Want what you have, Part II

Way back when I started this blog, I wrote about the happiness that is there for free for folks who are able to be happy with what they have. That's a philosophy I've tried to follow ever since Jimmy Buffett made it a theme in Where's Joe Merchant (I highly recommend it - I think I've read it four times). I've even thought about working it into my next tattoo. But, for every rule, there's an exception.

Eleven years ago when we got married on Hillsboro Beach, just North of Fort Lauderdale, we decided that we wanted to move to Florida. We've had many happy years in Texas, and we didn't *have* to live in Florida to be happy. But in a classic case of wanting something other than what you have - I found a job, and we moved to the Sun Coast. We've been here six weeks now, and we've been to seven different beaches (no repeats, so far). Right now we live about 12 miles from one of them, and it's nice knowing we can go walk on the sand and watch the sun set after work.

I think that "want what you have" still applies, even when you change up what you have. Even considering that the New hasn't worn off yet, I am happy with my job. The work is interesting and challenging, and I work with good people. We found a very nice apartment near the water with some beautiful views. Everyone is still happy and healthy and fed and clothed. I'm excited for my kids and my folks to come visit, but aside from that, I think I have everything I need, right here.

There's still a lot to do. Even though we got here in time for Spring Training, with a new job it was just too difficult to enjoy much of it. We haven't been more than a hundred miles from our apartment yet, and even though we've kept busy, there are places we want to see across the state.

I know lots of people that wish they were somewhere other than where they were. Most of them will never get the chance to live where they want. Many of them won't even get to visit their dream place. I'm a lucky soul, and I know it.