Tales From the Trip - Conflicted
OK, I admit it. I'm feeling a bit conflicted about being back in New England.
I didn't think this would happen as I didn't feel this way in the slightest when I came back last time in 2004. Maybe because I'm back in summer - or what passes for summer in New England - and it's a lot nicer than winter in New England. Maybe it's because Her Majesty and Clive are really enjoying their grandparents. Maybe it's because I'm older and am feeling nostalgic.
But when I get a whiff of the salt air of the Atlantic, or hear how much I can earn back at my old hospital as an oncology nurse, or see how inexpensive everything here is (dear Americans, stop complaining as you have no idea), or think about how close I could be to my family... and I haven't even been to New Mexico yet to see Momma Mooselet... I'm tempted.
HOWEVER... what would I have to give up to come back to all that? A job I love. National health care. Schools I trust. University education for my kids that won't cripple us financially. A pretty sweet life.
And not everything here is tempting. There is little rational political discourse, at least none that I see. Of course my in-laws watch a lot of FOX News so my views my be coloured. I suspect that if I fully came out of my agnostic closet it would be more of a big deal here than back in Australia. New England winters suck. I don't have a lot of faith in the school system (and yes I acknowledge I come from them... what does that say?) There is more to life than cheap soft drinks.
But when I look up at the sky and the Moon looks normal to my Northern Hemisphere-raised eyes... man I'm tempted.
3 Witty Remarks:
Home is always tempting and needless to say, I would be thrilled to have you closer. But, I can also see where Oz has a lot going for it. Wait until you see New Mexico. It is even cheaper here than in New England, the weather is great and there are a lot of things to do. That said, the health care system sucks, the schools are not great and Fox exists here as well. There is no heaven on Earth - just good and bad.
Can't wait to see you guys.
But there is so little rugby league over there! Wash your mouth out Aussie Mooselet! lol
LOL to Miss WTF!!! That could be tempting for me but I fear Mr Mumfies would just find something else to watch and for the kids to play!
I feel like that, Moose, everytime I go on holidays. I want to move all the time. I would find it hard to be away from my family. We can't move now anyway, our parents are all getting too old and they need us.
Ah well!
See you next month with all my pressies!
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