Dear California:
It was fun, but I've found another.
After 52 1/2 years I will be ending our relationship. It was not an easy decision to make, but it was the right, best, one to make.
It was not easy because I have family buried in your soil, and family still living here. I have many fond memories of my life here, the things done, the places visited, the homes lived in, the schools attended, the jobs held, the friends made.
It was not easy because of the beaches and bike trails, botanical gardens and zoos, movies, plays and concerts, art festivals and museums, 40 years of Angels and Dodgers, Kings and Ducks, Lakers and Clippers, Trojans and Bruins, KFI, KABC, KNX, KFWB, KPFK, KRLA, and KMET. KCBS, KNBC, KTLA, KABC-TV, KHJ, KTTV, and KCOP.
It was not easy because I will have to say good-bye to Original Tommy's, Philippe The Original, Whata Lotta Pizza, and K & F Burgers.
It was not easy because I will have to say good-bye to the LA County Fair, the OC Fair, Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, and more malls than I have room to list.
It was not easy because, after a lifetime spent using a half dozen of the best mass transit systems in the nation, all located in SoCal, I will now have to learn a new city, and metro region, and a new transit system.
The truth is, California, you have no-one to blame but yourself, for my leaving.
The Govt. in Sacramento will never get its collective ass in gear, especially with Gov. Moonbeam back in the saddle again.
The cost of living is too high.
The rents are too high.
Unemployment is too high.
In some communities far too many people are, um, high. :-D
Many of your cities are declaring bankruptcy, and even the treasured Pomona Public Library of my childhood, and youth, may be forced to close.
It's sad to see, and I do not want to be here when the poop really hits the fan.
So, I'm moving to Houston, TX, next month.
I've got a nice 1 br. in West Houston with my name on it, and I believe that I can find a new life and career, and opportunities to do more with my creative and writing talents as well.
It won't be easy, at first, I know, but...
I believe I can successfully handle all problems that might arise.
I am grateful for all I've had, for all I now have, and for all I shall have.
I thank God for every good thing in my life.I believe God will always make a way where there is no way!
I don't believe in defeat! There is no difficulty that I can't overcome!
Things are not going to fall apart!
If I expect the best, then I will get the best!
The rough is only mental. I think victory, I get victory! THINK DIFFERENT!
I will be bold, and trust that mighty forces will come to my aid!
By moving forward with my life, to Houston, I am taking a deep breath, and taking on a new challenge.
I believe in myself, & have faith in my abilities!
I am The Mad Macedonian and I am a writer.
NOTE: The Photo was taken the evening of August 5th, 2012, at Inspiration Point, in Newport Beach, Ca.
All the best to you in your transition and new life. I hope all you dream of comes to you. Great post.
Posted by: Jo Ann J. A. Jordan | August 30, 2012 at 12:22 AM
Wow! Beautifuly written and expressed.
You effectively commented on the past, the present, and the future.
I am so happy to hear that you have great faith in what lies ahead in your future. Your friends from afar are also rooting you on!
Posted by: Amanda Socci | August 30, 2012 at 04:26 AM
Brilliant post, Kiril. I've sent the link to several friends of mine who live in the area.
Bravo!!
M
Posted by: Marilynn | August 30, 2012 at 06:54 AM
Good luck in Texas - my home state had better "treat ya right"!
Posted by: Greta Koehl | August 30, 2012 at 07:59 PM
Excellent post!
You and the kitties will love Texas.
Your apartment is in the Westchase District.
The incredible Dr. Smith is there with The Houston Cat Hospital.
And Whole Foods is right there.
Most of the streets in Westchase have bike lanes, too.
~ML
Posted by: KC | August 31, 2012 at 11:26 PM
We hope you all find what you are looking for and will be very happy there.
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx
Posted by: Hannah and Lucy | September 01, 2012 at 10:07 AM