Today I was remembering that I haven't lived anywhere except Ohio since I was 4. Either in the small town of Fredericktown or Bowling Green or Columbus. I have never considered myself a "sheltered" person before. I have traveled to various countries, oversees and lots of different places within the United States. But a visit, even a long one isn't the same as living somewhere.
People: I find that so many people here are so amazingly nice. Genuinely nice and happy. Many people have asked if it's the "southern hospitality" that people seem to believe about people from the south. My mom says that it's because people get more sunlight and therefore are generally happier. I'm not sure what it is, but I like it. :) I have two people in the "social services" realm that are really helping me. Tommy Thompson (an executive director of a small agency helping people obtain IDs) and Patty Cobb (a director of a health care agency) have given me their time, wisdom and connections to help with my job search.
Places: This city is so big and complex at the same time. Practically the opposite of what we are used to (in city layout). 1. The closer you live to the downtown area the more expensive it is and the farther out you live the less expensive it is (with a few exceptions). 2. On the south side of Houston is a few "neighborhoods" that I have visited. When I'm in these neighborhoods I feel like I'm in the middle of a movie or TV show. These neighborhoods don't even get "real" names(typical of extremely poor neighborhoods) - they are called "The Wards" - The 3rd Ward, 4th Ward and 5th Wards. The extreme poverty in these neighborhoods is amazing. The size of just these 3 Wards is equivalent to the size of Columbus. It's overwhelming. Yet when I go there I find that a pleasure center is triggered in my mind. Not because people live in such poverty; but because I might get a chance to interact with people that are different then I am and are amazing survivors. As I drive through these neighborhoods I find myself feeling like I could be in the middle of a movie - tiny homes (probably one bedroom) built beside each other - row after row after row. Some appear extremely unlivable (yet - people are probably living in them) and some are kept very nice with a white fence around them, lawn ornaments and a little old lady in the front attending to her yard or on her porch. Just about ten miles away from these "wards" are some of the richest neighborhood I have ever been in - multi-million dollar homes (easily) - "This is where the Bush's live" my mom says. The extreme wealth and extreme poverty contrast is unbelievable.
Things: Our neighborhood is known (citywide) for it's Christmas lights show. It's fun to walk through the neighborhood and see new set of lights out each night. Whole culdisacs are decked out with Christmas Themes (Christmas around the world and such). It's fun.
The employment culture here is great. Although I hear people talk about how (in abstract) people are affected by the recession, I don't see it. Not like in Columbus. Houses sell so fast here and there are so few for sale. Most "for sale" signs in peoples yard either have a "sold" or "in contract" sign on them. Dave has had so many interviews (and has found a job) and I continue to have contacts/interviews and job postings to respond to.
This place is starting to feel a little more like "home" to me.
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