Relocation... to do or not to do?

I'm not even going to lie, I suck at being a great blogger :-/ It is what it is though! When I have content, I do share :-)

This past weekend I had the opportunity to visit the country's 3rd largest city. That's right, Houston, Texas! Also known as H-Town. First things first, if you haven't visited Houston before- shame on you. I am embarrassed to admit that this was my first visit. I have family there, that once resided in Wisconsin. I missed them dearly, and thought that a trip to visit was in order.

After stepping off the jet and viewing the sunshine, I was sold. The next 3 days only added to my undying want to move from shitty Michigan. Anywho, as I learned over the next few days Houston had much more than sunshine to offer.

The quality of life is so much better. Upon approaching my cousins apartment building, I thought we were passing by a resort. It was that nice! Not to mention my other cousins apartment, fully equipped with valet parking, a theater, full gym/sauna/steam room, with a beautiful view pretty much Houston in its entirety. I feel a bit robbed here in Michigan. The value of your money in Houston goes much farther, so far that I'm actually considering moving there. Unlike other cities I've visited, I felt at home in Texas. I didn't feel separation anxiety from my parents, and I didn't feel alone because I already have family there.

Let me give you lovely readers what I call "you only live once" reasons for possible relocation...

Houston, TX...

Michigan...

There isn't much difference in salaries, but you definitely get more for your money. The price difference in the above apartments is about $400, but I can definitely justify the extra cost. Check out all the amenities included with the hot-to-trot spot in Houston:

You pretty much can't get this anywhere in Michigan... Texas-1, Michigan-0. In the words of Charlie Sheen... Texas is WINNING!


Have you ever visited a city or country that made you have a change of heart about your living situation?

Feeling Inspired!

Today I was able to witness history, or whatever you want to call it. For the first time ever, I was present for a speech by President Barack Obama. Now for some of you, this may not be monumental if you've heard him speak publicly. But I was definitely grounded for about 20 minutes or so.

At 8:13a, I walked into the Big House or the University of Michigan graduation ceremony to watch my best friend in the entire world graduate. I must say, she chose the perfect time to graduate and the ceremony was so inspirational and moving. It was surreal.

Imagine sitting in a stadium filled with 80,000+ people, most there celebrating a treacherous yet joyous journey for their children/family/friends... others there for the love of Obama. There are helicopters flying overhead. Secret Service employees on the roof. State police at every entrance. 8,000+ graduates from every avenue of learning. This was surreal. I almost felt like I was in a movie. But it wasn't the size of the crowd, or the fact that the President was there. It was his words that moved me, his charisma and charm, his demeanor, his knowledge and understanding of a functioning society.

He spoke of civility, being open to opposing views and gaining news from resources aside from our norm. In particular, he told the graduates (I'd like to include myself since I graduate in less than 24 hours) to understand the naysayers... to put yourself in their shoes. Only then are we able to view the full picture. Knowledge is the best defense. He spoke of the political quarrels that are circling our media, and how we can not allow them to cloud our perception of how things are.

Obviously we didn't have the best seats, but it was perfect!

I've been compelled to do great things, I've always had the mindset that I can do anything. But seeing Obama, listening to him and knowing that he's a man that has been through so many obstacles and hoops to be where he is... that speaks volumes to the people. That shows us graduates, as cliche as it may be, that YES WE CAN!

Word of wisdom... You can do anything that you want to do, but you can not do everything!