If only I had something to say

Just when I was wondering if I’d ever get the urge to write a blog again I got nudged. I’m not going to mention any names but needless to say I was happy to know that someone cares. I’m told it’s been 25 days since my last blog.  So let’s see if I have anything to say…

It’s actually one week shy of being here in DeLand for a year.  One year.  Since writing that sentence I got distracted for 20 minutes watching TV. So does that mean things haven’t changed?  Actually I have kept the TV off for quite a while and that’s been going well but tonight it’s Sunday night and that’s what Sunday nights have always been about. Right?  It started with the Wonderful World of Disney way back in the day.

Ok so one year. I’m still in the same little place.  There was a little adorable house that I was almost going to move to. I mentioned it in one of my last blogs.  I alluded to it… anyway,, It was the thing that happened…well when I was at my moms in February I told her that I had decided to sign another year’s lease and the day I got home here I found out about this house coming available.  It is an adorable 2 bedroom house with a working fireplace, a screened in front porch, heat!! And central air with windows that open, a bathtub, a real kitchen, a dishwasher, a utility room with washer and dryer, a garage and a little fenced in yard with a clothes line.  Everything I could ever want (well except for the pool) – and it was practically on campus.  And I could afford the rent.  I know right?  What’s not to love.  I was “in” …until I wasn’t.  On the day I met the landlord (who was absolutely lovely) some internal switch flipped and stayed flipped and I couldn’t bring myself to commit.  In the end I passed on it.  I just don’t think I’m ready to settle in yet.  I mean maybe while I’m “stuff” free, well maybe I’ll end up in Europe for a couple of years.  Ya know? I just don’t think this is my final stop.  And I’m not ready to buy a new couch.  There’s a friend at work who is going through the same couch angst that I did all those years ago.  I feel her pain. I’m not ready.  But I’m also not signing another year’s lease..unless pressured into it as I can go month-to-month now.  I met my neighbor upstairs and that’s what she’s doing too. I even had that new friend/neighbor over one evening and made her dinner!  And then a little girl across the street – little like 16 – showed up at my doorstep with a bag of donuts and wanted to introduce herself and brought me donuts because she works at Dunkin Donuts.  So it took a year but I’m meeting a couple of people.  I feel pretty comfortable here in my little cocoon.  And I was even able to entertain Jimmy who visited a couple of weeks ago.

So Jimmy came down on the Thursday night Allegiant flight – I got a single blowup bed that is so comfortable – and I ended up sleeping in because he’s too big for it – and we had a slumber party!

The next day we went to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and stayed overnight at Disney’s Dolphin and then Saturday we went to Universal and saw Marissa.  Remember My Marissa?  She’s the best.  We went to lunch and she knew to order me tea, made sure I had my sunglasses when we left and it was so nice to have my caretaker back.  I forgot how nice it was for people to care about me and look after me.  It’s the little things. I still and always love her!  Anyway, I was exhausted after a long long day of riding rollercoasters and things that go upside down and spin around, ending with a parade and concert.  I was a trooper.  We drove back to my place late Saturday night and he flew out at 6 am on Sunday morning. I slept for like 24 hours after he left.  It was a whirlwind but oh so so fun.

I was so happy to do something Disney after living here for almost 4 years.  I almost bought a resident pass but since I’ve only gone once in 4 years I figured I better wait.  But a visit from a son was like heaven.  I love the Allegiant Thursday night/Sunday option but I haven’t been using it lately. It’s way too cold up there. It’s actually been “cold” here in Florida too – although not the same I know but it’s Florida and it’s not supposed to be this cold, especially at the end of March.  Next week though highs are back to 87!  That’s hot, but that’s what it should be here!

I’ve been going to the beach most weekends (when it’s not freezing) and now I have this routine where I roll out of bed relatively early – brush my teeth and out I go – I  get in the car, make a right and don’t stop until I get to the beach. It’s about a 30-40 minute drive.  I am looking for different beaches as I can’t stand the crowded car beaches.  I mean really it’s hard to hate a beach so I don’t want to say I hate it but I prefer a nice quiet beach with no cars on it.  And thanks to my new friend Kathy she suggested Bethune Beach this past weekend. The only trouble with this beach is it’s not a good beach for walking.

These are my problems these days, trying to find the perfect spot to waste a Saturday, read a book and find peace and quiet.  And then on the way home I have stopped to eat at the same place, Yellow Dog Eats,  as it has been my goal to try everything on the menu.  Everything is so good. Until yesterday when the bread was stale.  So maybe that’s it for the sandwiches and I’ll go back to my salad.  Anyway, it’s nice to have a little routine.  But I might branch out a bit and try another restaurant soon.

It’s hard to believe I left Pittsburgh almost 4 years ago.   And as miserable as I might be, although I am not saying that I am, but if I was saying that, this weather, the beach option, the blue sky, it really does make a difference.  I used to say if I’m going to hate my job I might as well hate it in Florida.  And well I’m just saying the weather does make difference in my overall outlook. Sue used to ask me if I was pinching myself when I first moved here way back then.  Now that I have time to think about it I do find myself, at times, not believing I’m here.  It’s truly pinch-worthy. And I mean here in Florida.  Not here in DeLand. But I’m here, working in Florida.  It’s something.  Right now I just work and live in Florida.  The next step will be to add more into the mix, like back to volunteering, hobbies, dating, ya know, more…and I’m ready and waiting….… patiently.

Not particularly inspiring words but you are all caught up.

Xoxox