So it's been decided. What's been decided? The future. Yeah, right. Like it's up to you. No, this time I mean it. We'll see.
The problem with long-range plans is they tend to be diverted, deferred, deflated or forgotten. But when you're talking about something as lofty as career, family, life, home, hearth, heart, etc., such plans are harder to derail. Or at least that's the hope.
We've been looking at our surroundings, at our wonderful friends, at the tidy little life built up around us, and yet we dream. Wouldn't it be nice to live someplace we wanted to live, rather than just existing where we ended up? This is where the jobs were (and are), it isn't too far from extended family. But did we really choose this place, with its congested roads, sweltering summers, flat land and oozing suburban sprawl? Or did it choose us?
So here's the (long-range crossyourfingers) plan: find a better place to live, lift ourselves out of as much debt as possible, fix up the mandatory things in the house, sell it and start over. We don't want to be merely moving from here, but would rather be moving to there. We have designs on starting our own business eventually (a multi-faceted, diversified affair), so the place would have to support such a venture. And we need to find a place that supports our type of adventure.
We owe it to ourselves and the Cutlet. Look out wherever, here we come.
Follow your dreams! I completely understand the way you are feeling. Of course, we're coming back to the sweltering summers, but life is too short not to be in a place that will give you and your family exactly what you want.
For me, it's family and friends. Virginia is beautiful - I'll miss the ocean, and the mountains, and the trees. BUT - I didn't realize how valuable my family and friends truly were. We'd given moving back lip service for a year, and then there was at last a leap of faith.
You can make your dreams come true, and you'll enjoy the journey. Just remember the roads might not always be smooth, but you'll get a lot of joy knowing you and your family are doing what a lot of people never get around to doing. Never stop hoping.
I wish you all the luck in this worthwhile venture. Most people just end up where they end up - and not necessarily where they want to be.
and your son is soooo handsome.
T- you know how I feel about this, you read my blog! Congrats for even talking about it, dreaming about it, and planning for it!!! I wish you the best of luck and if we end up any closer, you are totally buying me a beer! :)
Oh, the places you'll go! I'm sure it's going to be a fun and wild ride.
Umm..when did the Cutlet turn into a kid?
Geez. He's too cute for his own good.
"a dream is just a wish that your heart makes"
Making them a reality is the good stuff. And we all love the good stuff.
:)
ahhh...your post gave me hope!
i'm crossing my fingers for you too! you gotta dream, baby!
How can you not love the Metroplex? Oh, wait, I moved away and didn't look back, didn't I? Have fun storming the castle!
How exciting. It's always an adventure when you decide to pack up and pursue your dream. I packed up and moved out to California to be with the man I love. While I don't necessarily think this is the best place on earth, it was exciting to experience a change and meet new people. Good luck! I admire those who can exchange a comfortable existance with a passionate one!
I know how you feel. How did I end up in Dallas? This is where the job was. Is it where I would have chose? Definitely not.
Escape while you're still young and the possibilities are endless. Don't let 20 years go by and wonder what if.
Good for you. You know how Kman and I want to live in a small town and escape this metroplex craziness. But, its hard. We have two more years before the youngest of our clan graduates from high school. Our biggest problem is being unemployable because of our advanced middle-age. Starting over in our mid fifties is a little daunting.
Go for it. My best memories are of when my family and I lived in one-horse towns...
Hey, I've never met you, but looking at that picture, I just felt a twinge of- "Cutlet is growing up so fast!" Awww... Sweet, or creepy? Wait, don't answer that!
I feel the same way you do. I never had any intention of staying in Dallas, for the same reasons you mentioned. I'm here for now because it's cheap. But Joseph has always lived here and has like, nada curiosity about other places. So I work on him little by little. Something to be said about being honest about one's intentions straight off, right?
Good luck! Knowing where the best place to be is tough. I upped and moved 1000 miles from home right after college and some days I think it was the bravest, best decision of my life. And other days I feel like all I do is miss my family.
I hope you find the right place.