Thursday, March 27, 2008

Life is a journey, not a destination...

I live in the Northern Virginia area, and quite frankly, I'm not crazy about it. My husband has a great job, but it takes him over an hour each way. He takes a highway that is notorious for many accidents. So each day he goes to work, I hold my breath until he returns each evening. (I'm definitely a worrier).

Part of the reason I'm dissatisfied with this area is that it is VERY crowded and an expensive place to live. We stay here because the school system is good and my husband's job is secure. It's our choice, for now.

But after hubby and I had a whole week off together, I started thinking about how nice it will be when we retire to a lake and are able to just do anything we want. It's not that I want to retire, but I want my husband around more, and have a job that is close enough that he can get home within 20 minutes. I also want more open space, where the roads aren't crowded. We've often discussed moving, but he gets stuck with leaving his secure, great job. (I don't blame him.) So I think about retirement....a lot. Almost too much. We aren't scheduled to retire for another 15 years.....

I know life is a journey, and that you can't look behind you or too far ahead. You have to find a way to truly enjoy each and every day. That might mean we will need to make changes in the way we live. I hope we are strong enough to make these choices now, so that we do not lose too many days waiting for our destination....

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I really like this.
I often have the problem of looking too far ahead (I'm sure that is just part of being young and wanting life to get on with itself!)
Even though it seems like retirement is a long ways off it'll probably be here before you know it!
Where would you want to move? Far from where you are now? (I don't know too much about US geography, I had to look at a map to find where Virginia is!)

Canadian Saver said...

I can't imagine the 1 hour commute and the traffic... but if it's for a good job, I guess those are the sacrifices to make. Hold on to that dream!!! You've got lots in your retirement account already and if you sell your house, that house on the lake dream is attainable :-)

Sharon said...

CS,
Ah, from your mouth to God's ears...:) We know we love the lake, so we just have to find a place...

HPG,
I think we'll stay in Virginia. This is where are children are, at least for now. There are beautiful lakes in Virginia and I love the climate.

Maggie said...

We moved semi-rural 3 years ago and now I am ready to move again to a more rural place. Its not in the cards for at least a few years. My DH commutes about 35 minutes but the parking lot at his workplace is the worst. They have their own jaws of life on site because of the amount of accidents they have had.

Sharon said...

Maggie,
Yikes, that's not good. In the parking lot? I'm ready for a more rural place, for sure.

CT Mom said...

Hi Sharon - this is a tough one. There are always tradeoffs to work/location/schools or other factors that either make our lives easier or more challenging. But as you say, life is a journey, and your needs will change as the kids get older, you get older and your family evolves. We live in a more rural area - good points are the wide open spaces, excellent schools, peaceful lifestyle, no crime. Bad points are 40 min+ commute, gas prices, at least 20 minute drive to major shopping areas, and not really a walking town. I used to gripe about the commute but now I work from home more, so it's not as bad. I love the schools and the neighborhood, plus we get more house for the money here, so I'm willing to deal with the commute for now.

PS to Maggie - jaws of life for a parking lot???? Wow - and I used to complain when my car got dinged every once in a while ...

Lilo said...

I am familiar with that area. Not my cup of tea.(Even though I live in a much more crowded and hectic city right now). I went to school in eastern shore of Maryland. Much more relaxed and a beautiful place to live in!

Joe said...

Sharon:
You have one lucky Husdand!

Sharon said...

Joe,
:)
S

SavingDiva said...

I commute by bike...10 minutes...I don't know how I'd deal with an hour long car ride every morning.

Sharon said...

SD,
That sounds wonderful! Wish my hubby and I could do that, it would solve the weight issues too!