2.5 Years

Monday was the 2 and a half year anniversary of my touching down in Scotland. How fitting then that I spent it flying back to Scotland! After being in the states for 6 weeks, I felt like a broken record. People kept asking me what I thought of Scotland and I kept telling them how much I enjoyed it. I really do feel we were given a gift moving over here. We were given the gift of freedom. No longer are we bound to our mortgage, our possessions, our life. Now our possibilities are endless.

After getting home yesterday, I asked Ian about "our plan". So many people asked me about our plan while I was home, so I thought we should talk about it. Both of us would really like to stay here longer (sorry Clive, it looks like we overrode your vote!) and are trying to figure out how to do it. Money is the issue. People make a lot less of it over here and the current exchange rate is sucking for us. And, there is a reality of a mortgage that we have to pay...well, pay the difference between the rent we get and the mortgage. We realized, I would bring in more money working one weekend day a week then I would working full time and putting Connor in daycare. How crazy is that?!? We have some other options and things to figure out, but the gist of things is that we like this place way more than the original 2 years we thought we would like it! Oh, and I remember thinking 2 years would be a stretch!

I was happy to get home yesterday. Happy until I had to use the toilet. I seriously hate the low flush toilets over here...there is like 8 ounces of water in them and I just don't find it effective, if you know what I mean! Low flushing toilet aside, the day is beautiful. The sun is shining and I am headed to a hospital appointment for my child that is FREE. Yeah, many people diss it, but I think I will now forever be on the socialized health care bandwagon...I was close before. Even wrote my senior project on it. But, after living it, and having a baby on it, I am sold. Free health care just makes sense!

Being home, I loved the ease of going to the store. The parking is a breeze and stores like Target just fascinate and entertain me. But, I also realize those stores are like an addiction and a drain to your wallet. I don't want to be like that. For the past couple years, my entertainment has been going on walks, people, movies, this blog, drinking coffee, more people. That is how I want it to be. There is a slower pace of life over here. At times it annoys me, but I also realize it allows for more time for people and I like that. My opinion might change the longer I am cooped up with my baby, but today I like it.

The truth is....I think everyone needs to move to Scotland with me! (Just bring your toilets and washer and dryers with you!)