Never Say Never...

No matter how content you are or how settled you may be, there is always the possibility that you may eventually think of change. The catalyst may be environmental (ah, for a warmer climate), health related (where can I go to relieve my chronic sinus problems) or economical (wow, THAT'S how much my job pays out there?). Or it could be a combination of all three mixed w/ a little old fashioned curiosity.

Before last month's visit to Vegas, we had only off-handedly discussed moving out west...perhaps when we retired. But since we've returned, I think we've determined that such a drastic move is not proving to be as daunting as we once thought.

As with everything else in our relationship, this decision to consider relocating was entirely mutual. There was no coaxing, hinting, or sighing to speak of on either of our parts and really, there was no reason for such since we are not the impetuous kind , the kind that make sudden decisions based on whim or fancy. We both have carefully considered the expense, spiritual aspects, and impact of such a move and plan to continue doing so over the next year or so before we finally decide to take that step. But there are several serious 'positives' that make this seem so right.

1)We have chronic sinus problems that seem to foster a weakness in our immune systems and thus we are sick ALL THE TIME. The doctors have told us that this problem (allergies, sinusitis ) is inescapable as long as we live in Tennessee and therefore, we will probably have to be on medication for the rest of our lives. Needless to say, a dryer climate is a definite improvement on this problem.

2) Cold weather is making me tired! I remember loving the snow as a kid and maybe its my natural age progression or the sudden appearance of arthritis since my auto accident of 1996, but now, I can't stand it! I am SO on board w/ being in a place where the winter temperatures average in the 50's. No wonder so many old people move to Fl!

3)Job availability-my husband has a few areas of expertise but plumbing and pinstriping are his two choice occupations and in the vegas area, plumbers get paid more-even factoring in the higer cost of living. This is no doubt due to the enormous ammount of construction going on in the city. In addition, his pinstriping abilities are just in demand out there...whereas here, especially in our rural area, he has to pretty much create the demand in order to get business. Because of this, the prospect of his getting a painting business off the ground is a lot greater in that area than it is here.

Stipulations are definitely a factor. If we do move, I don't want to have to pull in an income, focusing instead on the ministry and my kids (that is my goal here as well) and I want us to be making enough monthly to make regular visits to Tennessee to see my family. So this is by no means set in stone and may indeed never happen.

I've always said I'd 'never' move out of Tennessee. We love our new house. We adore this area...you guys have seen pictures. It's GORGEOUS out here and even though our city of choice (Boulder City Nv, pictured above) is somewhat 'green' for a desert city and located directly on Lake Meade, it would be a shock to my spoiled senses to be confronted w/ so much sand-beautiful mountains or no . We also have family that would be very sad w/ the absence of the kids and a wonderful congregation that we would miss. My husband's uncle has just bought some property about 2 miles from us and I know his close proximity will definitely be a pleasant thing that we would hate to give up. We don't know ANYONE in that area and the neighborhoods are grouped together rather tightly, meaning a large lot is absolutely unheard of . So going from 20 acres to less than 1/2 an acre would be a huge adjustment. Boulder City is a smaller city (about 15,000 people and pictured above) and a little more appealing to us than Las Vegas or Henderson ( a 'suburb' of Vegas w/ about 250,000 people- on the top 100 places to live list last year) but the neighborhoods are still 'cozy'. As you can see, there is lots to consider.

We've both decided that if we do this, we will start w/ a clean slate. Sell everything, in other words, and begin again. I am pretty changeable-I've moved many times in my life-and I have no problem with that at all. I only own a few things that I can't do w/out...mostly art. So starting over is no big deal for me. But the truth is, we feel so good when we're out west...sinus and allergy-wise especially. And we're starting to think that deep down, we're warm weather people. Even when the temp is over 100, we don't notice it like we do here, due to the lower humidity. So though it may not happen, we are going to think in terms of 'planning' and set a nice deadline to make our decision. In the end, opening up to change is half the battle and I think we've done that.