Tammi's World

Challenge!

I made a discovery this past week. Well, actually, I made quite a few discoveries, but this one is the easy one to talk about.

Florida is no longer my haven.

And let me tell you - a slap up side the head could not have been more jarring than the morning I realized that fact.

I knew my perspective had changed in the past few years. That's been rather obvious to me. And don't take that statement to mean I don't love it down there. But - it's not my mecca. It's different.

I had seen/felt some of the changes the last few times I have been there. But this trip, this trip it flat out came at me full bore.

And I'm just shallow enough to say it surprised the hell out of me.

When I got off the plane in Illinois, of course I hightailed it out to have a quick smoke. As I stood out there with the other passengers they were all complaining about how brown everything is. The fact that it was chilly (in the 60's for cryin' out loud). How weird it was without palm trees.

Me? I looked around and smiled. That's when it hit me. I don't mind the brown. Or the chill. I actually thought the bare trees in the sunshine looked rather pretty.

Taking the backroad back to THE Valley I took my time. Crossing the river, smiling at the fishermen taking advantage of the warm weather. Curving through the countryside, enjoying the peace that comes with rural life. Windows down, music blaring, just glad to be home.

I'm taking the final step this next weekend. I'm finally giving up my Florida drivers license. I know, I know, I should have done that years ago. But I couldn't get myself to admit that Florida isn't home. I couldn't give up that last little tie.

But I'm ready now. I fully realize I don't need the water, or the beach or the palm trees to define who I am or give me peace. It's all up to me. And I'm finally up for the challenge.

Posted by Tammi at March 26, 2007 05:49 AM | TrackBack