I remember reading John Grogan's Marley and Me a while back and enjoying his vivid descriptions of life in Florida. Something he discussed later in the book struck me however. He talked of how though he loved so much about living in Florida as a young couple, he just couldn't handle the thought of keeping his family there once they had all their children. I remember feeling a little shocked that he would think that way and wondering why he'd leave this gorgeous state to go back to the heinous shoveling and shivering that is northeastern country life.
Now though, I am starting to understand from whence he came. When I got pregnant, both of us knew we would miss family. Both of us knew we weren't pleased with certain non-family friendly aspects of our community and this state in general. But what we didn't know was that the way we raised and educated E would become the most important factor in our lives. I know, I know. It should have been a Duuuh thing. But though I worried most about education in this state, I genuinely thought there were enough pluses that we could make it work without too much strife. Then the only family we had here left, and that blew an even bigger hole in my comfort here.
Don't get me wrong. There are so many wonderful things about living here, and we've built some wonderful relationships that I'm loathe to leave. But we've decided that in the next 3-5 years, we are going to be working toward the possibility that we will leave this place for somewhere in the mid-atlantic to Northernmost Southern states. (I still can't abide the thought of too much snow and cold. Ugh)
Just as I did with my thoughts on where to go with our infertility struggle, I plan to hash out the issues, thoughts and tribulations we are having with this decision. You know me. I need to get it out. Verbal.. er.. written diarrhea allows my brain to unclench so that I make better decisions. I'll be looking to you as well dear friends for thoughts, suggestions and geographical expertise as we move through this process.
'Til next time.
FCiF (possibly future FFCiF)
Monday, June 20, 2011
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5 comments:
FLorida always seems like such a great place to live. However, I have read that the state education system is not very good? I don't remember specifics.
Moving = Excitement :)
If we had stayed in Florida, we would have private schooled or homeschooled. Period, the end.
So, what do you think about moving to, say, the Atlanta area?
Looking forward to your journey as you figure out where to go. I've only been to Florida a couple of times and I can't say I liked it very much save for the water and the winter weather.
Oh and I realized you asked to be invited to my private blog many months ago and I totally ignored you. I'm so sorry Barb! Email me at soapchick@comcast.net with your email and I'll add you. Cheers.
Sooooo.... MA is off your list, huh? :P
Well, you know how I feel about weather. I would not, unless under the most dire circumstances, move to a place that has real winter ever again. I get the impression you are somewhat of an exotherm, as well, though I don't know if weather affects you emotionally, like it does me. If it is only a matter of it being annoying, then the positives of moving closer to family might be more important to you. (Can you tell I am obsessed with staying warm and having lots of sun? I am.)
On the school front -- I am so totally negative on public school anywhere you might go; not just because of the level of education. Things like: my 11-year-old stepdaughter had some boys in her class showing her porn on their iPhones. I am not even kidding. I really think that we cannot even imagine what it is like for kids these days; technology has so pervaded their lives in a way it didn't ours. We still don't know what we are going to do with our children (the girls are, obviously, not totally our decision) -- I am tending toward homeschooling, since this part of the country has such a great community in that regard that the socialisation issue really isn't one. I don't know. It is such a personal decision and since you work, you will have other factors that influence your decision. I'm not entirely convinced that public school is really that awesome anywhere -- just because your state is ranked # whatever, doesn't mean that the state ranked #3 (for example), is so awesome either. Just better -- but by how much?
Either way, I will read with interest as you hash it out. I am lucky in that I love where I live, and even if I didn't, we HAVE to stay here at least 8 more years because of the custody thing. Sometimes it is nice to not even be able to make the decision.
But yeah, having family around is a bonus. Sorry, this comment probably wasn't all that helpful.
So glad little E is feeling better!
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