Exercising citizenship as an ex-pat American

[Loki]

Your proximity to other Georgians.

[GGT]

My problem is deciding where I want to go. If I knew that, I would be gone. My instincts as a mother have nothing to do with it, but it's not like I will move multiple times in an attempt to find the perfect place, because that wouldn't be very fair to them. Kids really do want their parents to be happy, you know. And even you have pointed out that there is nothing wrong with putting yourself first occasionally.

Bingo. The ole bloom where planted idea, but be fair to the kids who have to move around while mama finds her roots? Kids want their parents to be happy, of course! They just don't need to be dragged around because mama (or daddy) can't decide. Stability and routine are good for kids, boredom can be good too.

I moved half a dozen times before I hit puberty. It's been illuminating for my kids and I to watch a full twenty years transpire in one place. First they like a kid, best friends forever, then they hated them, ignored them, grew apart, found them again, new best friends forever....they've learned to see people in totality and context, and how it changes over time. And how it applies themselves.

In essence, they've learned how to be patient and forgiving and not-so-judgemental, in a way that only small town life can offer over time. I think it's neat that they have learned a skill so young in life that took me years to cultivate. If I'd yanked them from here (because I could, and wanted to expand MY horizons) would they have learned that or incorporated that as a value? Who knows.

Also, I would like to point out that I don't run around posting about my love-life, and I'm not going to start now.

Bullshit. You started on the scene, right from the bat, about your love life. Don't try to bat your lashes and feign innocence now, it's too late.

[littlelolligagged]

Oh, well, there is that.

@Icky.

[GGT]

That's because you love your life.

She does?