Paradise Found

Since I spent the day there, I figured I'd write a blog about the Keys (not pictured).

No matter WHERE you live, I can guarantee you something, you're not taking full advantage.

I thought of this today, while holding a drink in one hand, a stogie in the other and looking at the beautiful bay-side water in the Florida Keys.

-------------------------------------------------The Keys are literally an hour and 20 minutes by car for me, or about an hour for anyone who doesn't drive 45 riding in the left lane (yeah, I'm that guy-- much to the chagrin of any passengers who rides with me).

And yet, I never go.

Huge mistake.

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The Keys are deeply embedded in my memories. Throughout my childhood, my parents had a little place in Islamorada.

I remember bringing down my friends for the weekend, getting to hang with my brother's friends . I remember the big room the three siblings shared. I remember hanging my Magic Johnson poster above my bed, while my sister proudly displayed her Spice Girls poster.

I remember spending Jewish Holidays down there, and having conch chowder for break-fast.

I remember catching a fish on the dock.

I remember getting up at 5 am to go out with a guide to catch fish with my dad.

I remember my mom cooking those fish with a Frosted Flakes glaze.

I remember hitting tennis balls horribly on a little court there.

I remember going to the one movie theater in town, and if nothing was playing, you'd better have brought a book.

I'll never forget the image of my grandparents, walking hand-in-hand down the dock at Cheeca Lodge. At the time, we were kind of laughing, because it literally took them about two hours to walk up and down the boardwalk (including many breaks). Little did I realize, it was one of the most beautiful moments I'd ever witness.

Going to the Keys was just something we did.

Little did I appreciate the true awesomeness of the Keys and the lifestyle it allows you to have.

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That was until my parents sold the place.

The truth was, we weren't going enough to justify having it, and they could make a few bucks.

So they did.

And for the most part, we stopped going to the Keys.

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I miss the place.

I miss the Keys.

But I think no matter WHERE you are, that happens to you.

If you live in New York, do you REALLY take full advantage?

If you live in Chicago, are you going to Wrigley every day?

If you live in Seattle, are you drinking coffee while listening to some whiny singer who hates his parents?

Sure, you have your favorite spots, but often, there are places that people from out-of-town appreciate, that you simply don't. (yes, I know price is often the determining factor).

People will tell me, if I lived in Miami, I'd go to the beach all the time.

No, you really don't.

Just doesn't work out that way.

People don't take full advantage of their surroundings, and that's truly a shame.

This goes back to the whole, grass is always greener thinking.

People don't really appreciate their town, until they're out of it.

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I aim to try to change that.

The Keys, and Islamorada in particular, are paradise.

There are few things better than being there, and doing nothing.

And just to up my page views, may I say in conclusion, Justin Bieber.