Sunday, July 31, 2005

Ya' know that old trees just grow stronger, and old rivers grow wilder ev'ry day

So how many times have you felt you needed to uproot yourself? I mean just totally change your life because you're stalled. Quit your job, pack up your shit and start over. You've spent many years building a successful business and moving will mean beginning again. It's a financial risk. You ain't 25 no mo. You haven't been since the 90's. The mid 90's. Still, not doing it is starting to look like a mental health risk, and where the mind goes, so goes the body. It's always easier to stay, right? You're comfortable. You have lots of electronic gadgety stuff, a cool place and a plush ride. Your job is satisfying about half the time. People do a lot worse. Happiness is over-rated anyway. You rationalize it like dat and then you realize that a lot of cool stuff is a lot of nothing. You feel that if you don't change your life in the next five minutes you are basically deciding to slowly kill yourself. And you let yourself feel like that for over a year.
I'm not saying I feel that way, I'm just wondering if you have. I'm a curious guy.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've packed it all in and schlepped thousands of miles 5 times in the past 20 years and I'm about ready to do it again. My Roomie and I are currently in heavy negotiations discussing a likely move to O-H-I-O.

I know you didn't, like, ask me what I thought or anything but if you're being all homo-coy and you really do feel suicidal there, you should leave. Fuck it. Nothing's worth the loss of your inner joy. But if you're being a funny man because you're just tragically fucking bored, then hang in there, I'll be bringing Moet & Chambord and a good goddamned time when I tumble out of the moving van.

-Jen

The Other Andrew said...

I made the big move from my old home town of Adelaide to Sydney in my mid-twenties. Bored of Adelaide, friends moving away, bright lights and hot pecs of Sydney calling - all were good reasons. I moved back for two years in the late 90's, for all the wrong reasons (head over heels for a man I hardly knew). I hightailed it back as soon as that all came crashing down in spectacular fashion.

I love change, when I'm driving the process. Then it's empowering.

Michael said...

Goodnight in the morning, Jen, get yourself clean before making a decision. I'm assuming you're using because otherwise, well, Ohio?
Thanks for the advice. First,you should know that I can't write for shit. I only meant to imply that when you know things are wrong but just keep doing them every day for fucking years, it's killing you. Ah, choices.
So, should I start cleaning the guest suite or is everyone sleeping with me?

Michael said...

Andrew,
For the love of Bob, you come out against handwringing posts now? It was some mood yesterday. I was almost surprised this a.m. not to wake with cramps and bloating. The abs are fine, though. See for yourself. :-)

Michael said...

::clears throat::
So, who needs a drink?

freakgirl said...

Me!

Michael said...

No problem. Now if you'll just step into the designated area....

Anonymous said...

Mon frere, it's not about a kitschy kinda love for all things midwestern. Roomie is originally from Ohio, and her mother's health is entering frail territory, so there hasn't been much debate about whether we'll go back, we're mostly just hammering out details about when and where.

Thanks for offering up the co-sleeping arrangements -- you're both dirty and a gentleman, which makes you my very favorite kind of man. ;) Hopefully we're going to buy a place before we move. We can get twice as much house in Ohio for the price of the place we live in here, so that's pretty much the plan.

-Jen

Michael said...

Yep, real estate, like talk, is cheap in Ohio. So where you lookin'?
The sleepover offer stands. ::sighs:: This must be how that dude from your high school felt.
Signed,
Cute and fun, but optional

Anonymous said...

I doubt it, since we had sex with him repeatedly. :p

Dayton area. Possibly Beavercreek. :: snerk :: Where are you?

Kisses,
Slumber Party Hostess Extraordinaire

Michael said...

Sexing him repeatedly probably did take the sting out of the later superfluous status.
Oh, have you been to the 'Creek lately? They have giant themed beavers all over town. Festive.
I grew up not more than an hour from there and was just in the 'hood last weekend visiting my sister (also known as "lovely girl, snores like a hacksaw") and her family.

Anonymous said...

My entire acquaintanceship with the state of Ohio stems from a 2-week trip in 1996. I have no idea if I was ever in Beavercreek. Mostly what I remember is a blur of ridiculously high humidity, malls and bars everywhere, Young's Dairy Farm, goofy hair, and a vast array of broadcast media. But, really? Giant themed beavers? Awesome.
-Jen

Michael said...

"....Mostly what I remember is a blur of ridiculously high humidity, malls and bars everywhere, Young's Dairy Farm, goofy hair, and a vast array of broadcast media." 1996, I'd like you to meet 2005.
If I get there again, I'll snap a beaver shot and post it for ya.