Cold Weather, Full Days, and Learning the Rhythm of Florida Life

Let’s start with the obvious: it is stinking cold here right now — which honestly feels like a personal attack.
I did not move to Florida to wear layers. This was not part of the agreement 😂
Luckily, Florida is dramatic and forgiving, and in a few days it’ll be back in the 80s like nothing ever happened. I’m already mentally preparing for that first real hot stretch where I can disappear to the beach for an entire day, do absolutely nothing, let the sun cook my nervous system back into submission, and ground straight into the earth like a lizard with a purpose.

From the outside, life probably looks pretty uneventful right now. Not flashy. Not chaotic. No big “look at me” moments. Just… steady. But underneath that calm exterior, there’s a lot happening. I’m in a constant go-go-go rhythm most days, and I’m almost finding my flow. It’s that weird in-between stage where nothing feels automatic yet, but you can tell it’s coming.

Between working at the salon, making new connections, building Trident and expanding its presence, building at Aili Healing, and driving everywhere — partly because my martial arts training is far away and partly because I still don’t know where anything is — my days stay full. Florida distances are humbling. Everything is “only 20 minutes away,” which is a lie. But I don’t mind it. I’m building something here, and that takes movement.

And honestly? I still love it here.
There’s a quietness to Florida that feels different from Minnesota. Not empty — just spacious. The sun does a lot of the heavy lifting emotionally, and the palm trees feel like they’re constantly reminding you to slow down… even when you’re not actually slowing down at all.

Somehow, without trying, I’ve made it into the cool club at the gym with the trainers. I’m now known as the girl who only trains legs, always looks mad, and never smiles between sets. The guys have taken this as a personal challenge and love trying to make me laugh or guessing what I’m listening to based on my facial expression. Apparently, I have a very specific “true crime face,” because that’s almost always the answer. Intense stories. Dark details. Very motivating for heavy leg days.

Most people at the gym don’t speak English — or speak very little of it — so communication is often a mix of gestures, head nods, and mutual respect for effort. I might end up learning another language just so I can understand the full conversations happening around me. Until then, leg day remains universal.

My mom and stepdad are here for a few months, and it’s been really nice having them visiting. Familiar faces, extra hands around the house, and help with Charlie have added an extra layer of comfort during this season. It’s good to have family nearby while everything else continues to take shape.

And then there are the little discoveries — like finding Jungle Organics, this incredible place about an hour away, right by the water, and close to my friend Sue’s house. One of those spots that instantly makes you feel healthier just by being there. Completely worth the drive. Some places don’t just fit into your routine — they become part of it.

This season isn’t loud.
It’s not flashy.
But it’s deeply intentional.

It’s building a life piece by piece. Learning new rhythms. Letting things take shape naturally. And trusting that even when it looks quiet from the outside, something solid is forming underneath it all.

More sun. More beach days. More progress.
And eventually — less cold.