Dear Readers:
I’ve been keeping this blog for 12 years. I started it because I was about to make a class of students start one. I figured I needed to practice what I preached.
Anyway, though I’ve traveled all over the place and written about my adventures, my home base (i.e., where I get my mail) has always been Georgia.
That changes today. I’m Missouri bound.
Q: Um … why?
A: I got a great new job, and I’ll be based in St. Louis.
Q: Isn’t that where your birth family is?
A: Yes. The universe clearly has something to say. It’s also where I have loads of adopted family.
Q: Is your family excited?
A: Excited for me, yes. But Eddie and the boys aren’t coming with me right now.
Q: What?
A: Yeah. Eddie did not thrive when we moved to Atlanta. He missed Savannah, his job, his friends. So he went back to work at his old job. He’s much happier. The boys are staying in Atlanta with friends until winter break, then they will join him. I’ll be back with them as often as I can, and we’ll work it out.
Q: You think this is the right decision?
A: I effing hope so. We had many family discussions. We decided on this plan together.
Q: You’re ok?
A: Eh. In general. I watched two episodes of “Intervention” last night because I couldn’t sleep. Of course, I convinced myself I was scarring the children. I told Gideon that this morning. He rolled his eyes at me. So maybe I’m not scarring the children.
Q: But what if you are?
A: What if I am? This is the path we chose together. At least the boys will see their parents doing jobs they really like.
Q: When do you start?
A: Monday. I’ll be staying in university housing for two months. My plan is to find a permanent place this week, so I can make arrangements to get all my stuff moved up there.
Q: And you’re sure you’re ok?
A: Well, there’s been plenty of ugly crying. I made a road-trip playlist. I got to “Wide Open Spaces” around Chattanooga, and lost my shit.
If you are inclined, send positive thoughts my way as I (we) embark on this new journey.
I am looking forward to writing about a new environment. I’m sure the Show Me State is named that for a reason.
Meet me in St. Louis,
Beth
Observe and report 
Good luck! We live in COVID times. There’s always Zoom. If you’re a family that usually watches things together, various companies built features into their apps to deal with distance. You can do viewing parties on Amazon Prime and Disney+ I believe. And iOS 15 has SharePlay which will let you watch and listen to things together with other people remotely. https://www.apple.com/ios/ios-15/
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Thank you. That’s the plan. Gideon and I are hoping some service will let us watch Jersey Shore Family Vacation together. 😉
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It’s an MTV property so if it’s on a service it’s Paramount+. And once you get through that there’s probably like 30 seasons of NCIS if you’re into cop shows where the cops are the ones that commit the most crimes.
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No thanks. 🙂
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Wow! I wish you all the best! ❤
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Though I’m sad for Oglethorpe to lose you, I’m excited for your new adventure. Your new university is lucky to have you!
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They have been so great so far. I feel loved and wanted!
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