Goodbye Florida

On the eve of our departure from Florida, I've just been reflecting on what I'll miss about Florida (and what I WON'T).

I'll miss:

• The grad students. We really had a phenomenal community of friends here, and I hope we'll be able to keep up with them for years to come.
• The winters. Sometimes I miss seasons, but the weather really is spectacular during the winter. 
• Being able to only have one wardrobe (summer).
• Disney World. We didn't actually make it to Disney World...but just knowing it was there...
• The Silverspot...leather armchairs while watching a movie=bliss.

I WON'T miss:

• Tourist season, which unfortunately coincides directly with the only time the weather is nice.
• The tourist culture--mostly meaning that there IS no culture, and what there is, is only available during tourist season and then shuts down.
• The weather outside of the winter (late March-November), which is scorching hot with burning sunlight that gives you skin cancer and damages your eyesight. I am not exaggerating. 
• The lack of affordable recreation opportunities, including dining options.
• Being an hour from the bank/Target/aforementioned limited dining options.

So, it's back to North Carolina...home for now but hopefully on to our own place soon.

Job application count: 8
Rejections: 1
Interviews: 0.

Confessions

• I had never changed a diaper until this past week, when my niece came to visit. (It's not that hard. What a relief).

• I love cookie dough. Seriously love it. Love it like it should be its own food group.  

•   As much as I've whined and complained about living in Florida, I will miss the house we've been living in. And our neighbors. But not Florida. 

• I am getting stressed about finding a new job...I love our family, but I don't think I can live with them long-term. I need a space of my own. Plus, not working kind of drives me nuts. (I know...commit me to the insane asylum now).

•  I don't know what kind of work I want to do. "Something I enjoy". But what on earth is that?? Help.

• I love Brian being at home. I love spending time with him. But I am already really tired of Star Trek.

That's it for now...further post on Florida to come. Less than 2 weeks to go in the Sunshine State!