Happiness

Hi friends!
This might be a long post. I have so much to write! Last time you heard from me, I was nervously anticipating my move to H-town. Since then, I have moved, started working and even made a few friends.

So far, I really like H-town. The weather is not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. Yes, it is hot but I honestly think that Tulsa is hotter. H-town does have a nice coastal breeze. It is humid but it's not that bad...really.

Traffic is something to get used to. It does take longer than 15 minutes to get anywhere, even to the local store that is 2 miles away. My school is 10 miles away. It takes me 35-45 minutes to get there. You really have to time your drives here. Five minutes makes a world of difference. For example, I usually leave at 7:05 to arrive to school by 8:00. I generally make it by 7:45. The other day I left at 7:10 and I was 20 minutes late to work!

There is so much to do here. Last weekend I went to the Holocaust Museum. They had a photograph exhibit on Darfur. It was very sad, however, it was touching. I also got to learn more about the Holocaust. There is a street here, Kirby, that has some of the best restaurants. I ate at a BBQ place called Goode BBQ Co. Yes, it was good. Most of the restaurants here have outside seating (I know) but there are so many fans and misters that it is tolerable.

Also, you all know my unnatural obsession with cooking and the grocery store. HEB is one of the greatest grocery stores of all times! On Saturday, they do tons of cooking demos and have samples out everywhere! You can bet that is where I will be eating lunch most Saturdays. HEB also has store called Central Market. It's like a Whole Foods on crack! I think once the fire settles down, I'm going to apply to do cooking demos there.

And if you love shopping, the shopping here is out of control. Besides the Galleria and Westheimer areas, there is a brand new premium outlet mall 5 minutes away from where I live! Save your $$ and come visit!!!!

School is good. It has been very busy though. There are so many "texas" procedures that I have to learn, but overall, everyone is super friendly and helpful. I have so much paperwork, but realize that everything takes time. I have a classroom area (my district has an open concept, so there are no walls or doors, just huge open spaces), office and even a secretary! My secretary has been my godsend and is a wealth of information. I am so lucky to have her!
I'll post pictures of my classroom soon. My favorite part of the entire week was meeting my kids. They are SO cute. My school is 54% economically disadvantaged, but it has met TX standards year after year. It was even named one of the best schools in the US by Redbook magazine! I'm excited to be here and will be excited to share my experience with you. I just have to learn Spanish ASAP:)

Last night I went to an area called Rice Village. It is near Rice University and it was very fun. When and if I decide to stay in H-town, I hope to move to this area or around the museum district. I've met some great people as well. I've forced myself to get involved, even though I don't know anyone. I've made contacts with the alumni associations for OSU and TU. I also will start volunteering at the H-town Food Bank next weekend.

This move is one of the best things I have ever done. Thank you to everyone who encouraged me to take a leap of faith. I am so glad I did.

Talk to you all soon!