Hello again from Home!

Mom, get out your eraser, we’re moving again. We’ll still be hanging our toques in Nelson but after recovering from the heart attack that was our last power bill, (thank you Nelson winter!!), we’ve finally decided it’s time to downsize.

Princess receives the latest Nelson Power bill

Truthfully, as experienced as I’ve become at packing those Rubbermaid containers and making lists of folks to contact with address changes, the thought of moving again makes me weary. But…money. Yep, that’s the bottom line these days.

Like many other Kootenayans, we find ourselves in a strange spot. We came here for the ‘lifestyle’ – the laid back, mountain/lake, quasi-hippie, arts friendly, restaurant rich, entrepreneurial, outdoor enthusiast culture. The problem is, there’s not much work here and, consequently, we really can’t indulge in many of the perks that attracted us to this corner of the wilderness. Oh sure, we can walk down Baker Street and read the menus of all those great, independently owned restaurants…but we can’t afford to eat in them more than twice a year.

And then comes the dilemma…

Move back to a city, where there’s more opportunity and money to be made but also all those things we ran away from: traffic, pollution, crime, lack of green space, lack of parking, stress and hurry, friends who live too far away to see regularly, and just a feeling of claustrophobia among the masses.

Or…

Stay and accept both our tightened belts and the limited opportunities to change the situation.

Recently I joined up with a couple of friends here in a sort of ersatz support group. We get together for coffee a few times a month – occasions we’ve dubbed the IDO, “Introverts Day Out” – and rant about life in the Nelson bubble.

“Nelson…where ambition comes to die!”

These casual bitch fests have been invaluable to me over the past few months, as winter holds us in its icy grip. Sadly, they also remind me of exactly why I came here. You see, I like that I live in a place where good friends, and lots of them, are only five minutes away. I like that when I’m feeling down, I know there are people nearby who I can call on if I have a frown that needs inverting.

So, for now at least, Prez and I will downsize, give up steak for Ramen Noodles, and keep the dream alive.

QUESTION: What do you do when you’re blue?

Until next week, I hope this finds you healthy, happy & lovin’ life!

The Princess