First, this is the first year of many many years that I did not call my mother or send my father an email wishing them a 'Happy Anniversary' at the end of August. (Even though they've been divorced for over 20 years now.) I've always taken some twisted pleasure in being the 'catalyst baby' - which means I take partial credit for their decision to marry and the existence of my three brothers. The tongue-in-cheek celebration was as much about their decision to raise me together as it was about another year of adulthood in which I got to skate by as the artsy-fartsy, 'black sheep, hippie bastard love-child.
Both of my parents are now remarried to partners that make them infinitely more happy than they were together, so it seems a little mean-spirited to wish them a happy (failed) anniversary... but I still celebrate it privately in my heart. :)
Second, and more significant, is my one-year anniversary of moving to Florida.
HOORAY!
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There have been ups and downs, but mostly 'ups'... and while I miss the hell out of my friends and family, I couldn't be happier about where I am right now.
The hardest transition has been the distance from my kids. It's unnerving to be this far away, and yet... they're both in college and venturing into their own adult lives, so I'd be doing a lot of knitting and worrying and missing them - no matter where my location.
I'm immensely thankful for technology (if my infuriating son would ever use it) and I'm thankful for the UPS store being so close and giving me the corporate discount for care packages shipped across the country.
I've learned that jellyfish stings feel just like bee stings and that my eyes are really sensitive to saltwater. I've learned that racoons and possums are nuts for cat food, but that the squirrels are partial to my burnt croissants. I learned that sometimes you get really lucky with awesome neighbors if you just put yourself out there and say 'Hi'. I also learned to screen potential roommates with a bit more caution.
After living in AZ all of my life, I knew it would be a while before this desert rat transitioned into a tropical beach bum. However, Florida does share some similarities with my home state that make me feel comfortable and acclimated. There is a 'winter visitor' season here just like there is back home. People out here also drive like D-bags, get a little stir-crazy during the summer, and the politics are just as shady. 'Monsoon season' is the same time of year, but it's 'Tropical Storm Season' here and it rains almost daily for at least an hour.
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I had some specific goals set for my first year out here. And I didn't meet all of my goals, I accomplished a few things that were absolute surprises for me.
I have yet to do a 'bona fide' show in Florida, but I've hit a handful of auditions and at least started to stick my toe in the water of the theatre community out here. I went back to AZ to do a production in the Fall and left again in the Spring to do a show in Little Rock - which to me, is the best of ALL worlds!
My focus has shifted a bit to writing - a big surprise, but a pleasant one - an outlet that I've always used personally, but never publicly. With that shift came my registration for the tutor program with the Sarasota Literacy Council, and a few other projects that made the list of goals for my second year here in Florida.
I haven't been to New York since the Spring, which speaks to my level of 'nesting'... I haven't had the gypsy urge to go people-watching and free-hugging in Times Square or hit the nearest port-of-call for cruise line auditions, which is odd. I typically get those urges on a weekly basis. I think that means I'm content here. For how long, who knows? But I'm thankful. Very thankful.
And especially to those who helped me get here... friends and family that helped me along the way - either financially or with encouragement and moral support - I can't thank you enough.
Happy Anniversary.
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