Twice (Which I Appreciate). Option #2 Dear

¶ … twice (which I appreciate). Option #2 Dear Laila, I am highly surprised to hear that you are considering moving to Miami to further your career, primarily because it was not so long ago that I did the same thing while you were still editor at the Hercules Patch. It is also ironic that your choice of cities for your new editing position also includes Oakland, since that is the city that I moved from to Miami.

However, as your faithful correspondent I think I can make an informed decision in which it will be much more advantageous for you to live in Oakland due to the cost of living, the multitude of weird bugs, and the more moderate weather. Traditionally, people say that the Bay Area is one of the most expensive places in which to live. In that regard Miami is decidedly less expensive -- up to a certain point.

The housing is certainly more affordable here (even if you decided to rent), and there are areas in which one can shop less cheaply than in other parts of town. However, one pays another kind of price for living in those parts of the city and frequently those parts of town for errands. People are much more vulgar in Miami, especially in these areas.

This fact, in addition to the crime of the inner city and the relatively low-caliber mentality of people in this metropolitan make Oakland a much nicer place to live. One can obtain much better housing for a not considerably greater price in that area, and there are plenty of options for shopping and obtaining essentials that are moderately priced. Miami is cheaper, but its overall quality of life is also substantially less. I also am familiar with how much you do not like hot weather.

In that respect, Miami would certainly be a terrible place for you to consider pursuing your living. Although the heat might be appreciated in the winter, which lasts perhaps all of two weeks here, it is fairly consistent and eminent during every other season. In addition to just the raw effect of the sun producing a sweltering environment, there is also a fair amount of humidity.

Oftentimes, it may only be 80 degrees, but when one factors in the humidity the temperature can feel as though it were in excess of 90 degrees. Oakland -- as well as the Bay Area in general -- has always been renowned for its moderate weather in which it does not get too hot and does not get too cold. In that respect, you will not have to worry about the effects of the heat if you choose to move there.

Although the climate has gotten decidedly cooler in Oakland, it is still not as cold there as it is hot in Miami. Ergo, you and your daughter would more than likely appreciate the weather in the Bay Area, especially as compared to that in South Florida. Lastly Laila, I remember all too vividly your feeling about insect, which you effectively termed "weird bugs" during an email one time. In this respect, living in Miami would seem perfectly miserable to you.

Not only are there a plethora of weird bugs, but they.