The holidays are over, the Christmas decorations are stored away, and we are back in Arizona. Life is good.
The New Year is a time of reflection and wonderment. Reflecting on times gone by - at things you may or may not have accomplished during the past year, and wondering on how time went by so fast and what your future holds. No one really knows what lies ahead for them, but I feel that our way of living is particularly fragile.
This "living-on-the-road" business started out to be a one year trek that has stretched to 5 years (in April). Each January I wonder, "Is THIS the year we settle down and buy a place?"
Don't get my wrong. There are many, many advantages to being on the road, seeing new things, eating in new places, and meeting new people. It's like constantly being on vacation. And that's my point. Don't you sometimes just look forward to getting home after a long vacation?
I really love spending the winter months in Arizona. This is our fifth season here in the same park, and we've made a lot of friends. They are our family away from home. In fact, this IS our second home.
My husband, Jim, who turned 65 in November, has been retired since February 2001. He was recently offered a position with a company who bid on a government contract. If this company wins the contract, Jim would then run the Chicago office. He would have to report immediately. You could imagine the things we'd have to deal with - such as finding a place to live, furnishing it, and what to do with the trailer, just to name a few.
We should hear the decision on the bid any time within the next three months. I'm trying to live with the Que Cera Cera attitude. I have mixed feelings. I would feel sad if we got off the road - yet this would be our opportunity to buy a place. Sometimes living in 400 square feet drives me up a wall. I'm not saying I need a huge place - around 1,000 square feet or so would be perfect - in fact that would seem like a mansion to me! And taking this job means no more Arizona - at least for awhile. The plus side is, of course, financially, and being nearer to my children and family, and a place to call home that doesn't move when you walk in it.
It's this not knowing business that is driving me crazy. If only I had a crystal ball to see the future!
Once I know "yea" or "nay", then I can get on with my life. But until then - it's always in the back of my mind.
So 2010 will either mark the 5th year anniversary of this nomad life - OR - be the year it all came to an end. Stay tuned and ride this wild roller coaster ride with me.
21 comments:
Is your husband excited about the job? Some men love working. I haven't read many of your previous posts yet - - haven't had time - - - but you two must get along well together to be able to live in that size home for five years! We have friends who do the same thing. They are a sweet, sweet couple and are like newlyweds. Life is new adventures for them all the time due to their travel.
Wow. That would be a huge change!! But, the fact that it was offered to him in the first place is very flattering and although freezing in the winter, chi town is an awesome place!
We lived in a motor home for about three years when we first moved down from Alaska and loved it. We have moved around quite a bit and finally bought a house about five years ago. While hubby likes the stability I still have a serious case of wanderlust on occasion.
Jim's job offer sounds exciting and so does Chicago. You would be closer to your family plus there is always vacation time.
You are living the lifestyle we keep thinking about. Only I would like to take it to Europe. Maybe rent small places for six months at a time. We downsized to our condo (about 1400 sq ft) from a big home. Now we wonder - are we retired? My husband has calls for jobs, but nothing has been right yet. So we are sort of in a limbo state, too - much like you. Do we sell all the furniture in storage and get on with our lives, accepting early retirement? Or do we stay here, where we are comfortable, taking small trips while we wait for our lives to take a new turn (job)? It's really hard, isn't it?
What do you want to happen?
I hope you get your answer soon. It will be hard not knowing what is going to be the answer. If you end up settling into a house, it will be a big transition, but you will still be able to take road trips at times when Jim is off. I hope it all works out well.
It seems like we always want what others have. There are so many people who would die to live your life, but you want what some others have. Yep, that grass is always greener!
Big decision...which way is Jim leaning? Nothing (well almost) is irreversible...a job can be left, a house can be sold if you miss the nomadic life too much. As long as you have each other, family and friends and options life is good.
I can offer no solutions or directions, only my support in your decision.
Good luck and if you are Chicago bound, we will get to see house searches and decorating and...oh, my, you will have no shortage of blog fodder with either decision.
I'm not worried, Pat. Your blog will still be extremely entertaining! =-)
Besides, no matter where you go, there you are.
;-)
I am with Wendy on this. You will know what to do when the time comes. In the meantime.... I wait to hear all about it!
hmmm....tough one. i'd love to go on the road for a bit with the fam. maybe a change for a bit, you could always go back right?
I hope everything turns out well for the both of you.
Sounds like it's going to be an exciting year for you! Look forward to hearing how it all happens.
It sounds like an adventurous time is about to arrive.
Like I always tell my husband...I don't care where we live as long as we're together and there's hot water and internet connection!
I look forward to reading about your decisions.
Good Luck.
Sunny :)
Wow! -- When I was younger, I used to think that once a person got "old" (as I thought of anyone over 40) there would be no more big decisions. It never works out that way, does it? I'm glad both choices have lots of positives -- that makes it harder, but happier.
Keep on blogging! We want to know what happens -- as well as what you're doin' in the meantime.
I'm sure everything will work out for the best. But I will say, I love your pics from all over the USA.
Welcome back to blogging! I missed you!
Life changes can be exciting! I'm gonna be selfish and admit that I'm going to miss living vicariously through you!!!
I know how that period of not knowing feels, having been there four years ago. We had no idea we would ever leave AZ to come back to Indiana. But if it is to be, go with it. You can always take a vacation by yourself or with friends to sunny AZ to get away from those Chicago winters.
Good luck to you two, no matter how it turns out. =)
Wow ! what a suspense ! I think I would get crazy !
That would be a big change for you both, but one that would offer some new and exciting things for you. Is he excited and interested about it - or just so-so? That would be the kicker, if he was really looking forward to the challenges it would provide.
Good luck to him (and you).
Pat i hope you get your answer , and it all works out well!
love and hugs
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