The only ones it would hurt would be the institute- this is not their fault, and our loyalties lie with our workplace- this is the subcontractor's doing.

...sure, but isn't the Institute really the client, here, for the subcontractor? So if the Institute was pissed, and made the subcontractor feel that...?

Connie - where is Taylorsville compared to where you are?

Taylorsville is roughly mid-Salt Lake Valley. Lehi, where I work, is on the other side of the mountains that close off the end of the valley. Provo, where I live, is midway down the next valley south. Sandy, where I'm thinking of moving, is the south end of the Salt Lake Valley.

(And I knew it was manic-ness, the anti-change Ennui Monsters are in full panic and pointing out what could go wrong. But the numbers don't lie, and the circumstances don't change, and the upside is too good.)

I'm looking forward to when my kids more out and I can totally downsize.

I have been considering downsizing more seriously lately, but it'd be a mixed bag of effects (even just considering economics) and the inertia is strong with me.

The Inertia Monsters keep saying "You're 53, you're too old to make major changes in your life." It's not like I chose this change. And these changes would be good for me. But that number. It echoes in my head and says "Old." Hell, my mother lived on her own into her 70s.

My god, brains are stupid.

Brains get stuck in ruts and listen to the outside world too much. They need to be gently guided into new ideas like skittish horses. Companion goats would probably help.

It all becomes clear. My brain needs a companion goat.

The Inertia Monsters keep saying "You're 53, you're too old to make major changes in your life."

Not at all too old for changes. I know a number of people that went to college in their 60s. My mom married at 62.

I would strongly suggest waiting a bit before making any big decisions about anything important. Give it some time. No rush.

"You're 53, you're too old to make major changes in your life."

'I could teach you [Minbari], if you like.'
'No, I don't have the time. It would take me a year.'
'And assuming we survive this, how old will you be in a year if you don't learn to speak Minbari?'
'The same.'

My vague plan is to move next year. But having a goal gives me a path through the current morass and urges me on through the nigh-overwhelming task of dealing with Hubby's stuff. I could easily just retreat into my back room with my stuff and let the rest of the house sit. There are corners of the living room you can't get to. That can't stand.