Oregon is Calling

And I have to answer that call.  I don't like L.A. - yes, I admit it...  it's too expensive, there's too many rude people (though I know some nice ones too), and it's just too much.  Maybe when I lived in Oregon before, I got used to the quiet - or perhaps being able to smell the ocean and hear the sea lions outside my window every morning.  I will be returning to the coast - I couldn't even imagine living anywhere else.  I have to be near the open ocean - where you can look out and see only the horizon.  I want to be able to go to Mo's - one of the greatest seafood restaurants on the planet.  I want to be able to walk to the beach and not have thousands of people already there, doing whatever.  Yes, the water is very cold - but I enjoy just sitting on the rocks to think, or write, or read.  People don't look at you in Oregon and judge you by your weight, age or the color of your skin.  They get to know you, and even after knowing you, they rarely judge you.  Oh, Oregon isn't perfect I know - but it's the closest thing to my idea of "Heaven" that I've ever been to.  I'll miss my friends here - but I've come to realize that the happiest I've been was when I was in Oregon.  I have to be where I'm happy, or I'll end up making everyone else miserable.  I will miss the friends I've made here in Los Angeles, but I will never forget them - and I'm not against visiting from time to time, or perhaps having them come and visit me.  But I can't stay here.  Luckily, I have a job that can go wherever I go - and so, I'm going to go.  My goal is to get out of here by October - want to get there before the winter storms begin.  My mind is made up.

D