Which Are You?

After posting yesterday about the many roofs I have lived under throughout my life, I've gotten a few comments.  On Facebook, a friend of the family said, "I thought I moved a lot as a kid, but definitely you beat me.  I moved so much as a kid that I only wanted to settle down in one spot as an adult.  I hated packing up and settling in, but I have some friends and relatives that love to move and start again.  It is an adventure to them.  Which are you?"

I thought this was a very interesting question, and the answer I gave her wasn't a very good one.  I said something to the effect of "moving is fun, but it's also nice to be in one place."  In other words, "I don't have a brain and I'm just saying yes to both."  Ha ha.

What's interesting to me about her question is that I've never thought much about it.  I mean, as a little baby I obviously had no control over the constant change of address.  Who asks an infant to decide if moving is their best option?

"Okay, J.J.  Burp once if you think we should stay in California... Burp twice if you think we should move to Washington... That's it.  That's a good baby.  Oh my!  Two little burps!  Somebody needs a nappy poo while mommy and daddy call the U-Haul people."

Ridiculous, right?  But now that I'm an adult, I suppose I can put a stop to all this moving, can't I?  But I don't think that will happen any time soon.  I mean, there's a 90% chance we'll be moving after Christmas.  Still in Salt Lake City, I'm sure, but someplace much smaller.  Someplace with a cheaper monthly rent.  Someplace where we can be alone.  So far Brian and I have always had roommates, but we both think it's time to finally live just the two of us.  A "love nest" as Mesun calls it.  I just want to be able to walk around in my underwear without accidentally scarring someone for life!

At work last night, after we had closed and we were folding clothes, two of my coworkers got into a debate over owning a home or just renting.  It was interesting hearing both opinions, and the entire time my mind was reeling.  How important is owning a home for me?  Do I want to keep renting so I can keep moving?  Keep experiencing new places and meeting new friends?  Or do I really want to settle down in one spot for years and years?  How important is stability?

Brian answered that for me in a text last night.  I was already home from work and he still had hours to go, and we were texting about our finances... or lack of finances.  At one point he wrote, "I just want life to fast forward to the time when we have a house and kids and security.  Can't you just see it?  You and me and our kids in a big house - but not too big - having company over and drinking fine wine - koolaid for you - and going to parties and eating good food and seeing shows and art museums, and operas, and rock concerts, and going on vacation twice a year.  Sigh..."


"Our life sounds wonderful," I texted, referring to the fantasy he had just described. 

"Our life is wonderful.  Just you and me and our lack of money.  Wonderful.  : )"

So I guess my life is pretty fantastic as it is.  Sure, we're broke and for the moment it seems like I'll be following in my parents' footsteps (you know, moving from place to place like a nomad), but I do believe that a permanent home is somewhere in my future.  So maybe the answer to my friend's question was a good one after all.