My update is that there is no update: we’re still in the Airstream in Wisconsin, still looking at houses, still trying to come to terms with the idea of a life in place.
There are so many complicated, changeable emotions around us right now that it’s like a swirling, stinky magic spell is in the midst of casting a huge transformation. Except, the transformation will take a long time to happen, and it’s going to take even longer for either of us to accept what’s going on. Kinda wish it were a simple magic spell. Voilà! Your life has changed!
Here’s a small example (not of “voilà” but of “damn this is weird”).
For the past five years I’ve been touting the philosophy that experiences are more important than things. That being in nature makes a more meaningful impact on selfhood than being in a house. That things are just things. Well, here I am thinking about things again. Heck, I’m even thinking fondly of some the things I manically rid myself of leading up to getting on the road. It’s a very strange feeling.
To help simplify this, I’m making a list of these things I’m looking forward to. Small things, experiential things, things that may not happen, random things I’m looking forward to.
Such as:
- A bedside table
- An interior door
- To walk around the house late at night (and not wake everyone up)
- To go outside early (and not wake everyone up)
- To invite people over
- Art on the walls
- A small bar
- Houseplants
- My own washer and dryer
- Hot water
- Go to a gym
- A craft I can spread out
- Sit beside Tracy on a comfortable sofa
- A yard for Banjo
- A toaster
- Seasonal fresh food
- Flowers in a vase
- Fruit in a bowl
- A good haircut
- A messy desk
- Consistent sleep environment
- Wear a robe whenever I want
- Read a book in an armchair, with a table and a lamp
- A fish tank
- Get to know local bands
- Volunteer
- Be able to hang my clothes in a closet
- Clothes that need to be hung in a closet
- A Christmas tree
- Let travel be special again
- A fireplace
- Good speakers
- Play ukulele and sing loudly
- See the same spot of nature as time goes by
- Drink water out of a glass, not a bottle
- Do yoga inside
- Do yoga outside
- Grow my own tomatoes
- Join a CSA
- Sit at a kitchen table with chairs
- Have my own outside private spot
- Friends I see regularly
- Consistent healthcare
- My own shower
- Pretty shoes
What a weird list, huh? And it’s the opposite list of what I’m dreading leaving behind, which I’m not gonna verbalize because it makes me too sad.
Hey, where’s that voilà magic wand?
What a fantastic list! These are things I am trying not to remember and covet! Such good things to look forward to.
If you were to write your list of what you’re loving, it would be my things I’m trying not to remember. What weird opposites!
I like your list. Different seasons, you know? The list may change again, you never know.
Oh it’s changing all the time – as everything does, I’m finding.
One day a few weeks or months from now you will wake up, and “voila!”
-Renee
At this rate it will be a year from now, and I’ll wake up and go, “damn that was hard!” LOL! Seriously, I appreciate your encouragement.
This just really demonstrates how we take so many little things for granted. Like a toaster. I never would have imagined something so simple making your list!
I really like toast! We have a camping gadget to toast bread on the stove top, but you do one piece at a time and one side at a time. Clearly this is not The Thing that drove me off the road. But I am looking forward to a toaster. I even bought one already at an estate sale and put it in our storage unit.
Why can’t you have both worlds? A permanent home with your “wants” and the Airstream world when you need your nomadic desires???
That’s a good question, but one I can’t answer yet due to stuff I’m not in control of. I will when I can.
I’d say that’s more than a few things, but perfectly understandable.
Viewing your situation I’d say when the time was right for travel and experiences… you did it. In spades!
Now the time is right for a more settled lifestyle and I have no doubt you’ll do that up right as well.
House hunting is fun. Enjoy!