Material Things OR Travel?

[Turbozag]

Since being diagnosed with Leukemia over a year ago, I have been doing some serious thinking about things...

I have accumulated a few nice guitars and other things that I like to look at...

Not knowing what the future holds makes me even more aware of places I haven't gone. Things I haven't done.

My question... Should I sell off some of my prized possessions and go see/do things I've always wanted to...?

I'd still keep my most prized guitar etc. But I would be letting go of several items that I could never replace...

[rhinocaster]

Since being diagnosed with Leukemia over a year ago, I have been doing some serious thinking about things...

I have accumulated a few nice guitars and other things that I like to look at...

Not knowing what the future holds makes me even more aware of places I haven't gone. Things I haven't done.

My question... Should I sell off some of my prized possessions and go see/do things I've always wanted to...?

I'd still keep my most prized guitar etc. But I would be letting go of several items that I could never replace...

I'm so sorry to hear about your illness. I don't know you, but it breaks my heart.

Keep your favorite guitar and amp. Sell the rest and go.

[The Last Rebel]

I'm with rhino on this one. This is just me, but I wouldn't want to go thinking of what I should have done.

[xntrick]

go out and see the world while you can, or at the very least some of the best scenery in the USA..i recommend mt evans, the highest paved road in north america...

[devilrob1979]

Sell the stuff and see what you want to see. WHEN you make it through your illness you can always reacquire what you've lost but you'll have a hard time being able to motivate yourself to get out and do what you have always wanted again. Mundane life stresses will tear away your aspirations. Get out and see the world for the rest of us. You'll have great stories to tell around the office when you're fully recovered.

[Turbozag]

go out and see the world while you can, or at the very least some of the best scenery in the USA..i recommend mt evans, the highest paved road in north america...

That's exactly the kind of thing I'm talking about.

Want to go out west and see the US. New York, DC, San Fran, Alaska.. All places I'd love to see...

There's a train ride from Niagra Falls to the West Coast, all through Canada, across the rockies...

Who knows. But I think it's time to lay it all out...

Thanks for replying!

[Luke]

Make sure your medical coverage is accepted where ever you wind up traveling to. My son has a permanent illness so I always check such things out as well as determine where the closest hospital is to the places I will visit, bring the Mapquest print outs with me.

Good luck

[Doodad]

Go. Even for those of us without chronic conditions, and God bless you sir, it is memories that sustain us through travails. Spend some time in Utah. It is fantastic scenery.

[Ricman]

Go travel. The material things, while nice, are just that. In traveling you will not only be indulging yourself, but you will be making memories for loved ones you take with you. They will cherish those in a way the gear could never do for them.
Although not the same circumstances (I don't have an illness at present) I had a huge collection of rare books. When my wife and I decided to do two international adoptions I realized I had the resources in those books to finance them without going into debt (upwards of $60,000). The first book felt funny letting go of, but once it was gone it was an absolute release. The rest went with no regrets and the payoff was way more than material items could ever satisfy.
God bless you, wish you the best. If you decide to travel please share with us from time to time places you've been!

[Turbozag]

Thank you for the kind words!

[Lawn Jockey]

I'm so sorry to hear about your illness. I don't know you, but it breaks my heart.

Keep your favorite guitar and amp. Sell the rest and go.

+ 1

You will be in my thoughts.

[Tonefish]

Yes, I would keep a guitar and amp and get to as many places to meet as many different cultures as possible.

Wishing you the best of it!

[big mike]

It's in check right now lee, Yes?

I say balance....reduce as much as you can without too many regrets, and go see some places. Hit San Fran so I can give you hell in person. LOL

[Suproman77]

If you have to sell you gear in order to go out and do some of the things you've always wanted to do, I think that you should do so. Material possessions cannot and will not ever replace life experiences. This may sound corny, but we're not here to collect as much personal belongings as possible, but to live, learn, love, and grow. Never let material objects stand in the way of that.

When, not if, you get better, you will not regret this decision. My thoughts and prayers are with you...now go out and live.

[Teleplayer]

Keep your favorite material possessions - the ones that are nearest and dearest to you. Then go out and experience as much as you can - of the U.S. and abroad.

Experience different cultures - the people, the food, the geography, the scenery. There is nothing like it. It will give you a very different perspective on the world and life.

Before you go, make certain you have access to the best local medical facilities. And you may want to call or e-mail ahead to the U.S. embassies where you wind up traveling. Explain your situation, and they can probably help you out in many ways.

[8Painting]

If you have to sell you gear in order to go out and do some of the things you've always wanted to do, I think that you should do so. Material possessions cannot and will not ever replace life experiences. This may sound corny, but we're not here to collect as much personal belongings as possible, but to live, learn, love, and grow. Never let material objects stand in the way of that.

When, not if, you get better, you will not regret this decision. My thoughts and prayers are with you...now go out and live.

:agree

At the end of the guitar, guitars are just things.

Great things I might add, so keep one around.

Get out and see the world man! There are things out there that are waaay more beautiful than a les paul.

[wstsidela]

Sell all your gear. Buy an acoustic. See the world.

[Jon Silberman]

I can't advise you on the issue but do want to wish you the best.

[Dave Orban]

Travel.

[Seditious]

That's exactly the kind of thing I'm talking about.

Want to go out west and see the US. New York, DC, San Fran, Alaska.. All places I'd love to see...

There's a train ride from Niagra Falls to the West Coast, all through Canada, across the rockies...

Who knows. But I think it's time to lay it all out...

Thanks for replying!

Do it. I live between S.F. and Yosemite. If you want to see, I'll drive you up there and show you around. Spring is the best time. (May)

[whitehall]

Sell off some things and go travel. But be warned, even travel to exotic places is not what it used to be. When you climb that pyramid there may be a guy on the top of it drinking a starbucks and using his blackberry.

[davecan]

Travel... and maybe go off to a retreat of some sort as well. Whatever you believe, it is a good time to meditate and get in touch with your spiritual side.

[Turbozag]

Thanks all.
Sounds like it's a no-brainer.
I appreciate all the input and kind words!

Yes Mike, in remission! Another good reason to do it now.

:dude

[Guitar Slinger6]

You know out of all my most treasured memories, the guitar (as much as I love it) has nothing to do with any of them. Come back and tell us about your fantastic adventures.

[stevieboy]

Hey Turbo,

I've been recently diagnosed with CLL myself. Few symptoms, no treatment at this time. A tough couple of weeks between the initial diagnosis and seeing a specialist. He was pretty hopeful though, certainly it was something of a relief to hear it could be years before any real issues, he even says I'm lucky! Believe me, I'll take that. I'm "watching and waiting" as a lot of people say, but my doc doesn't use the expression, probably wants to stay away from the negative implication. Of course the danger is always there, nothing is given, but then, I could get hit by a bus too.

I haven't actually told very many people. The last thing I want is for everyone to start being nice to me!

But I do know that I knew right away when I got the initial word that one thing was clear, whatever I was in for, I want to spend whatever time I have left living, and living fully. That certainly includes playing music, for me it also includes doing my job, which is difficult and frustrating at times but also can be rewarding. Spending time with my wife is very important, and doing things i want to do--travel certainly sounds good. And mostly, dwelling on life and not the alternative--whatever we have left is what we have, we should enjoy it as much as we can!

PM me any time.

[Tuberoast]

Grab your passport

[Turbozag]

Hang in there Stevieboy, and thanks for the kind words!

I was somewhat in shock for a day or two when I first heard the news. But thankfully, there is a fairly new wonder drug that seems to be helping me immensely. It's called Gleevec. I have CML, and am not sure if the Gleevec is applicable to CLL. But check it out for sure. My DR is a well-known specialist at the Markey Cancer Center at UK.

I'm already making a list of what I'm gonna sell, keep, and where to go first...

:dude

[elkym]

I think of it this way-- I believe there's a life after this-- and I believe the primary things I can take with me are who I've become, and what I've learned. If I was in your place-- travel would be something I'd be interested in. Seek the best medical care you can find-- spend time with those people you love, and fight it with everything you've got.

I hope you have many years in remission before you finally leave us.

God bless, and good luck.

[bluesjuke]

Sell all your gear. Buy an acoustic. See the world.


Might be the way to go.

The very best to you Turbozag.