Finally, the kids are to bed. I pop the cork and pour the hubs and I a glass of wine.
“Why don’t we just do something crazy? Like move to an island.” (Says the man who less than 10 years ago swore if he ever moved it would be further north.)
“I was just thinking the same thing this morning. Find whatever jobs to fit our needs and have more time to live life… and write! Wait, is it my turn? ”
“Yes. You should pay more attention because I’m about to kick your ass again.” says the hubs. “I mean, what would really be different about living in another state? It feels like it’s more of the same, just different scenery.”
“Careful with all that shit-talkin’ hun, I’m almost out of cards. Could you imagine though? Actually doing it – raising our family in a completely different way and in a completely different place than we ever imagined.
The hubs and I have talked about moving out of state for a few years. Over a sophisticated game of Skip-Bo, with Pinot Noir and Frank Turner’s voice flowing quite smoothly, we talked about it yet again.
Yes, there was some serious dreaming (and competition) going on there, I know. However, I am a dreamer and the older my husband gets, the more he sees further than what’s right in front of him.
Two years ago, I quit my job to stay at home with the kids and because of that, I started writing again. My mind was given the room to turn in new directions and it has changed me. The hubs has worked, and thrived, at the same company for almost ten years now. It will probably pay for him to stay there another ten, but the thought makes his skin crawl. I can see it in his eyes by mid week. We are both craving something positive and drastic in our lives.
Hubs gives an “eh, why not”. Refills glasses.
“I think for the first time, I can actually see us doing it. Actually moving. And if we’re going to do it, why not go crazy and move to Nicaragua or Australia or Belize?” I said.
“Enticing conversation and cleavage isn’t going to distract me from winning ya know. But I get what you’re saying. The idea of it all is enticing but what if it doesn’t work out? Then what? We’re screwed.”
Life always seems to have a way of working itself out. Something my past and the decision to walk away from a more comfortable lifestyle has taught me. I don’t want or need the kind of predictable ease money can buy. Just more authentic moments. I want to be able to make a living and still have room for life.
I pour the last of the bottle.
“What do you think about retail?” the hubs asks.
“What the hell are you talking about? Machinist to boutique owner…huh? Did you go because I just drew the card that will let me finally kick your ass.”
“I mean what if we move to an island and open up a shop where I make and sell Adirondack furniture. Are you ever going to write a book? Because that would definitely help with the money situation.”
“Hun, only if people buy the damn thing will it help. You work on getting us to paradise. I’ll work on publishing my non-existent book to keep us there. BOOM! Watch this – 6,7,8 and WINNER!!”
“You suck!”
“You wish! Keep on dreamin’ babe.”
Yes. Maybe that is the key – just keep on dreaming.
W.T.F. 