Up, Bustle & Out
February 5th, 2008
*deep breath*
I’m quitting my job tomorrow. There’s nothing wrong with my job, it’s a perfectly lovely job, and despite a thousand challenges that would likely make you laugh out loud if I told you about them, I have enjoyed (almost) every minute of it. I loved being a journalist, and I made some great relationships with people in the community, and with so many of my coworkers that on many levels, I am heartbroken to leave, I really am.
Well, doesn’t that sound cheesy and contrived, eh? But I really do mean it.
Honestly, I’m telling you this because if I write it down here, I will actually have to follow through and do it. But the thing is, I HAVE to do it because in as little as three weeks — maybe more, I don’t know — we won’t be living in the state of Florida anymore.
!!!!!!
I KNOW.
The other thing — the bad thing, the only very bad thing — is that where we’re going, there is no Target. NO TARGET. Did you hear me? THERE IS NO TARGET. NONE. THE CLOSEST TARGET IS IN ANOTHER STATE.
Target aficionados may realize that this means we’re either moving to Vermont or Alaska, and if you had to guess, which would you pick?
I like daylight, thank you very much, so Alaska is out. Which means, that’s right, we’re moving to Vermont. I don’t know anyone in Vermont except my (potential) future landlords and I’ve never even set foot outside of a vehicle in the town we’re moving to, though I am assured it’s lovely by my beloved (hey, um, anyone ever been to Middlebury? BECAUSE I REALLY HAVEN’T). This has been in the works since just after Christmas, when we almost killed ourselves on Route 93 in New Hampshire, and I am hopeful, if petrified, that our journey to the Green Mountain state will be better than the interview tour.
The reason for this move is oh-so-very Tammy Wynette in that Adam got a killer job that was too good to turn down and, as is well known to longtime readers, we’ve been itching to get out of Florida virtually since we moved here. And it’s New England, and New England is our home, it really is. I would have liked to have made this work, but … well, no. At some point I’ll do a series on Florida and its massive ills lurking around every corner, but for now, I’ll leave it at a desire to just go home.
But even if we didn’t love it, I’d make him take the job, because it’s what he wants and it’s good and it’s so perfectly him. And if you might let me be sappy for one brief second, I have to tell you that I am so over the top proud of him, I’m nearly busting out of my skin. And further, he’s working so much that there isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that we’d be able to get the hell out of here without me being a lady of leisure. Well, if you count “lady of leisure” as “lady of packing and moving,” that is. So my time as a working woman in Florida officially ends here.
Honestly, I’m scared and excited and … well, everything you would expect. I’m scared because I’m trying to finalize a tenant AND finalize a place in Vermont and get a mover and quit my job and OH MY GOD, I’m trying to do a lot. And a lot of it might fall through and put us back to square one, but I won’t be able to get any of it done if two of us are working 18-hour days. So I could be a LoL for three weeks, or I could be a LoL for four months. No one really knows. But I am trying to stay positive, and the first step is talking about it like it’s real.
This has gone on too long, really, and I’m sorry. To answer the question I’ve asked myself a thousand times: what the hell am I going to do in small-town Vermont? The answer is that I simply don’t know. I’m going to freelance for a while, surely, and I’m going to see what’s out there. I may end up working in a ham store or buying rennets by the truckload to cure my own cheese in pigs’ assholes, you never know. I could, too, open up a maple syrup store or something, because I’m sure Vermont doesn’t have enough of those. Or I could go back to corporate America in whatever form it exists in Vermont. The world, it would seem, is my cheese shop to explore and mess around in.
And that’s that. And if you know anyone in Vermont, give me a holler, because I sure as hell don’t. But you know what one of the best parts of blogging is? I get to take you all with me, no matter where I go.
Happy Wednesday! And for the love of God, I could use any happy thoughts you have to pull all of this off, dear Jesus. I didn’t mention it before, but that’s part of why I wanted to write about it, because as lame ass as it sounds, I’m sure that the Internet’s good luck thoughts, they totally help (if you’re wondering where to FOCUS those thoughts, there’s that whole renter thing, as well as the movers we have coming to estimate the cost of moving our worldly possessions tomorrow. And you know, the whole QUITTING MY JOB THING. OMFG, I feel like throwing up.)
And finally, George Stephanopoulos has totally had Botox, yes? Is it me?
Again, happy Wednesday.
*faints*
*Emerald Alley. It says it’s some kind of theme for “Indian Morning” whatever that is. All I know is that it is awesome, and I don’t even know how I got it.
Entry Filed under: Nuttin'
78 Comments Add your own
1. AmK | February 5th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
OMG. I’M moving to Vermont, too! Ok, well, that’s kind of lie, the Vermont/New Hampshire border and BOY DO I KNOW about moving some place without Target.
If I hadn’t moved to NYC, the absence of Target would have likely been an insurmountable obstacle in my most recent relocation and I would have had to say to my husband, I know _______ is a really great opportunity for me professionally but I don’t think you heard me: there is no Target.
I will spare you the story about how I stole his brother’s car for 4 hours the first week we moved here on a search for Target with that stupid little in-dash navigation tool yelling at me the whole time and more and more taxi drivers putting a bounty on my head by the minute.
Anyway, that’s a long winded way of saying: we’ll be neighbors. Sort of. Well, maybe. I know. You might want to write out the restraining order now. Just to get it over with.
2. Judith | February 5th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Hey, I “know” someone in Vermont. Go check her blog–www.nownormaknits2.typepad.com. Don’t be put off by the name, she’s very funny and outrageous and she mentioned George Stephanopoulous in today’s post too.
3. leenie | February 5th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
oh happy happy congratulations! life change!
i don’t know anything or anyone in vermont, but it does sound lovely and homey, and jeez, isn’t that where ben and jerry’s comes from? vermont sounds Delicious.
will be sending all sorts of good-moving-happy-renting thoughts. again again– congrats!
4. Carolyn J. | February 5th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
30 million Canadians live without Target – tho we don’t know what we’re missing, so it isn’t too difficult.
I’m so excited for you!
5. jonniker | February 5th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Carolyn, I’m going to practically BE in Canada (the signs are in kilometers! it’s only two hours from Montreal! MONTREAL IS THE LARGEST CITY NEARBY)
6. Jess | February 5th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
This is so cool and exciting and nervewracking and also really cool! Good luck with your new LoL status. Congrats to Adam!
7. Beth | February 5th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
Oh, I love Vermont! My New York-dwelling cousins have a weekend house there and I love to visit. The no-Target thing is weird, but there’s always target.com. I think it’d be cool to live there. It’s such an unspoiled state. No billboards. I love that the state doesn’t allow billboards.
8. Susan | February 5th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
Wow! There have been many times in my adulthood that I’ve wished I could just pack up and go somewhere else, but I’ve been too chicken. Thanks for taking the brave step(s) for all of us who cannot.
I would really miss both of the Targets in my town, though.
9. She Likes Purple | February 5th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
I did a report on Vermot in the sixth grade. I made a bitching “brouchure” I totally should have hung on to for this moment.
GOOD LUCK! I’m sending you the craziest and most positive warm and fuzzy vibes.
Also, even though it’s not exactly the same, I’m totally going to allow myself to picture you living in Stars Hollow. If that’s OK with you.
10. Mandee | February 5th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Congratulations! I’ve never been to Vermont and don’t know anyone there, but my best friend visited two years ago for Thanksgiving and loved it. She’s wanted to move there (from Orlando) ever since.
Good luck tomorrow. I hope to be right behind you with all those stressful life changes.
11. Heather B. | February 5th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
I’ve been so excited about this for eons. Joy.
I know many people from the great state of Vermont. They all – or all but one – now live in DC but I do know people. And I’m literally next door. And so yeah. Welcome (back) up north! We- or at least I -are happy to have you up here.
Soooo when is your housewarming party?
12. jonniker | February 5th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Heather, dude, you have the closest Target, so I might have to insist that I come to you. I mean, you are welcome at any time (we have a guest room in our maybe-house!) BUT SERIOUSLY, YOU ARE THE CLOSEST FRIGGIN’ TARGET TO ME.
13. bubandpie | February 5th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Why did I think – in the sense of being wholly, thoroughly convinced – that you lived in Chicago? Do I have you mixed up in my head with Mimi Smartypants?
14. Christine | February 5th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
WHAT?!? No Target? There are places with no Target? Is that even legal? Thank goodness they have an online store.
Good luck on quitting and good luck on the move!
Oh, and I agree, George has had botox. But he’s still cute in a geeky political way.
15. jonniker | February 5th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
HAHAHA, Bub, yes, that must be Mimi. I’m in Florida, for today, but I’m originally from the Northeast and consider Boston home. But now, I will have to consider Vermont home (VERFUCKINGMONT HOLY SHIT)
Christine: NO TARGET. Vermont and Alaska are the only two, well, maybe Hawaii? and even Alaska has recently made plans to open one. But Vermont is holding steady. I know this because, um, I CALLED THE CORPORATE STORE and they said no.
16. Janssen | February 5th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Wow, congratulations! And since I had to do the whole “quitting my job” thing last year, I know just how awful it is. It pretty much makes you dread going to work for weeks.
17. kirida | February 5th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Whoa. This post deserves exclamations all over. Target ships, so at least you’ll have sweet memories of the multi-colored aisles. But it’s like that Eleanor Roosevelt quote about doing one thing every day that scares you. This is it, Jonna and I love that you’re sharing it with us.
18. K | February 5th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Best of luck in VT. It’s a perfectly unspoiled state. I went to school in upstate NY and one of my best college friends lives outside Burlington, VT. I live in the Boston area, but I’m going to visit them this weekend actually! I hope you’ll love it, but if you need some advice, I’m sure I could you get her info. She hates that there is no Target too. (It’s my secret way of convincing her to visit me!
)
19. Danell | February 5th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
“I may end up working in a ham store”
Well. If you offer online shipping, I will promise to order all of my hams from you.
snicker.
There are Targets where I am, but they are so inconvenient to get to that it’s hardly worth it. Again, online shipping!
20. jonniker | February 5th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
K, I’m not far from her, obvs. We’ll be in Middlebury, or roughly near there, which is about an hour south.
21. vague | February 5th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
I don’t know anyone in Vermont, but I do know a couple people who lived there in the past and loved it very much. I’m hoping you do, too. Best of luck on the move and the tenants and the future work possibilities! It’s all so exciting!
22. Angella | February 5th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
Wow! Ch-ch-ch-changes!
Excited for you, even though I have never been to either Florida or Vermont.
Isn’t Vermont where Newhart was based? Maybe.
I’m Canadian. And clueless.
But happy for you!
23. claire | February 5th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
Wow, I totally didn’t see VERMONT coming out of all this. I totally expected you to go back to Boston. Wow. But Vermont! It’s so, so pretty up there. And GREEN. GREEN and PRETTY and mountainous and lovely. Really lovely. The best thing about Vermont? They have moose there. And you can’t beat that. Totally.
I don’t know anyone there, but there are a billion people that vacation up there – can you ski? You could be a ski bunny. Do they still call them that? I have no idea.
Congratulations, Adam! And good luck with the quitting. I know how much that sucks.
24. Blythe | February 6th, 2008 at 1:00 am
Three cheers for you!
So, Live Free or Die = Live Without Target (or is that New Hampshire? I’ll bet you Vermonters are sick of that.)
How fantastic to be near Montreal. Please do not start posting in French or I won’t be able to read you anymore.
Good luck with every thing ahead, little and big. I find life explosions like this exciting. And at the end of it all, you’re going home, which just can’t be beat. That’s what will get you through the parts when you want to toss the dog and the Dyson in your hatchback and skip town, movers and renters be damned. (Am I allowed to say “damn?”)
The best part for me? I get to read your freaking hilarious stories about all the thrills to come. I can’t wait. My digits are crossed for you.
25. Robin | February 6th, 2008 at 2:32 am
You are very lucky! I am from Vermont (currently expatting it in Brussels) and it truly is one of the most amazing places to live. There is a great sense of community and–needless to say–the surroundings are beeeeautiful. I could go on, but if you’re a New Englander at heart, I know you’re going to love it. Middlebury is a gorgeous little town.
We solve the Target dilemma by stopping there on the way to/from Boston (which sort of becomes a regular commute when you have family there–all of my siblings live in the Boston area).
Good luck with the job and the moving and the upheaval stuff!
26. aly | February 6th, 2008 at 4:35 am
oh YAY! congratulations!!
am slightly horrified about the no target thing, but there is still hope! on line shopping will NEVER LEAVE YOU. they will simply BRING things to you now! (i know, i know, no more soothing aisle walks, but… still!)
you’ll get winters back! and snow! which really will make your holiday season next year!
good luck packing– just ask for two quotes (if you’re anything like me)– one for packing everything and one for YOU packing/moving certain things. we saved over $500 by packing/uhauling all of our books ourselves! (granted, i have an obscene number of books). certain things (books!) are really easy for you to pack but cost an assload if movers do it b/c they are overweight items….
27. jonniker | February 6th, 2008 at 6:08 am
Hahaha, Blythe, that’s New Hampshire. I think VT’s state motto is “Freedom and Unity” or something like that, and their license plates say “Green Mountain State”.
Claire: I don’t ski. And I am TERRIFIED of moose. The signs! THE MOOSE CROSSING SIGNS OMG, they are everywhere. And PS, our plan was always to go back to Boston. This came out of left field. As your friend and mine, TwoBusy said when I told him, “Who the hell gets a job offer in VERMONT? Seriously?” Because really, who does?
28. Jen | February 6th, 2008 at 6:22 am
You may not have a Target anymore, but you will have the Manchester outlets within reach!
Congratulations to your husband on the new job, and to you for your new adventures as LoL!
29. Blythe | February 6th, 2008 at 6:23 am
So “Freedom and Unity” means “Freedom to shop everywhere but Target.” The joke doesn’t really work the same, does it?
By the way, apropos of nothing as usual, I was in Portland recently and Storm Large had just finished a run as Sally Bowles in Cabaret, I was wildly disappointed that I missed it.
30. H | February 6th, 2008 at 6:43 am
Congratulations to you and Adam! Change is huge – can’t wait to read all about it here. Vermont sounds beautiful and I think it would be kind of cool to have easy access to Montreal (I’m assuming it’s not so far away that you’ll spend some time there.)
31. Sadie | February 6th, 2008 at 7:18 am
Vermont. Hunh. Well, it IS a lovely place and certainly beats the pants off Florida (says another New Englander), even if you do have to make Target a road trip destination. I am just concerned about the other retail choices – or lack thereof – in Vermont. I mean, do they have Dunkin Donuts there? or the Gap? I’m sorry, this isn’t funny, but all I can picture is the quaint New England town in Beetlejuice…and there were no Whole Foods there, for sure.
32. jonniker | February 6th, 2008 at 7:21 am
Sadie: There is lots of retail, as we’re moving close to Burlington and they totally have a Gap, an Ann Taylor Loft and all sorts of good stuff. And — AND! — there are lots of Whole Foods-esque-type places. I mean, it’s not Boston (or even Florida) in its retail possibilities, but there is totally enough for us. I hope. Jesus.
33. Sadie | February 6th, 2008 at 7:25 am
HAHAHA, Jonna, as you were replying to me I was googling store locations near Middlebury…and there IS a Dunkin Donuts RIGHT in your town. So there’s that! And yeah, it appears Burlington is a retail mecca and it looks to be only 30-35 miles away. (heh, so I might be doing EVERYTHING other than work right now)
Well, congratulations! It will be fun to read all about your new adventures. And now you’ll seem more like a ‘neighbor.’ (I live in CT, work in Western MA)
34. amandampc | February 6th, 2008 at 7:26 am
How cool! Congratulations. The Red Sox (and Pats) will have you back in home territory! Florida’s tough – I had a somewhat similar experience to yours and I was glad to get back “home” (and also glad to have had the experience of at least trying out a RADICALLY different “lifestyle.”) Vermont – this from a longtime admirer and visitor of the state – is awesome and has always been my idea of “one of the top ten optimal locations for doing your writing,” all that Robert Frostian solitude and wandering through the woods and everything. Some of the schools up there – e.g. Bennington, Goddard – have really superior graduate programs in creative writing so who knows, maybe you might even gavitate toward that. You’ll get through the move and it will happen and I wish you and Adam the very best!
35. McWriter | February 6th, 2008 at 7:28 am
Best wishes for a smooth move , swift renting, and surprisingly inexpensive moving costs. And a big chocolate or ice cream or kettle corn reward for the – GULP – successful quitting of the job. That’s the hardest, but LoL is the same whichever state you’re in – fabulous. Enjoy this time – if nothing less, it will give you tons of blog fodder (blodder?).
)
36. amandampc | February 6th, 2008 at 7:32 am
Oh yeah (duh Amanda) – and Middlebury (the college) is not exactly too shabby in the creative writing department either. Actually, mind if I move next door to you?
37. Lawyerish | February 6th, 2008 at 7:33 am
Well, you already know this, but I am jealous as hell of the Vermont move. You could be living the Baby Boom life a few months from now. YOU TOTALLY COULD. And/or the Norman Rockwell-esque fake-town in Funny Farm, which I love. The possibilities for canning, cheese-making and fresh air-breathing are endless.
I need to stock up on flannel and fleece for when we come up to visit with the baby and the dog.
38. lizgwiz | February 6th, 2008 at 7:35 am
I’ve never been to Vermont, but I’ve wanted to visit ever since I fell in love with Howard Dean. It looks so lovely.
39. Kristin H | February 6th, 2008 at 7:36 am
Oooh! Good luck with the major change! My mom lives in Burlington.
When you start feeling terrified about the prospect of moving there, just compare it to your move to Florida. Could it be much worse? (Okay, maybe it could and this really isn’t helping things.) But hey, you’ve done it once and it didn’t turn out like you’d hoped, so you’re moving on and hey! Maybe this time it will be better.
At the very least, you’ll get snow back and be closer to family. This might be really good if you’re hoping to get on the babytrain. We found that our move from Colorado to Indiana (Indiana? really?) has been really worth it for having family within driving distance.
And hooray for Adam’s new job!
40. Kristin H | February 6th, 2008 at 7:39 am
And also? I once quit a job the day before my company got sued for libel due to something I did. Best timing EVER.
41. TwoBusy | February 6th, 2008 at 8:16 am
“…buying rennets by the truckload to cure my own cheese in pigs’ assholes…”
(double-taking, then staring incredulously in your general direction)
42. Allison | February 6th, 2008 at 8:17 am
I think I am most jealous that you won’t have to work. If I could do that, I would in a second. I am picturing you living in Stars Hollow as well. Congrats!
43. jonniker | February 6th, 2008 at 8:23 am
Allison: “Won’t have to” is sort of true, but I also sort of know myself in that the plan to not work will last exactly four seconds. I CANNOT not work. I haven’t been unemployed for more than two weeks since I was fifteen. And I’ll be freelancing the whole time anyway, and if I know myself, I’ll probably end up working more doing the freelancing than I would be if I worked full time. I’m annoyingly Type A like that.
44. She Likes Purple | February 6th, 2008 at 8:32 am
I’m insanely curious why Vermont is holding steady against a Target. Is that how they want to be put on the map? The only state with not a Target in sight? Because, Vermont, that is going to BACKFIRE.
45. Jen | February 6th, 2008 at 8:45 am
Re: Lawyerish’s comment – YES Baby Boom! You should totally make baby applesauce all day and sell it at the local general market.
46. Jamie | February 6th, 2008 at 8:55 am
Ahhh! This is such exciting news! I am thrilled for the whole lot of you – pets included. I wonder how Sunny will react to all that snow? Keep us updated.
47. Regina | February 6th, 2008 at 9:04 am
I hardly ever post (sorry) but VT is totally cool. I was disappointed when my fiance job fell through not too far from Middlebury, i was all set and then BAM no move still stuck in GA ( not that its a bad place just not a me place). As for as Middlebury collage town, had a friend who graduated there so there is some work. You r on not too far form Orvis they have a whole It side they are and online/cataloge company. I also have family in Burlington, they have a great spot and opened up their own photography studio and are doing wonderful, its a great place to raise children IMHO. Oh and yes lots of cheese and maple sryup but a cool bunch of people all very nice and fun. I think you will fit right in, i also think your freelance thing would do well there, they tend to like the more local not so much corporate mentality up there which goes a long long way! Good luck, i am jealous, and i know you will do well, congrats to Adam! ( and you!).
48. -R- | February 6th, 2008 at 9:09 am
I considered going to Middlebury College before my mom reminded me that I am not a hippie. And I know that Vermont is super liberal EXCEPT those people freaking love their guns. And I did a report in college on the business practices of the Killington ski resort. So there you go.
But anyway, I am excited for you and Adam! It sounds like a fun adventure!
49. cassidy | February 6th, 2008 at 9:30 am
Oh good luck with everything! I think that it’s way amazing that you are supporting your husband like that.
50. Laurel | February 6th, 2008 at 9:44 am
My roommate freshman year in college was from Vermont. She missed it so much, she moved back after that year, so I’m sure it’s a lovely place!! Though she did have to drive 2 hours to go to a grocery store, wth?
Just think about the glorious weekend trips you can take when you and Adam have the time–the best part about New England is that you can bounce around from state to state because they are so tiny. It’ll be fantastic.
And I can always FedEx some Target Wine Cube to you, so let me know!
51. ie | February 6th, 2008 at 9:45 am
I’ve never been to Vermont, but I wish you all the luck in the world on your move. I look forward to hearing about your adventures!
52. Beth | February 6th, 2008 at 9:46 am
I’ve been to Middlebury. At least, I think so. There’s a college there, right? Clearly it was very memorable. Congrats on getting the heck out of Florida, but seriously, no Target? That doesn’t even make sense to me.
53. no name slob | February 6th, 2008 at 10:00 am
Oh, WOW! Congratulations and you do have good thoughts coming your way from Rome. And oh, how I hear you on the quitting anxiety. When I left my job to move here, the day I handed in my letter was one long agony of butterflies, sweating, an inability to work, or think, or breathe. I don’t know how many times I worked up my courage and headed to my boss’s office, envelope in hand, only to get there and find her in a meeting, leaving me to scurry back to my own office trying not to look suspicious and thinking, “OMG I’m carrying an ENVELOPE, in a PUBLISHING office, surely everyone will know EXACTLY what I’m up to, OMG.”
And then, when I finally gave her the letter, it wasn’t even that big of a deal–mainly because, like you, I wasn’t leaving because I didn’t like the job. I was leaving because I had a great, life changing opportunity. (Not to mention I kept freelancing for them.) That made me feel a lot better about it all, and less like I was somehow letting them down.
Rambly and nonsensical. Sorry! I’m low on sleep. Speaking of freelancing.
54. Tessie | February 6th, 2008 at 10:45 am
Congratulations! You could start a homemade baby food company! Purchase a 100-year-old farmhouse! I have been PRO-VERMONT ever since I saw Baby Boom. Love it.
55. Swistle | February 6th, 2008 at 11:10 am
Yay and good luck! (*blood no longer reaching brain after words “no Target”*)
56. pinniped | February 6th, 2008 at 11:15 am
I’ve never been to nor know personally anyone from Vermont, but I believe that is where the best cooking magazine/cook book authors ever, Cook’s Illustrated, is headed. And I’ve always thought working in their test kitchens would be a dream job. And with your love of pickling carrots and such, maybe something to look into.
57. Girl and the City | February 6th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
OMG no target! You will totally have to do target online. Good luck with the job resignation!!
xox Girl and the City (in Paris)
http://girlandthecity.wordpress.com
58. Ashley | February 6th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
i am de-lurking to say that vermont is one of my favorite states EVER and my girlfriend and i are going there this weekend to snowboard and we’re staying right near Middlebury. It’s beautiful, very small town quaint-like but an hour south of Burlington, which is quite possibly one of the cutest little cities in the country – and its right on a beautitful lake.
ok, clearly I love Vermont – good luck with your move!
59. Leah | February 6th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
I know what you can do in Vermont. Learn to knit hats. WEE HATS.
60. MsPrufrock | February 6th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Frick on a stick! I’m so jealous. Middlebury is exactly the kind of place I’d want to live if I moved back to the US. I may have never been there, but like Lawyerish mentioned, I have all these visions of Baby Boom and Funny Farm in my head, and if that’s not a reason to move there, I don’t know what is.
Anyway, congratulations all round. A big move, but exciting!
61. Jeanne B. | February 6th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
I have friends in Fairfield, near Burlington. She works in newspaper ad sales and chairs the Relay for Life every year. He runs a recording studio. Together they write and record jingles, write for other artists, and raise their son. They love it there. They are extremely good peeps. Is Middlebury anywhere near there? If so, give me a holler and I’ll hook you up. Good luck with the move! Think of it as an adventure and a chance to start over.
62. One Smart Cookie | February 6th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
What exciting news! I speak for all of New England when I say that we are excited to have you back. And really, how can Target compete with things like fresh maple syrup and Ben and Jerry’s? (Ok, I know, the thought of living without a Target is terrifying. But soldier on, you can do it!)
We went to Vermont for a week on vacation last year (stayed in Stow but ventured to Burlington for a day) and it was awesome. Did you know that there are lots of little local wineries in VT? This knowledge will come in handy during the moving process, I promise.
63. jonniker | February 6th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Jeanne: Fairfield is about an hour and a half north of where we’ll be, but honestly, it’s so lovely hearing how many people love it there.
And uh, thanks for all of the well wishes! I feel confident that they will help, I really do. I kind of want to hug all of you in a great big giant bear hug and make you cheese, sans pig asshole. (I DO NOT KNOW HOW TO MAKE CHEESE)
64. Style Bard | February 6th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Amazing! I know it’s scary but omg, how exciting! I love big changes, I love changes of scenery… and you really haven’t been marvelously happy so it’s gotta be great to get out, right? Plus, Congrats Adam!
I can’t wait to read about it all.
65. Emily | February 6th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
The best adventures start out just like this. You’re going to have an awesome one.
Best wishes in the next few weeks as you hammer out the details. And then? Just relax for a few weeks or months and ENJOY IT. And if you need encouraging types of Snail Mail, well! That is my forte. Do not hesitate to ask.
66. amber | February 6th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
I drive almost 100 miles to get to the nearest Target. It sucks. However, it’s usually worth it. And: congrats on the move.
67. willikat | February 6th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
i know what your job can be. you need to be a lobbyist for moving target into town. because, i am sorry, target is a necessity. you have excellent writing skills so just start working on a persuasive essay. and that might keep your mind off quitting.
68. Mauigirl52 | February 6th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Congratulations on your big move! Vermont is lovely – I hadn’t been up there since about 1974 until this past fall when we took a day’s drive into Vermont from the Adirondacks when we were up there for a few days. It’s jus beautiful and I’m sure you’ll both be happy! Best wishes!
69. Trina | February 6th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Happy thoughts in abundance here!
70. jen | February 6th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Apparently I am not the only one who has seen Baby Boom and Funny Farm a few too many times because that was instantly what I thought of — either you writing a book based on the adventures of a squirrel or making oceans of gourmet baby food for us city slickers.
Either way, I envy you your scenery. There’s a lot to inspire you to do goodness knows what!
71. Christine | February 7th, 2008 at 10:13 am
Oh I am so happy for you and Adam! Although, why, WHY god why not Philadelphia. I can’t hardly hang out with you in Vermont. (Because we hang out so often now, or ever…but you know…at least I’ve been to Florida.)
Of course I wrote this, and being a major goof ball, my first thoughts were, “OHMYGOD, Sunny has never been in the snow!” (may or may not be true, and holy hell, I just made your dog into her own little kiddo of sorts.)
Best wishes on an easy enough move. Because, lo, moving sucks. And on the no Target thing. But I hear Montreal is lovely! And that Vermont is lovely too! And you will finally have Autumns back! Woot!
72. velocibadgergirl | February 7th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Good luck, and my sympathies on the moving thing…we’re only moving about one mile and I’m spazzing out over all the packing.
I can’t wait to read about your Vermont adventures!
73. Alyce | February 8th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Aren’t the Cooks’ Illustrated folks (or at least their farmhouse) in Vermont? You could go mapling with them. Fun times.
I’m sorry there is no Target. Lucky for us (the readers) we’ll get to hear about your run-ins with the locals at quaint country stores instead.
Good luck!
74. Sian | February 10th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Absolute best of luck, Jonna. I don’t think Florida was ever really for you!
75. natalie | February 12th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
I honeymooned in Woodstock, VT and it is a slice of total Americana…friendly people, beautiful scenery…I have always dreamed of living in Vermont! Good luck. And, really, a job offer from Vermont?! Now I’ve heard it all…!
76. Maggy | February 19th, 2008 at 7:38 am
I love how you called the Target corporate office. And I second learning how to knit as a way to fill your time as a lady of leisure. I was a LoL for a summer after the husband and I moved. I had been supporting him for several months, so I was due some leisure time. Quitting the job was so scary. We’d already sold our house so I was both homeless and unemployed.
77. jen from boston | February 19th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
How exciting! You are J.C. Wayatt! (except that you a childless, moving from FL instead of NY, and are not lusting after a hot
vet…but anyway). Make your own baby applesause food whatever.
No Target? Tough stuff, but you know, we’re in the age of online, so, not THAT bad, eh? (I mean, not that I’d put up with it, but you could).
78. oQ34RUBY | February 18th, 2010 at 6:24 am
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