But I do want to find time to blog because, truthfully, here in the 'burbs, I feel a constant tension between wanting to focus on those priorities and the societal pressures that push us towards materialism and consumerism.
My husband has half joked over the years that he wants our family to be a self-contained unit. I love family time as much as the next person. But we need to be involved in community and have friends, so we cannot be completely self-contained.
But because of the pushes towards materialism and consumerism, I do wonder periodically if we should be living elsewhere. But where?
Sometimes I think we should trade our big, modern, HOA-governed house in a well-planned neighborhood for a home in an older, more modest neighborhood. I have even identified neighborhoods and looked at real estate listings. But those houses tend to be smaller. We need a certain amount of space because we homeschool and are in the process of adopting again. I'd love a smaller home for the upkeep, but it will be a while until we are out of the child-rearing stage and can downsize like that.
Sometimes I think we should move to a rural home and homestead. But then I remember I am terrified of snakes and scorpions, and I've never even successfully gardened. Plus all the extra driving would be so time-consuming. And there are amenities we love about living in part of a large metropolitan area. We are heavy users of the library system--both participating in activities and checking out books and other media. And this year, my kids and I have explored the performing arts more. I found frugal ways to get us to the symphony, opera and ballet. Very fun! I don't want to leave those things behind.
And to be honest, I am so tired of moving. I've moved a fair amount in my life and now I just want to stay put. I want to bloom where I am planted currently. I do dream of retiring to a little condo with my hubby some day when we are empty nesters. But for now, the big house in the 'burbs is the best fit.
So, for better or worse, I foresee being in this house for quite a while. And I need to ever improve my ability to resist the pressures towards materialism and consumerism. I'm sure I'm not the only one struggling in that regard!
My husband has half joked over the years that he wants our family to be a self-contained unit. I love family time as much as the next person. But we need to be involved in community and have friends, so we cannot be completely self-contained.
But because of the pushes towards materialism and consumerism, I do wonder periodically if we should be living elsewhere. But where?
Sometimes I think we should trade our big, modern, HOA-governed house in a well-planned neighborhood for a home in an older, more modest neighborhood. I have even identified neighborhoods and looked at real estate listings. But those houses tend to be smaller. We need a certain amount of space because we homeschool and are in the process of adopting again. I'd love a smaller home for the upkeep, but it will be a while until we are out of the child-rearing stage and can downsize like that.
Sometimes I think we should move to a rural home and homestead. But then I remember I am terrified of snakes and scorpions, and I've never even successfully gardened. Plus all the extra driving would be so time-consuming. And there are amenities we love about living in part of a large metropolitan area. We are heavy users of the library system--both participating in activities and checking out books and other media. And this year, my kids and I have explored the performing arts more. I found frugal ways to get us to the symphony, opera and ballet. Very fun! I don't want to leave those things behind.
And to be honest, I am so tired of moving. I've moved a fair amount in my life and now I just want to stay put. I want to bloom where I am planted currently. I do dream of retiring to a little condo with my hubby some day when we are empty nesters. But for now, the big house in the 'burbs is the best fit.
So, for better or worse, I foresee being in this house for quite a while. And I need to ever improve my ability to resist the pressures towards materialism and consumerism. I'm sure I'm not the only one struggling in that regard!
No comments:
Post a Comment