Flock of Snowbirds

Luckily, spring is nearly here. I can't complain too much about winter because this year has been ridiculously wonderfully mild. But we still had enough cold days for me to curl up and threaten hibernation. That forced my ever-growing snowbird tendency to rear its ugly head.

I first encountered snowbirds en masse when living in Miami. Previously, I had never lived anywhere that prompted such an influx of seasonal visitors. In fact, I hail from the upper Midwest, where residents usually flock away from the winter madness. So watching the Miami winter visitors was truly unique. And sometimes frustrating.

I've posted before about welcoming tourists with open arms as long as they behave when they're visiting. The problem with snowbirds is that many consider their warm winter destinations "home" despite only living there for about two or three months out of the year, causing a sense of entitlement. They sometimes treat the area they're in like a free-spirited spring break destination, instead of considering the fact that it really is home year-round for some people. This can cause even the most patient year-rounder to lose it. I know I lost it on multiple occasions when living in Florida.

So here's my confession: I'm officially, gradually turning into a snowbird. This is evidenced by my desire to take a major trip during the cold weather months every year. My husband knows the winter will be a lot more pleasant for him if he dangles a warm weather trip in front of me. Granted, it's not for two or three months at a time, but hey, it's a start.

Last weekend I went to visit the in-laws at their new condo just outside of Phoenix. I can't blame them for wanting to escape Wisconsin winters. Check out the awesome scenery from our boat excursion on a nearby lake. Yes, I said lake. In the Arizona desert. Very cool.

Perhaps I'm biased, but I have to say, my in-laws are not going to make anybody's list of annoying snowbirds. They're respectful and considerate of locals. They treat the area like it's their permanent home, not some spring break destination. They don't act like the "mature" women we encountered in the bar last weekend who got wasted and proceeded to hit on every man in sight (including my husband). If more people decided to abide by my in-laws' model when visiting seasonal destinations, I don't think the term "snowbird" would carry the negative connotation it sometimes does.

Here's what I promise locals in the places I visit during the winter: I will not clog up your major roads at rush hour by driving during that time, considering the activities I am trying to get to could be done at any time during the day. I will not drive below the speed limit at an insanely slow rate and hold up traffic. I will not tell you endless, boring tales of "back home" unless you specifically ask. I will not complain loudly about your lovely area, because I chose to be there and I can choose to leave at any time. I will not get sloppy drunk and become loud, belligerent and annoying. And perhaps most importantly, what I learned from my year of living in a high rise across the street from a nude beach: I will not make your eyeballs melt by walking around nude or in inappropriately tight/small unflattering beach gear.