Take Joy!

[LoisB]

I'm in Asheville.

I came down and talked to the publisher about the part-time editor job.

I have a decision to make.

He said he was 80% sure he was going to offer me the job, but already promised to interview this other guy who doesn't have a background in journalism. I will know for sure on Monday.

The publisher is a salesman. He wants someone to come in and run the newspaper. I'd be the editor and I would have a reporter and one person who handles layout. This paper has tons of advertising, but it lacks good copy. The guts--the articles--are missing. In some ways, this past year has been a terrific training ground for this position.

The position is only 24 hours and I would only have to be in the office on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Here's what would make this worth it:

Asheville is BOOMING. The newspaper is just north of Asheville in a popular area with lots of business. The publisher has no problem with me pursuing commercial writing. The woman who has been giving me tip on commercial writing made six figures last year in an area without the benefit of this thriving business.

My aunt has been in the Asheville for 20+ years an knows everyone. She is a business owner and could introduce me to everyone.

I'd still be an editor and have similar freedom with putting together this paper, in a thriving economic area, but would... essentially be a part-time employee.

And, this sounds like a strange pro...but, the office is directly above this awesome YMCA where I could work out.

I have difficulty working for other people... especially in a corporate environment. This office is very laid back and I would be the only actual journalist in the place. I wouldn't be the incompetent, I'd be the one knowing more than everyone else.

So many cool shops and better winter. Lots to do and see. We'd be closer to all sorts of fun/educational stuff. And, I'd have no problem finding a church with a gospel choir.

Negatives:

The money doesn't add up to what we need. I would HAVE to freelance to make it work. And, I'd have to push it in order to get us where we need to be quickly. Do-able, especially with my aunt to help, but still difficult.

So many people! We love the rural area in upstate NY. We'd be going from an area with more cows than people to a place with winding interstates an lots of traffic.

I'd have to get over the hump of figuring out how to get the he!! down here.

I'd be running with the big boys. This economy is built on successful businesses and people. I'd be right in the thick of things with this paper. Could I keep up?? Do I have what it takes?

The people around us now are people who are a bit downtrodden and I'm the big fish in the tank with my outgoing personality. Here, I'm just another friendly person.

Does that make sense?

Right now, I'm like the only person who dresses a bit trendy and so forth.

Still, tons of opportunities for freelance writing for businesses... newsletters, brochures, websites, etc... The woman helping me is insisting I ask for $75 per hour with my experience. She charges $125 per hour in a much less thriving area.

These are definitely Louisa's peeps. Her blue hair doesn't stand out here at all.

I had this fantasy of us moving to a small, quaint New England village... which we did... and Louisa would go to the small school and walk to school and have all sorts of friends and yadda... Instead, I have a kid who seems to thrive on the unconventional and loves the history of that little village, but doesn't really fit with that type of life. She is a naturally talented photographer who knows Coco Chanel's life story and enjoys independent learning and projects. Asheville is a much better fit for her. But, feel sad about letting the small village fantasy go. We are two hours from Macy's in NY. It takes an hour to get to a Target.

It hasn't worked. But, I still want Ozzie and Harriet.

Upstate NY is so beautiful. But, where we are, there aren't the employment or business opportunities.

On another note: Matt has gone dark again. Didn't even send Louisa a b'day card. He has only texted her a couple of times since the hearing.

I've been so sad. HE BREAKS MY HEART OVER AND OVER. Just makes me so sad. I didn't think I could still feel this yearning for him to "get" it. Snap outta it dammit.

In a strange turn, the IRS took the past child support out of our tax refund. I was sent a doc to notarize in order to release the funds to my account. I know, since the judge forgave the past due child support, they will simply subtract the amount from what he gives me this year. I don't know.