Hoosier Hangover

Well, I’m back from visiting Indiana for Memorial Day weekend, and this morning I feel the exact same way that I always do on the “day after” a visit. (No, not from alcohol!) I always feel a bit of melancholia, happiness, rejuvenation, and anxiety. Then I post a blog trying to recap the fun times we had during our visit and lament about how it was all over too quickly. This time is no different. We had a blast with family and friends, laughed constantly, stayed up too late, ate great food, played guitars...and before we knew it, we had to leave. Then Monte and I talked about moving back the whole time on the plane, and I’m feeling a little blue this morning. Just like last time. It’s like Groundhog Day.

Monte and I always come back from a visit with the question, “Are we moving back?...When?” We absolutely love living here in Tampa, and in the past year we have met a really great group of friends and feel a sense of connection to this community. We adore our house, love the beach, and even like our jobs. At the same time, we miss the seasons, country roads, fresh air, and of course—the people! It is actually turning out to be a more difficult decision to move back to Indiana than it was to move here in the first place. I think it's because I know this move will be permanent. This time there cannot be any uncertainty or any regrets. Our next home will be the one in which we take root and raise our children. We have to be 100% ready, and I’m not sure if I am. Today (after the weekend we had) I am. But tomorrow may be different. So, I’m not sure when we’ll make the inevitable migration back up north, but it is comforting to know that when we do, we have a large support system there to help us. I’m going to need it (and maybe this, a bit of therapy, and definitely this) in order to survive the cruel winter months. But, life is all about who you share it with—not where.