Not happy in Florida -- any advice? (little long, sorry)

[whatevergirl]

I don’t have any real advice, other than something kind of vague: perhaps you need to do something yourself, rather than wait for it to just come to you… like a ministry, or like Eucharisted said, more time with the Blessed Sacrament… You said you felt that God really wanted you to move to FL. Well, maybe it was because you are meant to do something here? You’re meant to give to FL, not for FL to give to you?

I don’t get these feelings very often, but occasionally I get the idea that God wants me to tell someone something… so there you go. But don’t rely on me, for goodness sake. Pray about it yourself, and I’ll pray for you, too.

As an aside, don’t worry about your son not wanting to drive, I didn’t get my full license until I was 17 myself, and plenty of people wait even longer. I think it’s good that he’s conscious that he can get into SERIOUS trouble and danger when driving. Perhaps he doesn’t feel ready for that responsibility yet. I know I didn’t, and I live in a very low-traffic area.

You know, I actually felt this way this afternoon too. Like perhaps God wants me to start up a women’s group…I have been feeling that for a while. Why did I love Pittsburgh so much? Because I got involved, very involved with our local parish…involved with the school…involved with the neighborhood. While I do take initiative with neighbors, etc…I haven’t taken initiative at church, etc. Ok…I’ll try. I will make the effort.

Please forgive me EM, tampagrl and others who live in Florida. lol I know that Florida offers a lot of great things, perhaps, I am being too hasty. I guess I just wish I could take the life I had in Pittsburgh, and replant it here. lol Pittsburgh life with this weather, then life would be perfect.

Oh, my dd pointed something out to me …she said that if we moved I’d have to find a new hair stylist.

We’ll see how it goes. I don’t know…maybe we don’t explore Florida enough, like you said too tampagrl, but much of that is my husband’s work schedule. I’m normally a positive person, and I don’t like when I’m like this.

I’m actually not a homebody all that much…I think what it is…I just get tired of going places alone, without my dh…I sometimes feel like a single mom. So, perhaps that has been part of my issue. That when the weekend comes, I’m not all that excited…it’s the same hum drum every weekend, because hubby is working.

Something to think about. *

 

[udoc89]

Haven’t read through all the posts, WG, but I did notice one thing particularly–your dear son who shows no interest in getting a driver’s license at 16. Mine didn’t, either. I thought it was odd at the time, but now I’m so glad. It proves your son is thoughtful, somewhat cautious, and is aware of what can sometimes happen when teenagers get behind the wheel believing themselves to be invincible. My son finally got his when he was 18. He is now 25 and has never had a ticket or an accident. He pays almost nothing for his car insurance. I would be delighted if my driver’s record were as clean as his.

I can understand how you feel about Florida–if it doesn’t feel like home after nine years there is not necessarily a whole lot you can do about it. My husband and I have moved many times–partly because of his work, and partly because I am perennially restless. You sound restless to me.

I’ve enjoyed moving around, but we’re back home in Texas now. I’m still restless. One mistake I believe I made, however, is that we moved so much there is no one place my children call home, even though they were both born in Texas. Now that my daughter is getting married, she talks about all the places they want to live. My son is talking about moving to another country. I’m afraid my children–and eventually grandchildren–will wind up living thousands of miles away from me. That really bothers me…

Having said all that, I would probably pull of stakes and move again myself if the opportunity came along. My husband says he’s willing to make one more move before he gets too old!

 

[udoc89]

Sorry! I looked back at your original post, and it said you moved to FL in 2007. Where did I get nine years?

 

[Lucania]

*You know, I actually felt this way this afternoon too. Like perhaps God wants me to start up a women’s group…I have been feeling that for a while. Why did I love Pittsburgh so much? Because I got involved, very involved with our local parish…involved with the school…involved with the neighborhood. While I do take initiative with neighbors, etc…I haven’t taken initiative at church, etc. Ok…I’ll try. I will make the effort. *

Please forgive me EM, tampagrl and others who live in Florida. lol I know that Florida offers a lot of great things, perhaps, I am being too hasty. I guess I just wish I could take the life I had in Pittsburgh, and replant it here. lol Pittsburgh life with this weather, then life would be perfect.

*Oh, my dd pointed something out to me …she said that if we moved I’d have to find a new hair stylist. *

*We’ll see how it goes. I don’t know…maybe we don’t explore Florida enough, like you said too tampagrl, but much of that is my husband’s work schedule. I’m normally a positive person, and I don’t like when I’m like this. *

I’m actually not a homebody all that much…I think what it is…I just get tired of going places alone, without my dh…I sometimes feel like a single mom. So, perhaps that has been part of my issue. That when the weekend comes, I’m not all that excited…it’s the same hum drum every weekend, because hubby is working.

Something to think about.

I think getting involved in your parish is a great idea:newidea:! I remember how I felt after I started attending a new church. Out of place, not knowing anyone & not feeling totally “at home.” I decided to join the Parish Outreach where I met alot of people and felt more a part of the church family. It really made a difference. You also mentioned getting involved with school & neighborhood, which are great ways to feel connected in your everyday life. When DH gets a day off maybe you could go explore your area a little bit. Contact your Chamber of Commerce or google to see all that your area has to offer & get more familiar with your new home. There is an Italian -American Club in Tampa, if it’s not too far away, maybe you could check it out. Yes, I think getting involved with church & community may be just the ticket for you & your family. I hope these ideas will help you on your new journey!:hug1:Oh, here’s a site for Italian-American Clubs in Florida if you are interested: www.ffiac.com .

 

[Irish_Becca]

I’m so sorry. I know the feeling about not feeling settled where you are. I am praying for you. :hug1:

 

[whatevergirl]

I think getting involved in your parish is a great idea:newidea:! I remember how I felt after I started attending a new church. Out of place, not knowing anyone & not feeling totally “at home.” I decided to join the Parish Outreach where I met alot of people and felt more a part of the church family. It really made a difference. You also mentioned getting involved with school & neighborhood, which are great ways to feel connected in your everyday life. When DH gets a day off maybe you could go explore your area a little bit. Contact your Chamber of Commerce or google to see all that your area has to offer & get more familiar with your new home. There is an Italian -American Club in Tampa, if it’s not too far away, maybe you could check it out. Yes, I think getting involved with church & community may be just the ticket for you & your family. I hope these ideas will help you on your new journey!:hug1:Oh, here’s a site for Italian-American Clubs in Florida if you are interested: www.ffiac.com .

*Hi Luciana, that’s a great idea. The only issue is, I don’t live ‘in’ Tampa…but about 15 miles north. So, if I join something, it needs to be relatively convenient or I won’t stick with it.

I prayed a lot last night about all this…had a talk with my dh and my kids. My daughter doesn’t want to ‘start over’ again somewhere else. She said if we went back to Pittsburgh, at least that’s a place we know, and know a lot of people there. Snart kid for 13. :ehh: I tend to agree, but am definitely thinking we will move when my son graduates high school in a few years–we shall see. But, before that, I am going to take the advice given here, and get out and explore more, and get more involved in the community, like I did back in PA. I feel deeply that God wanted us to move here, and paved a very clear and distinct path for us. We planned for a long time, it would have been plenty of time before moving here, to back out, but all ‘signs’ said to forge ahead. I dunno. Part of me likes the allure of a small hometown, the other part of me likes nightlife, shopping, and restaurant hopping. We chose a suburb that offers all of that…reminds me of where we lived in PA. The problem is the transient neighborhoods in Florida, though. It’s hard to feel trusting of others, when you get to know them, and poof…they move on. I don’t know.

It’s my 18th anniversary today, so I’m feeling in better spirits. *

 

[Lucania]

Hi Luciana, that’s a great idea. The only issue is, I don’t live ‘in’ Tampa…but about 15 miles north. So, if I join something, it needs to be relatively convenient or I won’t stick with it.

*I prayed a lot last night about all this…had a talk with my dh and my kids. My daughter doesn’t want to ‘start over’ again somewhere else. She said if we went back to Pittsburgh, at least that’s a place we know, and know a lot of people there. Snart kid for 13. :ehh: I tend to agree, but am definitely thinking we will move when my son graduates high school in a few years–we shall see. But, before that, I am going to take the advice given here, and get out and explore more, and get more involved in the community, like I did back in PA. I feel deeply that God wanted us to move here, and paved a very clear and distinct path for us. We planned for a long time, it would have been plenty of time before moving here, to back out, but all ‘signs’ said to forge ahead. I dunno. Part of me likes the allure of a small hometown, the other part of me likes nightlife, shopping, and restaurant hopping. We chose a suburb that offers all of that…reminds me of where we lived in PA. The problem is the transient neighborhoods in Florida, though. It’s hard to feel trusting of others, when you get to know them, and poof…they move on. I don’t know. *

*It’s my 18th anniversary today, so I’m feeling in better spirits. *

Sounds like you have a plan, just give it some time & God willing it will all work out. Happy 18th Anniversary!! However you celebrate it, may God continue to bless your marriage!

 

[One_Eye_Dollar]

Oh yes, definitely. I moved from Wisconsin to Florida in 2004 after living in Wisconsin my entire life. My mother was laid off from her work, and she always wanted to live in Florida. I was 18 or 19 at the time, and I was faced with the decision of staying in Wisconsin and barely scraping by on my own, or move to Florida and attend school while living more comfortably.

Right now I’m okay with the move. Many of my friends in high school had already moved to attend school in other cities far away, or even other states. While the first year in college, I had difficulties with my classes. However, I started to really turn things around in the following years. When I got D’s and F’s in high school and the first years of college, now I get A’s and B’s, even onto high standing. I found steady part time employment which agrees very well with my college obligations. Even this week, I’m meeting with someone to start RCIA classes at a parish no more than a five minute’s drive away.

I feel less depressed than years ago, even if at times it is very painful for me to think back on how things are different on holidays, being separated from the rest of the family. The “culture” of Florida is waaay different than Wisconsin, and I am not surprised at all how you feel. I’ve witnessed a lot of backstabbing too, among workplaces and my fellow students. People in Wisconsin may act more distant and unapproachable, but they sure do put more effort into considering the people around them when in public. All too often I’m in the local grocery store or some other public place around here and overhear some person’s entirely-too-personal conversation over their cellphone–and then they snap a nasty comment my way if I give them a deadpan stare.

Most people in Florida, at least in my locality, feel entirely free to express themselves–which can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on the person. I live in a city surrounded by cities, I’ve forgotten what “space” looks like. The crime rate is a whole lot higher than what I’m used to. I stopped reading the newspaper every day, too depressing. I miss personal space.

I do like how there is more cultural variety, I’ve been able to break my German-Polish American diet of red meats for more healthier and readily available foods at an agreeable price. I don’t have to drive an hour to get to a grocery. Near everything I could need is no more than a 15 minute drive away.

But the traffic, oh yes. The traffic is terrible. So many drivers driving terribly. I take US 19 to work on a daily basis, and every day I see some driver pull off some incredibly negligent stunt that makes my jaw drop. Which brings me to one piece of advice…

I personally didn’t get my driver’s license until I was 18. I started learning at 15 1/2 like everyone else, but the probationary terms of a learner’s permit are exceedingly strict in WI. Plus, I didn’t have a car until I was 18, and with my parents being strict about loaning out their own, I just didn’t see a point. In addition to driver’s education, my parents also put me through a defensive driving program, which taught me how to avoid obstacles on the road at the last moment, among other things. Try asking around for such a program, I’ve put these skills to use on the road while driving in Florida.

As for staying in Florida… I just don’t know if I will. If things go as planned, I’ll be done with school next spring and I’ll be ready to look for full time employment. Not to say I doubt there will be opportunities in FL, but given the chance to pack up and start things anew somewhere else, I’ll definitely take it.

The adjustment has been tough, especially considering my family has had its roots in WI for generations. But with this knowledge, would I move to FL? Yes. It just might take some time to get used to FL… not months, I’d say years are typical.

 

[mkingdomlvr]

I’m glad to have stumbled on this. I moved to Florida last September and I love everything about it-except Church!

The closest parish to me is more Protestant than Catholic, with all the hand holding and hand waving and hand shaking. The Pastor was bragging over Easter about all the “converts” he got-well, of course! The liturgy is so Protestant that it’s nearly the same as the Baptist service down the street!

I miss my Latin Mass, there was one 30 minutes from me back where I used to live. There’s no Latin Mass near me now, so it’s either Go Protestant or Go Home.

I’m glad you’ve found a good place, I guess I just need to be more persistent and keep trying different places.

 

[whatevergirl]

I’m glad to have stumbled on this. I moved to Florida last September and I love everything about it-except Church!

The closest parish to me is more Protestant than Catholic, with all the hand holding and hand waving and hand shaking. The Pastor was bragging over Easter about all the “converts” he got-well, of course! The liturgy is so Protestant that it’s nearly the same as the Baptist service down the street!

I miss my Latin Mass, there was one 30 minutes from me back where I used to live. There’s no Latin Mass near me now, so it’s either Go Protestant or Go Home.

I’m glad you’ve found a good place, I guess I just need to be more persistent and keep trying different places.

*I’m feeling better about things today. I am going to become more active in my parish, and in the community as we did back in PA. I rec’d a note from my sister today, and she made a lot of sense in it…saying that it would be unfair to uproot the family all over again, on a few weeks of the blues. We’ll see.

mking–can we commisserate together though? We found a reverent mass, but oh my gosh, you are so right about the masses here in Florida feeling like Protestant services. Nothing against our Protestant brothers and sisters, but we’re Catholic. I wouldn’t have thought I’d have such a hard time here finding a traditional Catholic parish…when I was researching Tampa area, there are TONS of Catholic churches, but I didn’t realize that they are not all created equal, so to speak. I really think that the Pope should pay a visit here, he might be sadly surprised to see the goings on within some of these parishes. *

 

[Convert_in_99]

*I’m feeling better about things today. I am going to become more active in my parish, and in the community as we did back in PA. I rec’d a note from my sister today, and she made a lot of sense in it…saying that it would be unfair to uproot the family all over again, on a few weeks of the blues. We’ll see.

mking–can we commisserate together though? We found a reverent mass, but oh my gosh, you are so right about the masses here in Florida feeling like Protestant services. Nothing against our Protestant brothers and sisters, but we’re Catholic. I wouldn’t have thought I’d have such a hard time here finding a traditional Catholic parish…when I was researching Tampa area, there are TONS of Catholic churches, but I didn’t realize that they are not all created equal, so to speak. I really think that the Pope should pay a visit here, he might be sadly surprised to see the goings on within some of these parishes. *

Glad things might be looking up for you WG.

 

[mkingdomlvr]

*I’m feeling better about things today. I am going to become more active in my parish, and in the community as we did back in PA. I rec’d a note from my sister today, and she made a lot of sense in it…saying that it would be unfair to uproot the family all over again, on a few weeks of the blues. We’ll see.

mking–can we commisserate together though? We found a reverent mass, but oh my gosh, you are so right about the masses here in Florida feeling like Protestant services. Nothing against our Protestant brothers and sisters, but we’re Catholic. I wouldn’t have thought I’d have such a hard time here finding a traditional Catholic parish…when I was researching Tampa area, there are TONS of Catholic churches, but I didn’t realize that they are not all created equal, so to speak. I really think that the Pope should pay a visit here, he might be sadly surprised to see the goings on within some of these parishes. *

I was surprised too. I found this lovely parish, that looked Catholic-they have kneelers and statues and holy water…but then I went to the Masses! YIKES. My initial response coming out of the Church was-“just who are we really worshipping here?” We had two sessions of handshaking and “welcoming your neighbor”, we had an session where people with birthdays stood up and were applauded, then anniversaries, then military families, then visitors…all wonderful things, but are we really at Mass to applaud each other for how wonderful we are? It’s darn near impossible to go to Confession, because the amount of time allowed for it is so short and the parish is large. I used to go once a month back in NJ and I miss that regular “dose” of the sacrament! The liturgy follows the Novus Ordo “playbook” but there is more than a little creativity going on.

I’ve been stuck at home for the last month with a broken foot, but as soon as I get clearance I’m going to start my search again. I’m not far from Orlando, I may try there.

 

[whatevergirl]

I was surprised too. I found this lovely parish, that looked Catholic-they have kneelers and statues and holy water…but then I went to the Masses! YIKES. My initial response coming out of the Church was-“just who are we really worshipping here?” We had two sessions of handshaking and “welcoming your neighbor”, we had an session where people with birthdays stood up and were applauded, then anniversaries, then military families, then visitors…all wonderful things, but are we really at Mass to applaud each other for how wonderful we are? It’s darn near impossible to go to Confession, because the amount of time allowed for it is so short and the parish is large. I used to go once a month back in NJ and I miss that regular “dose” of the sacrament! The liturgy follows the Novus Ordo “playbook” but there is more than a little creativity going on.

I’ve been stuck at home for the last month with a broken foot, but as soon as I get clearance I’m going to start my search again. I’m not far from Orlando, I may try there.

*I lived in Orlando shortly after college…my husband and I were married there. There is a great parish, at least it was traditional back in the 90’s…I’ll research the name. I want to say it’s called Holy Family, but I’m not 100%. I’m sorry about your foot.

I grew up in Jersey, Bergen County actually. I don’t miss Jersey. lol But, the churches were very reverent, and traditional. I hate to sound so complaining, I asked God for forgiveness over that the other day. But, it can be hard when you just don’t feel like you attended a mass…but instead a community seminar or something. Many of the churches that are new or are being built here, look like large convention centers, that you’d attend for business. I don’t get it. God bless converts, but don’t convert us. We like our traditions!

So…what do you like about Florida, so far? *

 

[mkingdomlvr]

*I lived in Orlando shortly after college…my husband and I were married there. There is a great parish, at least it was traditional back in the 90’s…I’ll research the name. I want to say it’s called Holy Family, but I’m not 100%. I’m sorry about your foot.

I grew up in Jersey, Bergen County actually. I don’t miss Jersey. lol But, the churches were very reverent, and traditional. I hate to sound so complaining, I asked God for forgiveness over that the other day. But, it can be hard when you just don’t feel like you attended a mass…but instead a community seminar or something. Many of the churches that are new or are being built here, look like large convention centers, that you’d attend for business. I don’t get it. God bless converts, but don’t convert us. We like our traditions!

So…what do you like about Florida, so far? *

I don’t miss NJ either, but I do miss the little Latin Mass parish I went to.

I LOVE the weather here, even now that it’s getting hot. I love the beauty of the sunsets, the birds-I saw a bald eagle in flight one day! I’ve met some really lovely people here in my apt complex, and most of all I love being close to family. My parents moved here 10 years ago and my cousins have been here longer than that. I was the last one up in Jersey. I’m about 20 minutes from the theme parks, and it’s fun to go over in the evenings or on a weekend and people watch.

Also, I get to work at home FULL TIME here. I brought my job with me from NJ, and I get to work in my house. No commuting, no expensive work clothes, no petty office gossip. HEAVEN.

 

[whatevergirl]

I don’t miss NJ either, but I do miss the little Latin Mass parish I went to.

I LOVE the weather here, even now that it’s getting hot. I love the beauty of the sunsets, the birds-I saw a bald eagle in flight one day! I’ve met some really lovely people here in my apt complex, and most of all I love being close to family. My parents moved here 10 years ago and my cousins have been here longer than that. I was the last one up in Jersey. I’m about 20 minutes from the theme parks, and it’s fun to go over in the evenings or on a weekend and people watch.

Also, I get to work at home FULL TIME here. I brought my job with me from NJ, and I get to work in my house. No commuting, no expensive work clothes, no petty office gossip. HEAVEN.

*Yes, that would be heaven. I don’t mind the commute to work, as much as on my way home. The people are driving like maniacs, driving 90 mph then stomping on their brakes. I mean, can’t they see the line of cars right in front of them? Do they think we are all driving like snails, because we want to? Honestly, I think many are drunk. I just can’t imagine being sober and driving like that.

I will try to find that parish for you…it is near Dr Phillips area…are you familiar with that? That’s near Universal. Nice parishes in there. Have you been to a mass where they play bongos? hahaha Oh my goodness. lol The music minister is supposed to lead the congregation in song, not take over as though performing an ensemble.

When wanting to leave that parish, I started calling around, and the one we attend now, I love. I remember calling and one of the priests answered…I asked…‘do you have bongo drums at your masses?’ haha The priest was silent and then said almost with an angry tone…‘Nooooo…we do NOT have bongo drums here.’ I said, no, that is GOOD. He said, “oh.” And we laughed. He probably thought I wanted* bongo drums, at first.

 

[mkingdomlvr]

*Yes, that would be heaven. I don’t mind the commute to work, as much as on my way home. The people are driving like maniacs, driving 90 mph then stomping on their brakes. I mean, can’t they see the line of cars right in front of them? Do they think we are all driving like snails, because we want to? Honestly, I think many are drunk. I just can’t imagine being sober and driving like that.

I will try to find that parish for you…it is near Dr Phillips area…are you familiar with that? That’s near Universal. Nice parishes in there. Have you been to a mass where they play bongos? hahaha Oh my goodness. lol The music minister is supposed to lead the congregation in song, not take over as though performing an ensemble.

When wanting to leave that parish, I started calling around, and the one we attend now, I love. I remember calling and one of the priests answered…I asked…‘do you have bongo drums at your masses?’ haha The priest was silent and then said almost with an angry tone…‘Nooooo…we do NOT have bongo drums here.’ I said, no, that is GOOD. He said, “oh.” And we laughed. He probably thought I wanted* bongo drums, at first.

I found it, I think. It’s Holy Family over on S.Apopka Vineland rd, right? That’s over by Universal and about 30 minutes from me. I got the directions and the mass times from their website, so that’s next on my list to try.

Haven’t experienced the “bongo mass” yet…thankfully…

 

[Lucania]

I was surprised too. I found this lovely parish, that looked Catholic-they have kneelers and statues and holy water…but then I went to the Masses! YIKES. My initial response coming out of the Church was-“just who are we really worshipping here?” We had two sessions of handshaking and “welcoming your neighbor”, we had an session where people with birthdays stood up and were applauded, then anniversaries, then military families, then visitors…all wonderful things, but are we really at Mass to applaud each other for how wonderful we are? It’s darn near impossible to go to Confession, because the amount of time allowed for it is so short and the parish is large. I used to go once a month back in NJ and I miss that regular “dose” of the sacrament! The liturgy follows the Novus Ordo “playbook” but there is more than a little creativity going on.

I have found this up north as well. When we visited Pittsburgh in 1999, I chose a beautiful church on Mt. Washington for DH & I to attend. It was gorgeous! It appeared to be traditional, I thought. However the Priest (who just happened to resemble George Carlin) made jokes, asked for anyone who was visiting from out of town to please stand(we sat quietly trying to be incognito), applause for birthdays & anniversaries, too. So things are not always as they seem all over. You can’t always judge a church by it’s exterior! The same for visiting relatives church in upstate N.Y. These things happen because the Priest has implemented or condoned them. There is a church 5 minutes away from me that is a very large parish. At 10:00 the Mass is traditional & reverent in my opinion, but at the 12:00 Mass you feel like Elvis is going to walk in at any moment !There is so much blusey, jazzy, folksy music, singing & hand waving/clapping! That’s not my cup of tea either & I am a convert.
I started going to a church downtown (25 minutes away) that is old, beautiful, reverent & traditional. You know it’s a Catholic Church as soon as you see it. They also have the only Latin Mass in my Diocese. As far as old, beautiful churches, there are more of those up north because there were large populations of ethnic groups who settled in those areas. Many churches were needed and they were beautiful works of art. Down here there weren’t that many. But now, with the influx of people from the north & other areas, more churches are being built & they are not typically the beautiful churches of the past. That’s a sad reality. I have been to a few “Protestant-type” churches myself, I don’t like it either, but ultimately it is up to the Bishops & Priests in regard to how things are done.

 

[whatevergirl]

* Luciana!! I know exactly who you are talking about! St Mary on the Mount, is the name? I went there a few times, a little out of my way, but thought he was definitely different. I don’t remember mass being that way, but I only went a handfull of times, so maybe I didn’t see enough. Really, to me, the actual building doesn’t have to look like the Basillica at Notre Dame. It can be very simple, small…whatever, it’s really how the priest conducts mass, and how reverent it is…without straying from traditions. We belonged to SS Simon & Jude, and just loved that parish! (on Greentree Road) Ever hear of that one?

The priest you speak of rides a harley I think, too–he is very hip and I think tries to bring the homilies to a modern level, but sometimes, the jokes are a little much. How funny I know who you’re talking about! *

 

[Lucania]

Luciana!! I know exactly who you are talking about! St Mary on the Mount, is the name? I went there a few times, a little out of my way, but thought he was definitely different. I don’t remember mass being that way, but I only went a handfull of times, so maybe I didn’t see enough. Really, to me, the actual building doesn’t have to look like the Basillica at Notre Dame. It can be very simple, small…whatever, it’s really how the priest conducts mass, and how reverent it is…without straying from traditions. We belonged to SS Simon & Jude, and just loved that parish! (on Greentree Road) Ever hear of that one?

The priest you speak of rides a harley I think, too–he is very hip and I think tries to bring the homilies to a modern level, but sometimes, the jokes are a little much. How funny I know who you’re talking about!

Yes! It was St. Mary’s On The Mount! That’s too funny! We stayed downtown & decided to go there, although I believe there were a couple of others to choose from close by. SS Simon & Jude, was that farther out from downtown? Maybe we’ll go there the next time we visit! I know what you mean about the actual church building & obviously you can’t judge how reverent it is by the outside, I’m just really drawn first to the exterior (and pray for the best inside!!).

 

[ljubim]

One of my closest friends lives in Florida now, originally from New Jersey, and is in high school like your son. She has the same story, and as she puts it Florida is good place to vacation, but not so much to live. How similar your stories are! Her father also says the same things.
Although I cannot speak for her, it seems that she has learned to accept for now that they are not moving back, but when she applies for university she plans to return home. This will hopefully work out for your son, but sadly not for you . have you spoken to your husband about this? I can imagine it will be an ordeal, but surely you can come up with a compromise. Even though you like certain aspects about Florida, your overall view cannot have changed since you posted, and so I am sure you do not want to spend the rest of your life in that place.