Monday, April 27, 2009

Trading Places

One of the biggest impact I could make budget wise each year is reducing the amount of travel we do -- to our own properties as well as to other places. Believe me, I do think about it a lot.

D considers himself a lobbyist now because he fights for the "rights" of most everything and anything he feels I'm about to pitch for the sake of saving money. He feels I'm too extreme. I told him to start reading some of the blogs out there and he'll see that I'm pretty darn tame!

The cottage is one space that finds itself on the chopping block now and then. We could realize a good return on investment should we sell. We would also save on gasoline etc. etc.

Reducing our yearly travel would make a huge difference in our yearly budget. One overseas trip represents 1 1/2 yrs of cottage operating costs.

But I cannot seem to make the cut. Not only that, I am actively searching for another place to call home.

Some days, I wish I didn't find such enjoyment from a change in environment or feel like I need it. As much as I grumble about the cottage at times, I sleep so soundly there, feel so light and love the sheer darkness of the nights.

Being pulled physically away from technology and everyday routine allows me to really feel just how I am. I guess that is one reason why people seek out alternate places. I hear different sides of myself when exposed to different places.

I've asked myself if it is possible to create that at home? Do I have the discipline to unplug the phones, not touch the computer, not do anything chores, find a way to make silence and darkness?

The reality is that my home isn't my cottage or ski condo. It never was and cannot be converted without losing itself. As beautiful as I feel my home space is, it doesn't provide everything and it cannot be everything. No more can my spouse or my career or me can.

My travels and multiple location lifestyle is very much a luxury. I am willing to let them go if need be. In the meantime, I am doing my very best to compensate for them by being frugal everyday.

4 comments:

  1. Hiya
    Definitely not ready to sell up yet. Anyway it would be daft to sell when values are down, much better to hang on ntil they recover a bit.
    Lizzie

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Lizzie!

    You are right, now is not the time to sell. They may never end up getting sold but I like to mentally go through the exercise just in case!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Doubt means no. If you have doubt about doing it, don't do it. Hope that makes sense :-)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Money Minder! You are right on that! It makes perfect sense. Thank you for reminding me!

    ReplyDelete