Merry Christmas & We're Still Moving!

Merry Christmas to all my faithful readers - all four of you including my dear, sweet Chop! :)~

It's been a terribly long time since my last update, but we are still planning our move and well on track for our late spring, early summer Key West arrival!

The past several months have been hectic on one hand, yet frustratingly slow on the other. I just finished the first of two grad classes at the University of Virginia as part of my teaching re-certification requirement for the state of Florida. My current license coincidentally expires next summer, and I am still very determined to teach in the Lower Keys. With that in mind, I don't dare risk a lapse in my license now (not that I ever would consider slacking ... way too much work to start over from scratch!). Needless to say, I had to swap blog writing for research writing this term, but I'm back in the proverbial saddle.

Oh, did I mention that our little 19-month old tyke has boundless energy, and I'm ready to fall into the dead zone of sleep by 9:30pm each night?? Where, oh, where - please really, do tell! - do new mommies find the endless time to get anything done??

Alas, that's the forever question that will never be resolved, so let's talk about the sloooowness of the past few months instead. Here's the funny thing, once Chop and I sat down and mapped out our specific timeline, we realized that there ain't much happenin' between then (the summer) and now. Sure, we've been plugging away at a gazillion hum drum details, but the big stuff is only just starting to roll. Three weeks ago - in the midst of two final papers, two nasty flu spells (one Chop, one me), and one miserable sinus infection that tormented the partridge in the pear tree - we finally had the opportunity to schedule an appointment with our Realtor. We needed to know some very specific information before putting our home on the market. More details on that later, but we got the news we'd hoped to hear (or close enough, anyway) which ultimately allowed us to put a date on the 2011 calendar. March 1st, baby. The house is going on the market on March 1st. Whew!

Which of course led to the, "Oh, my GOD" revelation. We have three months to get this house prepped, packed, and staged for sale! Seriously, this is scaaaaaary! It seems that no matter how many yard sales we have and how much we donate to Goodwill, stuff ... still ... multiplies. I'd love for the Discovery Channel to provide a scientific explanation to this common conundrum.

So, here we are. BIG stuff is happening now. In fact, I should be plugging along on my cover letter for my application package, but I just completed three reference letter requests, one application and five golden rings, so I'm thinkin' a little break is acceptable for the rest of the afternoon. So much more to tell, though! I'll be back!

P.S. Dear Santa, I'm claiming "new mommy" status until our son starts kindergarten. Please understand. Amen.

Those Dangerous Coconut Palms, Oh My!

Today's poll from The Citizen, Key West's long-standing daily newspaper prompts:

Key West plans to replace coconut palms along North Roosevelt due to liability. What replacement would you recommend?

A — Christmas palms. The red seeds are harmless unless you look straight up and they hit you in the eye.

B — Sabal palms, because they are the state tree and not very dangerous unless you hit them on your scooter.

C — Rubber trees, because they cushion the impact and bounce back when you hit them on your scooter.

D — Mango and avocado trees because they would feed the homeless and take the strain off the soup kitchens.

E — Just leave the coconut palms. There’s a greater risk of injury from tripping over drunks on Duval Street.

Chop and I have been seriously discussing our vehicle options, as we've decided that we likely won't keep both cars once we settle into our new Key West digs. As long as we maintain one truck for our 4-wheel-drive-towing-and-toting-capacity mama of a machine, we feel we can efficiently downsize to a scooter or motorcycle as our second vehicle. Fair trade. I do indeed feel a slight twinge of guilt at the idea of taking up so much space on a tiny island. However, with this latest concern along North Roosevelt, we may have to seriously reconsider our scooter option. Who knew one could get so terribly mangled in a rubber tree? I mean, really. Just sayin' ...

Where the Sun Rises Just For You

Ok, I finally found the exact words to describe why we're doing what we're doing. So I say, "ditto ... what he said!"

Key West: Where The Sun Rises Just For You
By Clay Greager

Every time I tell someone that I moved here over 25 years ago with my wife and four children, I expect to be asked, "What's it like to raise children in Key West?" This is how I answer: I think Key West is one of the finest places anywhere to raise children. I spent twenty years in the U.S. Army before moving here, so I have some experience in what other locations have to offer families. None of them come close to Key West.

When we moved here in 1979 we had a daughter in 8th grade, twins in 10th grade and a son in 11th grade. Three of them are still here in Key West, own their own homes and have successful careers. They are happily married and have given us wonderful grandchildren. Not only have they done well but their spouses have also. Our fourth child lives in St. Petersburg, Fla., but owns property in Key West and plans on returning someday.

When I mention to people that this is one of the best environments in the world to raise children I usually get a confused look that puzzles me; "If you find Key West so irresistible and visit so often, why don't you think it's a fitting place for your own children?"

A typical comment I hear is, "But look outside at all those people. It just doesn't seem like a good place for my children." I have to laugh at that. There's a lot more to Key West than the 200 block of Duval Street.

I like to point out that we have plenty of shops in Key West but no shopping malls. Our children were raised without the "mall mentality." They were never dropped off at the mall to be picked up at a certain time. In Key West, parents maintain a very close family unit.

To our children, going out to the Content Keys or Snipe Keys to play volleyball in the shallows could be described as "their mall" but then we were out there also.

If we weren't with them, our children knew subconsciously that there were always adults around who knew them or us, which probably helped keep them in check. It might sound like they weren't free but really it was just the opposite. Sometimes I liken Key West to a very large playground.

At the same time, Key Westers are energetic and motivated. Failure in Key West means you can't live here; consequently there is a constant purging that takes place. In order to maintain a family, you have to work hard, use your imagination, and make the right decisions. I tell parents to envision what it would be like to raise children in such a community.

Key West children all seem to remain independent and seek their own futures. They literally grow up surrounded by people who are in pursuit of individual dreams, and it rubs off. I have never seen what I call "the herd instinct" develop here.

Then there is the exposure to the world through the many visitors who come to Key West each year. Most of these people are successful, well-traveled and open-minded. There is a natural tendency among our children to emulate them.

Key West is an island, but I also believe it's an "oasis of knowledge and worldly riches." And if there's any slogan that fits Key West, it's "Welcome to Home Town, USA"

Well said, Mr. Greager! Thank you!

Googling Key West

Google is my friend. With a few, swift strokes on the keyboard, I can find almost anything on Google. Need to know all about Smilin' Bob's famous fish dip?  Easy. How about the 2010 football schedule for Key West Conchs High School? No problemo. An exercise arena for Fido? Here it is! How about a Publix grocery on the island - voila! Need to know how to move a family to Key West ... uh ... huh?

Hmmmm .... Google falls flat on this one. Completely and utterly flat.

Type in something as straightforward as "moving to Key West", and here's some of what you'll find:

"Living in Key West is not easy. It is not easy finding gainful employment. If you are coming looking for a life partner, most of the single people are either alcoholic or on drugs. "

"watch out sweety duval street is full of drunks, homosexuals, pan handlers, pick pockets, over priced drinks, sweaty t-shirt shops, crappy food, and ME! Then ya have to watch out for all dose kreepy tourists! If I see ya we will share a beer!"

"The ones that want a normal life wont want 6ft men running around in heels and dresses"

Seriously?? I've seen as much in Orlando!

In balance, I've found some particularly helpful (as in a "hmmm, that's something to think about kind of way") and interesting information:

"Just a suggestion, before you jump into buying a house, have you thought about renting a place for a year to make sure you really like living here and what area you might like best. When I first moved here, I thought I had to be right in the thick of it. Now after 4 years, I like being a little away from things ... I can be anywhere in Old Town in 5 minutes on my bike ... I do know that I do not want to live in New Town. I need to be able to walk or bike when I am out on the town. Good luck. It's a great place to be. We have a great little community." KeyWestSusie-Q

"I won't bore anyone with my personal story but the shiny veneer of Key West does wear after you've been here a while, when you finally see the sub-strata and the inner workings of island living. Not that it's a bad thing, it's work and a pretty significant trade-off, working 1-2 jobs in order to live here and have an ocean as your back yard. It's obviously worth it to thousands of people, but it's a pipe dream to think you can get a simple job and sway in a hammock between two palms with a coconut drink during the weekend." Keywestaxi

"I moved here 19 years ago specifically for the caribbean type atmosphere combined with low crime rate and fabulous weather. All these same things, plus the people have kept us both here for the past 20 years. At the time we were both younger and didn't really think about it, just did it. I think that is the only way you will make the move. It will never make sense on paper, you just have to go for it. It is still paradise, something for everyone. Between the two of us we have a very diverse group of friends and acquaintances. 'One human family' does work here." Keyslass

Any my favorite, from one half of an inspiring couple I met on my recent trip (posted three years ago and still thriving in his own right):

"I've just passed my 2nd annerversary here. My wife and I gave it all up... the house, the property, the two cars, the furniture etc to make the move and try to start a business. Due to some awful circumstances way beyond our control, the business failed. We'd given up everything and put it into the venture. We lost it all. The story doesn't end there... We're now on 'Plan B'. We've essentially made it here. It can be done but ... it's not easy. The ONLY way we've made it is the same way EVEYRONE makes it here... With friends. Nothing important gets done here without them and the people here are absolutely awesome. In the midst of Hurricane Wilma, people who had lost everything they ever owned, found the time to not only wlecome us, but to embrace us. If I had a dollar for every time I heard, "Do you need anything?" (And this from people who were tyring desparetly to reassemble thier own lives)." Seabus.

The stories are out there, for the good or the bad. I love reading them all. Yet, I'm still left wondering, "what about families? What about kids? What about raising children in Key West?"

So, here we go, another new project in the works! After months of scribbling page after page of names, numbers, websites, and links on several notepads of paper, I've realized that this blog is the blog I've been seeking. If I can put all of my research into one easy-to-find location, then perhaps I can helps others like Chop and me. Other families who want to move to Key West. Other families who are possibly as neurotic and anal about planning something so seemingly enigmatic. In a sense, I realized I've been building our own go-to resource kit to paradise all along. If this in any way can help you as well, then I welcome you to join our ride. Hopefully soon, we'll see you in Key West!

Yard Sale Style: Key West or Bust

Every year Chop and I have at least one massive yard sale. We're addicts. Completely and totally hooked. For years I'd been doing yard sales with my mom, and the first year Chop and I were together I suggested the same tradition. He snorted. Yard sale? Ha! He has since learned the wisdom of clearing the clutter and cashing in on the serenity of a clutter-free home.

Doink! Did I say "clutter-free"?

The funny thing is that we've now had at least four or five yard sales since we've been married, and we still seem to have more crap around this house than Santa Clause. I'm not sure how the physics works, but one would typically expect to find less stuff after a good, cleansing sale than more, but it seems that our house just keeps growing to accommodate more stuff. Not sure how that happens. Regardless, this yard sale is very different. The vibe has changed. This yard sale is all about "letting go" ... and moving to Key West! And tomorrow we're back at it.

So, the first to go? Wool anything. Wool blankets, wool coats, wool scarves and hats. We have one winter left here in Virginia, and we can survive without wool. Funny thing is that I never wear it anyway. Too scratchy. Don't we all know that already? The idea that I keep hanging on to that "great" wool turtleneck is just comical. Really. Not to mention that it's a turtleneck.

Next on the list? The second of any double of anything. The second hand mixer, the second blender, the second set of everyday flatware that we always thought we'd need but have never used once. I'll keep the second set of bakeware because I actually do bake, but the fifth, sixth, and seventh cookie sheet ... really? Oh, and the fondue maker! I don't have a second one of those. I also don't need the first one. I always dreamed of a lovely gruyere and fruit ensemble that still hasn't happened in five years. Bye, bye fondue maker. Funny that none of the barware is making the cut list. One can always use 12 martini glasses, two dozen wine glasses and three bottle openers. My family is Slovak after all. And we're moving to Key West where we expect lots of company.

Speaking of company, however, reminds me of space. There is none. We'll be moving to a tiny, two-bedroom home in paradise. When you come to visit, we might ask you to bring your own pillows, but we'll have fresh limes and pretty margarita pitchers to make up for it! The limited space is certainly a driving force in our decision-making process. If we're going to live a simpler lifestyle, then it's time to spine up and let it go. This is round one, mind you. The practice round. I'm trying to be graceful about giving up my nine bottles of red nail polish. It's a painful process, but I'm sure I'll be a stronger person in the end.

Simply put, as we snoop around our home looking for gidgets and gadgets for our driveway inventory, we ask ourselves two questions. One. Do we need really this in Key West? Eh, probably not. Two. Will this fit our Key West lifestyle? The moose figure? No? Sayonara moose. The family heirlooms? Priceless, of course. Some things will be with us always. Tomorrow morning, we'll be outside at 5:30 am trying to beat the early birds to our own driveway. Let's hope that sweet little moose finds a loving new home. I'm trading him in for a parrot.

If ... Then ...

Sometimes it's hard to place a neatly defined label on our frame of thinking these days and - if you know me - you know I'm one of those uber-organized Martha people who's greatly comforted when my days follow a categorical order. Yes, I have the notebooks, the files and the folders ... geek that I am! What I don't have are some significant and defining puzzle pieces that will determine some of our next steps. Oh, they're out there waiting for us, but how they fit into the grand plan hinges on a couple of key factors.

The whale of a piece right now is Chop's pending full-time activation with his Navy Reserve unit - possibly much earlier than expected - and we should have some answers in the next week. Quite honestly, our hopes are that this mobility order does happen ... and happens sooner rather than later. Two reasons: One (1). Chop has become more and more frustrated with his job everyday. It simply wouldn't break his heart at all to exit the arena for a few months ... or a year. I can assure you, I'd be just as happy if it would allow him the opportunity to pursue something he really loves. (2). The mobility would provide Chop the training and experience he needs to help oversee a rather critical inspection his unit is facing next year. Chop is fairly new with this unit. He's also like me: he thrives in preparedness. Every weekend that he heads out to drill is another weekend that he comes home energized and excited about his work. The more opportunity he has to train over the next year, the better for him - professionally and personally - the better support he can be for his Naval superiors, and the better leadership he can provide for his battalion. Now, before I am accused of being all pie-in-the-sky, I sincerely believe what I just stated. However, I wish I could honestly say that Chop's desire to mobilize was out of pure respect for Uncle Sam and not partially driven by the barrage of negativity he endures from nine-to-five. It's a sad day when one realizes he'd rather spend some time in the desert than to snorkel another day with the corporate barracudas.

But what about Key West?!

Here's the scoop. Chop would have at least 60 days notice before mobilizing, and word has it that it may still take another month or two before final decisions are even made. If Chop's orders place him on active duty for 6-12 months, he would still be local enough - at least for awhile - to come home on the weekends, we'd still be able to prep the house for sale, and I would still be able to fulfill some community obligations I have on my own plate. If this does indeed take place, he likely wouldn't come off orders until next summer ... only to turn around and deploy again in rotation as originally anticipated. That window in the middle would be our move date - provided my teaching position is secure (fingers crossed here!). Though he'd like to know that his current job is safe - and it is indeed federally protected - his heart clearly wouldn't be intent on returning to anywhere else other than Key West.

In the meantime, we hang tight for the final word. Chop's en route to the base as I write. He has a full week of training and, by the end of it, we should have some confirmation one way or another. In a way, I'm glad for the complementary drama. After all, this would be an awfully boring story if it were all too easy, don't you think?