Topic 1: Living in Washington D.C. vs. Living in Houston (DAD)

Dad's first topic suggestion was "Why don't you talk about living in Washington D.C. versus living in Houston." This topic is absolutely appropriate as next week will be my 1-year anniversary of being back in Houston.

Following Hurricane Katrina, one of my best friends, Meg V. and I decided to head up to the East Coast. Moving to Washington D.C. was the best decision I have ever made in my life. I learned so much about myself, the real world, and most importantly, met Greg. It was such a neat experience.

In a matter of 24 months I saw:
- the President of the United States and the First Lady each 3 different times (and Laura was in the same outfit twice...got to love that!)
- the Pope riding down Pennsylvania Avenue in the Pope Mobile
- the Queen of England's motorcade
- Marine One land on the South Lawn of the White House multiple times (and each time was cooler than the last...)
- multiple current and former cabinet members (including Colin Powell, Madeline Albright, and Margaret Spellings)
- Ted Kennedy, Justice Scalia, Justice Roberts, and George Stephanopolis
- and sat on the South Lawn of the White House and watched President Bush honor the LSU football team for winning the National Championship.

For a politics junkie like myself it was fascinating, exciting, and energizing. Washington is a city like no other city in the world, and a beautiful one at that. I loved driving to work across the Potomac...passing the White House and the mall. I remember during my first few days in D.C., when my mom was helping me get settled, we saw the Capital lit up and night and she asked me, "Do you think there will ever come a day that you don't think that is cool?" That day never came, I was always intrigued by the beauty, power, and splendor of it all. I was always moved when I would drive down G.W. Parkway and see Arlington Cemetery. I truly think one of the most breathtaking views in the world is to be in a left window seat on a flight coming into Washington Reagan at night.

My favorite place in Washington is the Jefferson Memorial. I love its strong, simple, architecture. I was so lucky to get engaged at one of the most beautiful landmarks in our country.

I loved being in Washington, but I was living a different life than a Southern girl was accustomed too. A life that involved high rent, public transportation, and often no easy way to get from point A to point B. I never liked riding the metro (for a multitude of reasons), so I often drove my car to work, and paid a high price to do so.

All of this being said, after Greg and I got engaged, we decided that our time in D.C. would soon be ending, and that we were ready for the South. After a few months of debating, we decided that Houston would be the best spot for us.

So Dad, to answer your question, it is pretty hard to compare D.C. and Houston. D.C. was an experience and an adventure, but Houston is home. While I do see Bush 41 from time to time around H-town, the excitement of Washington D.C. is irreplaceable. Seeing a helicopter fly over here is normally for Channel 13, not POTUS.

BUT, that being said, Houston has many things D.C. could never offer. First and foremost, MEXICAN FOOD!!!! YUM! Greg and I eat Mexican food at least once a week now...just because we can. Second of all, you can drive everywhere. I mean EVERYWHERE. And I love that. Zipping up to my job and parking in my free parking space is the best thing EVER. Third, WOW it is so much cheaper. Last but not least, being able to see your closest friends and family whenever you want is such a luxury that you do not realize you have until you are far away. I love being able to stop by my parents house after school, or grab dinner with my sister or one of my best girlfriends. I love being able to grab a drink at my favorite bar, running into people I know when I am running errands, and not having to wear a heavy coat during the winter. Will we be in Houston forever? Who knows. I learned a long time ago that life sometimes throws you big time changes you never can expect. So for the time being I am just enjoying being close to those that I love.

So do I miss the cold crisp air, changing leaves, and motorcades? Certainly. But, there is always a 3 hour Continental flight to take me right back to that great place. And as Dorothy once said, "There is no place like home."