Is mexico calling?

Should We Stay or Should We Go? Deciding Between Florida Comfort and Mexican Adventure

So here we are, wrestling with the big decision: do we stay in sunny Florida or pack up and head south to Mexico for a new adventure? Now, before you ask, yes—there are other factors at play besides my cat, Papaya, and her dislike of travel. (Though, trust me, that factor is still pretty high on the list).

This decision is a big one. We love our life here. Our cozy little apartment in Florida feels like home, and we’ve got a rhythm that we really enjoy. Morning walks, favorite coffee shops, a short drive to the beach—it’s all here. But then there’s the pull of Mexico, calling to us with promises of vibrant markets, fresh street tacos, and a pace of life that feels a bit more relaxed. And yet, every time I lean toward Mexico, my brain politely reminds me of a little thing called my green card.

Ah, yes. The green card. This little document has its own set of rules, like a silent third party in every decision we make. If I want to keep it (which, spoiler: I do), I can’t exactly disappear from the U.S. for too long. So if we did move to Mexico, I’d have to bop back to the States pretty frequently, adding an extra layer of travel planning, logistics, and—let’s be real—worry about keeping my status secure. It’s like being tethered with a very long but very firm leash. Not ideal, but not a deal-breaker either.

But let’s talk about the draw of Mexico, because, wow, is it tempting. First of all, the lifestyle. There’s something undeniably alluring about a culture that truly knows how to savor life, where the rush and grind aren’t the main events. Imagine this: wandering through local markets, indulging in fresh food, and actually slowing down. Mexico just seems to get that life isn’t all about the hustle, and I think I could really get on board with that kind of vibe.

Of course, my pragmatic side can’t help but chime in here. Moving countries isn’t exactly a quick weekend project. There’s immigration paperwork, apartment hunting, and the all-important task of making sure our new home has all the essentials we’ve gotten used to. (Is it too much to ask for reliable Wi-Fi and a decent grocery store nearby?) Thankfully, the language barrier won’t be an issue for us—Andriano and I are both fluent in Spanish, so at least that’s one less thing to worry about!

Then there’s our life here in Florida. We’ve got our favorite routines, our go-to places, and a sense of stability that’s, dare I say, comforting. It’s easy to take it for granted until you think about leaving it behind. Sometimes, I imagine us starting over in a new country, and I can’t help but think, “Is this really the right move?” And then my imagination zooms to Papaya, her little face pressed against her backpack as she glares at me for daring to take her on a plane. Again.

Ah, Papaya. My partner in crime who absolutely hates crime, or any form of travel for that matter. This cat can’t handle a five-minute car ride without looking personally betrayed, so I can only imagine the epic sulk she’d give me after hours on a plane. Plus, it’s not just the trip itself—I’d need to make sure she could adjust to her new environment without thinking I’ve ruined her life. Let’s just say I’m expecting a dramatic side-eye or two.

Then, of course, there’s the matter of the American comforts we’d be leaving behind. As much as I’d love to believe I could swap everything out for a more laid-back lifestyle, I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t miss a few things. Let’s start with the basics: Target. Where else am I supposed to buy, well, everything? And what about Amazon’s next-day delivery? I’ve gotten used to that kind of convenience, and I’m not sure how gracefully I’d adjust to not having it. (I know, I know. First-world problems.)

So here I am, caught between the allure of a fresh start and the comfort of the life we’ve built. Moving to Mexico means diving into the unknown, embracing new experiences, and, yes, enjoying endless tacos. Staying here means security, routines, and knowing exactly what to expect. And as thrilling as the unknown can be, it also has its own share of fears. What if things don’t work out? What if we get there and feel like fish out of water? The list goes on.

Ultimately, the excitement of a new adventure is what draws me in, but the realities are what keep me grounded. It’s this strange mix of What if we miss out? and What if it doesn’t go as planned? that makes this decision so tricky. I’d love to say I have a clear answer, but for now, it’s still up in the air. Do we stay, or do we go? The jury’s out.

In the meantime, I’ll be weighing my options, debating the pros and cons, and trying to figure out if my dream of tacos and a slower pace of life can outweigh my need for Target and a happy, travel-free cat. Wish me luck—and if you’ve got any advice for making a decision this big, I’m all ears!