Three yearanniversary of moving to Bermuda

Three years ago today, we left our home in Chicago and made our way to Bermuda. Funny enough, I'm flying today as well, though for a much different readon. Admittedly, back then I wasn't all that thrilled about the move. Yes, it was a tremendous opportunity to live on a tropical island but, in my opinion, we already had a great life in Chicago.

Overall it's been great, and I'm glad we moved. It's just a lil difficult to think objectively right now, as the two biggest losses of my life have occurred in the past 7 months. If could go back in time, would I choose then over now? If it means having Grandpa and Rocky still around? I'd give anything. Of course that's not possible.

Still, had we not been in Bermuda and me not working the first two years, there's no way I would have been able to spend this much time with my grandfather before he passed. So , for that alone, I'm grateful, especially now, that I was able to spend months with my grandparents these past three years.

I've prolly traveled more the past three years than I have ever before: China, Taiwan four times (including this trip), Croatia, Paris, Spain (Barcelona, Granada and Madrid), Ice Hotel in Sweden, London, Big Sur, Newport and over a dozen other trips to the states.  On top of taking all these vacations, we basically live in a vacation spot year round.

Most ppl would kill to be able to not work for two years. Being the negative person that I am, I mopped around the first year like an idiot. It wasn't until the second year, after a trip to Taiwan, that the light finally clicked and I realized what an awesome opportunity I had. Got scuba certified and logged 60+ dives in one summer, went golfing every day and lost 35 lbs (18 from 3 weeks of eating in Taiwan) by working out 2 hrs very day. And where else can you go catch lobsters 7 months out of the year and spearfish and fish whenever you feel like it?

Weather on a tropical island beats Chicago any day. Water almost every where you look. Not to mention our nice houses we've lived in with great views of the ocean. Tax benefits and Sandy's ridiculous salary don't hurt either. And now that I've started working, I can actually contribute (and interact with people on a daily basis).

Being here has also helped my marriage a lot. Before, I was a lil arrogant and lazy. Being a lowly house husband, I had to lose the ego fast and start helping around the house. Thanks to all that time with my grandparents, I went from not being able to cook anything to being able to whip up some pretty decent Chinese dishes. I'd like to think I also became more attentive and caring. 

Setting aside personal grief and events unrelated to being in Bermuda, I'm definitely glad we made the move. So much so that I don't want to leave. Ever. No where else can you make this much money, travel this much, enjoy such nice weather and spectacular views. I just wish others were still with us to bra part of it.