Since I have returned from Paraguay and had lots of free time on my hands, people have been lending me books and sending me cards. When I receive a card or open a book, often the first thing that catches my eye is the return address or the book plate, a label with the persons name and address on it. It catches my eye because its something I have never had and cannot have right now.
Addresses stamped on sticky labels that come in rolls of hundreds imply permanency. It implies that you will live in a place long enough to use all of those stickers. That if you loan someone a book and they don't return it for a year (or two or five) you will still be living at the same address as the book plate.
That would never happen to me. We move too much.
I find myself looking at these labels and fantasizing. What would it be like to live in the same place for years and years? My SIL's have lived in the same houses for over 20 years. I love visiting them and find comfort in seeing them exact same thing in their homes visit after visit. Could I do that?
Mostly my life has been characterized by frequent moves. Good houses, bad houses. Houses with swimming pools and tiny apartments. I have lived in other peoples homes and had "temporary" housing that lasted months on end. Many times I have had no keys at all.
As 2009 winds down and my health improves, I look towards 2010 and wonder, will I ever have the kind of life that could include return address labels?
Do you have a life that includes return address labels?
14 responses to this post:
Brenda, i totally, utterly, and emphatically relate!! I'd love to paint a wall, buy address labels, give people a mailing address... *sigh* It's moments like this when "I love my husband" becomes as much a reminder as a reality.
I've had the same address for over 20 years...and never used labels...I always write my return address...go figure...plus saves money :)
I don´t have labels either, and lived at the same address for more than 20 years. But I can´t order them here anyway. I do have a stamp with my name and title at the office, so that´s kinda nice. But I do understand what you are feeling. I think with age we do need some kind of stability.
I hear ya...and have had many of those same wonderings. It always reminds me that we are made for something permanent...Home with Him! But at the same time...it would be nice to experience it here on earth! :)
Yes, I use address labels--and get new ones when I move! However, here I don't need them since we don't use the unreliable mail system! Oh well! In 2010 you can buy some labels--just enough to last for awhile and see how you like them! :) Looking back, I'm sure you enjoyed each one of our homes in their own way and look forward to the next one and how you will set it up! It will probably be fun!
We are just now settling to where we can print return address labels. Although I feel slightly guilty as I know we only have about 5 years before we do move again.
We spent the last five years as truck drivers, with no home but our truck. Occasionally crashing on families couches, etc.
I love to "fall in love" with a new place every 5-10 years. It brings excitement to my life, and fortunately, my husband feels just like me. 5 years ago it was Belize, and now we made an offer on a short sales in Naples, FL. I feel like a kid every time we want to explore a new part of the world. new foods, new beaches, new people. it keeps you young and energetic. It's not that we're rich, we just pick good deals at the time, and learn to live with less stuff. I believe there's always a way.
Yes - we are rooted. Can't imagine leaving good ol' KY. I have the labels.... but your life sounds more exciting - NO KEYS?!?!
So glad that you are feeling better and better!
What a thought-provoking post, Brenda. I have a blogfriend in a similar position to yours but in a different part of the world where there is no proper postal system. So she doesn't even really have an address, except for somewhere they can collect post courtesy of hubby's work. Travel and new cultures and languages are very appealing to me, but I do love coming home. I've never had address labels printed, though. Very pleased to hear your health is improving.
Janice.
No. But I think I might get bored with the same address...
We've been married 21 years and the longest we have lived at one address is 4 years. So I could kind of go thru an address label roll.
When my grandmother was alive, I looked at her address book one time and saw all the eraser and scratch out marks by our name. Bless her heart. That had to be hard to keep up with in her little address book. But she always sent cards on my birthday and usually got it to the right address.
♥
Joy
First of all, good for you that your health is improving. Let it continue.
In my business, real estate, I have dealt with many, many people who move every couple years. I am always in awe of their attitudes and the way they 'take it in stride.' But seriously I suppose they have no choice.
But I am of the address label variety.
See, I have been geographically in the same area place for my 36 years and there are times that I wish that I was in a different port every month.
Sigh!
The grass is always greener.
I enjoyed the post.
-r
I know exactly what you are saying! I guess some folks are 'address label' types and some aren't!
Post a Comment