Tuesday, March 23, 2010

What in the World?

*Warning: This post may contain a random stream of conciousness. Reader discretion is advised*
Spring is arriving here in Tulsa and while I am miserable with allergies I cannot help but love the warmer temperatures, soak up the Vitamin D, and smile at all the buds ready to bloom flowers and leaves all around. Ah yes, spring is in the air.
So why with the promise of green and life am I discontent? Perhaps discontent is a strong word. What I want to do is go to Europe. Yes, I'm sure if you've read this blog for any period of time that comes as quite a 'shocker' to you all right? ;-) What in the world? I have a great life here. Great friends, a wonderful boyfriend who will deal with my student loans to cook dinner to get me Zyrtec when I'm all stuffed up (and so on and so forth), pets, an amazing job that allows me time to pursue activities I want to do not to mention I'm actually happy doing, new friends in an art form I've always wanted to pursue....
What is my problem?
I have always wanted to go back to Europe, it has been a long time since I was there last to be exact.. cough... erhm... 10 years and counting. I have old and new friends (shout out to blogland friends!) I would love to visit, sites to see, and just get reacquainted with a continent that has held my interest since I was a little girl. However, as those years away from the continent have built up I've also wanted to hop over there and get settled in for a spell. Whether it would be for grad school, or a job, or to follow Jon who got a job... whatever the case may be I want to go and just see if it suits me.
Is this nuts? Am I running away from something or is this a real 'need'? I've always had an inner bohemian in me, but, to uproot and go over to Europe? That should be crazy right? And yet here I am, despite the many issues that would need to be sorted out, despite the likelyhood I would have to forfeit my car, my comfortable house, lawn, and other conviences I'm used to, not to mention the not so little issue of a boyfriend who is reluctant to move much less move to another country, I am seriously thinking about just doing it. (I promise I'm not trying to endorse Nike here)
When would I do this? My immediate answer to that would be, as soon as I could. I still have to help and raise Leo and get him ready to help someone and of course I am doing things at work. Okay so I really don't know. However, I cannot help but feel the closer I get to the big 3 and 0 the need of moving grows. But, what's with this? Is this something I need to do? Or am I afraid of having a good life here? "What's the dealy-o?" is the question I continue to ask my self over and over again. And of course, I cannot come up with an answer.
So to all you who have something to contribute... what do you think? If you've taken that plunge and moved abroad why did you do it? What are your thoughts about relocating one's life and starting over in another country? Pros, cons, bring 'em on. Any thoughts would be appreciated even if they are ones that tell me I'm nuts.

7 comments:

S. said...

I can't say anything... I'm the crazy girl who threw away college scholarships to get married... but look what it's got me?? You'll always regret NOT going, but to go and say you tried is worth a lot. But then, I'm good at temptation :)

Habebi said...

Sarah- My awesome friend. You girl always make valid points even when you are being the voice of temptation.

You're right I do want to go and I don't want to live my life without trying. You know how I feel with regret and all. I think my biggest concern is if Jon digs his heels in and doesn't see eye to eye with my dreams. Oh my lord what would I do then?

Sara Louise said...

You've got to do it! In 20 years you don't want to sit around wondering, 'what if?'. Now is the time, before children and PTA meetings. Seven years ago I took the plunge and moved to Dublin without any real plan (strange for me because I'm a planner) except that if it didn't work out, I could go home, and now, life has brought me to France.
If you have that itch in your feet you should make a plan and do something about it. Life is for the living!
Can't wait to here more about what you decide... bonne chance!

Anonymous said...

M., as you know I am all for you coming to Europe and there's no reason to stop you! Just let me know.

Habebi said...

Sara Louise- You have hit the nail on the head. I do have that itch, and it's BAD. I think I may have to ask you more about your personal experience if you don't mind, as I do like to have points of references when it comes to making big plans.

Habebi said...

Dedene- Merci. I will be forced to take you up on that offer. Just be prepared- I'm long winded. ;-)

Jessica said...

Doooooo itttt..... ;) You know my point of view really. I loved living overseas and think if you have the opportunity you should jump at it. What's the worst that can happen? You move back and resume your happy life knowing you tried, right? And the best... well, you've read my blog. I think you'll love the expat life. ;)

best
Jessica.