Hi and goodbye, everyone.

[fudge stripe cookays]

Sorry I haven't been around much lately. Skinner's recent purge of gays, and the other hate being spewed against them really pissed me off enough NOT to want to check in much. Plus, reprehensor and I no longer donate for that reason, so I haven't been able to check into the groups, which was my main reason for showing up anymore. For some reason, I can still post in state forums. Go figure.

I got laid off from Quad back in May, and after 5 months of searching, preparing, and interviewing (3 biggies, and I didn't get any of them- Pittsburgh, PA; Madison; and Elgin, IL), reprehensor and I are putting Plan B into effect, and we're heading for the Great White North. At least up there we have family, we'll have a roof over our heads and food. This way we won't fall thru the cracks.

I know, it's nice to have a backup plan, the healthcare etc. But I will really miss it here. I had tons more to do on my book, and oodles more research to do and cousins to visit. I'm lucky that Sybylla is such an awesome person that I can press her into service when necessary, but it's going to be hard for me for a year not being able to work. And I'm such a control freak, I feel like my life's in free-fall right now. I'm an American, dammit. I love Canada, but I'm scared shitless.

We'll be out of here at the end of the month. So everyone take care of yourselves....

[hornblast]

1. Always welcome here in Wisconsin

Though many people are short-sighted and think of Wisconsin as the Great White North, you're *really* going there! So then, should you ever wish to visit the Frozen Tundra of southeast Milwaukee (as I'm sure it was in the last ice age), you've got an open door here. Good luck!

You can always be a proud American. You're no less of one for moving somewhere so that you can live and thrive.

[ewagner]

2. Oh nooooo!

I was hoping that I could meet you and reprehensor at a meetup...I've enjoyed your posts here for ?????? years?????

Before you leave you should have a last meetup with the group...I'll try to make it.

[dembotoz]

3. I hate this

hey
do what you gotta do
we will miss you.
We REALLY will miss you.

Are we due for a great migration north?
Was talking to a fellow hockey parent who is Canadian.
Dealing with our helth care educational system is making them
somewhat homesick.

And we all know the hockey is better.....

Good luck and don't write us off entirely

tom

[PeaceNikki]

4. You know how I feel about you both.

:hug:

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

5. Good-Bye and Don't Forget the Long Johns...

You think it's cold around these parts? Heh.

Take care of yourselves...

[Connonym]

6. Sorry to see you leave

Best of luck to you guys.

[Jimbo S]

7. Hate to see you go

First lizziegrace, now you and reprehensor. Sorry things couldn't work out for you here.

[mojowork_n]

8. Hope that everything works out well...

I haven't been around this board much, either, lately. (There was a 'purge' of gays here? WTF? I wouldn't have thought it possible.) Let me know if there is a send-off event.

If there isn't, and I don't get to say it in person -- ALL the Best to both of you.

[sybylla]

9. I'm always happy to help you - I just wish I could do more.

I can't believe you're leaving. I thought sure you'd get a great job with your terrific background. I'm still committed to getting you your info from Oneida and Marathon Counties, but if you ever need anything else, please ask. You know I'll do what I can.

If ewagner and I manage to get to Milwaukee before you go, can we buy you lunch?

[Serial Mom]

10. We are all scared shitless at points in our lives...

Look at it as another adventure in your life. I really know it isn't easy, you will be OK... I feel it!

Besides, me and the DH might end up joining you up there (don't know if Canada would take us) if nothing changes for us!

I truly wish you the best!