Good grief, woman! Life is so interesting I don't have time enough to do everything I want to do: millions of recipes to cook, jillions of books to read, gardening, traveling, chatting endlessly with my hub, sewing, taking walks, and on and on and on!

Friends have asked me if I'm bored in retirement after raising six kids (I'm 62) and working, but heck, I don't have enough time to do housework, let alone get bored! How much money do you have that you can consider MOVING to alleviate boredom? We don't have enough money to buy a new couch, let alone a new house, but life is good.

Even if you're bored with your house, surely you can find some way to have some fun. At least, I hope so. I hope you are happy.

This is why people changing relationships like they change underwear will always fail to advance them as far as learning to get along with anyone . You have to stick it out and find what makes you work inside. That is where it all comes from ...inside.

I sure hope we have not misunderstood your question or intent. I just posted the other day on the questionaire that I never ever get involved in controversial topics...I sure hope I have not just stepped into one.

Please post back and let's see what you were trying to say. Please don't think anyone is jumping on you :) c

If you're just bored, there's plenty of things you can do, as mentioned above. However, if you see this as an opportunity to do something for yourself for a change, then maybe you should pursue it...or at least think about it. I know a few people who have left the suburbs and moved to the city when their kids grew up. That wouldn't be for me, but they seemed thrilled with the change. They wanted to be closer to restaurants, movies, theater, etc. and really love it.

If you just want to move to a new house, again, if you feel you need a challenge, go for it. Sometimes people just need something new in their life, whether it's a new career, going back to school, moving, going to Europe, whatever...think it through, but have some fun!

Even if I named a hundred things you should be doing, if you are feeling bored, or maybe let's call it underwhelmed or understimulated, it's a true feeling and should be acknowledged.

We moved about seven years ago to a house not far from the one we were living in. Same school district. Same zip code. We had a lot of reasons at the time: a larger basement with room for a pool table for teenagers, a larger yard for gardening, a more open floor plan, etc. etc. The economy was better, and it even seemed like a good investment! If I'm honest though, looking back, I think it was simply that we wanted a change. A lot of our friends were doing the same thing then. I wouldn't have said so at the time because we had, you know, all these reasons. We enjoyed the basement, the bigger yard, the floor plan, but I miss the neighbors and the memories of the kids being babies in that earlier house. And now I have lots of reasons for moving from this one--downsizing being one of them but also the feeling that there's a different life waiting if I were downtown or out in the country or..... But I think it's really that itch to move on and that trailrunner is exactly right. Anyway, I know what you're saying, Cricket0828!

But I get a lot of pleasure from fixing up a new residence, and would relish the opportunity for a new project. That can be an expensive hobby, but if you pass Caveat #1, why not? It's an old saw, but variety IS the spice of life!

OR volunteer your decorating services at a shelter, or something like that? Just blue-sky-ing...fun to think about!

Haley

OH, YEAH! I definitely understand - you need a new view! We were in our last house for 14 years and the last 3 years were so agonizing as to be depressing - the only thing that kept me going was knowing we were working towards moving! Now hubs could have stayed in that house the rest of his born days, but not me - I NEEDED a new view! And we did not HAVE to move.

I need to clarify. We move for adventure, to really see what different lives and places are like. Every time we have moved, the different people and experiences that have drifted through our lives have been well worth it.

It always feels like there is some closure when we move away from somewhere. I wasn't sure what the purpose of our last adventure was until weeks before our last move. That is when I met an amazing eldery woman who lived on my street. Someone needed to be there for her, and I was lucky enough that it was me. It was something little, but that I will never forget. For that moment, I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be in this world. Afterward, I walked back down the street to my (old) house, went back to packing boxes, and knew that we were now done there.

No idea why we are here, but I keep looking for my reason. :O) Maybe this is just a stop before something wonderful or maybe it has reasons all its own.

Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that sometimes you just have to let life pull you along for a ride.

It wasn't so much that I was bored, it was more that I had never loved everything about that house and had pretty much exhausted everything we could do to it and still keep it competitive for the neighborhood. We did have great neighbors and it was in the right school district for us, in a great neighborhood for the kids, had a pool, places to walk, kids could ride their bikes to friends, etc. etc. etc. I really never thought we would move until we were ready to downsize and retire.

But I got the bug, and started looking around, just for fun. Also spurred on by the passing of my mother I think, and knowing that she lived for years in a house she had loved once upon a time, but had become so attached to she couldn't leave it, even when she and my father really wanted to live someplace else...she was just too sentimental at that point.

We loved our old neighbors, and we still have them to dinner since we aren't that far away, and we love our new neighbors. We went from a neighborhood to a rural setting on the water. No storage, no trees, and a ton of remodeling we knew we would need to do. And yes packing up 11 years worth of accumulated stuff is a pain, but I'm SO happy we did it!

I'm 8 miles from a gallon of milk (and that's at a mom and pop gas station), when we were within 1 min of a grocery store before. Our daughter was in college and our son in high school, so having kids their age next door and a pool didn't matter anymore. We thought our then 15 year old son would be upset, but he was all for the move.

It was also financially smart since we had done a 15 year mtg on the old house and doubled it's value in the 11 years we lived there, so even though we would be almost mtg free now, the appreciation on this house is much much greater since it's waterfront.

So I guess it just depends on whether or not it's a sound decision, not so much a practical one...if that makes sense. I like to say that I would trade the worst day in our new house for the best day in my old house. I still miss some things about our old house, but I wouldn't change a thing!

Kat :)

But if you have the time and money and desire to just live in a different house, perhaps something smaller and more in tune with your newer family situation, then, look around. See what's out there. Do the cost analysis and see if this move might be right for you.

Red

Cricket, what struck me in your OP was the fact that you indicated that your kids are in college. When did the last one leave and was it recently? Is it possible you are suffering from empty nest syndrome? The reason I ask is that I had a hard time when my son left to attend school in Shanghai for a year and now he is in Tokyo. Even though my life was full with work and other activities, there were times I looked around at the house and asked the proverbial question, why are we still living in such a big house. Particularly, since my son started college, in total, he has probably been home at most six weeks.

Is it just you and your husband now in the home? Do you work outside the home or are you a SAHM? What kinds of activities do you like to do? Could it be that you are overwhelmed with the memories of what "used to be" with you, your DH and the kids? If you are like most parents and I suspect that you are, the deafening silence now that the kids are gone could be coming out in the form of I'm bored rather than "I miss the hustle and bustle of the kids".

Whatever it is, I hope you are able to figure it out and get to a much better place so that you go back to either enjoying your house or making a final decision to move.

Out of all my moves, only one was motivated by boredom, DH initiated the project because he wanted a better view and an upgrade from our house.
It was fun to plot it out together, start looking into what we could get for our home, looking at other homes, etc... and it ended up being a very positive experience.

so if I answer your poll, I would say Y.E.S.

It doesn't matter if you end up moving or not, the process of considering it and researching it's feasability will be very involving and might change your mindframe.
It might be just what you need.

I wouldn't make any rash decisions about moving, but it certainly wouldn't hurt to look around and see what's out there. After looking around you may want to take the plunge or you may end up appreciating what you have.

I can understand a kind of boredom that sets in with a house when you are the type of person that likes to improve on your home and it is at its max. We really did a lot of work in that 8 yr house we had. We always knew we would sell since we were always going to go back home if the job ended (construction field) and it did. So, now we are going to make another home in a house we buy, this one will be the last one, the one we retire (soon) in.

I will decorate this next one differently than the last. I will make it more relaxed and more for family since they will be coming by often.

Our house we just sold was our 'networking' house, we had so many parties with people we worked with and aquaintences in the field. That is all different now, less formal living. And I won't get bored with all my hobies and the BEACH nearby!

Boredom can be so much more than just not happy with a house. It is the most expensive thing we buy, so we have to be sure in this economy if we want to sell at a loss.

I was raised in a family (in Nova Scotia) that never had idle hands (farm living) making things we needed, like quilts for cold winters, canning, cooking, cleaning, keeping up the interior and exterior of house and barn, taking care of animals, crops, grandpa's blacksmith shop, uncle's garage, watching houses being built (all carpenters on dad's side), Sunday afternoons spent listening to classical music, well you get the idea.
So, I am never bored, there is always something to do, something to read, somewhere to go, someone to call.

I think sometimes with all our typing and texting, we don't realize we need human interaction in person too. Girl chatting and sharing is so rewarding IRL, don't let that get too far and few inbetween girlfriend interaction!

Have you ever considered taking a lover? I'm kidding I'm kidding, I just thought I would lighten things up a bit.

I understand about being bored, truly I do. But sometimes I think we take that as being lonely.

The trouble with being bored/lonely is it goes with you when you move.

Perhaps you could take a little trip with your girlfriends or husband or something like that. And when you get home you'll appreicate it so much more.

.....Jane

I might go back to college....:0)

Cricket - I'm sorry you got a couple of nasty responses. If I were you, I'd wouldn't make any rash decisions, but check things out. If moving to a different house, area, etc. will make you happy . . . well life's too short not to be happy! If you kids have just recently left home, this might be one of those times when you shouldn't make a hasty, emotional decision. See if making some of the changes suggested here make a difference. If not, then I say why not move?

If this is related to empty nest syndrome, do you have or have you considered a pet?

Hope you get it worked out!

tina

PS Jane - you always make me laugh!!!

tinam61.....lol thx! I did post a thread before I left for Puerto Rico. Take a look:

LOL @ Jane! Wow, that Latin guy hanging above your bed really influences your thoughts, doesn't he? ;-D

I can understand feeling bored with a house, and quite frankly, my interest in "home stuff" ebbs and flows. Sometimes I'm really obsessed by "all things home-related", but there are other times when I'm fixated on other things - health and exercise, travel, music ... I've just come to accept that my interests vary and they wax and wane, and I'm fine with that. I wouldn't consider moving if I were bored with my house, though. I'd just focus on another one of my interests for awhile instead.

Yes, even though we have the fortunate circumstance to have the opportunity to know what house we are moving to I wouldn't want to stay in our current house if the other house wasn't a part of our known future. My MIL has often commented what a shame it is (referring to the town DH & I live in) and always says "Your house is so charming! If only we could pick it up and move it!" and I just shrug my shoulders and say "Nah, I'm ready for a different one.".

I chalk it up to moving so much as a child. I used to think that once I got a house I'd be in it forever - no more moving in my adult life, but I guess it's just imprinted on me! As a child my mind would always wonder about the new possibilities decorating wise and building wise about the new place we were living.

So many houses - so little time to live in them all!

I agree there are just some people who can't help but throw a snarky, opinionated comment onto a thread. The OP wasn't asking for a psychological assessment.

Just because you have that feeling doesn't mean that your life isn't rewarding or fulfilled.

Actually, I see myself wanting to buy a slightly larger house and I have 1 in college, another out the door next year and a third in 6th grade. I see my family getting larger with the addition of spouses in the future, my parents perhaps having to come live with me, an aunt who would like to come and stay for longer than a few days etc. All of the above makes me feel my house isn't BIG enough to accommodate the changes I see in my future.

Plus, I want white wide molding woodwork and My DH won't let me retrim out our existing ugly wood stained 3" trimmed house...He thinks I'm nuts, and maybe I am!!

Everyone has different views on moving. I personally think it is too much work. If I was bored, I would think of alot of ways to improve the house I am in. To each his/her own. Do what ever makes you happy!

Cricket what part of the country do you live in? I don't want for address but was just wondering are there things to do in your neck of the woods?

Aunt Jen as I told Parma "Bernardo" is quite gay. I've really made Bernardo famous, huh?

....Jane

Seriously, look deep within you to find out what YOU want at this time in your life. This is a time when many women blossom!

OP if you still are interested in GW (and I can guess the meanies scared you away) please, take a collective "I'm sorry there are mean people" from the heart.

I completely understand being bored by a house. Ladies, what if you lived in the same 1970's ranch for 20 years. You raised your kids in it, bought it cuz it made sense then stayed so they could stay in school...then they left? Your life could be perfectly happy and you still could be bored with your home or your architectural surroundings.

We live in a 1980's townhouse, and yes I love it, but I have sort of "done" it to death at this point. Paint won't inspire me again. Sure I'll make changes, but I'm really looking forward to the challenge of a victorian now. And I can see that in a few years we'll likely buy a different summer house in a totally different architrectural style because it will inspire me again, much like our new place, both inspire me while in it, and inspire me to love this place again because it's so different.

OP Go for it :) No need to volunteer, adopt orphans, raise elephants who escape from the zoo, read novels or bake til your brain falls out (for some that is not actually "fun"). Go start looking at homes that inspire you :) I think it sounds like great fun!!!

Imagine- does losing your mojo over cooking dinner every nightfor 20 years straight reflect a deep seated unhappiness in your life, a void that needs be analyzed or just the truism of the same old, same old... sometimes I joke when my kids scream 'mean mom' to me that jail would be a vacation to me- clean clothes, food, down time, but I know without a doubt the lack of decorating opportunities would be a real downer!

I wanted to get out of CA for years, but didn't have a clue how that was going to happen. It took several years~youngest DD married, DH was transferred to LA, and finally, the company he was with decideed to open an office in another state(it was either going to be NC or TX)and now i'm in Austin.

Cricket, sometimes you have to 'wide out the waves' and wait. Just sit on that idea awhile, sweetie. ;o)

We seriously looked at new houses and thought about building our own. Even made an offer on 5 acres. Thankfully they didn't accept it. lol. Instead we added on a new room, it's quite large, added on two rooms from the old living room, and completely gutted my kitchen, tore out a wall and made it larger.

I'm glad we did this because the huge oak trees we have all over our acre are full grown thanks to my dh planting each and every one of them when they were only a couple of feet tall.

My house now faces a different direction, so we have a completely different view!

If you're ready to move and can do it, and if that is what makes you happy, go for it! Why not.

For some people, moving is super stressful and their home becomes a part of them and they want to stay forever. For others, moving is an adventure and not something they do only with a job transfer. It seems like you are ready for a new adventure and with your calm demeanor and amicable nature, you are sure to make lots of new friends and neighbors. Plus, get a whole new decorating opportunity.

But, I do not feel totally satisfied with where we live.
I want to move. The house we are living in is 10 feet away from our neighbor's house---we live in a historic district in a small, Southern city. I CRAVE a view and a lot more privacy.

So, yes, cricket0828, I think it is fine to move if you are bored, if you can afford the move and your DH is in agreement.

paint chips, you came very close to how I feel when you said, "Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that sometimes you just have to let life pull you along for a ride."

I would move, but DH would not. He moved a lot before we were married and does not like moving. My ex was military, so I got accustomed to moving. It is a great way to get the house really clean, LOL!

We have an ideal location now, but we are in a small house. The LR is not functional, and houses like ours were being torn down to build McMansions. There are some things I don't like about my house - you've made me wonder if those things will bother me more after I retire!

If your DH is willing, I would move. Definitely.