For the past 5 years I’ve lived in “limbo land.” You know, that place in your life where you aren’t sure what direction to take with work, where to live, when to start a family, what to have for dinner (breakfast is easy).
Do I work to establish a career or just find any old job? I have always wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, so I haven’t had a lot of motivation to pursue a career (plus I never really saw myself a business women), but I don’t know what to do in the meantime.
Where should I live? I want to move out of state, but Craig wants to stay here—in Alaska.
When do we start a family? I don’t care to have kids in Alaska, but I can’t wait forever.
As many of you know I have really struggled with living in Alaska. It is far away from the family and friends I feel at home with, the Midwest people and culture are like no other, and a lot of life changes happened all at once: I got married, started a life 3500 miles from the home I knew, tried to figure out what to do career-wise, and the whole time not knowing how to cope.
I have written many blog posts about my struggles. I have reached out for advice and consulted many family members and friends. Along the way I’ve learned my life will never end up the way I think it will or the way I try to plan.
And with that said, the limbo land period has ended. We have decided to stay in Alaska, for the meantime, and put our roots down here. It wasn’t easy for me, but I am very excited for the new house we bought!
Craig and I have lived in the same apartment since we got married. It has suited us well, but it was time to stop throwing our money away and put it towards something that is a much better investment. . . .like a new home!
Craig and I closed on our first home earlier this week. We are ecstatic! However, this is bitter-sweet for me since that means we will be staying in Alaska for a while. Maybe some day we can move out of state. . . . .
In the meantime, I am going to enjoy our new home and all the new memories we are going to make while living here.
Wow! Congratulations on the house! That is very exciting for you guys. Also, ‘Limbo Land,’ is a very apt description – sometimes I wish we were all given a set of clear instructions on all the decisions we should make for ourselves!
congrats on the new home!! love it 🙂
Congrats! It is beautiful:) I am sure you will fill the rooms with many memories and much love!
Love the new house Michelle! It’s beautiful! ‘limbo land’ is tough but I’m glad you guys are moving in one direction or another…maybe you’re the reason Alaska had such a nice summer, to convince you to stay! 😉
This summer definitely made me forget how brutal winter can be. I sure hope Alaska continues to “award” me with nice summers from now on!
Congratulations on the new house!! I can completely relate to you. We moved to Alaska in 2002, with the plan of leaving after 3-5 years…At the time, we had two very little boys and I was leaving my family for the first time..I felt the same way you did when we bought our first house…I can finally say, even though I still struggle a lot during the long, dark, cold Alaska days, it’s been a great place to raise our two boys… I hope to maybe meet you someday as I am a runner as well! I will be a cheerleader tomorrow for the Big Wildlife Racd because I’m still healing up my hip flexor but if I see you I promise to say hi!!
Tracy.
Sweet! I love meeting readers in real life! Do say hi if you see me. 🙂 I’m nervous for tomorrow, so if I look angry, I’m not.
Looks very warm and welcoming, enjoy!
Yippee! Saw you in the ADN race results. Great job, Michelle!
Thank you!
Michelle I saw you at the lagoon both going in and out!! You looked great! I was cheering you on, but you were focused..as you should be! I was cheering on a few people…with a few tears wishing I was running…hopefully next year!! Congratulations on a great race!!
Yes, I do get very focused when racing.
Oh, and thanks for cheering for me!! 🙂
Congrats! Looks like a lovely place to begin your roots–even if it’s not exactly where you pictured. I’m in the same boat sister-hang in there! Always remember how fortunate you are to have your best friend/hubs 🙂
Love your new home-especially the kitchen.