On Settling Down

In 1 week, we will have been back in Mexico for 2 months. Settling down has been easier than I had anticipated, which probably means it was definitely time. Tigger is loving it much more than me, however. While we are alike in many ways, we definitely differ when it comes to being a “creature of habit.” I get cabin fever easily and don’t do well with constant routine. He’s just fine doing the same things day in and day out.

A routine can have its benefits, but I need more variety to keep me going.

settling down, iceland

Iceland was one of my favorite places to visit

I do enjoy some routine things, such as knowing which shop has what and where to find it. The other day we stopped in at my favorite aguas frescas place (fresh fruit blended with water), and when the guy looked up and saw me he gave me a big smile of recognition. Across from his stand is my birria place, so they waved at us as well.

It was a fun moment, and we stopped at one of our preferred produce vendors to pick up some bananas so I could make banana bread brownies.

I love having a fully equipped kitchen again. I even bought a standing mixer! *gasp* And that sourdough starter I wrote about has been turned into a few very yummy loaves.

I’m enjoying meeting up with local and visiting friends and being able to help tourists find things when we’re out and about.

settling down, budapest

Sunset on the Danube in Budapest

The itch to explore is showing up a bit more now. Not to the point where I’m feeling like “Get me out of here!” but where I’m interested in short day or weekend trips nearby. This also makes me miss Europe where it was so easy to get around and away.

Then again, that probably would make it harder for me to “settle down” as I’d always want to be on the move.

I’m also remembering just how liberating it felt to be able to simply just up and go. We’ll need to leave Mexico for at least a bit this spring, and I’m being reminded that now we have to actually save up for a trip since we have to pay rent on our home as well.

I knew we had moved around a lot in 2015, but when I sat down to figure out just how much I discovered I had been to 16 countries this year (some of them more than once), and the vast majority of that travel was done in the first 9 months of the year. I think that’s another reason why 2 months into being “home” I’m still not itching for major travel.

settling down, rouen, france, joan of arc

Visiting the place where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake was a big highlight of our last visit to France

Being in the same spot day after day reminds me of one of the downsides of working from home. Now that our feet are more firmly planted, I find myself missing the social interaction that occurs in the workplace. It’s kind of a double-edged sword. I don’t like having to physically go some place to work, but at the same time I enjoy the diversity it adds to my day.

I’ll need to figure out how to make that happen in a way that works best for me. I do believe I can have the best of all worlds. It’s just a matter of discovering the how and what and putting that into action.

San Miguel (SMA) has been very good for Tigger. His anxiety issues have drastically reduced (not taking meds and not even using his lavender essential oil anymore), and the other day he told me he doesn’t like SMA, he loves it. As far as he’s concerned, we’re not leaving SMA unless we have to.

That alone makes settling down pretty worth it. I think it also means some future solo travel for me since I’m not as done with this whole travel thing as he is.

2015 was a great year, and I’m excited to see what will happen in 2016. We wish you all a very happy new year!

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14 Comments

  1. Hope you continue to enjoy living there, despite things becoming too familiar. Do remember that you can always escape SMA, as it is perfectly located to check out other places in Mexico, so you don’t have to feel like you are stuck!

    Guanajuato, Mexico City, and Queretaro are all within a quick ride away and easy to visit on a day trip (or a weekend if you can spare it – especially Mexico DF-, to give you more time!) There are also some nearby towns that are stunning – check out Atotonilco if you can, it’s got gorgeous murals in its church. Also, you can check out the nearby hot springs pools for a little break of the city (they are about 1/2 an hour away from the city!

    Glad to see you and Tigger are well, best wishes for 2016 🙂

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  2. So glad you are enjoying your time. I understand completely the itchy feet syndrome, as I have it too. The rest of the family enjoys a little more routine and lengthier stays. I don’t have the magic recipe yet, but I do know there has to be a balance for us all, we just need to figure out what it is. I am thrilled to hear Tigger is having fewer anxiety problems and is enjoying too. You guys are great, so you will figure it all out for sure.

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    • The longer we stay put, the better he’s feeling about doing travel. The biggest thing for him was apparently just having a home to come back to. So we shall see.

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  3. Awesome to hear about Tigger, so glad he loves it. As for you, have you looked into shared work space? I know if we stay here much longer I will have to find somewhere to go to do some work!

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    • I haven’t because I figure people are there to work and not sure they’d want to socialize as well, but that could be an idea.

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  4. Hi Talon! Happy New Year to you and Tigger. We think of you guys often, especially when we are in Utila. We are here now until January 9th.

    Our original plans were to be here permanently by now, but haven’t made the leap yet. We sold our company, but Jay gave them a 3 year commitment, that we are already 12 months into. Secretly we are hoping they will decide to cut him loose early!

    You guys take care and continue to enjoy this life,

    Chuck

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    • What a bummer you guys aren’t there full time yet, but at least there’s a clear end in sight. I hope it ends up being sooner rather than later. Too bad he can’t help them out remotely! We often miss Utila. Such a special place.

      Happy new year!

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