"...keep Manhattan just give me that countryside..."
(I don't know why, but that song pops into my head now and again when I think of our move)
Yes, it is true...it has ACTUALLY happened...
After years of talk and debate, John and I have actually packed up our life in Brooklyn and moved it to Tampa, Florida!
Why?
New York City is definitely an exciting place. The shops, the restaurants, the people watching... the traffic, the congestion, the cost of living, the snow... every place has its pros and cons. We had fun in New York, but after a while it no longer suited our needs. The rent was too high, the commute was long, and life in general was exhausting. Why should we work so hard to live in sub-human conditions?
We considered New Jersey, upstate NY, Long Island... but what we needed was something entirely different. A place where life is a little more laid back, more centered around family and nature. Somewhere with space, so we can own our own dirt. And someplace warm.
We fell in love with San Diego during a visit in 2003, but it was REALLY too far away. Then, in 2005, we took a trip to Tampa (say that five times fast) for my aunt and uncle's wedding. The ceremony was held on Longboat Key. The sun was shining, the air was clean and clear, there was lush foliage and flowers all around, the sand was sugary white, and the waters were crisp turquoise. It was love at first sight.
Exploring the surrounding areas, we found beautifully built, clean towns with open shopping areas. We found a city that contained everything you could ever want... and no litter! No crowds! People were walking, jogging, biking, swimming, kayaking, boating... the focus on the outdoor life was evident. The busses here even have bike racks on the front of them!
It was as if someone had removed the shutters from our eyes. Why should we feel such warmth and joy only once a year on vacation? Why can't we feel this sun-kissed wonderful-ness every day of our lives? Look at what we are missing!
So we did it. It took some time and planning, and a last minute pack-up-and-run (to be discussed in another post...) but we are here and we are so happy.
We miss our families in New York and Ohio dearly. This blog is a way to stay in touch, stay connected, stay involved with each other's lives. Please visit and post as often as you like!
Love,
Jessica and John
(I don't know why, but that song pops into my head now and again when I think of our move)
Yes, it is true...it has ACTUALLY happened...
After years of talk and debate, John and I have actually packed up our life in Brooklyn and moved it to Tampa, Florida!
Why?
New York City is definitely an exciting place. The shops, the restaurants, the people watching... the traffic, the congestion, the cost of living, the snow... every place has its pros and cons. We had fun in New York, but after a while it no longer suited our needs. The rent was too high, the commute was long, and life in general was exhausting. Why should we work so hard to live in sub-human conditions?
We considered New Jersey, upstate NY, Long Island... but what we needed was something entirely different. A place where life is a little more laid back, more centered around family and nature. Somewhere with space, so we can own our own dirt. And someplace warm.
We fell in love with San Diego during a visit in 2003, but it was REALLY too far away. Then, in 2005, we took a trip to Tampa (say that five times fast) for my aunt and uncle's wedding. The ceremony was held on Longboat Key. The sun was shining, the air was clean and clear, there was lush foliage and flowers all around, the sand was sugary white, and the waters were crisp turquoise. It was love at first sight.
Exploring the surrounding areas, we found beautifully built, clean towns with open shopping areas. We found a city that contained everything you could ever want... and no litter! No crowds! People were walking, jogging, biking, swimming, kayaking, boating... the focus on the outdoor life was evident. The busses here even have bike racks on the front of them!
It was as if someone had removed the shutters from our eyes. Why should we feel such warmth and joy only once a year on vacation? Why can't we feel this sun-kissed wonderful-ness every day of our lives? Look at what we are missing!
So we did it. It took some time and planning, and a last minute pack-up-and-run (to be discussed in another post...) but we are here and we are so happy.
We miss our families in New York and Ohio dearly. This blog is a way to stay in touch, stay connected, stay involved with each other's lives. Please visit and post as often as you like!
Love,
Jessica and John
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