Four years in Texas

Four years ago today, I moved to Houston. I was 26 years old, 1 week out of Grad School, and I had. no. clue. Well, that's not really true. I mean, I had a clue about a lot of things. Maybe I should rephrase. I had no clue about Texas. About Houston. About the South. I probably still only have about half a clue. Who would have ever thought that this California girl would move to Houston? And stay there? For more than six months?!? I don't think I would have ever come if I hadn't moved out here just for a six month job contract. It was easy then, there was a time limit, an end. And after six months, it was extended by three. Still easy. But, then, after nine months, not so much, as I took on a "permanent job." What was I thinking? How did I become a California transplant hanging out in Texas? Good lord.

Joy and I drove into Texas for the first time on March 15, pulling into lovely downtown El Paso. You know the place, right? Turn left, El Paso, turn right, Mexico. We didn't see much of El Paso, just the inside of a hotel, and the blurred city as we SPED out of it the next morning. That night we made it to San Antonio after finally realizing people weren't kidding when they siad there was NOTHING between El Paso and San Antonio. Our whole journey can actually be read HERE. So, we made it into Houston the evening of St. Patrick's Day. This helps me immensely in remembering my Houston move anniversary.

Over the last four years, I have learned a lot about myself, and even more about other people, and the way the world works. I think living in Texas has made me realize that there are a lot of different types of people who make up this world. Texas is a country all of its own. People here are proud (sometimes to a fault I think, I can say that right? I mean, it is my blog), I never pictured myself living in the bible belt, but that too has been interesting. Most of you that know me well know I am not super religious. Spiritual maybe, but definitely not religious. I am intrigued though, by the religions around me, and the traditions and beliefs that come along with these. Definitely opened my mind to learning about the history or religion and its traditions (well, not enough to actually take a class or anything, but I do like the friends I have that are willing to talk openly about their beliefs without pushing them onto me...). Houston is actually somewhat liberal in parts, especially compared to other parts of Texas. However, still, overall I find myself faced with a lot of very conservative people. I struggled for a while with my closest friends having vastly different beliefs than I have. I guess in the long run though, this has been part of life since I was young. It is only now though that I find myself being able to separate my political beliefs from my respect of the person who these beliefs belong to. Well, mostly. I learned long ago to not get into political debates with close friends. It is not worth it (because in the end, I will just think you are a moron, so I would rather remain dumb to that thought). It has been a bumpy road of judgement, but I think in the end, it intrigues me to learn about why people think the way they do more than what people actually think. Confused yet?

Anyway, in four years, I have bought a house, a new car, countless expensive furniture pieces, appliances, and even a Christmas tree. I have acquired two very love-able furrballs that sleep on my bed every night and keep me company on my couch every evening. I have found a career that I love (well, mostly), and made some amazing lifelong friends long the way. I have also kept up with some of the most wonderful friends a person could ever hope to have. I have childhood friends, high school friends, college friends, camp, grad school...the list goes on and on. I have visited my fourth and fifth continents (now just missing South America and Antarctica). I have seen some great couples tie the knot and even produce some beautiful children (with some more on the way in the VERY near future). Who would have thought so much could happen by moving to Texas? And would have EVER thought I would live in Texas? Crazy the path that life takes you. Crazy. But fun crazy. And you all know I love fun crazy. Or just fun. Yea. I guess I like Texas. Now, if the weather would just improve, I would really be ok with four more years. Eh, who I am kidding, Bring on the next four years!