SeaSurfSoul
Hello there! 🌊🏠 As I reside in Tokyo, I find solace in my quaint, vintage abode by the sea—a cherished haven for my surf-loving husband. The waves and horizon have become our constants, painting the backdrop of our beautiful journey. With retirement on the horizon, I’m poised to step into the next chapter of life. In an era where a century of living is within grasp, I’m embracing the idea of a fulfilling three decades (or more!) ahead. Let’s share stories, insights, and make the most of every moment. Looking forward to connecting with all you wonderful souls out there! 🌟
Once upon a time, in a quaint little town by the sea, an extraordinary journey began for my husband and me. It was a decision that would change the course of our lives forever.
Ten years ago, my husband, a dedicated civil servant, made a bold choice. He decided to embrace early retirement, armed with only a modest sum from his pension. His dream was simple yet profound: to buy a house near the ocean and continue his lifelong passion for surfing. We were both in our 50s then, with more than a decade until our own pensions would kick in.
With a leap of faith, we embarked on a new chapter, stepping into a life that involved owning and maintaining not one, but two houses. The first was nestled in the bustling city of Tokyo, where we still worked, and the second was our coastal abode, a haven by the sea. It was an audacious endeavor, one that filled me with doubts about our ability to manage two homes simultaneously.
And so, our decade-long adventure began. Time seemed to stretch before us, yet it raced by like a fleeting moment. Looking back, the financial burden was undeniable. We grappled with the challenges of gas bills, utility bills, water bills, taxes, and various expenses associated with maintaining two households. Weekends turned into a perpetual dance between the city and the countryside, as we shuttled back and forth, not only paying for gas but also the upkeep of our vehicle.
Inevitably, this lifestyle forced me to relinquish some of my former pleasures. The carefree travels abroad and long-distance journeys within Japan became distant memories. Frustration seeped into my soul, as the limitations of our situation confined me to a smaller world.
Then, as fate would have it, the misfortune of the COVID-19 pandemic befell us. The world came to a standstill, and all forms of travel were suspended under movement restrictions. However, within this chaos, a silver lining emerged. Thanks to our two homes, we found solace and a sense of tranquility that eluded many others. The feeling of being trapped was replaced by a peaceful calmness that only having two sanctuaries could bring.
As the pandemic gradually receded and restrictions eased, my husband’s passion for surfing reignited. The convergence of the pandemic and his newfound freedom allowed him to delve deeper into his beloved hobby. Alongside our faithful canine companion, he embraced solitude in our country house, immersing himself in the waves and finding solace in the rhythm of the sea.
This unexpected turn of events gifted me with something precious: the blissful luxury of solitude. In the solitude of our second home, I discovered the joy of spending time alone, nurturing my own passions and indulging in personal growth.
Undoubtedly, managing two small houses posed financial challenges for a middle-aged couple like us. Yet, amidst the hardships, we found countless blessings. The story of an ordinary middle-aged couple navigating life with two small houses is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of happiness.
And so, dear reader, let me take you on a journey through the extraordinary life of a middle-aged couple, where perseverance and determination intertwine with the everyday struggles of managing two homes.
