
Asheville, NC (Okay, I didn't pass through Asheville this time, but I've already fallen in love with this area on my last cross-country trip in 2002.)

Each of these places have so many things to offer and many have four seasons - albeit of a milder variety than the ones I experienced in New England.  Many of them come complete with friends and loved ones.  Many are in areas with beautiful biking, riding, camping, and hiking.  Well, something to think about, anyway.

So, what are my current priorities then, if finding a place to live is not at or near the top of the list?

1.  Finish my damn dissertation!  Need to wrap up my doctoral studies and get those last set of letters hanging behind my name...  This will also open up other avenues to investigate, as well.

2.  Get in some semblance of shape.  Yes, round is a shape, ha ha...  I can hear you saying it now.  I have rediscovered my love of hiking and I think many hours spent out on the trail will help me physically and mentally.

3.  Find a source of revenue.  Okay, perhaps this should have been number 1 on the list.  So sue me.  (Good luck with that...)

4.  Spend time with people I care about...  Now, this is carefully worded, because it would be nice to be in a relationship with someone and to be able to do 'couples' stuff, but I don't know if I am ready for a relationship right now, or if I could even hold up my end of a relationship.  In the meantime, I've got some wonderful, loving friends and family with whom it is a pleasure to spend time.

5.  Figure out who I am.  Sad, but true.  More introspection and exploration spiritually, as well as philosophically.  I still like the person I am and feel that I have much to offer the world, I suppose I just need to focus and channel my energies in the proper direction...  (Shit!  I sound just like Tony Robbins or John Tesh or Dr. Phil, or something...  Heavy sigh...  I have become a cliche...)


While it's good to be 'back', I realize that I still have a lot of work to do before I am a fully actualized human being.  Thanks for your help so far, and I promise you haven't heard the last from me and my blog.

Have an awesome day, everyone!