I first moved to San Diego in 1977. At that time, this small beach community was the world’s best kept secret. You could drive anywhere in the county and be there in 30 minutes or less – even all the way out to Alpine. Try that today during daylight!
A Bit of History
I moved from San Diego in 1980 but came back in 1986. I had been working for John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance at the time and was seeing the USA, the John Hancock way. I was in their Boise, San Francisco and Minneapolis offices through a series of promotions. When I knew I was leaving John Hancock, all I wanted to do was to return to San Diego. I answered a blind ad that turned out to be for a new company with a former boss. So I moved back, only to have that company sold out from under us. I became the first Director-level to be laid off. I left San Diego again, kicking and screaming, and this time did not return until 2003.
San Diego has always felt like home to me. It captures my soul and my spirit. And even as much as it has grown (no driving from north to east county in 30 minutes!), the feel is still that of a close community. If ever you want to see a stellar example of this, just look how the community comes out to support the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk. I have participated in this event for 6 years and every time I try to walk away (pun intended), I remember the warm embrace – both literally & figuratively – of the San Diego community. San Diego has always been my dream place to live.
Before A Baby Boomer’s Second Life
I told everyone this was my 3rd time living in San Diego & I hoped it was my last. But, what is life but one great journey with starts and stops and a few detours along the way. I started this blog to share my story of leaving corporate America to freelance as a writer. It has always been a dream of mine. Another dream of mine is to have the flexibility of work to see the endless beauty this great country offers. Corporate America actually helped me quite a bit in that regard, but on their terms. I’m not complaining – it took me many places I never thought I’d see. Like staying in every U.S. Fairmont hotel property from The Plaza in New York to the Kea Lani in Maui. I just missed Britney in Maui (pre-shaved head days!) That was the good news. The bad news was I typically stayed only one night and the project had to do with complying with HIPAA privacy regulations…dry, dry stuff.
You may see the handwriting on the wall. Yes, once more I am going to leave my beloved San Diego. It hasn’t been an easy choice. I do love this city. But, with my new career, have laptop will travel.
NOTE TO ALL CLIENTS–I still need you! I’ll still be there for you – most definitely!
Was that enough groveling? I will be here through the summer.
The Birth of A Baby Boomer’s Second Life
My Mom & Dad were married for over 60 years. My Dad passed away a couple of years ago. My Mom is 86 and the healthiest (thank you, God!) and most active person I know. She was my Dad’s caretaker the last few years of his life. Well, that’s not exactly accurate, she was his caretaker their whole married life! She spoiled him rotten – biscuits from scratch every Saturday morning, pie crusts made from scratch, too. No store-bought crusts for my Dad! A different era, a different life, but definitely a loving one.
I was glad to be able to finally introduce my Mom to Maui, although the 1st time was right after my Dad died. We were there on what was his 1st birthday since his passing. And while we were there, we had to cut our trip short as we received word that my Mom’s sister, my Aunt Mitzi, had lost her four-year battle with lung cancer. We flew back to San Diego and the next morning got on a plane to Chicago for my Aunt’s funeral.
In January of that year, we lost my niece’s twin baby boy to SIDS, my Dad in February and my Aunt in May. Combine that with my Baby Boomer status and how can that not affect your life? My Mom had always said she would move to San Diego if my Dad died. Then the economy went down the toilet, taking the real estate industry with it. My Mom has stayed very active and is, as we speak, in Chicago with my cousins. They adopted her after their mother (my Aunt) passed away from the lung cancer. My Mom has such a huge capacity for love that I don’t mind sharing. Just so they remember to send her back!
Another Journey Starts
So, Mom & I decided that I am going to move to her home in Boise. By living mortgage/rent-free, I hope to capture that other dream and share it with my Mom. I want those weekend trips to places like the Washington coast where I have visited and Mom would love to go. To the Monterey aquarium with the tickets my 3-Day Walker buddies gave us that we have yet to use. I want to be able to join my 3-Day Walker buddies as they try Phoenix this year for the 60-mile Walk. And back to the beautiful beaches of Maui and here in San Diego.
My business has grown and I am thrilled I made the decision to freelance. It has been an eye-opening experience – but that’s a blog for another day. I have promised myself that I will value this life and cherish my family as long as we are all still here. And if I can make one other person smile or one other person dream, I will know it has all been worthwhile.
One of my favorite sayings –
Live, Laugh, Love
Cathy, WOW! Before your announcement I thought a move might be in your future but I knew how much you loved San Diego. Now it makes perfect sense, in conjuction with your other loves — family, writing, travel, and your new business. Don’t discount your adventuresome spirit that welcomes challenges and assures your success in whatever you undertake. What a wonderful next chapter. I hope your freedom from a desk allows you time to visit Nashville. Consider my house the Fairmont of Murfreesboro, TN! It would be fun to show you my homeland.
Your Fourth of July posting was like another God-wink. I never knew you had a brother who makes documentaries. I viewed his work and his Website — BRAVO! The “coincidence” is I have started working (unpaid) with a Nashville documentarian to record the 30 + years my Memphis bridge club have been together. You know that no matter where I have lived, I have never missed one of the 27 annual bridge club retreats. This topic is not as serious as Kevin’s but it shows how a disparate group of women forged a life-long bond around a card table that has sustained them through divorces, deaths, transfers, drugs, weddings, joys, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. My writing captured the documentarian’s attention which encouraged me to explore other writing venues which I will reveal soon.
You invited postings so I will put up one of my bridge club pieces.
Idaho will be sunnier when you get there! Congratulations and God Speed!
Thank you, Jan. You know when I was thinking of what I wanted to say on my last blog (when I was supposed to be asleep!), I actually thought one of the “to do’s” I wanted to list was to be able to give my TN buddy a real hug instead of a virtual one. Really! But between the middle of the night and when I wrote it, the old brain did not connect with the fingers.
Thanks for sharing this. I can’t wait to see how the film turns out. And I am so glad to hear you are writing. Let me know as soon as you have something posted. Your stories about your experience with the tornado were truly awe-inspiring and they showed the good heart that you have.
Until we see each other again, here’s another virtual hug. O
Oh my gosh, that’s a rough period you guys went through. Here’s to sunny skies and a successful career ahead–you deserve some good times!
Thanks, Allena. From your lips to God’s ear! Your articles have been a big plus in my education in this new career. And for that, I thank you. Continued success!
Oh how we’ll miss you my dear! Have so much fun in Idaho with Mom! Hugs!
Hey there! I’m so excited to see your blog and be able to follow you this way. I love that you’ll be with your mom (MaMaw to my clan) and know you are doing the right thing. I also know how hard it is to leave the coast and live that land-locked life, but it sounds like you’ll be able to head back to the water any time your soul has the thirst. I’ll send you a message on your email account about the questions you sent earlier.
All the best! Des
Talk about the shock factor – but how exciting for you. I will have the chance to see you more now than ever. In fact headed to Boise tomorrow to spend a few days. Be sure and let me know when you move. Now for the walk are you in or out – I couldn’t really tell. Love and good luck. Abby