The Great State of Texas

I'm a born and raised California girl.  Sure, I did a stint in both Colorado and Arizona, but I am all things California.  When I moved to Colorado and then again to Arizona, I certainly had a few adjustments to make, but overall, culturally it wasn't a huge shock. 

And then I moved to Texas.  Texas is like a whole new country.  And every day, I learn something new about being a resident of this great state.  I wanted to share with you some of the things I've learned, adjusted to, and been really bad at since becoming a Texan.

1. Texas is not in the South.  I'm serious.  You do not say you're from the South, you dare not speak that you live in the South.  You live in Texas.  And Texas is its own region.
2. Everyone owns a gun.  This one is weird.  I'm not antigun I'm more on the team that likes more regulations but I'm really open to carrying guns.  But Texas is next level.  I'm not sure I'm ever going to get used to the fact that basically everyone from age 2 on is packing heat any given time. 
3. Texas Hospitality (DONT say Southern) is real.  People are nice in general.  I dig this.  I'm all about smiling at strangers and saying hello.  It's the real deal, people don't act like you're invisible.  Nobody thinks you're a leper if you greet people you don't even know.  It's so not California and I like it.
4. Cowboy boots are functional.  Did you guys know that cowboy boots serve an actual purpose?  People work on ranches and wear them to do work.  I'm not ready to use my cowboy boots for such things, but its good to know they're not just really cute with denim cutoffs.
5. Red Meat is a Food Group.  There's cuts of meat I'd never even heard of until I came to Texas.  Red meat is an option for every meal.  I think they consider it a food group here.  And I love that.  Goodbye healthy living, hello palate of happiness.
6. Texas loves Texas.  This is one proud state.  Texans are proud of their home and not afraid to tell you how amazing it is.  As a Californian, I relate to state pride so I think its cool to hear.  I still think California is far better, but I see why so many people call this place home and mean it.
7. Texas is Affordable.  Being from California, there's not many places that give me sticker shock.  But I'm over here wondering if this is real life for the opposite reason.  Gas is $2. I go through the grocery store for like $50.  I live in a palace for the price of a shanty in LA. I get why its less expensive, but I'm all about this opportunity to save more.

Texas Ya'll.  It's been a culture shock but I am loving living here and learning what its all about.  Stay tuned as my adventure continues...

The Next Adventure: An Update

Hello Friends.  Well, I've been in Texas exactly one month!  I thought it was a nice time to give you a little update on my new adventure.

I would like to assure you in advance that I do not yet have a Southern twang - in fact - I talk so fast everyone thinks I'm from New York.  And I am not living my life in cowboy boots herding cattle as I thought was a requirement for Texas life.  And it turns out there are not large bugs just taking over the world as I also assumed.

Going back to work has been weird.  This whole waking up and going to an office everyday is a lot after 6 months of waking up, enjoying a luxurious breakfast and then doing whatever I wanted for the rest of the day.  Fear not though - I've made it to work with only getting lost 1-8 times each week and my new office only requires that I wear pants (they can even be jeans!) which is huge. 

Everyone is really nice.  Having spent a lot of time in judgmental cities (shout out to you Los Angeles) - it's amazing to be in a city that is as annoyingly friendly as I am.  People open doors, they smile, they say hello - they offer to help you when you're lost and confused (#AllDayERRYDAY) - and they actually care when they ask how you're doing.  It's weird AF and I dig that.  I have recently been informed that when I say ya'll I sound like I'm a member of a hip hop group - I do not know what that means but I think it gives me street cred.  #ThugLife

The new gig is great.  Obviously I'm only a month in and given my history the past two jobs - I'm suspicious of everyone and everything - but I feel valued, cared about, and like I'm amongst friends.  The work is challenging, nobody laughs at my insane ideas, and I'm not dealing with a micromanager (which is the fastest way to get me to quit).  I'm truly excited to go to work each day and I hope that lasts.  The travel has been a lot.  Exciting and exhausting but I love that I am never bored.

Socially - I've made friends - which surprises nobody (I'm the girl who walks up to strangers and joins their group).  I had some friends already before I moved and its been great having an insider or two to show me where the fun happens and where to buy glitter.  And yes everyone - the Southern Gentlemen are alive and well and they're beautiful.  I love them all I simply cannot choose.  Will let you know how that goes but I'd like to let them all woo me for now. 

Lastly, the puppy is doing really well!  He's obviously my main man and I was worried about him adjusting.  He loves our new apartment and assumes its his to run already.  He's made new friends and doesn't mind the humidity as its great for his skin. 

All in all - I think I'm really going to like this place.  I seem to be really good at Dallas.  I appreciate everyone's support and hope you will all visit soon!  More to come...

#SparkleOn

The Next Adventure

After six months of yet again committing myself to the life of a lady of leisure, I have officially accepted my next adventure.  And while I am now venturing out into this world of business yet again - I have decided that I'm going to continue to grow my skillset as a lady of leisure.  How does that work you say?  It works because I've chosen a position that I believe fits my personal and professional goals and allows me to be passionate about my work but able to check off my bucket list at the same time.

So here we are - I'm moving to Dallas, Texas.  That makes state number four in 5 years for those of you counting.  And I know what you're thinking and yes - a city that values football, big hair and rhinestones IS going to be my kind of city indeed.  I'm excited to eat all the BBQ, spend time fulfilling my college football dreams, and bring a little California swag to the great state of Texas. 

In keeping with my commitment to work/life balance and refusing to settle in a career - it took me six whole months of diligently reaching out to my contacts, applying to jobs, and interviewing.  I was turned down for a few opportunities I thought would be a great fit and I declined positions I knew would keep me from feeling happy; and happy is the end all goal for me.

This next role is entirely different from anything I've done - and that's a huge risk but something I'm excited to challenge myself with.  I'll be somewhat of a jack of all trades in experiential marketing for an agency in downtown Dallas.   Someone who can manage various accounts and utilize my out of the box creativity.  Don't worry - I will definitely still have heavy involvement in sports but I'll be diversifying my portfolio and working on products/campaigns, entertainment, and music as well.  For those of you who know me well - you know the possibility of utilizing my creative weird out there ideas in a professional setting is my ideal role. 

As always - I'd like to leave you with a moral of the story (because I'm so wise).  While figuring things out for six months has not been easy - the end result is something I'm looking forward to experiencing.  Because I took the time to be really sure and really committed to looking for the best fit - I'm able to create an adventure I believe in.  And that's the greatest advice I could ever give you.  Never settle.  Your life, your career, your attitude - everything - it's your choice.  You have to design a life you're proud of and excited to take part in.  For me - that means taking risks and pushing myself outside of my comfort zone.  New experiences and feeling good at work everyday is important to me. 

Whatever makes you happy, makes you get up and go in the morning - do that.  And if you're not there yet - keep looking.  Don't ever give up.  I've moved 4 states in 5 years chasing the dream.  And there's no guarantee this next stop will fulfill that dream.  But in taking a calculated risk - I'm ensuring that I won't settle, and even if this isn't my last stop - I'll make it one hell of a good time.

#SparkleOn #HappyNewYear