At 43 years old, I’ve decided to run away from home. I’m leaving behind my two children, my aging dog, my cozy home and my job. I’m taking my updated resume, a one-year lease on a new house, my cat and my future husband.
Next week I’m moving from Indiana to South Carolina. It’s not as bad as it sounds, though. My children are full-time college students, and at the ages of 18 and 21, they really don’t need me on a daily basis any longer. My 15-year-old dog is going to stay with “grandma and grandpa” where she receives constant attention and home-cooked meals. I’m replacing my three-bedroom ranch-style home for a three-bedroom house with a sun room, and I’m confident I can find a new job in the South. And in a few months, I’ll become a “Mrs.” on the beach.
Scott and I have always wanted to live in a warmer climate, but family ties and careers kept us in the Hoosier state. Now that my kids are grown, however, and his share of a construction business has been sold, we thought it was a good time to go.
It isn’t easy, though. There are so many things to do when you combine two households into one and head out of state. As soon as we empty one cupboard or drawer into a box, we think of two more that need to be emptied. There are utilities to turn off, mail to be forwarded and vehicle maintenance to be completed prior to hitting the road. We’re also trying to set up bank accounts and look for new jobs from 738 miles away. And once we get there, we’ll have to find new doctors, dentists, hair salons and a veterinarian. Thank goodness Angie’s List covers Charleston, S.C.
We want to spend time with our family and friends before we leave, too, so packing duties keep getting put off as we reminisce with our loved ones and promise to keep in touch. (I’ve been updating my e-mail address book after each visit.)
While our families are being supportive, some of our friends think we’re crazy. I think that sometimes myself, but then I think about where I’ll be this time next month. I’ll be in Mt. Pleasant, S.C., just five minutes from the beach and 10 minutes from downtown Charleston. Our house is just a few blocks from a boat ramp, so we can take Scott’s beloved Sea Ray through the creek and into the harbor to watch the dolphins.
And this winter, I can leave my down-filled coat in the closet unless I’m headed back to Indiana to visit the kids.
Sometimes you just have to take a chance and go for it. Wish me luck!
Good luck, Amy! It’s been nice working with you! I’m sure you and Scott will do well.
Congratulations on the engagement and have fun in South Carolina! It must be an awesome feeling to fulfill a long-time dream.
Before choosing a vet in S.C., please check him/her out thoroguhly. You should do a google search and check with the vet board website, http://www.llr.state.sc.us/POL/Veterinary/index.asp?file=finalorders.htm. Several vets in the area have less than favorable histories.
I love Mt. Pleasant and hope you will too.
I do wish you luck, Amy. Congrats on following your dreams!
Anyone looking for a vet should check Angie’s List, too, of course: there are plenty of great vets on the List. In fact, it’s one of our most highly rated categories.