Today I’m going to tell you about my house from two different perspectives:
Perspective #1
For anyone who lives on Whidbey Island you will know that housing is a little crazy here right now. We looked everywhere on the island and off the island within an hours drive. We almost bought a house 50 minutes away for way more than we wanted to pay. Nothing here was a big as what had in Rhode Island. So we had to settle for on-base housing. The house was half the size, if not smaller, than the one we had in Rhode Island. Unfortunately we live in military housing on base so it is a huge pain to get friends on and off base. The front gate isn’t always open so that is very inconvenient. The house is so small that there is not enough room for my family of 9. Three girls share one tiny room. It’s so annoying how base police patrols the neighborhood so often! I constantly feel watched! It’s so cloudy here and never gets warm. It’s too bad the Navy doesn’t get a clue and up the BAH so we can all afford decent houses. We can’t even have a fire pit or trampoline! You also get ticketed if your lawn isn’t in pristine condition! Living next to a park is so loud and annoying with all the kids!
Perspective #2
For anyone who lives on Whidbey Island you will know that the housing market is booming! We looked everywhere on the island and off the island with in an hours drive. We almost bought a house 50 minutes away for way more than we wanted to pay. Nothing here was a big as what had in Rhode Island. When I came to the realization that my house would have to be downgraded from what I had in Rhode Island, I suggested to my husband that we should checkout on-base housing. Miraculously, we only had to wait one month before we got our base house. Our housing situation is amazing. Our house is at the end of the street next to a park. Score! I don’t need to buy a play set now. I also know where my kids are because they always play at the park with them. The park is like an extension of our yard. Our location on the street leaves us only next to one house. We have an amazing view of the Puget sound on the other the side. A quick 400m jaunt and we are at the a secluded beach only accessible to those with military IDs. The kids are so happy because there are so many friends to play with. Not only is there a beach, there is a little forest behind the neighborhood that is so fun to play in. Being on base everyone usually drives really slowly so it’s much safer for the kids to play. The police patrol frequently so I can be even more confident about our safety. There is hardly any traffic because there is a cut-de-sac at the end of the street. My house may not be big, but that just means less cleaning for me! We are also closer as family since we don’t have as much space. The three girls share a room but we made an amazing triple bunkbed and everyone has a spot to sleep now! Surprisingly, our kitchen on base is amazing! It has so much cupboard and counter space.
What did you think? Would you rather think #1 or #2?
Obviously perspective #2 will bring me much more happiness.
Choose your focus!!!
When we moved here from Rhode Island I was really discouraged because we had such an amazing situation there (pool, huge house, lack access with kayaks, privacy etc.). I felt like it was a vacation rental!
Even though our house is small, I can honestly say I am just as happy in this house as I was in Rhode Island. Maybe happier!
Today I look at this little house on Whidbey and I think that this house is like a vacation rental too!
How many people get my million dollar view?!
Circumstances are just that . . . circumstances.
It’s up to me to choose what I’m going to think about my circumstances.
Right now, I’m choosing to think that I live a charmed and amazing life.
I definitely like choosing this focus 🙂
