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Yea, I also know a couple people with professional "careers" that still live at home as well.
I think overall Florida is a bit "slower paced" than other areas, definitely if I had it to do over again, I would have never left NYC (a place where I was getting a better education and attending a private school) to come down here and live in South Florida. I think overall Floridians aren't as well balanced as individuals from other areas (I'm talking about people born and raised down here). They seem a bit slower, less educated and not to mention most lack any sort of professionalism.
Then you add in the wages and you have a pretty good example of how things have come to this.
I think if you have kids, you should consider another state to call home, unless you can afford the finer aspects such as private schooling and so forth but in general the bad pretty much outweighs the good here when in comes to advancement and overall survival.
Florida is nice, for retired individuals and tourist looking to take pictures but for the youth or people trying to get everything situated and better life, it's not a good fit.
I too, as a FL native, resent that statement. My dad ran a successful business here for over 40 years, at which time he retired. I am college educated (a teacher) and would like to add that our public schools are excellent. Yes, we have our share of local schools in poorer, inner city neighborhoods, but doesn't everyone? My DH is also college educated and has a great position in our local school distrirct as a purchasing specialist. Our oldest son is in his third year of college and well on his way to being recommended by his boss when he graduates from college, to own his own Chick fil-A restaurant. Our younger son starts college in August and did very well in school as well (as a matter of fact, the boys graduated from one of high schools which was rated in the top 100 in nation - in FL, imagine that!). Our daughter is entering fourth grade and will be in a full time class for gifted children. That is something which is offered in very few other states. We live in an average middle class neighborhood across from a beautiful park. We are 15 minutes from one of the most unique and beautiful beaches in the world! We are anywhere from one to three hours from many major theme parks. We have two excellent major league baseball teams and many other pro sports teams as well (I can't comment on those as much because I am more of a baseball fan), but I know football, basketball and hockey are all well represented as well. Most of the state has a mild winter climate and a hot and humid summer climate, but having so many beaches, lakes and rivers and many of us owning pools makes it much more bearable, even enjoyable (summer is my favorite time of year because of all the water activities). Although our children have been deprived of seeing snow regularly (we have had a few flakes here and there on occasion and even once had an inch on the ground all day long) we are within a few hours driving distance of parks, a big national forest, the Nation's Oldest city, many, many beaches, lakes and rivers and ranches. I have to add too that as a parent, a lot of my worry is eliminated by knowing my children seldom if ever have to drive on icy or snowy roads and to me, that is a major plus. I could go on and on if I were willing to take more time to think about all the wonderful things we could boast of here, but I'll spare you and stop now.
I would just like to add one more thing. The very rude and inconsiderate comment you made about all FL natives says a lot about you.
I'm a native Floridian and I have great childhood memories. Like many people have said, it is what you make of it. I remember fishing, crabbing and playing outside all year 'round. I've lived in just about every city in SW Florida at some point in time. I will never leave Florida.
I have three kids-all born in Florida- 15, 10 and 3. My 15 year old says that she can't wait to "move somewhere where it's cold". I think once she gets a good dose of snow and cold weather she'll be back.
I don't think that my children could get a better education anywhere else in Florida or another state. I am very pleased with the education they have a getting. My children also really love the school they are attending.
Florida is everything I could ask for and more for myself and my family. Wow, I feel like I'm doing one of those hokey, "Move to Florida" commercials
I just want to point out that I've spent my entire life in snowy New England and do not ski or snowboard. As for skating on a lake? Many children here have died by drowning from attempting it and falling in the ice. Very rarely are the lakes even deemed safe to skate on. Also our winters here don't really kick in until after Christmas, so snowy Christmases are really rare...I haven't seen one in a long time. It's overcrowded here too...welcome to suburban America. And carrolling...um I don't think anyone does this. Who is to say you can't do it in Florida anyway? The fireplace or wood stove is pretty bad for your sinuses...I don't think most people use them. Also, it's "Sleigh Ride" not "Slay Ride"
I actually get out and enjoy the winter though (I guess... ha ha). We do grow pumpkins and other winter vegetables/squash, but Florida has tropical fruits too, and the NE really pales in comparison to the produce from Florida. Sledding, yes it is fun....I do prefer the beach though but that's my personal preference I guess. It is easier to stay indoors and study or work when it's cold out, since you know it's dreary outside and you aren't missing anything. We do have skating rinks here, but then again they have them on cruises to the Caribbean these days. Children can spend more months outside than here in Florida.
I just wanted to point out another perspective. I like living here but I also hate cold weather. Luckily it does not get really cold until January, so I'm out enjoying it while I can! Be happy for where you live and what your life is today...if you want something to happen, make it happen! The grass isn't always greener, and in fact, the grass might be quite similar, on the other side.
I would take ice skating in an ice rink or 60 degrees at Christmas to at least put you in the Christmas spirit. My point was, its hard to get in the Christmas spirit when its 80 degrees outside and on Christmas you have shorts on and flip flops. I totally agree that the grass isn't always greener on the other side, that is my point, Florida isn't that great as many people see it to be. Growing up here I could never get used to the heat (still am not), always got a headache from it. I am not a fan of the beach as I am trying to avoid skin cancer when I get older, but I have already done enough damage as a child they say that will catch up to me later in life (they say you do most of the damage to your skin before 18 years of age). Never really got into diving, snorkeling, wake boarding, water skiing, etc. Now I like the jet ski and taking the boat out for a ride. Maybe living in a cooler climate (not necessarily snowy) like in the Carolinas might give a child a better balance of life. Vs. The extreme weather of the North and the extreme weather of Florida. They could experience the changing of seasons, we have almost one season in Florida Summer (with the exception of the panhandle and north Florida).
I'm a native Floridian and I have great childhood memories. Like many people have said, it is what you make of it. I remember fishing, crabbing and playing outside all year 'round. I've lived in just about every city in SW Florida at some point in time. I will never leave Florida.
I have three kids-all born in Florida- 15, 10 and 3. My 15 year old says that she can't wait to "move somewhere where it's cold". I think once she gets a good dose of snow and cold weather she'll be back.
I don't think that my children could get a better education anywhere else in Florida or another state. I am very pleased with the education they have a getting. My children also really love the school they are attending.
Florida is everything I could ask for and more for myself and my family. Wow, I feel like I'm doing one of those hokey, "Move to Florida" commercials
SoFlGal - it's always nice to see another fellow native so happy with his/her state! Yes, some times I feel like I should be working for the Chamber of Commerce!
I would take ice skating in an ice rink or 60 degrees at Christmas to at least put you in the Christmas spirit. My point was, its hard to get in the Christmas spirit when its 80 degrees outside and on Christmas you have shorts on and flip flops. I totally agree that the grass isn't always greener on the other side, that is my point, Florida isn't that great as many people see it to be. Growing up here I could never get used to the heat (still am not), always got a headache from it. I am not a fan of the beach as I am trying to avoid skin cancer when I get older, but I have already done enough damage as a child they say that will catch up to me later in life (they say you do most of the damage to your skin before 18 years of age). Never really got into diving, snorkeling, wake boarding, water skiing, etc. Now I like the jet ski and taking the boat out for a ride. Maybe living in a cooler climate (not necessarily snowy) like in the Carolinas might give a child a better balance of life. Vs. The extreme weather of the North and the extreme weather of Florida. They could experience the changing of seasons, we have almost one season in Florida Summer (with the exception of the panhandle and north Florida).
She was Italian and born in 1900. She always used to say that the sun was no good for you. "It ages you and gives you wrinkles". Back then, they didn't know about skin cancer, yet she still knew what she was talking about. Grandma NEVER went to a beach.
My Mom must have followed her advice too, because the few times she went to a beach, she had lotion all over her, covered up from head to toe, and sat under an umbrella. I have a picture of her from the 1940's dressed that like.
When I lived up North, I stayed inside as much as possible in the summers. I hated the "heat" up there, here forget it. I loved going out in Fall and even the winters.
Now in Florida I only go out to and from work or shopping. I try to walk in whatever shade there is and if I can avoid it, don't got to beaches or in pools.
Growing up here I could never get used to the heat (still am not), always got a headache from it.
Do you really? I have suffered chronic severe headaches in the summer for the past 4 years & they come on after I've been in the heat & sun. I never go out without a hat & sunglasses. I drink lots of water & eat pretty healthy. I am actually getting a CT scan next week to see if this is a sinus issue (sinuses not draining properly) or something else. I am tired of popping motrin on a daily basis & want to enjoy the outdoors with my children. At first it was thought to be caused by pregnancy hormones b/c I've been pregnant 2 out of 4 of those summers. I finally went to a gen practioner last week to try to get some answers on why I get headaches that seemto be brought on from exposure to heat & sun.
And before someone attacks me like a pitbull that has been caged for 10 years, I am still getting these headaches after we moved to the north & this summer in the heat & sun. I am not blaming the headaches on "FLORIDA".
And before someone attacks me like a pitbull that has been caged for 10 years, I am still getting these headaches after we moved to the north & this summer in the heat & sun. I am not blaming the headaches on "FLORIDA".
It could be leftover sediment from the cockroaches .
I had CT scans a child, found nothing. Doctors told me I would grow out of the migraines, which I have. But still get the headaches. As a child I also noticed along with the heat other things could trigger the headaches like what I ate. The deli meats from publix even good old Boars Head, Swiss Cheese, American Chocolates (European chocolates somehow didn't trigger the headaches) and some other things all would trigger my headaches. So I try to avoid these things, there is a list of things that trigger headaches, I learned a new one last week bananas. I have also developed adult allergies (never had any as a child but a grandparent had it as an adult too), runny nose mainly, which then can cause a sinsus headache, which is mostly what I have now a days unless I go outside and get really hot and overheat. You know an allergist can do a test to see if your sinuses are full in their office, not painful at all like an ultrasound when you were pregnant. This way you don't have to have a CT scan which isn't good for people. Ct scans put out way more radiation than regular x-rays raises the cancer risk. One of the national news stations just did a story on this a week or two ago. A regular X-ray it said put of 2 something (can remember sorry) of radiation compared to the CT scans 40 something radiation. They said to ask to see if they can do an MRI or and Ultrasound instead of the CT scan, less harmful or something. Just a thought.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 121804
Do you really? I have suffered chronic severe headaches in the summer for the past 4 years & they come on after I've been in the heat & sun. I never go out without a hat & sunglasses. I drink lots of water & eat pretty healthy. I am actually getting a CT scan next week to see if this is a sinus issue (sinuses not draining properly) or something else. I am tired of popping motrin on a daily basis & want to enjoy the outdoors with my children. At first it was thought to be caused by pregnancy hormones b/c I've been pregnant 2 out of 4 of those summers. I finally went to a gen practioner last week to try to get some answers on why I get headaches that seemto be brought on from exposure to heat & sun.
My DH is a native Floridian. We have lived in both Tampa and Orlando for most of our married life and both hold postgraduate degrees.
We raised our son in Orlando. He attended public schools, graduated this May with numerous job offers from first tier defense contractors, i.e. Lockheed Martin, Harris. He now works at Lockheed Martin and will start graduate school at UCF in the fall. UCF's computer science/electrical engineering program was ranked as one of the best in the nation in the 2009 U.S. News and World Report Best Graduate Schools Report.
I said all the above in response to the poster who stated everyone in Florida was undereducated, slower and unbalanced!
My husband enjoyed growing up here. He never saw snow until he was in college!
However, he played outdoors year round - barefoot and in shorts. He swam like a fish from an early age. He fished - every day if he wanted. He played ball, played in the band, went camping and boating year round. In other words, a typical 'cracker' childhood. This was before the days of Disney.
My son also enjoyed growing up here. We had season passes to Disney, Sea World, Bush Gardens in Tampa, even Cypress Gardens and Circus World when he was younger. We spent lots of time at the beach, many wonderful picnics, tubing, and snorkeling in Florida's springs, cooking our own pancakes at De Leon Springs and then enjoying a boat ride or a hike in the park or camping at one of Florida's many state parks which are among the best in the country.
We took him on vacation to see snow, sled, etc. One week of cold was enough and then we could go back to sunny Florida where we didn't have to bundle up every time we went outside...or scrap ice off the car in the mornings.
He obviously received a great education in the public schools here, played Little League, was part of an award winning band program and went on numerous mission trips with our church youth group.
In other words, there was everything we wanted for our son available right here to help him grow into a happy, successful, well rounded individual.
I'm not sure what information you wanted....but that is just a glimpse into our experience raising our son here....a great place for families and kids IMHO.
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You would have like my Grandma
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