I wonder...

How come the Academy Awards don't garner the celebratory frenzy the Super Bowl does each year? No grocery fliers boasting sales on food items prepared in crocks... no one calling in sick on Monday due to partying too late... no buzz about the cost of a 30-second commercial spot... it's all a little disconcerting to me!

When the bugs will return? Not that I'm missing them! Last summer (my first in Jax) was a miserable period of home invasion and reluctant bug-hunting/murdering. The cooler winter weather has been wonderful reprieve, but I fear the days of spotting palmetto bugs clinging to the wall above my bed are right around the corner. **Shudder**

Why FL toddlers keep disappearing? It seems that one case doesn't even close before the news media is all over a new one. It's heartbreaking and very, very troubling.

If Lucas has started walking yet. Baby boy is quickly approaching the one-year mark, and is busy marking milestones all across the board. It's a joy to hear stories and receive pictures, but it's just not the same! I'm hoping to get back to MN in the next few months for an all-Lucas weekend.

If obscure holidays like President's Day merit anything more than a free day for government workers and gangbusters sales promotions for furniture stores/car dealers? Yawn.

When the economics stimulus will start showing up in the form of small increases in our paychecks. Not sure, but this may bode well for a return of Starbucks expenditures to my budget! (I'm not doing so hot with the do-it-at-home coffee maker... meh).

Why I continue to unnecessarily bundle in layers for the occasionally "brisk" weather down here. Do I have terribly poor circulation? Was my hardy Midwestern upbringing a mere illusion? Whatever the reasons, I continue to be grateful I hung onto my collection of coats, hats, mittens and scarves. But don't let that deter you from planning your spring trips to visit me, you winter-weary Minn-ah-sohtans! It's still much warmer here, and it's still much closer to the ocean. ;-)