Cold

Thinking warm thoughts on a cold day.  How cold was it, 10 degrees when I left home this morning, it warmed up to 21 when I came home.  Every winter I question my sanity.  I spent 23 winters in Florida - you know the place where they complain if they have to ditch the flip-flops for shoes.  I moved back north almost 20 years ago, and every 10 degree January day I ask myself "WHY?"  Every hurricane season I am reminded of one of the reasons.  Changing careers was another, I was trapped in a vicious cycle that was hard to escape in Orlando, moving away I was able to make real changes, changes I needed at that point in my life.  Moving made it easier for me to be more open about who I am.  I was nervous in Orlando that employers or family would find out I was gay - if they opened their eyes they would easily see it - but they didn't ask and I didn't say.  With the geographic move I was able to be open and not worry.  I haven't had a closeted job since I left Orlando - life is so much better.  I was surprised when I moved north, that for a little more in taxes, how much more I get.  I can drive on most of the expressways here without paying tolls.  We have real libraries and parks that are open and maintained.  I like it here, but I look forward to the guys in shorts and T-shirts on the metro.