Over three years ago I moved to Alaska for the third time to live and work, from Cleveland where I earned my PhD, where I had traveled to from Alaska, where I had moved to from California to live and work for sixteen years, sans one, during which time I lived and worked in Santa Fe, NM before returning to Alaska. Straightforward, right? Over these twenty three years I owned (or co-owned) and lived in seven different residences: two condos and five houses, including the present house. Make that eight if you include our recently purchased beach house. Throw in the temporary places where I’ve lived, at least four, and you’ll understand why even the mere thought of moving again causes my face to transmogrify into a Munchian Scream.
Before this third (and final) move back to Alaska I told Happy Wife that I intend to take my final breath in this house. This pleased her greatly — the staying put part, not the final breath.
Some people are just not cut out for an international life.