California, Here I Come…

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Right back where I started from – or almost.

I grew up in Hollister, CA, and we’re headed to Pleasanton soon (just outside Oakland).

When WaMu failed and was bought the same day by JP Morgan/Chase, we were sent into immediate uncertainty–Steve’s in finance at WaMu. We learned that by Dec. 1st, the new company would divide employees into one of three camps: 1) laid off, 2) kept short-term to transition, 3) retained w/the new company.

A 33% chance of still having a job after Dec. 1 with 3 mos severance meant our income for a family of 8 runs out by February. Not great. That week, Steve heard from a couple of headhunters with interesting jobs (one being the one he just accepted). None of them were local.

If the “new WaMu” retained him, the offices turned out to be in either Columbus, OH, or New York City. So it looked like moving was imminent no matter what.

Steve went to Oakland and interviewed, and really liked the job he’d be doing there. It seemed hand-cut out just for him. 

I haven’t been back to Hollister since I left it over 20 years ago–but I love the beaches, I love the youth girls’ camp my kids would go to (Camp Ritchie), and a host of other beautiful things there. It’s just… not here.

It was hard to uproot everything and leave Kansas City three years ago to come here, and I hoped more than anything we wouldn’t have to pick up the kids in the middle of high school again – that’s just crummy. Sarah auditioned for Drum Major last month, and we still hadn’t had an offer. We got little phone calls informing us about relo packages, or benefits, things that told us they must be interested, but no actual offer until after the auditons.

Sarah made Drum Major at the Veteran’s Day Parade - we were very happy for her. But our hearts were heavy. Steve turned in his acceptance and resignation, and the kids were both sad and happy, but they all understand what we were facing.

We’re happy for this miracle of a custom-made job landing in our laps, so soon after the WaMu announcement, before it went down to the wire. We feel very blessed by the Lord in all this, and acknowledge His hand of providence with profound gratitude. It hasn’t been a hard decision – just an emotional one.

But we’re already crying, and a little homesick. Steve has enjoyed his 3 years working on the Seattle waterfront like nothing else in this world. And Seattle might be my favorite place on the planet.

The book is still not finished, and is still a top priority (after taking care of kids & family!), but moving is right up there too. There’s a nice relo package with the job, so there’s less I have to stress over this time–no packing to worry about–but just leaving is stressful enough.

Anyway, we’re moving in late January after the semester here is over. Steve starts work in early December and will be home often to visit. Our house will be listed on the market after we move. We hope it sells quickly, but have realistic expecations. Last time we sold a home it took five months.

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