When I was a burned-out sad grad student in Michigan in 1991, Sam in California proposed to me. I could either stay in Michigan an extra year and finish with two degrees, or drop the second degree and my TA and leave in one semester. I couldn't decide. But every time I got in my car, California Dreaming came on the radio. I heeded the advice of the Mamas and the Papas and Sam, and fled to California. When I left 24 years later, that song came on the radio as I approached the state line. Cheers, California! I'll always love you, but I've got to go. |