Paradise to all but the pocketbook
I have to unload my brain before I can write Part 3 of The Table. Sorry, please bear with me.
I love my house. I love my crazy coastal town. I love my neighbors - even the crappy mean ol' grumpy guy. I love my macadamia nut trees and my treehouse and the way the sun fades all painted surfaces to the gentle colors of flowers. I love living here.
But man, it's expensive. I just got my bill for property taxes this past week and it's more than I can afford. In fact, it's a full quarter of the entire earrnings I made as an Avon Lady this past year. I have one daughter in college and a son entering school this fall. I have two young boys at home and what feels like a hundred pets to feed. I can't afford So Cal any longer. I can't. I've done the math, and unless some strange miracle occurs, I can't stay here.
So I am seriously considering putting the home on the market, cashing out, and moving to a small town where my boys can still be boys without yuppy pressure of growing up fast.
I know I mentioned this in the past, but now is the time for the decision to be made. I am hearing all kinds of conflicting thoughts from my dear friends. Some of my girlfriends tell me to stay, that I live in a beautiful and wondrous place. But they aren't looking at my bank account, at my bills, at my upcoming expenses with two kids in college. They have husbands who work and they have their own real careers. They didn't have five children. They don't have a lack of marketable skills. Or they are single, and childless (and dating mulletmen!!). And some of my friends understand, they are struggling, too, and they think a move is a grand idea.
I honestly don't know what to do. I want to stay. But I think I have to go.
I'm still thinking of New Mexico. I could still sell Avon, regardless of location. And in a small town I could do my small business ideas like sell gourmet caramel corn and all that stuff and the money would go so much further.
If you were a broke Avon Lady, mother to multitudes, with a great sense of adventure and a house and location you love, what would you do? Keep in mind that in order to remain in this location, it requires a huge income, the likes of which would be extremely difficult for me to acquire. Also keep in mind that although I have a lot of common sense, I have no formal education past High School and no practical skill set.
I really am stressing out this week about these things.
12:44:48 PM 
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