For the past few years, we have tossed around the idea of moving south. Not south in MA, but south, as in North Carolina. A pretty terrifying thought for someone who never lived out of Massachusetts. Our initial plan was to move 30 minutes north into New Hampshire, and even that was scary…

A few years ago, we went on a road trip to see our potentially new area. What’s not to love? Weather that allows you to play outside all year (In recent years, Summer has started in July and ended in August where I live, not to mention the fact that most of June and July were rained out this year), year-round school (I’ve never heard of this, 2.5 months in school, then 3 weeks vacation, all year), a slower pace, less traffic, J working from home for a while, a neighborhood with lots of other kids who actually go outside to play and don’t need it scheduled a month in advance and really, just a more laid-back, more relaxed way of living.

Right now, J sits in traffic for at least 2 hours a day, he doesn’t get home to eat dinner with us on most nights, and, if lucky, gets to say a quick good night to the girls when he gets home. Up at the crack of dawn. Repeat 5 days per week. It stinks.

Why am I not on a plane right now? I know I can make friends (though I am heartbroken to think of leaving such good friends ) Well…I live within 20 miles of almost every person I am blood-related to. No joke. We don’t move…We just reproduce and make more people that I am related to and then stay put…

And the seasons? I live in New England, the land of Fall Foliage and skiing. This Winter we played outside 2 times. 2. That’s all. A trip back to Boston for Christmas would get us outside more than that!

But, getting back would be the issue. To me, a 15 hour drive is no big deal. The girls might think differently. J definitely does…I hate to fly…will I be willing to get a on plane to come ‘home?’ Not so sure about that…

How do you weigh these options? On one had, living near family. On the other hand, my family’s quality of life…my happiness…J’s happiness…fresh air all year…family meals….cheaper cost of living…twice the house I have now for half the cost…Putting it on ‘paper’ makes it look like the decision should be clear, but it just isn’t.