Dear Florida,

There are many reasons why I love you: you provide me with warmth, support, entertainment, staycations, and of course "Florida man." But lately you have made me a little angry.

You are one of the southern most states yet you are not acting like it. When I wake up it is 22 degrees outside, that is just not okay. You are supposed to be my friend and help me gloat to the northern states. I am supposed to be able to wear bikinis year round, but no. Florida, you are disappointing me.

I do not own winter coats, or gloves, or hats; how am I supposed to stay warm? I have to go out and buy new clothes, I only have a rotation of four sweaters. These are the months where my electric bill is supposed to almost non-existent, not higher than it is in summer. Florida, you are bankrupting me.

Florida, you are supposed to be a place full of outdoor activities. It is way too cold to do anything. What am I supposed to do on the weekends? I just want to go on a hike, a picnic, a run, or paddle my kayak but no. What do people do fo fun in the north? I can't even go play putt putt or go rock climbing because everything is outdoors! Florida, I am bored.

I have a southern dog. She has short thin fur to keep cool. She cannot layer jackets and sweaters. She also has to use the bathroom outdoors. Not only that but I have to take her outside! She still needs her to use the bathroom, go on walks, and play ball in the park. No one wins in this situation. Florida, my dog is cold.

The cold hurts my joints. It hurts my back and my teeth, it makes me tired and it makes my bones shiver. I do not like this weather one bit. I am tired of being cold. I wish I could hibernate like a bear until you get your act together, Florida. You need to pull through and become the state I once loved again. Florida, I am tired of everything.

Florida, I do love you. But please get your act together. You have had your fun and played with the North. You are beautiful in every single way. Please stop acting like the "cool" states, you need to shine like the unique state you are. Florida, please don't let me down.

Sincerely,

Everyone who would like to call themselves a Floridian again.