So, this is where we're at...

With Pratik nearing the completion of his PhD, our time in California is (possibly) dwindling. We're still as clueless as ever as to what lies ahead, but you can rest assured once we know for sure, I'll be the first to scream it from the rooftops, make spreadsheets and get the ball rolling. I've been planning for this for four years, but since 2010 started, I've been telling myself to forget about it. Or at least stop hinging reality onto every possibility...it leads to a lot of let downs! So I am not actively planning (i.e. Google mapping living arrangements in Timbuktu) at quite possibly the very time I should be...
Here's where we are: we're both sad at the possibility of leaving California. We're very attached to San Francisco. And, after all, Molly is a California girl! In addition, we've talked about moving to every place under the sun imaginable. Still, no clear picture at this point of what our future holds.
I am everything at this point: frustrated that I don't know yet, sad to leave California, and yet stuck in a rut if I don't go "somewhere new." However, as my wise mother pointed out, I do seem to like everywhere I end up, so I'm not terribly worried. I am, however, ready to burn every cardboard box I own and grow some roots for a change...roots being a big custom closet and a yard for our dog...and maybe dog #2! (Priorities.)
I know that as much as I love California and the idea of getting an old Spanish style home and never seeing snow again, I am sick to death of flying home. There really is nothing worse than cramming into that germ infested sardine can and cramming my poor puppy under the seat for 4+ hours...just to switch planes. I'd give anything to pile into our car and drive home for the holidays. And Lord forbid there's a family emergency...we've gone down that route!
But, am I ready to give up venturing out whenever I want without worrying about how I am going to get groceries to my car without slipping and falling on ice?
Well, you can see how this thought process goes and why I gave up the reins on it a little....
But just as an update, though it is 2010, we're still plugging along cluelessly. The good news? I think we'll win anywhere we go. I seem to have a way of making places my own...and keeping them in special places in my heart.
But, in closing, for your enjoyment, a blurted-out list of every place I can think of we've considered living these past few months:
Washington DC, Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, England, Germany, Midland MI (nope, not kidding...and not my choice!), LA, San Fran, New York, Boston...

(I feel like Luke Wilson in the AT&T commercial...)