Brain Dump:
So, why are we pondering a relocation to Iowa? Why am I considering Iowa? Most of the none of you who read this know that the primary impetus for even thinking about all of this is the fact that Andi's job situation is not quite the right fit; the search for solutions to this situation have lead to some far-ranging considerations and Iowa is starting to emerge as our frontrunner. So, again, why Iowa?
Well, like all of these kinds of decisions, it's a complicated equation. In fact, I've even done some Wallacey pro-and-con tables (and the ol' Ben Franklin treatment) to get a handle on my thoughts. Of course, the play is still in motion and nothing has been decided, but here's the short form:
We've not really clicked with Albuquerque and one of our earliest maxims upon moving here was that we're just giving the town a shot. Well, we're two years in and the shot seems to have hit the rim and is rolling off. And, yes, that makes two mixed sports metaphors. Iowa City has a lot to offer: It is literate, liberal, safe, and small. It was trees and seasons and a river that runs through -- and occasionally over -- it. It has galleries, restaurants, and more than one first-class book stores. The public library is a thing of beauty and the town has several independent presses and publishers. That's a lot of culture and biblioattraction.
On the other hand, Iowa City is far, far, away. There are no direct flights to the west coast. The zoo is a two-hour drive away. The nearest Pottery Barn is even farther. More importantly, Eastern Iowa has almost no wilderness; only some hiking and very little camping. It's a somewhat worrisome combination of remoteness and, well, lack of remoteness.
To compound that issue, I don't have a job lined up. In fact, the prospects are somewhat dodgy, at least in the short term. If we were to move, it would mean that I would be floating a bit, feeling the pressure of not only not having a job, but also having given up both a solid job and the option of a second job in ABQ. Furthermore, making sure that I approach the disconnect of unemployment with a sense of clarity, health, and balance, will require no small effort on my part.
Finally, a possible move comes with the fiscal implications and falderal that one might expect... Selling a house in an iffy market and going through the hassle of getting the house ready for showings and salability are not the least of these. Long-time fans and close, personal, Friends of Shane know that one of my least favorite things in the world is dealing with selling a house.
Without going on and on, how does this add up to Iowa City being a prossible future for us? Well, one of the biggest parts of the puzzle is Colin and Iowa City has a lot of positives: It's got great schools, it's got a lot of kid-friendly things to do, wonderful health care, and very little crime. Another part, obviously, is Andrea: Not only the job situation, but also the care for her FMD, are big pluses. And, as for me, there are jobs to be found, eventually, and I think that there might well be a golden lining of being able to spend some quality weeks or months with Colin before being drafted back into the 9-to-5. Moreover, a little gap would give me time to get to know the town, to chart the recovery community, to allow myself to be at home for a while. Also, the fact that the University has a world-renowned (Heck, Iowa City is one of UNESCO's three "Cities of Literature") writing program might be an opportunity for me to ignite my old goals of getting some writing done. If I've ever whined about not having time to make some of my dreams of being creative happen, then this just might be a chance for me to put my keyboard where my mouth is.
And, even I don't write, I might be able to get a real bookstore job, which is just about my greatest fantasy.
What does this all boil down to? A complex decision, and one without a clear answer. However, I try to choose action over hedging. Most of the arguments for staying put are borne of some combination of complacancy and fear and I'd rather we take a reasonable risk at improving our quality of living. And, on that front, did I mention that the cost of living in Iowa is a lot more sane than here in Albuquerque? Even if it takes a while for me to start producing income, this is a golden opportunity to reconfigure our, er, "portfolio" and strengthen our long-term money situation.
And, I think, once we move, we'll get a cat.
