Well, I finally got the courage to pack up my car and head down to the FL Keys by the end of the week. I don’t have much except a place to stay, but I am excited.
The last two weeks has been uneasy in terms of saying goodbyes and getting concern-brigaded by those in my life still asleep. Because I’m heading to the supposed coof capital of the U.S. and I did not get any shots.
Yeah, I suppose the Keys are more dangerous, despite the knowledge that, until now, I lived next door to O’Hare airport (one of the largest revolving doors for travel) and Chicago. Eyeroll.
Even with their website numbers, the county I am moving to is barely a blip compared to Crook Co. These conversations have only strengthed my resolve that I am doing what’s best for me. I’m so sick of having to defend myself, and sick of fact-regurgitators treating me like a child incapable of critical thought.
Anyway. So long, IL. Besides a handful of people, and one burger joint, I will not miss you.
Any FL people, any suggestions for communities/churches/volunteer work in Monroe Co? I’ll be pounding the pavement starting next week.
Have a great weekend, stay safe, get out of IL if you’re still here!
I just spit out my beer… lmao….KEK
OMG - too funny!!!!
Hahaha. I mean, you’re not wrong. Luckily, traveling to the middle section of the Keys. KW weirdness is far enough away and also far enough away from Key Largo and Homestead. I haven’t had much issue when I’ve been down. (Family has a property I visit 1-2 times a year, soon to be my new home.)
Appreciate the lookout!
I'm not from the Keys, but have visited there numerous times. If you have a "place to stay" you've already crossed one of this biggest Key's hurdles.... housing. Housing is very expensive there, and only getting worse. The middle Keys seem to be slightly less expensive than upper or lower... Key West is definitely has the highest cost of living... but there are many service job opportunities there. Don't put much value in those coof numbers you see, they're all based on PCR testing, which the CDC admits is faulty. Good Luck in your quest!
Ain’t it the truth with housing. I’m far from KW, and the family has a property I will be using.
Yeah, I don’t take stock in cdc numbers, just brought them up because my concerned friends did. Even in their data, my move would be considered better than staying here!
Still have a few years left....wish we could leave too...
I hope you can leave Sandy Bottom, IL soon.
Congrats!! Thats my favorite place in the world!! Im actually jealous. hopefully we will be down for a month in November. Safe travels!
Thanks much! Hope you can make it down!!
I traveled to Cook County on business for several years and I’m astounded by the ridiculous tax burden placed on everyone to the point where I questioned why anyone would live there never mind the well-known corruption. You have done well to leave. It is one of the few areas with negative population growth with an extreme crime rate and a mayor that is a fucking freak
It’s unfortunate, but as someone who (well, used to) have a large community connection and a big network of friends and family, it is extremely difficult to leave. I’m the one able-bodied male in the family and apend a lot of time helping extended family out. I feel like leaving is so selfish, but unfortunately my mental health and my need to pursue a better life have me leaving.
Besides Cook County IL wouldn’t even be that bad. But I’m sick of living next to that hellhole, and sick of sucking airplane and train exhaust.
What tickles me as someone from IL is when friends give me a weird look when I say government isn’t looking out for them. Like. Guys, we live in a crime capital with a history of known and convicted career criminals.
Safe travels and best wishes in your new life!
Thanks!
I miss italian beef sandwiches and Jim's polish. Chicago has the best food.
Never been a polish guy, but I know the sentiment! I actually had some Chicago staples before I left. Portillo’s, Giordanos, Kuma’s…skipped Lou Malnati’s though.
I live outside the Tampa area. Could not imagine living in the keys lol.
Just moved down to Tampa from the very same area of Crook co.
Coof numbers are bullshit.
Masks are few and far between.
Trump stickers and flags are regular on the roads. Even saw some “fuck Biden” flags 3’x5’ on a truck the other day.
Sounds great! I figured as much. Plenty of people in the area I’ll be living have some great flags/signs.
It’ll just be a nice change from the air of anxiety here. When I’m up here, it feels like I keep breathing in but can’t exhale. Everything is just so negative and strained up here. When IL went back to masking, it felt like some people were happy about it.
I can’t wait to get out of here. Less than twelve hours!
Central Illinois prisoner - so jealous!! God Bless - keep us posted on your travels and how you like Florida!
I’ll be sure to! Don’t drop the soap!
I don't think you'll miss that burger joint... have you had a burger from the South?
Agree with that! Food is so better in the South, and coming from a lifelong Ohio boy
Oh, Southern food is just amazing. Especially burgers/bbq/chicken. I’ll mainly miss the atmosphere and family that run the joint. It’s a burger place that has been kept a local secret.