Some of you may have noted that I was at DU in Sacramento a few weeks ago. I failed to mention the reason I was actually there. It wasn’t a huge secret, but a sensitive topic. I was interviewing for a job that would require me to once again move away from where my parents can easily have me over for dinner and worse, leave a really great job at a Girl Scout Council and a CEO who I adore like a sister. It was a touchy subject that for weeks went unresolved.
So after a weeks of flip flopping between sheer terror and pure excitement, I can announce that I’ll be moving to Sacramento to take a position as Director of Development for the area of Central/Northern California, Nevada and Utah.
It’s a really scary thing to pack up your whole life and make such big changes all alone. This is one of those rare times when I wish I wasn’t doing something alone. I own a house. I have to move dogs, parrots and falcon. Find a place to live, learn a brand new job, figure where to board my dogs, fix my truck and have a beer. I’ll be scared. But I’ll do it all and I’ll be just fine. This line of positive thinking of course, does nothing to get rid of that constant, “I think I’m going to throw up feeling.”
But all you falconers know what this job will mean. I’m a biologist at heart and get my biology fix by researching and writing reference books. I’ll eat this stuff up as an amateur scientist. I’ll fall in love with ducks over and over as poet. I’ll have grounded information as a nonfiction writer. I’ll get to tell my favorite stories as a Director of Development. And fundraising is all about being able to tell a meaningful heartfelt story.
There’s not a lot of falconry in DU. It would be wonderful for them to know us better. And as Joe pointed out elsewhere — we don’t seem to get pertinent and timely information from many sources. I can’t believe I was the first to announce the proposed closed canvasback season. You’ll probably get a lot more johnny on the spot information from me.
So Operation Desert Dove is about to make another turn. Stick around. And those of you following along in Northern California, shout out. I’m going to need a few friends.
Oh gosh, Rebecca, I’m going to miss you (even though I don’t get to see you as often as I’d like, it’s nice to know you’re near by.) My novel in progress is set in the Sacrmento Delta, so I’ve been making trips up to your soon-to-be-neck-of-the-woods. Knowing you’re up there will make the next trip something to look forward to even more! How soon are you moving? Will you have some time to get together before you leave? I’m sending tons of good thoughts your way…
xo
gayle
I’ll miss you, Rebecca. I was really enjoying getting to know you!
Gayle we will definitely get together before I go! There will be plenty of time. It probably won’t be until Oct although I imagine I’m going to be making a few trips up in between if you want to hitch a ride. And I would love for you to come stay with me when I have a place!
Cyndi — I was just really getting my footing and enjoying finally getting to spend time with people like you out of my department, myself. GSSGC is such an amazing place to work with such fantastic people. I’m really proud of the part I played in our transition from good to great! I suppose though, that you will be one of the few people who understand without a lengthy explanation why DU is such as awesome fit for who I am. And I really did have my eye on convincing your son to apprentice with me. You family should continue the falconry tradition and I could have used the slave labor.
Hi Rebecca, I’m a falconer in Va. I found your blog through falconry circles and really enjoy it. Congratulations on the new job. It’s great we will have your falconry side input at DU. Have fun checking out Napa Valley, Yountville, Valley of the Moon and all those great places.
Good On Ya!
Ken
Wow. No has said “good on ya” to me since I lived in Australia. And that made me smile.
Thanks, Ken! I hope I’ll be able to bring our passion to the table as hunters, conservationists and individuals who see the cycle of predator and prey in a very intimate and unique way. We have things to say that are relevant, critical and amazing. DU needs us for our voice and we need them for their strength. I will try very very hard to be the bridge for this.
Rebecca,
Welcome to the upper half of the state. Glad to know you are going to a great org. There are a lot of falconers up here that would be happy to have you around. If you want to email me (private) about some places to live I am happy to help with some local 411. Unless you get a little out of town, prepare for some sticker shock.
BTW, order some 218 transmitters there are some places out there where 216 does not work. And if you ever thought about a micro falcon, the valley is THE place.
Once again, I am very happy for you. Let the adventure begin.
Joe
Hurry up and get your butt up here. I have a housewarming/welcome gift in mind already!
You’ll be fine, you always find a way. Good luck.
Rebecca,
Congratulations on the new gig. I know leaving is and will be difficult, but this really does seem a good fit. Like you, I think DU members could stand to learn a bit about falconry, just as many falconers (especially the younger crowd) could use a bit more background info on all that conservation groups like DU have done to make North America the envy of the hawking world. While game animals (including waterfowl) are a blessing of the natural world, abundant game populations, and reasonable seasons in which to pursue them, are the result of hard work over generations. As Ken said, Good on ya!
Congratulations on the new job. I trust that you really enjoy DU banquets, because you will be attending a lot of them, won’t you, when not schmoozing the really big contributors?
Although, I’ve been getting area invites to the banquets for years now, I’ve never gone. I could never find a date…
But, yes, I suppose I will be going to many and hopefully meeting some really amazing people who actually want to hear my tired old hunting stories.
Congrats on the new gig & good luck with the move! DU will be better off for your talents and perspective.
WOW…and a huge Congrats to you girl!!!! How very very exciting. Since you started your journey into Britts with the Wire’s ( RJ Kennels) don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and call them for references and local help with where to board the dogs etc…Joyce has puppies everywhere and has even gotten several playgroups etc…started for her puppy owners. She will know exactly where to point you for anything Brittany related.
I’m sad that I moved so far away now….you are finally going to be close enough for me to apprentice under if I lived in Tahoe still *sigh* oh well.
I am, however, most definately EXCITED for you and am eager to hear of your journey ahead. Well Done lil Red headed Sis…..
You’ll be truly great at this.
I’ll just throw my congrats in there as well. Sounds like a perfect fit!
Congratulations! I was about to e-mail you to ask this, as I hadn’t heard anything since you sent us the e-mail saying you’d applied. You’ll be super at this job.
Congratulations, Rebecca! Best of luck with your move and new job. Please keep us posted.
Moving is a pain, but we’ll welcome you in Sacramento! And housing is (much to my dismay) getting cheaper by the day, so hopefully you won’t have sticker shock.
Matt Mullenix just turned me onto your blog, telling me you were a kindred spirit, and I can’t believe I’ve never found you before. But I have now. Nice to meet you!
Nice to meet you too, Holly! We’ll definitely have to meet up sometime!!