Furnished Apartments, Debit Card Cars, & Future Spouses

At one point in life I would have considered myself a minimalist. Especially when compared to friends, family, and colleagues, although comparison is not something I typically recommend. 

But I have strayed from the path.

I met the woman who would become my wife in a West Texas town by the name of San Angelo. There was not much to do there, which sounded perfect to me. I was moving there for about eight months, which is neither a huge nor tiny amount of time. I flew to this town. This meant I brought with me everything that could fit in one checked bag and a carry-on. I showed up with a lease signed for a furnished apartment, and zero laptops to be seen.

Not a whole lot of worries.

Within the first few days, I decided I needed some transportation, so I bought a car. I bought it with my debit card, if that tells you anything about the quality of the vehicle. I didn’t want to care about it, and I didn’t.

Once that car inevitably gave out on me, I purchased a fairly cheap Jeep. One of those that you can leave the top and doors off of and never think twice about it. I was happy. I could leave at any time I so desired, which is a strangely comforting feeling. Everything I owned would easily fit in that Jeep, even if the backseat may be a little damp from the warm Texas rain.

It was freedom, a freedom that is hard to put into words these days.

Life has significantly changed for me, these 12 or so years later. As mentioned, I am married to that woman and now have a toddler son. We own many items these days. Some necessary, some maybe not. We even own a home which is something I could have never envisioned happening (for me). In fact, this is actually the second home we have purchased.

TVs, furniture, fancy pots and pans.

All responsibilities in some way.

We talk sometimes about getting back closer to a more minimalist lifestyle, but I do not think it is completely realistic at this point. Obviously we want to provide for our son and ensure he has everything he needs. But defining the word “need” can be tricky.

My life now is incredible. I would not change anything. But, there are certain times when I look back fondly on those West Texas days and the lack of worry that I possessed (if that is the right word in this context). Even if those types of days never return, I will always be grateful that they existed in the first place.

For now, I will make sure my family has everything that they need, and want. But I will also pass down the knowledge of just how good that freedom can feel, if even for a short eight months.

-Houston (@BumpBailey)