Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Announcements

Mah People:

Happy New Year! I am sorry I have been away for eons. I have been living the fabulous life of the blogless. Jealous?

So there was Christmas. It was lovely/chaotic/stressful/delicious. Then there was New Year's, and you didn't see a post from me. Surely you thought - this is not the Melissa P. HomeValley I know and love! She lives for New Year's resolutions! Where for art thou, HomeValley?

Well, I return to you bearing BIG news. I'se been busy, see, along with my cohorts here at the ranch.

We're moving.

Ever so slightly south of PA.

Texas, y'all.

We're moving to Texas.

*writer scratches head, wonders if she herself read that right*

Alas, it's true! J received a job offer from a rather prominent institution in Houston, and so on the day after Thanksgiving? We left Snooze with his grandparents and we dragged our turkey-stuffed booties to the airport at 4 AM. We flew to Houston for the day. (That's where we did this, by the by.)

It was a pleasant day. The flight was on-time and uneventful, except that we listed the states, and I listened to the song Black Sheep by Martin Sexton. I mean, really listened. I even jotted down the lyrics, as tears pricked my eyes. Here's a sampling:

Sitting in this lonely town
Wondering when things are gonna change
Dreaming my life away
It seems these dreams turn into a bunch of dust clouds

Get my nerve up
But my past has been pulling me down
Wondering how long this black sheep
Gonna stick around

I remember somebody told me once before
You can never go home again, once you leave
Say anything just to steer me away
From the truth of who I am and what I believe

So I thanked him for his two cents with a handshake, and some sympathy
And I packed up my blue jeans
And I headed for this big prize
Of my freedom.

Friends?

It was a moment.

The decision to move away from family is not an easy one, especially when you have a small child. Feelings are hurt. Loved ones are confounded/incredulous/doubtful.

In the end, of course, J and I had to be true to our hearts. And our hearts tell us that life is a gift; and that it is meant to be lived. I can't quell my adventurous spirit, and I don't want to.

Sometimes you just have to try that thing, scratch that itch.

All that said? We sipped our drinks in the Houston airport at the end of that day, and thought: We can do this. We're doing this.

And then, as the days passed... something didn't feel quite right.

I am going to yadda yadda you now, guys. You've probably got dinner plans.

Houston is hot - yadda yadda yadda - J got offered another fantastic position in Dallas.

The rest is history.

Now? We are in the throes of house selling/moving/job startin'/separating for a spell. Not the easiest few months ahead, but I love me a good challenge.

Life is meant to be lived, after all.

More to come. Until then: the stars at night, are big and bright.

xoxo,

HomeValley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAc9o6nN9ZI

(If you're not familiar with Martin, check him out. He's guaranteed to make you happy.)

7 comments:

In This Style said...

So this is the big decision you guys were mulling over, is it?! I am so glad you are choosing to be adventurous & I hope it pays off for you & your family. I moved to Texas last year (Austin--come visit! You'll love this town) and it has been a wild ride. I wish you luck with the chaos that is moving. : )

Exciting stuff! Congrats!

Just Me said...

Congrats lady! You will love Dallas. I've been here for about 8 yrs now and it is definitely home to me. I am looking forward to keeping up with your new adventures. Let me know if you need anything or have any questions about Dallas!

Isrut said...

Good Luck! I hope you'll still blog from Dallas- and that you don't become a Cowboys fan

Windy City Kelley's said...

So exciting and totally scary all at the same time! Let me know when you come and visit and we can meet up for a glass of wine (you may need one by then). :)

Homevalley said...

Thanks, ladies! Of course I will continue to blog in Big D, but I might to have rename this here page.

Foy Family said...

Welcome to the Texas Transplant Club! For some reason being in Texas feels like being in another country, far from family. But then it begins to grow on you...slowly it grows and grows. Take a deep breath and enjoy your adventure.

Anonymous said...

New to the blog scene but noticed that you'll be moving to Texas! I grew up in the south just a few hours away and you're not kidding...it's hot but hopefully you'll enjoy! We just moved up north to upstate NY so understand the hard times you've got before you! Good luck!