Hippo, birdie, two ewes...

...to ash_blackwell!!! Have a great one!!

Done this week (20120507 Mo - 08 Tu)

Hmm. I hadn't thought it was a particularly productive couple of days, but looking back on them I've done a fair amount. Even a walk.

I've finally started to get some traction on the job search, including talking to a couple of recruiters and my coach at LHH, and filling in some of the background. Actually, the most encouraging thing was looking at salary ranges and cost of living for Seattle. The latter is about 24% lower than San Jose, and my pension (which starts in June) accounts for another 12% or so. Social security, next March, will be another 12%. So not even counting downsizing and tighter budgeting, I'll be able to maintain my current profligate lifestyle on a comparatively modest income.

The really scary thing is still health care. Especially if we can't get Colleen on Medicare early. My cousin Caroline, who has a degree in social work, has offered to help with that, but it's still scary.

Spent quite a while fielding calls from moving companies, after requesting quotes via moving.com. Told them all to call back in June after we've done more triage.

I keep waffling about whether this is a good move, but right now I'm feeling pretty optimistic. Monday was a bit down. Uncomfortable things. Make you late for dinner.

Lots of links in the notes.

( raw notes )

Plans: travel and otherwise

So here's the itinerary for the next couple of months:

May 17-22 -- Shoreline, WA

I'll be up there looking at apartments, and hope to have a couple of interviews scheduled.

May 25-28 -- Bay Area conventions

We'll be day-trippingBayCon and Clockwork Alchemy

June 9 -- Grand Central Starport

House-Cooling Party -- the usual potluck bash.

June 26 -- Logan, UT

I'll be driving out for my brother's wedding, then up to Shoreline.

Late June - early July -- Shoreline, WA

I will again be available for interviews. Colleen will be flying up to join me. Not clear whether the YD will be going by air or by car.

July 5-8 -- ConClusion: Westercon 65

Lookingglass Folk have a half-hour concert gig.

Late July - early August -- moving!

We expect to be moving to the Seattle area -- specifically somewhere around the North end of Lake Washington -- hopefully around the first of August.

Watch out for low-flying bears!