I never thought I would say this...

but moving away from Jackson sounds like a harmless and fun adventure.  I suppose now that I am no longer a single girl attached to a friend group or community like I once was (which was for dear life) I can entertain the idea of moving away.  I do love jackson and all our friends and the familiarity of it all.  We do have strong roots there.  However, for the past year, which I guess means since David was born, I can take or leave Jackson.  I don't need the familiarity and connections of Jackson because I have the connections of my own nuclear family.  I have both Davids.  Of course, I know that we need community AND to be utterly philosophical the community needs us (we are a part in the body of Christ, after all).  But when you are at home most of the time and your interactions with friends (going out for coffee or what-have-you) is so limited than I started seeing that I could really move anywhere and still maintain that level of connection.  I'm a lot more mobile than I used to be.  I can still keep up with friends (who are all moving away one by one, anyhow) through email/facebook/blogs, make new ones, and be content. 

Jackson is my home.  I didn't grow up here but I have learned to love it.  As time goes by, however, I get frustrated with the....what's the word?...stiffness?  stodginess?  stuffiness? of the culture.  I would never say I was a flibbertigibbet that partied or anything.  However, being from South Louisiana, we were just a lot more laid back than our Mississippi friends further north.  Not bad.  Just not me.  David Sr. agrees.  So, here we are in Florida, enjoying being in a college town with so many cool places to hang out and eat.  We like the vibe.  Laid back.  You see it in the clothing, and cars, and the attitude.  It is breathing fresh air.  Money isn't as important here as it is in Jackson.  Also, everyone rides their bike and walks in this part of town.  I love that!  I can walk to get a yogurt, a smoothie, a sandwich, a burrito, a doughnut.  It is great!  We just came back from a PCA church where we felt comfortable and welcomed.  We got to chat with the pastor and he was very open and friendly.  I can seriously see myself living here.  Funny that I never really considered Florida as a place to live but why not?  I think I would like it.  Plus, people could visit us on the way to the beach. 

We will be in Jackson, Lord willing, for another few years.  I'm still in love with our house and look forward to fixing it up bit by bit.   But I can see myself gearing up for a move.  It won't be as scary as I once thought it was.