3 year anniversary of STX- reflections

August 13th marks Ric and my third anniversary on STX. I thought it might be a good time for some pearls of wisdom -- ok, how about shells of wisdom?

In my mind, there are three "types" of folks who decide to move to the VI:

The Twenty - thirty somethings: These kids have a laptop, a backpack and a duffel bag. They've stored their college stuff in Dad's basement, have some money, good health and adventure in their hearts. They are willing to work anywhere, live 3-4 deep in an apartment and have self confidence coming out the wazoo. They plan to stay for 6 months, a year, whatever. Their only other plan is to work enough to eat, sleep and go to the beach and the bars. Their safety net is probably their parents. Some stay and make this home, others go back and get on with their lives. To these people I say COME ON DOWN!!

The forty-fifty-sixty somethings. These people usually travel in twos. The have some money, a pension, social security or even a "professional' job lined up. They've put their furniture in storage, kissed their kids and grandkids ( and maybe even their parents) good-bye, and decided to move. They are in fairly good health and have planned their move carefully. The are NOT interested in roommates, other than the one they came with. They want a house/condo/apartment with some amenities. They have enough money to travel, they pay for the kids to visit. They eat out, go to plays, join the Humane Society. They will probably leave when health fails or a spouse dies. But maybe they will stay forever. To these people I say COME ON DOWN -- but don't burn your bridges or sell your furniture.

The last group is the one I would like to PLEAD with -- TAKE YOUR TIME, RESEARCH, COME FOR A LONG STAY, DON'T QUIT YOUR JOB.

This group are the ones who are encumbered in some way. Maybe they have small children, poor health, sick parents in the states, big dogs (Becky, you know who you are! lol) or even no money. To you I beg you to think once, twice, thrice about your plans. When we say it's different here, we're not just whistling Dixie. And every extra impediment makes it that much harder. Of course, it can be done, many of the posters have done it. But don't blow us off when we tell you it's NOT EASY. Theresa mentioned not being able to afford to go back to the states. Think about that. Every time you leave island for Kentucky or Arkansas or DC, you're paying $500 - $800 or more per person. Even a weekend to STT or PR is not cheap. Will you be able to afford to attend your best friend's wedding, an aunt's funeral, a graduation?

It's these little things that can grind you down. If your plan is to come and pitch a tent on the beach and live off your wits, you're not that smart and, you need a new plan.

I was off work today. I only work 4 days a week. I drove down to Full Moon Beach Bar and had breakfast with Diana, the bartender. On the way I saw a doe and fawn in my driveway eating mangoes that have fallen from the trees. Lonnie, the cook at Full Moon made me lox and bagels. I read the papers and talked about world affairs with the other folks at the bar. Afterward I sat for 3 hours on the beach, in the shade and read a book. Tonight is Trivia Night at Gertrude's, the highlight of the week (boy, are we old and boring!). Life can be very good here. But it can also be hard and not what you expect.

We try hard to prepare you. Listen to us.

Ric and I will live here as long as our health holds out. When social security kicks in, we'll stop working altogether and spend our days driving each other crazy. We have a good life. We are VERY lucky. We are not rich by any stretch, but we've been able to do most things we've wanted throughout our lives. We are basically happy where ever we are and I think that's another factor in this discussion, your motive for moving. Because where ever you live, you still have to look at the same person in the mirror every morning. But that discussion is for another day.

It's time for my nap.

Love to all, Linda J