Back to the Midwest

Life never quite follows our plans, does it? Moving back to the midwest was certainly not in my plans. I grew up in Wisconsin, spent about a year in Texas with the military, back to WI, then out to California where I lived for 13 years.

I loved California - I had a great social network, the weather was awesome, I loved the hills, mountains, and scenery, and the riding scene out there was perfect. However, the cost of living, crime, and traffic were turn offs, but the cost of living was really starting to kill me. I was living barely beyond paycheck to paycheck, and pretty much HAD to work multiple jobs and live in situations I really didn't like in order to have any fun money available.

When work moved their headquarters, I had an opportunity to move with them. Since our Landlord was likely selling where we were living, and I was simply priced out of the area, I weighed my options and decided a move to Texas would ultimately be the wiser choice.

I arrived in Dallas on June 1. My money goes a lot further here as I'm already finding out. My commute is pretty easy, and my living conditions/situation is a million times better, and no roommates! I don't mind Dallas weather for the most part (could do without the storms, but I know that's part of the territory), but I do miss my hills.

I also miss my social network - I know I'll build a new one here, but it's just not the same as being around the people you've known for years. The trust, inside jokes, and ability to rely on people all has to be rebuilt, and that's never fun.

When it comes to my health and fitness, however, the move has removed all my old excuses. I have easy access to fitness centers, a great kitchen where I'm not tripping over roommates and fighting for space or a clean dish or food storage, and with my easy commute, I have time. Shoot, there's even plenty of room in my house to work out if I don't want to walk the block down to the fitness center.

Even for my racing I think the move will be good - it will force me to learn new tracks, quickly, and to go fast in a short amount of time. This is something I need to learn and do, and this is basically forcing me to do that. I also won't be coming in with preconceived/subconscious ideas on the time it takes to go from point A to B on these tracks which I also believe will ultimately help me.

I'm still going to miss a lot about California, and hope to maybe be able to return someday, but in the meantime, will appreciate what I have here and the financial stability that it comes with.