Ok, trying to answer lots of stuff in one post (yes, rather unlike me, I know
).
Emm...there are actually quite a few reasons. First off, this country is a mess, as many of us well know. And before anyone thinks I'm turning this into a political post, let me explain a bit. A while back we had a discussion on culture, particularly on the culture here in the US. I think it was Bloomfield that summed it all up so well when he said that our culture is a Fast Food culture (major paraphrasing here....sorry about that Bloo. I'm no good at searching). I'm not a fast food type of person, and I crave simplicity in a big way. I like things to be more slow paced in my life...I don't like to have to jump into my car to drive for 10 minutes or more just to get a gallon of milk. I would much prefer a more pedestrian lifestyle. Unfortunately, I'm finding that type of life to be lacking in this country. Everything we do is dependent upon a freeway and a car, and it seems that all I do is run. I want my kids to understand what it means to have simplicity. Now granted, this is not a concept that I myself have achieved as of yet, so I may not be able to achieve it at all. But I'm willing to try. I do know that there is a slower pace in European countries (at least from what I have been told by people who live there...they always seem to be so appalled by our always on the go lifestyles). The reason why it came down to Ireland is more because of the language than anything else. If I knew how to speak another language, I might be inclined to look elsewhere, but I cannot, at least not fluently, so I was stuck with the places that had English as a primary language. Also, I know people in Ireland, which doesn't hurt.
Also, we have to move anyway. I have 2 sons with asthma which has been severe this summer. I can't tell you how many times I've had to take them to the ER when I thought it was all under control. So staying where I am is not an option (Steel country....there's coal dust everywhere). So, if we have to move, why not do something more bold and adventurous and move overseas?
My oldest will be 18 in a little over a couple of years, so if we're going to do this as a family, now is the time to do it. Plus, what makes it easy is that we don't have to worry about work (hubby's job comes with him) and so we won't be sapping the economy (well, except for school, because I'm thinking I may send the kids there). Even insurance will be taken care of because after we sell our house, we'll be able to purchase it and not have to rely on the gov't run type.
Hopefully that answered your question....I just looked up and good grief it got long!
Tyg, thank you SO much for that advice. Much of it I knew, but I was kind of content thinking that I could take most of our stuff anyway. Relaying what your friend did made so much sense, and it made me think about it all some more. With the size of this family, I need to make sure that I take as little as possible.
Red, thank you for the book recommendations. I found one of them in our inter-library loan, and I should have it by the end of the week. The other I may have to purchase on Amazon or something, but it seems like it would be beneficial to read it, so I'm willing to do just that
Dub, your post made me think of how much I'm really going to have to change to properly "assimilate"
I've never put "wellies" on my kids in my life. Does this mean that I'm going to have to be humoUred from now on as well? And will my kids have to play ROUNDERS??????? And btw, thank you for the vote of confidence, it means a lot to me
It's kind of surreal that it's all coming together...
I was beginning to think this was some pregnancy induced type thing too
Will, I promise to take along a suitcase big enough to fit you, as well as Ad and her two
You don't mind being in baggage, do you?
Either that or I'll have to make sure I tell you every detail and you can live vicariously through me
Beth!! I may have to tap your brain!
I do know that Mr. Izz may decide to go to school at some point. Your expertise may come in handy. And of course, you are
always welcome to come for a visit!
Ad, you know that the good energy was much appreciated! You are definitely going to have to pack up the kids and come for a visit, ok?
Weeks, I'm not sure what they have over there in terms of storage facilities. I do know that packing and sending a container is
very expensive, and so I think that Tyg has it right that less is much better. I'm just going to have to get rid of virtually everything, I think, and then worry about getting replacements later. The thing is we'll be renting (letting....lol) for a year first. Most places are furnished, so those types of things won't be too much of a worry right away (thankfully!).
Thank you all so much! The whole thing is actually kind of scary, but exciting. And of course there is still the possibility that it may not happen in the end, but it sure is looking like it will at this point. I think my biggest worry is that the kids will be made fun of because of their "accents"
I'll keep you all update (if that's ok) when I know more. I do have to start looking into passports (now you all know how I stumbled across the whole "needing passports to go to Canada" thing
).
