City vs Country

There has been a debate brewing in our house for quite some time now.  During this time, I discovered that not only do I suffer from self-diagnosed ADD but Assman does too.  For many, MANY years we have been going back and forth about where we want to settle down. So far in our 11 years together we have lived in Fraser, Sterling Heights, Richmond, Chesterfield, Harrison Township and now Grosse Pointe Farms.  Our friends and family dread hearing the news that we are moving AGAIN!  This is why after our current lease is up, I want to plant my roots and stay put until the kids graduate and we can retire and start travelling the states and visiting all the MLB ballparks in our huge RV. The problem is we can't decide between the city life or country life.

Here is where Assman's ADD comes into play.  He keeps going back and forth, and back and forth, and back and forth about the city vs. country.  I am a country girl wanna be.  I have always wanted to live in the country.  This was reaffirmed on Easter while at Assman's Aunt and Uncle's house in St. Clair.  I absolutely, positively NEED wide open spaces (great, now I have that Dixie Chicks song stuck in my head!) It was nice to look out into the backyard and see more than three strips of grass and then your neighbor's backyard. It would be wonderful to look out your kitchen window and not stare into your neighbor's house. 

What I really want is a more simple life. I'm envisioning a modernized Little House on the Prairie.  By modernized I mean, no way am I ever going to live without electricity, running water or my car! But I would love to be able to grow my own vegetables and raise some chickens. Who knows maybe even go crazy and get some goats and cows one day :) (Don't worry honey, I will start off small with the chickens :) I would love to sit in my swing on my wrap around porch in the evenings with a cold Summer Shady and just look at the stars and listen to nature. Of course, it will only be this peaceful after the lovable monsters are in bed!

Where my ADD is stable in knowing that I want to move to the country, Assman's is all over the flipping place.  One week "Yes, I like the idea too.  We can look."  Next week is "No, it's too far from my friends/family/work".  Then on Easter it's "Wow, I have such great memories of coming out here for family gatherings.  It would be wonderful to be able to create more great memories that include our friends/family." I'm sure you get the picture.  I'm a scatter brain to begin with and this just messes me all up. 

To add to the confusion, we have also thrown around the idea of leaving Michigan. It is no secret that I do not like Michigan winters. These long, gloomy winters not only cause me to suffer from Vitamin D deficiency, but they seriously depress me. I need the sun and warm weather all year round.   Unfortunately,the only place we have so far mutually agreed upon is California.  I've looked into this, unless we want to become homeless beach bums, there is pretty much no way we can afford California. So, alas, unless we fall in love with Arizona on our vacation in June, I guess I am going to have to succumb to the fact that I am in Michigan for the long haul.

I wish I had that crystal ball that looks into the future to help us with this decision.  Maybe I should ask the magic 8 ball - or the Ouija board?

Until next time, watch some laura ingalls reruns and live, laugh, love xoxo

I'm baaaaaaaack :)

After being on a recent hiatus, I am back in full force.  Part of the the problem was pure laziness and then on top that, those darn kids suck what little energy I have left right out of me. But on my ride in this morning, I looked around and noticed all the beautiful Spring colors and I must say I'm starting to finally feel re-energized! After a gloomy winter, the shades of purples, pinks, whites, yellows and greens show signs of new beginnings! 

One of my new goals will be to get on here everyday and write something, even if it's just a one liner, because I really enjoy writing.  Maybe I’ll even get good at it!

My second goal is to start selling some of the "stuff" that I've acquired.  Assman is starting to wonder about my picking profession because lately I just keep getting stuff for me. I can't help a good deal though.  For instance, yes, I really do need those vintage knitting needles that I picked up for 50 cents each.  One day, when I finally finish the scarf that I have been working on since December, I will need them for a different project. And I'm sure he will appreciate the 50 cent vintage ones as opposed to spending much more money on new ones.  See honey, I am SAVING you money, you should be grateful! 

Anyway, I'm sure, like Assman, you're wondering how I'm going to sell my stuff?  My initial plan of action was to get an inventory built up.  However, a light bulb went off in my head (we don’t want too many going off at once – this could cause a short somewhere) and I thought it would probably be a good idea to start visiting some local antique shops to see what the market is like and to get a feel for what owners and customers are looking for. 

I will then need to introduce myself as a picker (this should be interesting since we all now how outgoing I am - maybe I should have a few cocktails first? ). Or, I could just bring Hambone with me, since he has already taken the liberty of telling complete strangers that I pick people’s garbage.  Thankfully, I was present during this revelation to the owner of the bookstore that we were at.  The older gentleman was already helping me find books on the value of antiques so I’m pretty sure he understood my son meant that I’m picking the garbage for things to sell rather than things to eat. 

My other thought is to start a store on etsy. I could do both. I probably should do both.  In fact, I think I will do both.  In the meantime, if my three loyal followers are interested in some vintage metal roller skates, beautiful mini wine glasses, a pyrex bowl, metal milk crate or a big eyed doll - have I got a great deal for you!

Until next time, enjoy the beautiful spring colors and live, laugh, love xoxo