by Kelly Edens

Created on: January 30, 2009

It's called the Sunshine State for a couple of reasons. They are the best reasons I could think of why I love living in Florida. I have to admit, it is a toss up between the weather and the people. Either way I find sunshine every day I walk out my front door, and this is why I love living in Florida.

Take the weather. Some would say that 67% of the year it is bearable. That would be the tourists talking. Yes there are perfect blue sky, cool breeze days that the Chamber of Commerce pays millions in advertising on. But do they consider the other sunshine, what I call "liquid" sunshine? It cools the dog days of summer and quenches areas at high risk for wildfires. It replenishes the aquifer and keeps the wetlands mucky and murky. Plus, it sends those unprepared tourists scurrying for the nearest overhang. Not to worry, it's blue skies again in about 20 minutes. The air feels fresh again and steam rises from the asphalt as the puddles dissipate.

I don't mind the rain. And it usually separates the natives from the tourists very quickly. The tourist will dash from one overhang to the next, cursing the puddles too wide to jump. While a Floridian will either wait for the rain to stop, or they will take their time and plot out the best path through the maze of puddles with sure strides to their destination. You get just as wet running the shortest trek. It's been scientifically proven-by a Floridian no doubt!

The next I would say it's the people-especially those that have lived in Florida all or most of their life. They are laid back and sunny most of the time. These are the people that show up at your front door after a hurricane with a chainsaw, bag of ice and a couple cans of spam. These are also the ones that chat in long check out lines and make the time pass quickly. They never know a stranger. They volunteer for worthy causes and help people in crisis.

Like the downpour of liquid sunshine, their emotional clouds do not hang around long. They may shed a few tears, but they evaporate quickly when they move on to help someone else. They know how to dry up those storm clouds that darken your day. They are pure sunshine just knowing them.

I love living in Florida, because a Floridian shines as bright as the Florida sun in the storms of life. I may never qualify as a native since I was born thousands of miles away...but I can aspire to the title. And I can dream a little in my state of sunshine.

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