I find myself firmy planted in NW Arkansas, Republicanland, the “Bible Belt”- chock full of hypocritters, trailer parks, and chicken houses. I’ve lived in this area for 8 years in September, and I still don’t understand why I’m here. I know how I got here (big yellow Ryder truck), but I don’t exactly know why I’ve stayed. I unfortunately cannot say that I “love” it here. When I moved here in 2000, my dear husband told me “you just try it for a while, just let it grow on you”. When, one year later, I said “you know, I tried it, let’s go to California and you try it for a year”, I was promptly turned down. I felt a little betrayed, actually, as I realized he had NO intention of ever moving from here. So I’ve tried to make the best of it. I’ve learned to call the hogs. I’ve learned that you root for your high school football team for many many years after you’ve graduated and moved on. I’ve learned that you sit at a stop sign until you are positively sure no one else would like to go first.
So here I am. Forever. Wow. My husband plans on working at his job until he turns 55 or dies. Whichever comes first. So here I am. (oh i said that already) I guess I should make the best of it, right? Nothing will come of me sitting and complaining about it. Find the good things about it, make lemonade, yadda yadda. Unless I win the Powerball, then I’m outta here – my husband can fly the private jet to one of my homes for a visit.
I enjoy taking hikes, looking at old buildings, wishing someone would come in and return them to their former glory. I like to shop, I like museums and art, I love talking with girlfriends and laughing. I can get all of that here. (not enough of the latter, however). Is it just the gypsy in me that is dying to pack up and go? As I recently told a friend, this home is my 30th. home. that i’ve lived in since birth. yes, that was a 30. I lived in 6 houses before I started kindergarten – what were my parents thinking? don’t get me started…
I’m feeling restless, that’s what it is. I need a new challenge. I’m already completely overwhelmed, what with the job and husband and kids and church and house. I can’t handle those tasks well, so I guess another challenge wouldn’t be a great idea. The past 5 years have been ALL about the kids, I think I’m ready for some ME time. my DREAM would be to go on vacation BY MYSELF. I’m sure I would get in all kinds of trouble, but I don’t care. I can’t even imagine not having to help anyone, compromise, discipline, it would be great!
OK, someone does know that you are back but you can still say whatever you want and I am glad that you are back…I have missed your blogging!! I would so love to go on vacation by myself…maybe in my dreams.
You know I’m feelin’ you dawg. (Ok. I’m watching too much American Idol…) The phrase that always haunts me is “wherever you are, be all there.” Humph. Oh how often I have lived somewhere else in my mind.
Did I tell you about that time in 2000 when I was positive we were going to move to the Philly area in PA? I hated my job so much that I thought that the only option was to move. Dan sent resumes out and everything. I had the train system memorized and knew exactly what neighborhood I wanted to live in. Oh yeah. I LIVED there in my mind. But then Dan said “come back to me, I miss you.” Apparently I was gone for a long time.
Your blog is hilarious!!! I love how you write! Regarding this entry, I just want to say how glad I am that you are stuck here right now. You may be a slightly disgruntled Siloamer, Siloamite, whatever, anyway, but it gives me great peace everyday to know you and Jim are right next door.
Don’t go!
Hi
Trishy just told me about your blog and how she liked it and of course my ears perked up. I love to keep up with the locals online. Ha. So yes! Very good. I love the look of your house btw, that part in front where you see stairs up high is so curious. Have fun fixing it up! I am trying to get more on board with the little things on mine as well. Although I’m not sure painting a floor is little in my book!