Thursday Thirteen: Things I’m going to miss when we move

Taking a break from list-making of what we’re taking/leaving for our move, I’m listening to Pink’s new album. It’s another one of those days where I feel so overwhelmed with all we have to do before we head up North. My stomach does flips every time I think about it-so I generally avoid it. For today’s Thursday Thirteen though, I thought I’d list 13 things I’m going to miss about Miami. For so many months-even years-I’ve been saying how I can’t wait to get out of this town. The language barrier, the crime, the overwhelming everything about it has been a bit much most of the time, but it has its moments and there are definitely things I’m going to miss. There are plenty of things I love about Florida/Miami. Here they are:

1. It’s where we got this little guy!

2. The Weather: This one is obvious but it is a slightly bigger deal for us. It’s been pleasant NOT feeling every rod in my body-there are quite a few! I’ve celebrated almost every birthday since I’ve been here outside-in January.

3. The Miami-Dade County Fair: It’s not without it’s faults…last year we couldn’t go because there was a shooting and suspected gang activity. Besides that hiccup-we had so much fun the other years! Here’s me with a cow. I think those eyes are beautiful.

4. The shopping! There’s so much to choose from, it’s been much easier to find things in my size.

5. Events, concerts, and games: We’ve been fortunate to do some pretty cool things because we’ve lived in such a large city-several book signings, we met the Dog Whisperer, went to a few concerts, and Dolphins/Marlins Games.

6. The zoo! I love the Miami zoo and it’s even more special to me now because it was part of Adam’s elaborate proposal weekend. This reminds me-I should add that to our “to do one more time” list before we leave.

7. Orlando=my obsession. We’ve driven up a few times and had the best times. We’re going to miss our Florida resident discounts and the short drive up to the happiest place on Earth.

8. Critters: From the baby snake I found curled up in the dog’s bowl the first week we moved here, to the frogs, turtles, ducks, and lizards-TONS of lizards…they’ve been fun.

9. Uncle Danny and Aunt Jacque: Adam’s aunt and uncle have been our saving graces on MANY an occasion. They’ve been our personal roadside rescuers, movers, and holiday hosts. Welcoming me as family from the first day, I’ve really appreciated their kindness, help, and love. Speaking of moving and family, you might like my Disaboom post last night.

10. Our lake: We have a huge lake RIGHT outside our window. The dogs love swimming in it. We have ducks. They had babies early last spring and it’s been so much fun watching them grow up. They’re an incentive to follow a low-carb diet because I love saving my bread to feed them. I don’t know when we’ll have a lake that close again.

11. The ocean: It feels a bit obligatory to add this. I’m generally not a fan. It’s sandy…sandy…..and not accessible. BUT I always enjoy it when I go there (usually with friends or family who are visiting) and it’s been nice having it within an hour whenever we wanted to see the waves break.

12. Diversity: I’ve never lived/seen/visited a place where the people represent such diversity. I’m thankful for the learning experiences I’ve gained that couldn’t have been replicated anywhere. It’s been frustrating at times because I’ve found diversity doesn’t necessarily breed acceptance. That in itself is something important I’ve learned…along with enough Spanish to order from Subway.

13. Friends: I’m most sad about leaving my friends-my girls that I worked with at the hospital this year. I know we’re going to work hard to stay in touch, but I’m gong to miss them so much.