Welcome to Texas

I'm sitting here on the balcony of my new apartment, thinking back to 2 summers ago when I made the trip from Maine to Houston. It's a long way from everything I knew. And I can't be more happy that I made this choice for myself.

Hannah, my friend, and new room mate come Friday, is en route to Houston. She left Maine this morning and has made it as far as Virginia. About a third of the way. I am so envious of her right now, her mom is driving down with her, and I'm so glad that they get to spend this quality time together. I'm so proud of her for spreading her little wings, for making the choice to explore and learn, to be awoken by the....the 'everything else' this world has to offer. Maine is great, don't get me wrong, but when you're a young woman, adventurous and curious, it just isn't a place where we can all flourish, it's not a place to spread our wings, per se. I think the saying goes: "You can always come home." Yes, I suppose you can always go home...but what if your home changes throughout your life?

Maine is where my family is from, Maine is where I spent the majority of the first 26 years of my life, but Houston is home now. Or, for now. I know many people leave to wander, and sow their wild oats, and many return. I don't know if I will. I can't say absolutely not, but I can't say absolutely for sure either.

I made Houston my home, yes, because I had a job offer here, but I can't say without the job offer it wouldn't be on my list of places to visit and/or move to. It is a beautiful city, it's huge and rich with so many things I find important. First, it's warm, and I love that. Someone at work laughed at me while telling someone where I grew up, between Maine and Alaska, and then when the temperature hits anything below 70 degrees here I'm freezing.  So yes, the climate is a plus in my book. (However, note the fact that while I was sitting on the balcony - I had to get up to come inside because the concrete was burning my heels.)

There is so much culture here, the history, and the business...it all amazes and inspires me. Of course my dream is to live in New York City, and Houston is not that kind of city. Even if you live downtown. But for now, I love it here. And where else can you wear a dress a cowboy boots together?!

I am so excited about my little happy life coming together. Having Hannah here will allow me to do some of the things that I've been wanting to do. We will be able to explore this city, and learn what makes this city, our Home.

In closing, I urge you, be true to yourself. Do only the things that make you happy. Stop doing everything for everyone else, and do for you. Without you, there's nothing. So love the life you've been given, be excited about today and have fun if you get the opportunity to have a tomorrow.

Smile in peace.
xo