Meeting the In-Laws
(Originally posted to FB, 07.25.09)
I cracked open the onliine news today to find out that apparently I live in the #2 Quickest Dying City in the US – Cleveland, Ohio. How about that? Apparently we’re about to shuffle off to the great beyond and nobody told us If you believe the article I read, we’ve lost twenty thousand people with no signs of the exodus slowing down.
Now, I’m no Einstein and I haven’t been in Cleveland in a couple of months but when I left we had just inked a deal to bring a corporation to town and approximately 8000 jobs to go with it. There’s a new office complex going up on the other side of town – and if you believe their own press – all the space is sold already. I’m not entirely sure how I should feel about this newfound designation; if I should blow it off, stick my middle finger to sky and remind them we’ve bounced back before, or pack my bags and join the herd.
Add to that, I have a job offer in the UK. I’ve been mulling this over for a couple of weeks and I haven’t come to a conclusion on what I want to do yet. My employer wants me alot more heavily involved in their photojournalism efforts in Europe. He’s also picked the outlet for my writing efforts. I’d be based out of the UK, they’d pay relocation, the pay is extraordinary. I doubt that a couple of years of this would cripple my resume’ any (insert laugh here). Simon could handle the red tape of getting me in and establishing my dual citizenry. Hell, he could even get my dogs thru customs.
And yet, I haven’t answered them. I have Grams to consider. She’s doing just fine with her and the nurse, but still I feel guilty as hell leaving her there. Most of my other relatives don’t even acknowledge her existence until they need something. My boss told me that I could add trips home to my travel expenses so I have that covered. She hasn’t answered me yet when I asked how she felt about moving over here. Permanently. Decisions, decisions
I met Simon’s parents today. Out of virtually NOWHERE they called him on the cell to announce that they’re coming to Positano for the weekend. Simon swears they do things like this frequently and I believe him when he tells me that he had no clue beforehand they were coming. Well, I’m glad I sprung for the suite for Simon and I (much nicer room to entertain in). We got them a room at the opposite end of the hall. Great view, and just far enough to keep them out of harms’ way. Or from eavesdropping at the door while he and I are sweating up the sheets.
On the surface, they intimidate the shit out of me. Simon comes from money and social standing. My father was an alcoholic homicide detective and my mom was a waitress for 35 years. His mom could best be described as a cross between Patsy Stone, Barbara Cartland and Lady MacBeth. His father is ex-military, retired, and I didn’t understand a bloody thing that fell out of his mouth for the entire length of dinner. I kept telling them I was hard of hearing because I kept saying “pardon?” over and over. They both know that Simon is gay, and mom wanted to meet me. She also finds nothing wrong with unannounced, unplanned drop-in visits.
Translation? She wanted to scope me out. After dinner she grabbed my arm, said that we could go for a walk on the beach and off we went for her interrogation. I’m reasonably sure I passed her tests, she finds me “charming”, my job “fascinating” and did let down her guard enough to show me that the old girl has a raunchy sense of humour. She also insists that I take the job here. She owns a lovely building in the fashion district, and there’s a “little” loft there that would be just perfect for me until Simon and I have decided it’s time to move in together – no charge. I asked Simon about this perfect loft of hers. He says its spectacular and large enough to park a few tractor-trailers in. Says that it’s completely furnished, and I’d need nothing more than get my stuff, my dogs and the keys. He also told me that if “mum is offering property, transportation won’t be too far behind it”.
Job and opportunity of the century? You betcha. Great resume builder, it would keep me close to Simon and yet I’m hesitant to make the leap and do it. Why??????????????
Oh yea. Simon put a ring on my finger today also.
My head is completely spinning today. I feel like when I was a kid and used to spin around in the backyard. You stop spinning and then the yard keep revolving? That’d be me right now.
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