As we enter our third January in Houston (it's only been two years, but it's our third January), I'd like to make a confession that I've come to realize over the last two years: I don't particularly like Houston. I am still floored that we left all of our family and friends in Minnesota to start a new life for our family. It has had its ups and downs, for sure.
One thing I can be certain of, is that our main goal of upgrading our quality of life has been accomplished. We have a nicer house and a better income to provide for our family. But I've decided that Houston is a huge city with strong Mexican roots and culture, and while that is dandy for people who are born and raised here, it isn't always fun for me.
I just rehashed a bunch of stuff that I've already posted on this site: miss home, but careers going well, blah, blah, blah. Decided to delete it since it's just a bunch of regurgitated stuff. More of the same.
So here's what's new:
We got a puppy in early December. Her name is Clara Belle, we call her Clara. We stuck with the "C" theme, although I swore we didn't have to do that anymore, we did it anyway. She was born approximately 9/30/15 - she is a rescue puppy so we aren't exactly certain of her birth date. She's extremely sassy and barks and plays rough. She doesn't leave the older dog, Cali, alone - constantly nips at her and wants to play. Cali has always been a skittish dog and does not assert herself as the alpha, so the puppy has become the alpha. She's a shit and some days it is hard to like her. However, she is a really smart dog - I think her breed of being part German Shepard, part Labrador Retriever works in her favor for the smarts. We put some bells by the back door and she knows to nudge the bells with her nose or paw to ring the bells when she wants to go outside. She is potty trained, which is half the battle. However, being such a young puppy, she still wakes up at the crack of down and is ready to eat and play. There is no sleeping in anymore at the Nelson household. I know it will get better the older she gets, so we are just biding our time until she grows.
Courtney is in the process of trying to reenroll at a college. I have my fingers and toes crossed that all will work out for her. She deserves it. She's a great kiddo that hasn't deserved some things that has gotten thrown her way.
Carly is focusing on entering her last semester of high school. Her plans are to go to a local community college after graduation. Right now we are entering nationals season with cheer and are trying to get through that. We won't see the end of that until March.
Corbin is in the process of withdrawing from public school again and reentering into online school. It's a constant battle with him and all parties involved, especially Corbin, is at wits end. Wish I had better news to report on that front, but I don't.
2016 is starting off with a lot of STRESS. I am hoping it gets better!!!
