A reflection from Stereotypical Texas.

It's now been about 2.5 months since my move here, and most of it so far has fit the bill for what I signed up for.

The people here...they're hard working, salt-of-the-earth type people. They're a little rough around the edges, but many are full of passion and loyalty despite an admittedly small-town mentality. I can't be here forever. I'm too much of a city boy at heart. Being out here makes me appreciate big city living. I'll never take it for granted again.

On another note, Evernote is paying dividends on the organizational front. It's even started to mold a new way of thinking about planning ahead, especially to write up reminders and game plans. There's only one way to go from here: up.

2014 Resolution

Organization.

Based on the past few weeks living here in Odessa, I've realized how much time could be better allocated for all of my endeavors. I've been starting to use Evernote in my organizing efforts, and it's really changed how I look at my free time.

Seriously, looking towards a banner year.

Odessa take home point.

Land of Dairy Queen's.

Odessa living update.

I've been busy, so I'll keep this brief and somewhat formless:

• I have a good feel for Odessa now, but not really Midland. I'll have to spend some free time (when I get some) to explore when I can.
• I feel myself getting fat. It's atrocious...it could also be attributed to holiday eating. January will be a much different month.
• Work is busy. If it weren't for other things in life going on, I'd be a lot less stressed and I could dive in head first learning this job the right way. I'd say it's about what I expected, and really not all that bad. I can't see myself doing this forever though.

When I'm a little less busy, I'll start updating with more topics and stories of note.

Living in Odessa.

I did it. I survived my first week here.

Yep, that happened. Kind of wish I had a "warm" weather pic from earlier in the week.

Thankfully work stuff has kept me mostly busy with my time here thus far, so I suppose that's a good thing. Since I don't really have a narrative in mind, here's a few take home points from the previous week.

• Wow, this is really West Texas. I won't go as far as to say it's a complete culture shock, but it really is a small oilfield town.
• The weather fluctuations are even more ridiculous here. I spent time in 80 degree one day, and coming into the weekend I've had to scrape off ~1/2 inch thick ice off my car. Crazy.
• I have mixed feelings about the [free] temporary housing I'm staying at here. The (not so healthy) food is completely free, which is dangerous for me given my sometimes unchecked eating habits. My room is "cozy", and would likely feel suffocating if it were any smaller. The internet here is atrocious...I can't even load up simple websites without lag. But it's all free.
• Work is essentially what I expected it to be...so far. The people are generally nice, if not sometimes rough around the edges. Training out in the field is about to ramp up, and I'm anxious to learn more about this job.
• I've been trying to brainstorm what the hell to do around here in my spare time, which might be moot after I start heading out to field locations. It looks like I might be spending most of my time at the gym, movie theaters, and the local Starbucks (free WiFi).

I tried to get the best all-encompassing view of my room as possible...like I said, it's "cozy".

I'm coming back home to Houston for Thanksgiving weekend. Looking forward to food, football, and good times.

Well, that's all I can think of right now. Until next time.

Friday Night Lights.

Here they determined a standard of excellence for themselves...I can do the same.

Hello, Reader. It's been a while.

I took a job in Odessa, TX, which I'll start in less than 2 weeks. I took it as a great career move that offers much opportunity in both pay and experience, and I know it won't be forever. [I'm a city boy at heart.] The hours will be long and busy, but can be fulfilling. At worst, it's an short investment in a future that I'm trying to see and mold for myself. It won't be easy...but inevitably you have to embrace change, battle complacency, and try to build character to become the best version of yourself.

As with my writing rebirth from my brief stint in San Antonio, I'll take this opportunity to revive this blog yet again. I'll let you know what's going on with me, so you won't be in the dark. I'll be in the middle of nowhere, but I won't be alone. You all will be with me in some way...in both my heart and my thoughts.

Wish me luck.