This week at Time Out for Mom, Leslie's asking for a "would you rather" question this week. What would I rather?
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My sweet kids are growing up. My oldest son is now 16, so much a young man but not quite ready for independence. My daughter is less than a week away from becoming my 2nd teen, already taller than me. And my youngest son turned "double digits" just a few weeks ago. Where has the time gone?
In just 8 years ALL my kids will be adults, hopefully out into the world, living their lives as productive, content people. And I know the time will fly by...
I've begun to ponder what my life will be life then, without kids to raise, to clean up after, to focus my time and energy. Will I return to public school teaching? And, as part of the divorce decree, I will be required to move out of the home I always hoped to have. (Don't get me wrong! Being able to continue to "grow up" my kids here is a blessing...)
But would I rather continue to live in the woods? or move to the city?
I've always been a "country girl". I grew up on an island off the coast of Maine in a small fishing village. The nearest Walmart and McDonald's is 40 miles away. Even here, we're 15 minutes away from a grocery store chain. I'm surrounded with trees and lakes, not people and cars. I hear Peepers in the spring, sometimes loud enough that I have to close my windows to sleep. We've seen moose and a lynx walk down the road, foxes "cry" from the woods, and I can dry my wash outside on a line.
Recently, I have been able to experience "city life" again. (I once lived in Indianapolis.) Tom, my fiance, lives just on the outskirts of one of the biggest cities in Maine in a studio apartment. There, I hear sirens and honking and a train that rattles past not far from his place. But the grocery store, library, shopping, and even a park are walking distance away. No vehicle needed! There's restaurants and movies and a theater to see plays. And such a variety of people.
I'm feeling a change coming on. In 8 years, when my kids are out in the world, I think I might just join them, discovering new places, new people and new environments...
Where would you rather live?
You have such a lovely family. I also remember when my kids were so small and adorable. Now my oldest is creeping up on 17 and my son just turned 15. It goes by quickly.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rachel! They do grow up so quickly! It's crazy to think that in 8 years all my kids will be adults!
DeleteWhat an interesting question. It reminds me of the book: You Choose - have you seen it? It's a good one for young kids - probably too juvenile for your own kids now, but a great gift to keep in mind for younger ones! I definitely prefer living in the country, but...I need my town/city fix periodically :)
ReplyDeleteIDK. I'm kinda thinking of city living...at least for a while. Perhaps since I've been in the country for a while it would be a new adventure.
DeleteTOTALLY the country! I would move to a secluded farm today if we found the one we wanted. I would like the land to be big enough that my kids could all building houses and live there, too.
ReplyDeleteIf I could really choose? I'd choose a country setting with LOTS of land near the lake or ocean...but 10 minutes from the city! LOL
DeleteFor now, definitely near the country -- which is where I am. The city is only about 30 minutes down the highway and we drive there any time we want. But it's just too noisy and crowded; though I love some of the sights, food and entertainment offered: I start to long for the wide, open spaces. I talk to my neighbours all the time out here. I lived in an apartment building when we were first married and I swear we never talked to a single soul that lived there. I didn't find people friendly or welcoming. Here in the country we still have block BBQs and the kids all play at the park, or whoever has the best spot of shade in their backyard. The men share cold beers over BBQ's moved out onto the driveway so they can all talk. It's awesome.
ReplyDeleteI honestly can't see us moving even when our kids are older. We can always GO TO the city when we want. But I need to be out in the country fresh air.
That's very true: You can always GO to the city for short periods of time to enjoy what it has to offer. It doesn't work as well to go from the city to the country...No block parties here. I don't think I've said more than a few words to our neighbors...except for the older lady next to us and we talk "chicken".
DeleteI very much dislike the urban environment. Even though I spent a good part of my youth in Chicago, I do not like it today. It truly is dangerous in cities. Country life offers more of a real, down to earth experience. I think that is what matters in the end.
ReplyDeleteOh! I don't think I could live in Chicago either!
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