BIG Changes!

I've been holding off on any posts regarding our big plans for 2011, mainly because we haven't really had all the details ironed out. We've had an idea in our heads for quite some time about down-sizing, simplifying, and getting down to what's really important. Everyone has their own idea of what's important in life and what is needed to achieve a certain comfort-level. Over time, I think that idea evolves and changes. I often think about my younger self...what she planned for her life, where she thought she'd see herself in ten years. Of course, we couldn't wait to get married and make a lot of money, buy our first house, go on vacations, start a family... We didn't think about all the real life grown-up stuff that happens in-between the "ups." We didn't know about the "downs." In all reality, would we have stepped into marriage and agreed to "life" together, if we did? I'd like to think so. But what I've realized is those "downs" have been character-building experiences. Life lessons. Teachable moments as they say. If we'd known then what we know now, we may not have had those experiences, but I guess we wouldn't be who we are today and we may not have the appreciation for the little things that we have today.

Are we crazy? Probably. Definitely. I'm sure many will read this and pretty much think we're certifiably insane. I used to worry what people would think...in fact, I admit that I lost a little bit of sleep over it, thinking I would be judged by friends and family. But I guess I've finally decided that I don't care. Actually, more than anything, the mere thought of purging the overabundance of stuff in our lives is exhilarating! ...and as my wonderful Mom told me last night, "well, I don't suppose it's really anybody's business."

"So...is she saying...??"

Yep. Pretty much for the next two months, Casa de Guajardo will be preparing to enter an epic chapter in our lives. Nathan posted on facebook a while back about visiting friends and what will soon be our "new home." No one had any idea we'd be calling this lovely 5th wheel RV home. We'll be renting from our dear, sweet friends and parking it right on their 6 acres of land in Liberty Hill. They're kind enough to have us do this with no strings attached. If we're done in 6 mos, that's ok. If we're done in an year, that's ok too.

Our living expenses will be a fraction of what we're paying now and we can put difference toward savings and paying off debt! There will be wide-open spaces for the kids to run and play, they'll have their own "bunk room" at the back of the RV and we'll have our own "master suite" at the front. We'll be equipped with flat screen TVs and DVD players, a full kitchen and lots more freedom (and savings). Our friends have kids to play with, so our boys will never be bored.

No, I'm sure we won't be able to do this forever, nor do we plan to. We have goals to work toward and we'll be able to meet those goals so much faster than if we keep doing what we're doing. I will quote my friend Crystal as saying "It's a short-term sacrifice for a long-term benefit."

I know...three kids. Three kids in an RV. Well, that will be tough. But guess what? They're kids! This is an adventure for them. This is their dream! Full-time camping in an RV?! What could be better? This is the best time to do something like this... while they're still small. Besides, like I said, this thing is huge and we'll be out in the country. Anytime I start to have reservations, I look at that monthly check I write and I look at the going rate for any other house/apartment/townhome, etc in the area and cringe. This makes sense for us at this point in our lives. Hopefully, when we're on the other side of this adventure, we'll be able to say "look what we've accomplished and we'd do it again in a heartbeat."

This is our dream for now. This is all we need at this moment to achieve that "certain comfort-level" I mentioned before.

...and I simply cannot wait.