“Don’t live the same year 75 times and call it a life.” – Robin Sharma
Almost four years ago, my husband and I moved from San Diego to Western Connecticut. We wanted to move closer to our families and become parents, and Adam had gotten a finance job in New York.
Our plan was to stay for a couple of years and see how we felt. Well, the time has come… and we’re feeling like we’re ready for a new chapter in our lives. We’re looking forward to a new adventure, and we’ve got a big one in the works…
Next month, we’re moving out of our home here and setting off on a year of traveling as our little family of three, plus our four legged child. Our plan is do long term Airbnb stays in around a dozen destinations around America. The first three stops will all be places that we’ve visited for a few short days and want to spend more time in: Asheville, NC; New Orleans, LA; and Austin, TX.
A peek of Austin, TX when I was there in 2018
While we’ve enjoyed getting to be just a drive away from our families and have taken advantage of living here to the fullest, Adam and I both feel that the northeast just isn’t for us overall. We’re not crazy about the weather (oomph, our allergies hate it here!), the scenery, the general demeanor of people around here, and the cost of living for a place we’re not in love with… so why stay when we can live somewhere else that we enjoy more?
Hanging out in a giant spider web with Cammie in Vermont last fall
The timing seems right for us: The housing market is wild! We’re aware that we’ll experience this as buyers the next time, but for now we’re enjoying being sellers in a sellers’ market.
Our daughter will turn three years old in a couple months, so she’s no longer a baby but she’s not yet in school.
Perhaps the most important factor is our work situation: Adam began a new job a couple months ago that’s permanently remote. And I freelance remotely part-time while taking care of our toddler, so we now both have the job flexibility.
Change often gets a reputation for being a bad thing that causes anxiety and nerves. But I happen to think that change often is a good thing. Sure, there are unknowns with doing something new – especially when you’re upending your life as you know it – but it also makes me feel excited. Life is for living, not just for going through the motions, and I definitely feel alive as we get ready for this next chapter!
There’s a lot of planning that’s going into this next year and there are some question marks, but I’m mostly looking forward to what’s to come. I’m ready to explore new areas and expand our horizons.
My girls on the beach in CT in 2020
So here I am, in the beginning of June, a month away from moving out of the place I’ve called home for over three years, in an area we’ve been in for nearly four years. I gave birth in New England, and dealt with the challenges of newborn life here. I began doing freelance content creation as my main gig when we moved here.
There are things that I’ll miss about life in the northeast: We have our most visited parks and trails, our favorite bakery, our beloved aquarium and nature center that we visit on a regular basis, and a couple of great friends that I’ve made while living here. And of course, it’s been nice only living a few hours away from my family. That’s a luxury we may not have again, and I never took it for granted.
Cammie at the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium with her friend June
I’ll continue blogging on-the-go, and plan to focus more on travel & adventure writing on Foodie Loves Fitness. I’ll also regularly share my life on the road on my Instagram. After all, this blog has always to be a reflection of my current life.. and here I am, a mom, wife, writer, foodie, healthy lifestyle enthusiast, and travel lover, getting ready for my next big adventure!
Tell me… What’s your favorite city or area in the U.S.?
I’m all ears for recommendations!
Deborah Brooks says
Sounds like adventure ahead! Great time to take advantage before your daughter goes to school. I was in. Ashevelle recently we had fun. Colorado and Arizona are fun to visit. Maybe, you will even make it to Alaska! Have a great time on your journeys
foodielovesfitness says
Thank you! CO and AZ are both on our trip agenda! Ooh I would love to make it to Alaska some day – that one may be a bit too far out of the way with a toddler haha
David @ Spiced says
Oh. my. gosh. Nicole! When do you leave for Asheville? We’re moving there next week – I kid you not. The moving truck rolls out of town on June 24. If our time crosses in Asheville, let’s get together for lunch? Or dinner? Or a drink? 🙂
foodielovesfitness says
I’m looking forward to getting together in September! 🙂