MATT'S BIG ADVENTURE/GAMBLE OF 2005!

Yes, kids, I have made some major life changes in these past weeks! Found myself facing some highly unusual circumstances and upon reflection I decided that the best option for me was to simply jump off the edge and start it all over. So, I am no longer living in Boston. I have relocated to San Francisco. I gave my notice to my employer and am now in the midst of an aggressive job search.

I am lucky enough to have one of my 4 closest friends on the planet living here and he has given me a nice place to live unitl I get sorted with a job, etc. Another challenge I am facing is an enourmous amount of debt with which I must deal. So, the next couple of weeks will be a bit stress-filled!

However, stress is nothing new and I've survived far worse.

On the positive side of things --- I am really psyched to be back here. I've already made some new friends in a very short amount of time and am enjoying the beauty of the area. And, it is really nice to be close to Alan again. I've missed him a great deal. Let's hope I am not driving him crazy as I've invaded his personal space!

I feel kind of like Rhoda --- standing at that intersection screaming, "New York! This is your last chance!" ...except of course I am in San Francisco, am male, do not wear beaded hats/head scarfs, wild 70's fashions and have a fat sister named Brenda. But still, I feel a spiritual connection with Mary Tyler Moore's best friend who remains frozen in the mid to late 70's thanks to the "magic" of TV!

Tho, I should not spend the money --- I am meeting my pal, Bill, to see PALENDROMES at the historic Castro Theatre this evening! A boy has to have some fun, right!!??!?

I do sometimes feel a bit sad and horrified when I think of some of the challenges I am facing and the desperate need to secure a job with benefits --- and the sadness of leaving behind so many imporant people in Boston. And, it was hard to leave my employer. I can't say that the last couple of months were very "nice" in my dealings with folks at the National level, but I am really going to miss all of my co-workers. I would have been there 11 years this month. That is a long time and I have a family there. Dysfunctional, but a family all the same. Of course, what family isn't dysfunctional?!?!?

Anyway ---- San Francisco, this is your last chance! I toss my "Dirty White Boy" cap in the air and the cool, clean Northern California breeze carries it down Castro Street. I run after it, but am stopped by a gathering of beautiful men of all shapes, colors and sizes --- all friendly. And -- wait --- is that Sylvester I hear crooning from one of those beautiful homes on Noe?

Hmmmm... Mighty real.