A Slower Pace

As I sit here with a terribly full belly, I can appreciate all the blessings that have been showered upon my family. We all have the basics being Americans — life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. But I can be thankful for so much more – faith, family, health, employment and home — and even more.

I hope we can all take a moment and reflect on all that we have to be thankful for. If you need help, watch the evening news. There are millions of people throughout the world whose only difference from you is a luck of the draw being born in an impoverished or war-torn country.

And while you are counting your blessings, let those close to you know you are thankful for them too.

…..Dan at aslowerpace

In preparation for the Thanksgiving decorations, the big meal and our guests, my wife did a creative project to add some personality to the table. She used different fall colored construction paper and cut out shapes of leaves. She then had each family member write what they are thankful for on each leaf and laminated them. Below are a few of the samples.

My blessings
– I am thankful for my faith.
– I am thankful for my wife and kids.
– I am thankful for opportunities.
– I am thankful for the ability to love, nurture, enjoy and provide for my family.

My wife
– I am thankful for my happy and healthy family.
– I am thankful for all of God’s blessings.
– I am thankful for holidays to celebrate.

The kids
– I am thankful for my familiy and my dogs.
– I am thankful for playing ball with Daddy.
– I am thankful for friends to play with.
– I am thankful for books to read.
– I am thankful for my room.

In chatting with a friend today about our move, they quoted something their dad told them a long time ago. The timing is particularly interesting.

"Don’t add years to your life. Add life to your years."

That quote completely encapsulates the reason for our move. I couldn’t say it better myself. What a simple, yet insightful sentence.

Thanks to that friend for sharing.

…..Dan

I have been travelling to Kentucky three to four times annually for a few years now. Every time I have gone, I have been impressed with the slower pace, the friendliness and the lower cost of living. During a recent trip this summer, I took a greater interest and began doing research on the possibilities of moving the family there. My company has a presence there so that was one piece of the puzzle. Another piece was the incredible appreciation in the real estate market in California — so much so that I would not be able to afford the house I live in. What’s up with that?

The other pieces that were appealing were the friendliness of the people, the family values atmosphere and the slower country lifestyle. All these combined, proved to be a draw for what we are looking for and what is best for our family.

This summer, I took my wife and oldest daughter out for a quick trip to determine if this was something our family could actually do. We discussed the pros, cons and options — almost to the point of overkill. We finally determined, as a family, that a move to Kentucky would allow the family greater opportunities for the long term. We were now all on the same page and I could pursue career options with my company in Kentucky.

Fast forward through meetings, phone calls and interviews. I now have a position with my current company in Louisville, Kentucky. Luckily, the company is paying all relocation costs (another benefit and piece to the puzzle). We found a house and property and are closing in the middle of December. The move is during an inopportune part of the year, this being the holiday season and all, but it will get us out there before the beginning of the year and allow us to settle a bit before new school and new work starts.

That is the current state of affairs. A few weeks and counting.
…..Dan