I Have Arrived.

We've now been living in Houston for a year and a half.  We have adjusted to the weather, and we have adjusted to the culture.  My two daughters walk around saying, "y'all" without even realizing it, because when you become immersed in a culture that says things like "fixin' tuh" and "all y'all", you pick up on things without being aware of it.  I now say "y'all" but I sound funny saying it.  I'm still a Minnesota girl who says "ooof-dah".

Chad was thrown in to his job immediately since his promotion was the reason why we uprooted our entire family.  He spent long days traveling in the car getting to know his clients (because nothing in Texas is "close"), and long hours at the office getting to know his new job.  He is still learning, but has obviously gotten his bearings by now.

With me not working for the first year, it was a blessing and a curse.  I enjoy Texas very much but never felt like I had a place.  I wasn't bringing in income, but I was getting things taken care of with regard to children appointments, schooling, and miscellaneous household responsibilities that nobody had a clue how to handle.

It's been two months at my new job, and now I can finally say, I have arrived.  I have arrived in Texas, I have arrived in life. 

This is what I have been waiting for.  This has made all of our hardships, struggles, and heartbreak worth it.  It isn't money, it isn't material things, it isn't being popular or good looking.  It isn't being fat, it isn't being thin, and it isn't being in a position of power.

It is inner peace.  It is being happy with what you have, not always looking for greener pastures.

I have arrived. 

I have a purpose, a sense of self worth.

It feels wonderful. 

(Cue Mary Tyler Moore theme song..."You're gonna make it after all!")