I’m writing this sitting on the verandah with the dog at my feet waiting for the predicted afternoon thunderstorm to eventuate. Kids are yelling in the distance, lawns are being mowed and the cicadas are chorusing. This is what a Sunday is like in Brisbane suburbia. It’s a cliche, but all cliches are based on reality. Crap, even the kookaburras have arrived in the backyard to pound home the image.
For some people this may be enough and even aim for this image, but I’ve found it’s not for me. I guess I must be looking for some sort of spiritual enlightenment or something but instead of religion I’m looking for the world to be my saviour. Things that used to make happy such as gadget purchases and work accomplishments no longer give me a fix. Owning a home has just seemed to add headaches where you have to deal with tradesmen, neighbours and a 30 year ball and chain of a mortgage.
My beautiful old house deserves a more worthy owner than I. Some bronzed aussie bloke who paints it, repairs gutters and has bbqs on the weekends with all his mates. I love my house with it’s nightlight views of Brisbane city, the breezes and it’s big backyard but it isn’t for Pauline and I.
We have decided that we will sell it and use any profits made to become wandering nomads that travel the world. This was a big decision and although I had planted the seed in Pauline’s head months ago she finally decided to give up all asset security. A big step for a baby boomer. 😀
People are saying we’re crazy and why not just rent it? Who would sell a beautiful house 15 mins from the city? For a start we wouldn’t have any money to travel and secondly there comes a freedom when you have nothing. I’ve recently been reading a collection of U2 interviews which constantly quotes Brian Eno’s “With money comes problems” comment. Hopefully without a job or home Pauline and I will be forced to confront our laziness and willingness to be entertained by tv and the internet.
I have visions of hiking in the appalachian mountains like Bill Bryson, visiting the pyramids and kayaking in Canada. People who know me will think this farcical as I don’t even like to walk around the block, but when I’m somewhere new I find an energy I don’t have anywhere else. I’m hoping that this new found freedom will force me outside my comfort zone.
The plan is to sell the house, take a mid career break from work (safety net) and head overseas to find ourselves or at least avoid our old selves. This won’t happen for another year at least and depends on a LOT of things, but I’m excited at the prospect.
So if I own something you want, make me an offer and I’ll consider it when it’s time for me to sell. But shhh, don’t tell the dog or bird anything yet because they are still in the dark. 🙂
what suburb and PRICE RANGE?? Love your work
tim
what suburb and price range?? Love your work
tim
what suburb and price range?? Love your work
tim
suburb, price??
what suburb how much? rock on
Wow, I think Tim’s keen 🙂
Are you selling everything?
i think u know wat i want ;)and i think u know the price i want it at ;);)
How cryptic!!
No idea yet, but when I have the garage sale, you’re all invited. 🙂
make sure you have it in January when i come down otherwise I’ll become an email bidder so make sure you keep your laptop till the last item
That’s a bit early! Plus there is no way I’m selling this laptop, I’m way too attached. Ditto for the camera and ipod. They are all small enough to come with me.
You still going to talk to me when I have nothing?
Guess the tivo’s up then? I’LL TAKE IT!
Isn’t it good that you say “we’re selling stuff” and your family instantly puts dibs on what you own?
And as for talking to you when you have nothing – I have to. I’ll be telling you off for boring Elouisa with musical education 🙂
tivo is probably up for grabs.. but that one could make me more on ebay than you could offer. The digital tuner card on the other hand may be worth something to u.
I’ve worked out what prompted this decision, Elouisa! Yep, that’s right in one years time the parents will be looking for handy aunties, of which you are the only one, to baby sit. But not you, your off into the great unknown! Shame, shame, shame! 8-D
Oh my god you’re right!
*mother’s voice* AMY YOU’RE NOT GOING ANYWHERE! YOU WILL STAY RIGHT HERE YOUNG LADY. YOU’VE GOT THE REST OF YOUR LIFE TO DO THAT!
haha