futurescapes

lately, i've been thinking more about the future. specifically, my future -- where i want to be, what i want to be, how i want to be living... that sort of stuff. not thinking hard, mind you, but pondering it in that "i wonder..." kind of way.

it started back when i began my home hunt. imagining myself living somewhere other than where i am now was simultaneously exciting and terrifying, hopeful and frustrating, promising and stagnant. in fact, it's become quite stagnant over the past few months, and i've begun rethinking my plans.

the condo market has been very quiet, with hefty price tags and few units that pique my interest. [note: remember the pepto palace? it's STILL ON THE MARKET. they've dropped the price again, painted the pink (presumably) and installed new carpets, and it's still sitting there. i don't want it, but i'm very curious to see when it sells and for how much!]

anyway...

as time has marched on and renovation noise in my building has died down, i've put the home hunt on the back burner. most financial experts are saying now is not the time, and money-conscious folks would be wise to keep renting for the time being. save money. build up an even bigger down payment. wait for prices to (hopefully) come down. though it has its flaws and shortcomings, my apartment is big, cheap and in a fantastic location. i know my neighbours, i love my neighbourhood. we'll see what happens when the unit above me is finally rented -- if a noisy asshat moves in, i probably won't stick around -- but, for now, i'm staying put.

i've also begun exploring the rental market in the city, and in targeted neighbourhoods that are as nice or nicer than where i am now. i'm relieved to see that there are options out there, even though i know i'd be paying at least $200 a month more were i to move. so, that's another point in favour of my current pad.

sometimes, i get these fleeting impulses to put all my stuff in storage and make a dramatic change in my life -- something that would really take me out of my comfort zone and give me experiences i haven't had before. you know, like taking off to travel around europe for two months. or renting a small house somewhere else in canada for six months. or... who knows. inevitably, though, my mind snaps back into logic mode and a dozen reasons not to do those things immediately reveal themselves. or, i'm suddenly hit with a wave of panic, which is equally effective in erasing fanciful thoughts.

still, i feel like i need to do something to challenge myself. thanks to my job at the publishing company -- which, btw, looks like it will be quite profitable for me in 2013 -- i've built up my confidence alongside my portfolio. i know better what i can do and how well i can do it, and i feel like i'm ready for more. or different. or new. i'm not sure what that thing might be -- it might turn out to be something small, just to get the ball rolling -- but there's a nagging in my gut that i should be taking a few steps forward towards... something.