Home Safe

I made it into Altamonte Springs last night around 10:45. I spent 18 hours in the car with a 45 minute break for dinner. I hadn't expected to actually make the entire trip in one day. I just planned on going as far as I could and stop when I needed to. Well, even though I had gotten up at 3am, I wasn't very tired so I kept going. My right leg is sore from all the driving, especially when I couldn't use the cruise control, and the constant vibration was starting to get to me. But other than that, no problems. Traffic was really good. I only had about 2 or 3 times where it came to a stop, but was then back up to speed quickly. And I had rain until I hit Indianapolis, but then it was clear the rest of the way. All in all, things went really well and I'm happy. It is great to finally be down here.

Now I just need to get unpacked and find a job. I thought the drive was going to be the hard part.

What I'll miss about Michigan

My car is now completely loaded and ready to go. Now that I've passed this last major hurdle, the reality of things is starting to set in. I've been thinking a little today about the things I will miss about Michigan. These are in no particular order, just as I think of them.

This may be hard for some of you Floridians to understand, but I will miss the weather in Michigan sometimes. Don't get me wrong, there have been many times in these last few really cold weeks that I have complained and longed to be in Florida. Snow in April I will not miss. But I do really enjoy the beauty of snow (during its designated time of year) and will miss it at times. And I know there will be times this summer when I am dying of heat that I will wish for the cooler temperatures in Michigan. It can get really hot in Michigan, but it's not as prolonged as it is in Florida. I will also miss all the beautiful scenery, the leaves changing, the fresh apple cider, etc.

I will miss the Parks, the family that I have stayed with in Berrien. They have become family for me and I have enjoyed the time with them. I've never lived with a little sister before, and it has been nice. It has also had many practical benefits as well as it has allowed me to save money and kept me from buying a bed, furniture, etc. which I likely would have if I had gotten an apartment. Not having those extra things, and not being locked into the commitment of a lease, has allowed me to easily move back to Florida now. It was truly a God-thing.

I've also enjoyed being able to see my family more. My parents live 3 hours away and I have been able to see them frequently and was able to be there during very difficult times. I also have a brother and sister-in-law that live in Berrien that I have seen more. I hadn't spent much time with them before, and it's been really nice to get to know them.

I also have a great job here at the copying facility on campus. My boss is really great and that makes a huge difference. I've had the flexibility to work extra when needed to make up for time off and even to take a flight to Florida. The security and flexibility is definitely something I will miss, especially in my current struggle to find a job.

Before you get too concerned (or too excited, depending on your hopes), these are not second thoughts. I am still INCREDIBLY looking forward to many things about being back in Florida. These things that I will miss about Michigan in no way change or detract from my excitement about moving. But I do know that with any move or any change, there is some grief. And I feel that it is important and healthy to recognize these things.

The countdown begins

I have set a date for moving down to Orlando. I'm planning to leave at 4:00 in the morning on Wednesday the 24th. Almost the whole state of Indiana is a 2 lane road that gets bogged down by traffic in the morning. By leaving at 4, I should get past all that and Indianapolis by 8 rush hour. I'll then just go for as long as I can that day and stop as needed. So I will likely be in sometime on Thursday afternoon. That gives me about a day to get unpacked before I leave to go to the Panhandle with Susan and Karen for the weekend. So it would likely be the next week before I get to see many of you. But the important thing is, I will be down there soon! 17 days!!!!!!!!! WOO HOO!!!!!

And to give me even more incentive, it's been snowing again for the last week. I REALLY can't wait to get to Florida.