This May I graduated from college, and less than two weeks later I packed up everything and moved to South Florida to work for Fish.
My entire life, including college years, I had lived in Alabama. So, my experience with the state of Florida was minimal. I had been to the beaches on the Gulf of Mexico several times while growing up and to Orlando for Disney and Universal Studios a handful of times. To me, Florida was essentially Mickey Mouse and Harry Potter or my college spring break destination. Throughout my first three months of living here, I learned that this state is much more than that. To make sure I never forgot, I created an ongoing list in my notes app of things I’ve learned since moving nine hours from my home in east Alabama to South Florida. Here is what I have so far…
#1: Floridians have a major crush on Publix.
Publix is very important to South Floridians. I grew up around a Publix, and don’t get me wrong, I always respected it as a stand-up grocery store where shopping is a pleasure. BUT I had no idea how crucial this supermarket was around here. This made more sense to me when I discovered that Publix was founded in the state of Florida. I now have a greater appreciation for Publix and will never turn down an opportunity for a pub sub.
#2: I-95, AKA My Newest Fear
After six years of driving, I’ve never really thought of what kind of driver I was. Thanks to I-95, I will never have to, it has decided for me —and it is TOO NICE. I-95 has unlocked a fear of driving that I never knew I had. To all the wonderful drivers on I-95, I want to assure you that you will never have to worry about the little blue car with an Auburn University tag going way too slow for you again. Because I will never ever drive on that horrifying abyss again.
#3: Snowbirds are NOT a species of bird that live in the cold
The first time I had ever heard the term “snowbird” was at dinner during my first couple of weeks in Florida. The waiter said to me, “Just wait till January, this place will be packed with snowbirds.” I played it off cool by just smiling and nodding, but I could not have been more confused. I replayed what he had said over and over. I knew that it did not snow in Florida. And I knew that a species of birds surely would not be packing out this Italian bistro. Thus, I was educated and learned the nickname for Northerners who live in Florida during the winter months.
#4: The panhandle is completely different than South Florida
Honestly, they could be two completely different states. Having only grown up visiting the panhandle, I was a bit timid about living in Florida. Not that I didn’t love my family vacations to Panama City Beach — I did! I just did NOT think I had much in common with the northern Floridian folk. It is a completely different world here in South Florida. The nature, the people, the food, and the lifestyle are unlike anything I experienced in the panhandle — and I LOVE that.
#5: Distance makes the heart grow fonder
I now live nine hours (around 530 miles) from my family in Alabama. I miss them, and my dogs, every day! But I could not be happier to be living here in South Florida. I truly believe that moving here has made me more appreciative of my home and all my family has done for me. Distance really does make the heart grow fonder!
