Reasons I love the Midwest

Okay, so I'm back in Illinois, and to be honest, the beach is still beckoning.

What a fantastic week I had doing absolutely nothing but lounging by the ocean and splashing around with Robert and Emma in the pool!

Sigh....

Actually, Robert and I ALMOST spent an extra 24 hours in Florida. We found out that our condo was rented through Sunday, and we daydreamed about how we could make the most of our "bonus" day. Then I called Delta and found out it would cost $300 to change our plane tickets. Needless to say, we stuck to our original plans.

Some may have seen my Facebook status a few days ago that said I was moving to the Sunshine State. Let me alleviate any worries by publicly declaring that was a joke.

And since that is NOT an option, I've decided to remind myself of the reasons of why I love the Midwest. So here goes, in no particular order:

• Family. Okay, actually, that IS at the top of the list. On those days when I can almost hear the waves crashing on the sand, I remind myself how wonderful it is to live near my mom, dad, sisters and brother. Even Stephanie's only a half-day's drive away.


• My job. Yes - it frustrates me at times, but doesn't that come with the territory? I believe in the mission of ONU, and I work with the greatest group of co-workers EVER. On one particular afternoon, I had two separate people ask me why the marketing team is always laughing so much. I think that's a pretty good sign that we enjoy what we do. : )


• Fall. Nothing beats sipping hot apple cider and carving pumpkins while wearing your favorite sweater, just when the weather starts to turn cold.


• Less racism. I know it exists up north, but not like it does in the south. I can't count how often I've cringed at the use of the "n" word and derogatory statements about minorities while visiting the former Confederate states. It's hard to believe people are still so ignorant.


• Snow days. Those unexpected days when you can't get out of your driveway, before the "mush" appears. Great days for playing games with family or sledding down a snow drift. One of Robert's friends from Jacksonville, at 30 years old, has never seen snow in person!


• Grass. Yes, grass. It doesn't grow well in Florida because of all the sand. And when people do sod their yards, it's with this rigid, grass imposter that doesn't feel good under bare feet.


• Lack of sand. Ironic, because I love laying in it by the ocean. But I hate how once you've been to the beach, sand permeates your bathing suit and everything you took with you (not to mention all the odd places you find it in the shower). Little granules of Floridian sand are still all throughout my luggage and Emma's toys.

So there you go. I'm glad to be in Illinois. Putting this list together, I realize that Florida actually sucks.

Ok, not really. But at least it makes returning from vacation that much easier.