Giddyup Cowboy…We’re Moving To Texas
05.04.2006 | Chris Bailey
Yep, the Bailey clan is moving to the Lone Star State. Austin, to be particular. After nearly a decade in Washington DC, we say “adios” to the area (as well as gridlocked traffic, long commutes, skyhigh real estate, etc., etc.) toward the end of July.
I guess you could say that this was a long time coming, really. Caroline and I have been talking for a while about getting out and finding new adventure somewhere else. We both had a feeling that we were getting stuck here and falling into complacency with surroundings and a lifestyle that didn’t light our fire. We considered places like Minneapolis, Charlotte, Seattle…even Toronto. What we were searching for was a slower pace of life, friendliness of neighbors, lots of culture and character, and a place where we could enjoy the outdoors. It seems like we found these qualities in Austin.
And with any adventure, there’s some risk involved (or else it wouldn’t actually be an adventure, eh?). Neither of us have work waiting for us which is a slightly scary prospect for someone who knows how hard it can be to be jobless. To tackle that problem, I’m making a couple of recon trips to meet with potential employers. My first will be next week (May 10 – 14) so if you’re in the area and would like to meet, let me know.
Right now, the plan is to sell our house so we’re busy it ready to market. This is a lot of work and fortunately we’ve found lots of folks to help. We hired a professional organizer to help us pack up our non-essential items and get rid of our clutter. We hired a painter to redo all the interior walls. And we’re considering whether to lay new carpet or not. Last weekend, I spent a great deal of time on the outside of the house and in the yard. This weekend, I anticipate doing some more yardwork and sprucing up some tired looking shrubbery.
I continue to have great visions for Bailey WorkPlay and the Alchemy of Soulful Work. I hope you’ll continue to check in and follow along as we intrepid pioneers hitch up our wagon and migrate to the Texas Hill Country. If there’s one thing I can share as I look forward to this next chapter in life, it’s that life is far too short and precious to wait around. I know I don’t want this to describe me:
“Most people would rather be certain they’re miserable, than risk being happy.”
-Robert Anthony
5 Responses to “Giddyup Cowboy…We’re Moving To Texas”
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Wow, what a big step and huge adventure! Congrats on taking a big risk. I really like Austin and I think you’ll like it too. I know a few people down there, so if you need contacts, let me know. I’m guessing that it may be hard for you to stay in the association community, which will be a tremendous loss to us. But of course we wish you and your family the best. Keep us posted on your progress!
Chris
Congratulations! Or as they say in my home state, Yeehaw! Austin is a great town, and it is one place the Starr Redwine clan can’t wait to visit. Just promise me you want start getting into quail hunting and big hair! It is weird to think that all my nieces, on both sides, are soon going to be Texans!
Derek
Hey, big news — congrats and best of luck! I admire your willingness to dive in and make such a risky change. You really are living the wisdom of your blog.
chris – what a wonderful opportunity – congratulations! As Charles DuBois once said, “The important thing is this: To be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become.†I look forward to hearing about your “becoming†in Austin!
All, thanks for your encouraging thoughts.
Jeff…yes, any contacts you have in Austin are much appreciated (I tried to send you an email but may not have a good address for you).
Derek…we should have plenty of open space for the Starr Redwines to hang their hat for a stay. Who knew you’d be returning to Ohio and I’d be a Texan?!?
Kevin…I’m coming to find that once you take one big risk, the next big risk is that much easier. We’ll see if there’s real wisdom there, though
Patti…I love that quote. Sometimes our capacity for growing hits a wall and we need to do something different to break through. Transformation takes some sacrifice and some guts.
Thanks again, y’all…pretty soon there will be an open invitation to visit the Bailey suburban ranch. Yeehaw.