Not the best-laid plans

I didn’t plan this out well enough. 

And that’s saying something. Anyone who knows me, knows I’m a planner. Well, mostly. For the big stuff. When I’m in the moment, I’m content to go with the flow. 

Maybe that’s my problem: I went with the flow rather than face the facts. 

But now, they are staring me in the face. 

I feel like I need a pretty big chunk of change to move to Portugal. If I keep my present job and salary, with no other additional expenses, it will take me four-and-a-half months to save up enough.

That’s if I can continue living rent free. I’ve been fortunate to get house-sitting gigs, which have allowed me to have my own space without rent and utilities. It was so beneficial on so many levels. I’m grateful to my friends for helping me with these opportunities. 

But the reality is, I might not be able to continue. I might have to pay for living expenses. That will increase my time here to nearly eight months. 

I don’t want to be here for another Wisconsin winter; Chattanooga is looking better all the time. 

That was my original plan: Stay here until the houses sold, then move to Chattanooga and live cheaply with my sister while establishing a job I can do remotely. Except I likely won’t get paid as much, so it will take longer to save up. Being in Portugal by spring might be closer to reality. 

I guess I’m ok with that. I did tell people originally my plan was to be in Portugal by December if possible, but no later than next spring. 

So maybe I did plan this after all.