In my last post I talked a little about this weird and wonderful thing that we are doing, our version of nomading. It’s not always easy to explain, and it’s definitely not always easy to do. We are figuring it out as we go. Essentially we are living — not vacationing — where we travel, unless it’s expressly designated “vacation time” (like Maui and St Maarten were this year). So that means that regardless of our location we strive for a normal day-to-day life of working, exercising, studying, grocery shopping, cooking at home, choring, and getting proper sleep. We use the weekends and evenings to explore our new environments, visit with friends and family, and to play. Sometimes we do a great job at keeping the balance. Other times those lofty aspirations are cast aside for an incredible dinner, or an inviting cocktail bar, or intriguing streets that demand to be wandered well past our normal bedtime. Then, the next day, we begin again.

While it doesn’t apply when we are traveling outside the country, when we are in the US we rely on lots of chains to keep us with a base level of consistency. Aspen Dental, Amazing Lash, CVS, European Wax, Warby Parker, and Apple are a few of the constants for me, but perhaps the most important constant, one that has heavily influenced our chosen routes as we’ve travel has been the YMCA. We have a family nation wide membership at the Y. With that little card we have been able to enjoy YMCAs across the country. And while they are all different, there is always a consistent ethos of kindness, commonality, and a welcoming environment. And when there is a pool AND a sauna AND a steam room? Well, then it’s practically a spa and we luxuriate in the amenities. But even if it’s just basic weights and cardio we are grateful for a place to work on our health, and I am willing to drive an hour for the privilege.

The health element is a little trickier. For me, eye care, dental care, vaccines and prescriptions are now provided by chains that support me all over the country. Where we have our primary care physicians and our specialists, however, is a little messy. So far I’ve kept the majority of my health providers in Massachusetts and just schedule appointments, screenings, lab work, etc when I know I’m in the northeast. But I also have some specialists in Florida too. Larry is all over the place, especially so after his recent tussle with Lyme. It’s complicated. It’s weird. It’s wonderful. And now I realize, I’ve been musing too long and need to get back to work.