Tammi's World

May Seem Like A Silly Issue But....

I'm making a decision today. Not life altering, not earth shattering. But a decision none the less.

When I was told I had to relocate to the center of this state, away from my beaches I wasn't happy. I had already moved from Bradenton to Tampa in hopes of finding a job. I owned a little condo about 15 mins from Bradenton Beach, where I could run to Bridge Street and grab a fresh blackened grouper sandwhich at a moments notice. But there just weren't any jobs for me there. So I moved.

I moved to Tampa. I found a great little townhouse to rent, nice neighborhood and a view of a small pond. Found a job and was prepared to settle in. I was about 1 1/2 hours from Bradenton and often made that drive to sit with my toes in the sand of my favorite spot or visit with friends. Not the perfect solution but something I could live with.

Then they hit me with the fact that I had to move to Orlando or the surrounding area. No beaches. No REAL beaches. No salt water. 2+ hours from my friends and family. Did I mention no beaches?

So while looking for a home I had a couple of "must haves". I had to have a big enough house that I didn't feel caged in. I didn't want my work space and my living space combined any more than necessary. And I had to have a pool of my own. I didn't want to share with the neighborhood children, I didn't want anyone telling me I couldn't float in my floaty chair while sipping a tropical drink. I wanted to skinny dip at 2:00am if I so desired.

I found exactly what I asked for at a great price. Really, I got very lucky. Looking back, the only thing I would do different is live in a full time neighborhood. Not one that rotates people in and out on a weekly basis. Hard to make friends that way.

Anyway - back to my decision. It has to do with the pool. It's a heated pool. When I moved in I decided that I would NOT run the heater for most of the year, as it is Florida, HOT, and it just didn't make sense to me. I've lived here since June 1st. I've actually been IN the pool 6 times. Oh, I sit out by it often, it's just that every time I go to jump in the water temperature is around 83 degrees and that is just not comfortable. Not for me. And this was during July and August!

So....I'm going to break down and turn the damn heat pump on. I really didn't think that I would have to do that, not this early in the year. It'll make my electric bill skyrocket! But I think it'll be worth it. I miss being near the water. A pool is not the beach, but at least it's something. Last night I had trouble sleeping and went out to take a dip. Stepped down on the first step and it HURT the water was so cold. (yes, I am a wimp about cold water.) It kinda ticked me off. So today I turn on the heat pump. Damnit, I'm gonna use this pool come hell or high water. Afterall - it's what I said I wanted.

Posted by Tammi at September 20, 2004 09:25 AM