I've always envisioned my life as a series of chapters. I'm not sure if everyone imagines their life in this way, but I do. I enjoy the ease at which I can recall life events, simply by placing it into a chapter. So far, my life divides into the following chapters:
Chapter One: Babyhood (Fairbanks/North Pole)
Chapter Two: Growing up in Barrow, Alaska
Chapter Three: Adjusting to Anchorage, High School
Chapter Four: College, Washington
Chapter Five: Early Marriage, A Masters, and Back to Fairbanks, Alaska
And now; my dear, faithful readers; I am about to add a new chapter to my life.
Robinson and I have been discussing a change lately. We're stagnant here in Fairbanks and it has been impossible for us to get ahead (not just financially, but emotionally and physically as well). As of just two weeks ago, Robinson has been applying for jobs in Wisconsin and we've both decided that we'll be leaving regardless of his job status.
Our target exit is May since I was already planning to take the kids to Wisconsin, but realistically it will depend on how soon we sell the house, how soon Robinson acquires employment, and how soon we can pack our belongings.
As I've been processing it, I've concluded that this is the perfect time to go. Arthur will be starting kindergarten and has no ties to a school that he loves. Balin is so young that he doesn't understand and therefore won't care where he is as long as he's with the people he loves. While I've made so many friends here and volunteer for many causes, I can easily do that anywhere. Plus, I have so many connections in Wisconsin that the transition should be easier than moving to a brand new place.
We will be living at my grandmother's 1940's farmhouse. When Grandma died a couple of years ago, my dad and my aunt inherited the farmhouse and land. Neither one of them could live there permanently though: my aunt was still working full-time and although my dad was retired my mom was not.
They've had some issues finding a reliable person to live there. My dad's cousin burned some of the clutter in the house without his consent. Now a neighbor attending the local university is house-sitting, but my aunt and father are paying him to live there. Hopefully this new arrangement will be a win-win for everyone. We get a house, rent-free (minus general upkeep costs and utilities), and my father and aunt have us to take care of the house. Since the cost of living is so much lower down there, we'll be able to save up a lot more money than we ever could here. Not having a house payment will certainly help!
I've always fantasized about living on my grandparent's farm and it's soon to become a reality. When I discussed the idea with my aunt, she laughed and said that she wondered if Grandma didn't have a hand in it somehow. I often wonder that, too.
I can picture the boys riding tractors. Playing in the dirt. Helping me can fruits and vegetables. Collecting eggs from our chickens. Exploring the farm. I am highly romanticizing the situation, I realize that, but it's hard not to. Fairbanks has been a fun adventure, but it's time for something new. I'm looking forward to it.
Blessed be.
Chapter One: Babyhood (Fairbanks/North Pole)
Chapter Two: Growing up in Barrow, Alaska
Chapter Three: Adjusting to Anchorage, High School
Chapter Four: College, Washington
Chapter Five: Early Marriage, A Masters, and Back to Fairbanks, Alaska
And now; my dear, faithful readers; I am about to add a new chapter to my life.
Robinson and I have been discussing a change lately. We're stagnant here in Fairbanks and it has been impossible for us to get ahead (not just financially, but emotionally and physically as well). As of just two weeks ago, Robinson has been applying for jobs in Wisconsin and we've both decided that we'll be leaving regardless of his job status.
Our target exit is May since I was already planning to take the kids to Wisconsin, but realistically it will depend on how soon we sell the house, how soon Robinson acquires employment, and how soon we can pack our belongings.
As I've been processing it, I've concluded that this is the perfect time to go. Arthur will be starting kindergarten and has no ties to a school that he loves. Balin is so young that he doesn't understand and therefore won't care where he is as long as he's with the people he loves. While I've made so many friends here and volunteer for many causes, I can easily do that anywhere. Plus, I have so many connections in Wisconsin that the transition should be easier than moving to a brand new place.
We will be living at my grandmother's 1940's farmhouse. When Grandma died a couple of years ago, my dad and my aunt inherited the farmhouse and land. Neither one of them could live there permanently though: my aunt was still working full-time and although my dad was retired my mom was not.
They've had some issues finding a reliable person to live there. My dad's cousin burned some of the clutter in the house without his consent. Now a neighbor attending the local university is house-sitting, but my aunt and father are paying him to live there. Hopefully this new arrangement will be a win-win for everyone. We get a house, rent-free (minus general upkeep costs and utilities), and my father and aunt have us to take care of the house. Since the cost of living is so much lower down there, we'll be able to save up a lot more money than we ever could here. Not having a house payment will certainly help!
I've always fantasized about living on my grandparent's farm and it's soon to become a reality. When I discussed the idea with my aunt, she laughed and said that she wondered if Grandma didn't have a hand in it somehow. I often wonder that, too.
I can picture the boys riding tractors. Playing in the dirt. Helping me can fruits and vegetables. Collecting eggs from our chickens. Exploring the farm. I am highly romanticizing the situation, I realize that, but it's hard not to. Fairbanks has been a fun adventure, but it's time for something new. I'm looking forward to it.
Blessed be.
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