Tuesday, November 13, 2012

inside the box

During the past two weeks, I have been spending more time in lunches and conversations with friends than I have spent sorting through my worldly goods.

That is not a complaint.  Relationships are far more important to me than sending old possessions to the dump.

Yesterday I had lunch with a retired attorney friend.  She is thoroughly enjoying retirement by throwing herself into activities she enjoys.  Cooking.  Art.  French.  Gardening.  Travel.

On the walk home, I caught sight of my house from about a block away.  It is looking quite snazzy with all of the yard and siding work.  And that made me think of a question left on a post two days ago. 
Why not stay in the house you own, with the books you love, the weather you prefer, among the friends and family whose company you enjoy?  Seems like a no-brainer.  But that's just me thinking outside of the box.
This morning I attended a meeting of the Salvation Army Advisory Board.  There has been a large turnover in membership during the past four years.  But it was good to be back with them.  Probably because their work makes a difference.

Nothing this month has helped me answer the commenter's question.  I enjoy my adventures in Mexico.  But the question is whether it is time for me to enjoy retirement elsewhere.

Or, at least, be able to answer the question credibly.

 
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16 comments:

  1. barbara eckroteNovember 13, 2012 at 2:29 PM

    I agree with the commentor.  It allows you to take off and spend time wherever you want but come back to the home base that embraces you.

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  2. ken kushnirNovember 13, 2012 at 2:30 PM

    That's sounds like an Ah Ha moment......
    I think Felipe won the bet.

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  3. John CalypsoNovember 13, 2012 at 3:55 PM

    I was with Felipe on that - Some days I think it would be easier being back in the states - but we could not live the way we can afford to live here. Also the healthcare options and food keep us here - but it would be easy to go the other way if we had the options you do.

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  4. Steve CottonNovember 13, 2012 at 4:42 PM

    Embraces may not be the correct verb.  But it is a thought.

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  5. Steve CottonNovember 13, 2012 at 4:43 PM

    That may be a reason good enough for me to switch back to my Mexican citizenship idea.

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  6. Steve CottonNovember 13, 2012 at 4:44 PM

    Food is one reason I would return north.  But Mexico wins the health care debate hands down.

    So far, these are just musings.

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  7. Ronda GrimsleyNovember 13, 2012 at 10:05 PM

    seriously?

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  8. Jim ScheppkeNovember 13, 2012 at 11:43 PM

    Why can't you live in Oregon from May to October and Mexico from November to April? For me that would be ideal.
     

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  9. Steve CottonNovember 14, 2012 at 12:00 AM

    Who knows?  I have been looking for something interesting during the past few months.This may simply be another mood.

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  10. Steve CottonNovember 14, 2012 at 12:02 AM

    Plenty of people do that.  It is a rather expensive option -- and it is hard to avoid feeling like a tourist in both places.  If I do take back the house, though, I suspect I would be there a month or so during the year.  Too much travel calls.

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  11. WilyPenisNovember 14, 2012 at 3:30 AM

    You have no major medical problems.  Why are you obsessed with the cheap doctor bills in Mexico?  That is a concern for folks with chronic health problems and little or no resources.  I don't think you fall into that category.  I just don't get it.  Frankly, I am beginning to lose interest in your illogical wanderings and your nonsensical justifications.  I know, I should just stop reading...

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  12. jennifer roseNovember 14, 2012 at 6:54 AM

    Don't forget that you're a Nevadan now and no longer an Oregonian. 

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  13. Steve CottonNovember 14, 2012 at 8:37 AM

    I am.  And that is a major factor to take into consideration.

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  14. Steve CottonNovember 14, 2012 at 8:44 AM

    Medical care is only one draw for Mexico.  With the exception of the heat, I have thoroughly enjoyed my life there -- especially, my recent travels.  Salem is simply too comfortable for me.  But thanks for raising your question, it has helped me to ficus on why I moved to Mexico in the first place.  And I suspect that logic has played a very small part in that decision.

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  15. Felipe ZapataNovember 14, 2012 at 9:41 AM

    Steve: You are adrift on a rolling sea with neither compass nor rudder. But the grub is well-stocked.Thanks for letting us watch.

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  16. Steve CottonNovember 14, 2012 at 9:47 AM

    Transitions are always complex.  And I have been transitioning for about 4 years now.

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