So much for updating on a regular basis. I think about doing it, but never while I'm actually at the computer. Then by the time I remember that I wanted to post, I'm in bed, or again not able to do anything about it. So here we are. 

I got a job tickle today, one of the stores I applied at asked my ASDS (Felicia) if I would take a closing shift (12:30-9) in the millworks department. Now I know nothing about millworks, but I sure would be willing to learn. I told her as long as I am full time, I am willing to take any job they can find me. I may hear back on this tomorrow, and then what I hoped for might just happen. 

I was hoping that I would be able to get a job right away and use my vacation time that I have planned for the middle of March to get all my junk moved. That would just be perfect, and in fact, if I can give a month's notice that I'm moving, all I need to do is find a place in Tucson to move TO, get someone to move me, and go. I have gotten quotes from moving companies and considering they do all the loading and unloading, and driving all my stuff through the mountains and desert all the way to Tucson, I am more than happy to pay. Even when I move the last time, about 10 blocks, I had other people do the work. I am past the point of wanting to do everything myself. Some things are worth it at any price. 

I took my vacation because two of my sisters, Annie and Sis, are going to be in Arizona wintering. It sure would be nice to get my apartment all set during the two weeks I'm off so that I can come back to San Diego, work my few days and be gone. I could actually, in that case, take those last few days off and just not come back to San Diego. Guess I'll have to wait and see what the timeline is for when they want me to start. Felicia said it usually takes a month to get everything finalized and done. 

So today I told Tonya, my good friend, that "this is the year I'm moving to Arizona". I wanted her to hear from me first that I'm leaving. She wasn't happy and didn't say much, but we have talked about this before, and she understands that I have to do what I have to do, and that much as she would like me to stay here and be her buddy, it just isn't going to happen. 

I could live with her, and pay her rent, but I doubt that the two of us could live together for long. She is SO much like my ex that it would be a huge mistake. Even now I can only shake my head in disbelief at some of the similarities between the two. Why am I attracted to people like them?

Anyway, I bought some totes at work that were really inexpensive. I think they will work well for moving. The better things are packed, the less likely things will get broken. I don't believe in packing in garbage bags. Most movers really appreciate boxes and bins I've noticed. I don't have a lot of stuff, and I believe I could pack everything in three days if I didn't have to go to work. It's cleaning this place out that is going to be a drag. However, once I move out, the management company is going to put all vinyl flooring in and remove the carpet that's here. They always send in a cleaning crew too, so I'm not going to extremes to make the place look good. My security was low, so even if I lose it, it wouldn't be a huge deal. 

Now I need to find a place to live. This might not be easy long distance, but at least I will have a job and a way to pay rent. Onward!

On the way to Arizona

Yes, I'm on the road again. This time to Arizona. Not Arizona Street, but Tucson, Arizona.

I've been living in San Diego the past ten years, and even though I love living here, it is getting prohibitively and ridiculously expensive to live here, especially if you want to live alone like I do. Roommate? No, thank you. Spouse? NO, thank you.

I was listening to a customer talk to his friend one day at work. He was saying how he bought this condo, and it was really cheap. Only $310K. It was a one bedroom, about 700 square feet. I could only think, how sad, that something over $300K was considered cheap!

And only today I heard the news say that even if you have one million dollars, it likely wouldn't be enough for you to retire in San Diego. So. Anyone wonder why I want to live elsewhere?

Thankfully, my job at Home Depot allows me to transfer to another store, even in another state. And since I've done pretty well the past few years, the only thing needed is a full time position in any of the Tucson stores, and I will be in.

I've requested  my transfer, but the other stores are just not cooperating. Only two of the six HR people answered their phones, so I couldn't actually talk to anyone. I applied online at one, and at both of the ones who answered the phone. The store I would really like to work at is near a bunch of apartments, and the rent is about half of what it is here. And those places all have pools and gyms. My place does not.

I don't think I'll mind the heat. I seldom complain here in SD, and it does get over 90 here, so it's not like it's always 72. And at 72, I'm not all that warm, and will wear long sleeves and jeans. The older I get, the colder I get. I am beginning to understand why old people move to places like Arizona and Florida.

So that is why I'm moving. I am eager to retire, and since housing is actually affordable in Arizona I can afford to buy a house without having to spend all my social security on a mortgage. I will work a few more years, after all, it will take a while to find a place that suits my needs. My sisters want me to live in Green Valley, but there are several reasons why, at this point, Tucson will work better for me. Although, if I'm desperate for a place to live, maybe I would rent from one of them on a temporary basis.

Onward!