There used to be a longing in me to travel, a desire to see different parts of the world and to revel in the architecture, food and culture of each place. When I see a plane floating by I still get that yearning to jump on board and to visit those destinations still unchecked on my bucket list and I have to remind myself that this is my year of rebuilding and regrouping and that I have a few more hurdles to jump until I can soar into the bright blue yonder.
I have discovered through my, call it grounding if you will, that I don’t miss the hectic and crazy atmosphere of airports. Many years ago I decided that I preferred the intimate atmosphere of watching live music in a small venue or house concert which radically altered one of my favourite pastimes. Instead of paying hundreds of dollars to be cattle driven into a huge stadium to watch a postcard version of my favourite band, I have been choosing smaller venues which are up close and personal and way less expensive. What I have discovered is that the experience is rich, full and very satisfying. My choice of destination has been altered by this thinking as I am now looking to arrive and depart in smaller less frantic airports.
This may mean that I can miss out on THE concert or not get to some exotic destination but I have found that the journey is as much part of the vacation as the actual vacation. Will I in the future get to big airports or big concert venues? Possibly, but it is not my focus right now and I am enjoying the sweet simplicity. I have found that destinations can be reached through adjacent airports and a rental car and that some concerts are just okay to miss and to watch on pay per view cuddled up with my guy eating popcorn.
The destination in home ownership is often a rough path as government rules can now make it harder to qualify for a home. It might be a time to consider those smaller venues and less busy airports in our quest for the perfect home. Maybe it isn’t such a bad thing to start small and to work on what you can manage right now. Too many times we want the big flashing lights or large destinations but the federal government is making sure that we aren’t over qualifying for mortgages with the interest rates being low. Changing expectations can be the first step in coping with new restrictions on mortgage lending.
You will be surprised when the smaller venue and more intimate atmosphere makes you feel comfortable, safe and happy. The joy of security is far outweighed by the flash and expense of the huge event and in the long run can be very good for your peace of mind. Take inventory of those things in your life which seem like the big reward yet may cost more than you are comfortable with at the end of the day. Keep in mind that a foot-long sub may seem like a good idea when a 6” will suffice. Your stomach and bank account will be thankful for your prudence.
Kim Wyse is a freelance designer in Red Deer. Find her on facebook at ‘Ask a Designer/Ask a Realtor’.
