Some Getting Used To

So we've lived in Texas for three weeks now.  There are definitely some things that we need to get used to out here.

#1 Humidity
When we first got out here I almost felt like the humidity was smothering me!  My makeup would literally melt off my face, but now I really only notice it when I go outside, and even then its not too bad.  I hear August is the worst.  

Humidity has some awesome side effects though.  With our family of extremely dry skin, our skin has never looked or felt better! 

#2 Driving

• One thing I hate most about moving to a new area is getting familiar with it.  I'm already bad at directions, but then to stick me somewhere new...Thank heavens for GPS on phone's!  I don't know what I would have done 10 years ago. 

• Frontage Roads.  We had frontage Roads in Tucson, but not like this.  You don't just get on and off an exit.  You have to drive forever on the frontage road to get onto an exit.  Plus the frontage roads are obviously only one way streets, and there are stores along the frontage road so if you want to go to a store and miss it you have to do a circle.  Its confusing.

• Traffic.  

 #3 Diversity
This is not a bad thing, but it is definitely not what I'm used to.  Houston is a BIG spot for Energy Companies and Medical.  Both fields bring in a wide variety of people.  From all over the world.  I think half of our neighborhood is from India, I've met others from Russia and Asia.  In our ward I've heard lots of different accents and have been able to place some of the origin: Canada, Guatemala, and an Aussie.  Who doesn't love an Australian accent?  It will be so fun getting to know these people!  Plus I hear that a lot of our neighbors are from Louisiana and have an awesome, family friendly, neighborhood Mardi Gras party, and parade. 

#4  Weather

• I think its funny when people say its raining here, because in AZ we call them misters and they help cool you down.  They do have "real rain", but it seemed the first few times we were here it was the mist rain. It does rain here more often then Arizona (obviously) and they have a lot of overcast days.  Something I'm also not used it.  Its always a clear sky in AZ.  Even during monsoon season.  Clear skies all day and then around 4 one black cloud suddenly appears.  Heavy rains for a few minutes, done, clear skies once again.

• June 1st was the start of Hurricane season.  Little nervous on that one, good thing my visiting teacher is the wards emergency preparedness leader!  I gotta do a little bit more then just my 72 hour kit...

#5 Patriotism
 Flags are flown EVERYWHERE here.  Not just little flags.  BIG! Every establishment has them and I love it!  I love the American spirit that is here, even though this area is such a huge melting pot.  Yes, they are also very proud of Texas, but I love that too.  Tucson was horrible at that.  The 4th of July is practically non existent.  No wonder our entire ward flees to Utah for the holiday.  Last year Arizona celebrated its Centennial and Tucson didn't do a thing!  I'm excited to celebrate the 4th of July here, because I'm sure its gonna be big!   Isn't that how the saying goes?  "Everything is bigger and better in Texas!"

#6  Greenery
I love the green!  It's so pretty here.

#7 Prices

• Groceries are about the same, but they have some really good deals on meat!  Which is a good thing for our family!  

• Preschools here are ridiculously expensive! In our school district, school is a serious matter.  

• No one mows their own lawns.  You hire someone. We are going to be the weird neighbors that actually do it themselves.

So its only been three weeks, and I know there will be lots more things I'll need to get used to, so this post might have some follow ups.