A Trip with a one way ticket – Fantastic Fifty
I have been itching to write this post for about a month now. I wanted…
We could say that this is a continuation of my blogging journey. Today I am going to talk to you about my recent move, my trip with a one way ticket.
Full of DIY projects. Full of learning. Full of new friends. But most of all full of work.
Lots and lots of work!!
I am not a traditional blogger, I have never taken a proper blogging course in my life. I kind of learned backwards. I’m sure many of my blogging buddies know exactly what I’m talking about.
Why did I start blogging?
I was able to overcome all that because in blogging I found a passion for DIY and more specifically re-purposing and up-cycling. There is great joy in being able to take something that is headed for the trash and give it a second life. Maybe that is an analogy for my life as well.
Many of us who are empty nesters have this feeling of no purpose after their children are grown. In my case, although I was not an empty nester, I had children who did not need my help as much as before, I so I was free to pursue my own interests. Also I had been a stay at home mom for over twenty years. If I was going to get back into the job market I needed to have a something to show for it. Because we know how valuable moms are, but the big companies don’t really see that as something worthy on a resume.
I plodded on. The first few years I had no clue what I was doing, I did a lot of learning by going on other blogs and lots of Facebook groups where the bloggers shared their knowledge.
Like the one that has created this wonderful blog hop today. We are just a bunch of gals helping each other out. And it was good because I was determined to grow my blog just the way I do my projects — frugally!
The Never Ending Recession…
Greece is a gorgeous country as many of you who visit my blog already know. And if you don’t I have a ton of photos to help you along. It is the perfect place to plan a retirement. In fact I have a lot of friends who are doing just that. One couple in particular, who are bloggers at TravelnWrite, just moved to Greece on a full time basis after selling their home in the States. I could really enjoy retirement here!
It is great for us older folks who don’t have to worry about raising a family or putting down a mortgage. When all we have to worry about is which beach to go to, what meal to cook, where to go out in the evening for a walk. It is paradise!
But when you are young, those are not the most pressing questions on your mind. You want to move forward, to learn, to create and eventually to get married and start a family. This is proving to be quite difficult for many young people today because the average monthly income is about 500 euros. Now that may not sound like much and in fact it isn’t, but things are not so expensive in Greece as they are in other places in the world. The point I’m trying to make is that even so, it is very hard to raise a young family on that kind of income. Even if we have a lower standard of living.
…Which Seems to have Turned into a Depression
And for the rest of our family? We would wait till the girls finished high school and decide if we would stay in Greece or leave. Well, truth be told, we didn’t have to wait six years in order to come to a very definitive conclusion. This recession which seems to haveturned into a depression for some of us has shown no signs of letting up.
We did all we had to do as a nation. We got rid of the old politicians and put new ones in their place because they were supposed to show us the light. They would stand up to the European bad guys and demand that the bailout we had received be reduced or even better erased all together. Otherwise we threatened to leave the European Union. Well guess what? Our threat was an empty one. We now owe more money than we ever have before… in fact, it seems as if our debt seems to be mounting.
Honestly, I stopped paying attention to the propaganda spewed on the TV years ago and have gained my health. After all the nonsense that went on a few years ago I realized that very little has changed. It is harder than ever to start a business and even harder to keep one afloat!
It became painfully obvious to us that the girls would also be better off leaving the land of their birth.
New York
You don’t sit there and hope for the best when you see that the government has not changed and the politicians are still arguing with each other when there are too many people below the poverty level.
You don’t sit there when a sizable number of youth have left the country and moved to other European countries to try and have a better quality of life. This is the so called brain drain. We have a very high number of college graduates who have been reduced to waiting tables – if they are lucky. But to get those college diplomas, many families have had to sacrifice and sell property in order to pay for their “free” education.
We have moved to New York. Permanently! Because I honestly don’t see any substantial changes happening in Greece for another 20 to 30 years. Maybe the next generation will be able to implement some changes. I hope so, I really hope so.
We have left all of our friends behind, my children’s classmates who are off to college now, armed with their hopes and dreams. I pray that they can realize these aspirations. They are all great kids and are not at fault for the mistakes of the older generations or the European politicians who went along and encouraged this mess.
The Melting Pot of the World
I am so glad to finally be here. To give a chance to the kids to make a new life for themselves. A life that they truly want and not one they have to settle for. My youngest wants to be a filmmaker. This is something that would have been impossible in Greece. At least now, she has a fighting chance.
As for me, I’m planning to retire in beautiful Greece but that is in the future. For now I will continue to blog in the land of opportunity and hope to grow and prosper with my blog. Because being fifty is really fantastic once you realize that if you put your mind to something you can achieve a lot. I am living proof of that.
And I hope you join me along for the ride. Now for the big question! Do I need to change the name of the blog from “the boondocks” to “the big city”? (wink)
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Mary, I can always tell that you love your Greece so much! I’m sure that it must have been the hardest thing ever to pack up and leave. We do what we think is best for our kids though and my husband and I probably would have done the same. We have to be secure and safe before we can be anything in this life.
You said it perfectly Stacey. We have to feel safe and secure not that we are just drifting through life.
It sounds like a good move for you since you, your husband and daughters will now be with your sons and your father. Plus think of all of the curbside finds you will get! Although that basement was a treasure trove. I am looking forward to this new phase of your life.
Debra there are yard sales and thrift stores to keep me more than busy now. That was something I didn’t have back in Greece. We are all so happy to be reunited.
Whoa! Seriously? So many questions! Will you be able to keep your house over there for when you go back and retire? I’m excited for you guys!
We are keeping our house because even if we had wanted to sell it the market is awful now. People are practically giving their property away because they are in need of money. But we are lucky we can maintain it and hopefully go for the summer… we shall see how things go.
You’re in the USA!!!! Okay, that was selfish celebration.
I know this is bittersweet but I am happy that your family is all together for now. That is a huge gift, as you well know. Sending you love during this transitional time and hopefully someday we can meet now that you aren’t an ocean away. 🙂
Awww thank you Kari. I am really happy to be back to the city of my childhood. And it would definitely be fun to meet in person.
Mary, you made a tough decision for yourself and your family. That takes a lot of courage. I am sure you are happy to have your children reunited, but I am also sure it must be hard to leave your beloved (and beautiful) country. I wish you and your family all the best on your new journey in NY!
Honestly Kim, it is a beautiful country but that is all it has to offer at this point. And beauty is not enough. Kids need to have a future to look forward to. And many of those politicians have made me not want to go back at all.
What an amazing thing to do Mary, but we can never compromise on our children’s futures. I’m real sorry to hear about all the political shaninigans that are happening in Greece. I so wish politicians would realise that they work for us and not the other way around. Wishing you and your family a bright and happy future in New York. Hopefully you’ll get to go visit Greece often to say hi to all the friends you’ve left behind
Thanks so much Michelle. What you said about the politicians working for us, they will never understand that. They think they own the chairs they sit on and refuse to let go even when it is obvious that they are doing harm.
Mary, I wish you all the best in your new life adventure!
Thank you so much Gail. Things can only get better now.
Mary, what a beautiful story you have shared. And I am so happy to have found you and your blog. My post relates to beauty at any age. I hope that is ok. I will enjoy visiting your blog journey as we go along. Thank you for hosting this blog hop. xo rachel
Thank you Rachel for joining us on this blog hop. It is always fun for us bloggers to get together and share, and in the process get to know new ladies.
I hope you and your family have peace of mind and success in NYC, Mary. No doubt it was not an easy decision for your family to make. I’m sure your sons are happy to have you all here! I’m looking forward to seeing your new posts in your new home and city. I’m glad our paths have crossed in blogland!
We are finally together as we should be. Of course one day we will have to each go our way as the kids settle down but hopefully it will not be so many miles apart.
That’s got to be one of the most difficult decisions to make but your right. You have to do what’s best for your kids. Help them have a chance in this world. Thanks for sharing your story, and I wish you both the best. I hope your daughters dreams come true!
I’m not taking the fifty and over very well. Yes I can still do thing if I put my mind to it. But than some things just aren’t as easy as they use to be. Like getting up off the floor. And on top of that I have pains in places I didint know could hurt. Lol. And the big 60 is looming closer and closer 😲
We don’t talk about the bix 60. We live in the here and now. Linda I’ve also been getting pains in my feet especially at the end of the day when I put them up.
Hi Mary, welcome to the US! What a decision and what a journey. You are brave and determined and I know that you will find good things here for yourself and your family! I can’t wait to here more about your new life. I am all about starting over!
That’s what it’s all about. Just like I started over with the blog, now I am starting over with the rest. Life is full of surprises.
Good luck with your new life in New York. It sounds like an adventure. I’m sure it won’t be long before you return to Greece for a visit though, it’s a lovely country but as you say shame about the economic situation. I’m sure you will enjoy life wherever you are!
Thanks so much Claire for your well wishes. I have always believed that home is where the heart is so this is no problem for me. I just wish things could be better in Greece for those who don’t have an option like we did.
Well I know it was super hard leaving your beloved Greece but I’m so glad you are here! You’ll have to visit Texas one day so we can have dinner together! And I’d love to hear all about Greece. BTW, your pictures are gorgeous! Big hugs
Thanks so much Cindy. As lovely as Greece is I am really at home here in the US. So for me it was easy to come back, now as long as the younger kids get adjusted we will be fine.
Mary I know it is hard to pack up and leave, we’ve done it a few times. But you’re giving your girls a great chance for a better future and Greece will always be there to visit. I’m excited to follow along your new life in New York!
Katrin I think you can understand me better than most since you have also been going over the pond. It is hard but as long as the family is together then that is what matters the most.
What a journey! I am so happy to hear that you are settled in New York. I have always enjoyed your photos and have no doubt there is lots opportunity for some amazing shots in NY!!
Maureen they will be different types of photos and even more challenging than in Greece. In Greece it was easy to take photos because it was perfection personified.
You are so brave, my friend, that’s one of the things I admire most about you. You not only started blogging without all the knowledge it requires, headed into the DIY world and started painting your own furniture, but you also took a hard decision to move to another country so your family can have a better future. I don’t need to wish you the best because you so deserve it that is for sure you will get it. Take care and enjoy the land of opportunity!
Thank you so much Pili. You know we started on this blogging journey together and you have been by my side from the beginning. It will be nice to try things from this side of the pond.
What a big move! Welcome home and I hope you get settled in quickly. Best wishes!
Thank you so much Carlee. We are almost settled but we have too much stuff, since my sons were already here. So now I have to de-clutter. I see a yard sale in my future.
Oh what a story! I did not realize you had moved Mary. I am so glad you are happy and enjoying New York. Once again you have included absolutely beautiful pictures in your post.
🙂 gwingal
Thank you so much Nikki. Now I’ll have lots of good excuses to go running around in Manhattan.
As hard as it had to be to leave Greece, I’m so glad you are here and your family is happy and at home. Love your pics! I was born in NYC and I’m always proud to call it my home.
We are also glad to finally be together. And what can be better than New York and Sinatra? 😉
What a wonderful journey you are on, Mary. You are doing the best you know how for your family and I know you will be rewarded for it. Blessings to you!
Thank you so much dear friend. I have been blessed already to start this journey from Greece when I first took my baby steps in blogging and they have lead here.