For the longest time I had a long game vision, I’d work hard, I’d do my best to be as good a father as I could be, years would pass, I’d retire and then have the luxury of time and the freedom to escape the increasingly hated winters and spend time in the sunshine for a few months of the year and then spring and summers and maybe early fall back home. I’d have the best of both worlds, and would not have to give up family, friends, great food, laughs, connections.

Let’s look at where that vision has gone.

The good news: I did fulfill the dream to escape the winters and snow and ice and cleanup. I do have the luxury of time (well, in the sense that I don’t owe anyone a piece of my time anymore…the other part of time…I’ve written about that before and that was never something I could control).

The mediocre news: We didn’t end up in a situation where we have the luxury of being in both places, the summers here are humidity laden and really oppressive (but only mediocre in the sense that I would not trade that for the 3-4 months of snow/ice/cold).

The not so good news: Family, Friends and connections are far away, I know both of us never thought we’d make the same friends and connections here that we have developed over decades back home, however, I also know that neither of us ever thought it would be as difficult as it is starting from scratch here. Many folks are nice, most in fact, but there is simply something missing in terms of connections.

I guess the thought is a combination of “be careful what you wish for” and “the grass is always greener” along with a healthy mixture of “when you make plans, make sure your plans are well laid out” and “men plan, god laughs” (keeping in mind my agnostic take on the universe).

If YOU have the luxury of being around friends and family for the holidays, unlike us, enjoy the hell out of it.