Toronto to Texas

For those of you who don't already know this little Canadian girl is moving far down south to Austin Texas in March 2014. The change is bittersweet, but mostly sweet.

I'll be sad to leave all of my friends and family here in Ontario, but the great things that await me are more than enough to make up for it. Mostly because I know that the ones who count will make time to visit me in my new hot spot!

You might be asking why Texas, or why Austin...or both! Well I'll tell you a couple of reasons why:

#1. I'm a Canadian born American citizen. What I mean by this is, I was born in Canada to my Mother (Canadian) and Father (American) and have dual citizenship. I have always been more patriotic and proud of my American roots. Not that I can say a single bad thing about Canada, I really can't. Canada is goooood. But deep in my core my connection is to the USA. What state is more "All American" than Texas????

#2. I've been dreaming of Cowboys for years. And they've got an abundance of them!!

#3. Winter in Texas does not mean the same thing as it does in Ontario. They don't bundle in Parkas where I'm going, they have no need for woolly socks, snow shoes, or or winter boots. And that makes me happier than you can imagine. I'm not cut out for the cold. Their January is our October and their October is our August. However....their August is like something we've never experienced. It gets hotter than hell and I maaayyy sweat to death. But that's something I'm willing to risk.

#4. On a more serious note, the more I read about Austin Texas the more I feel it's suited just perfectly for me. A big city of only 1 million people. Which is small in comparison to Toronto, and Houston (which was our other option for a Texas city). The city of Austin is so alive, with the drive and energy from the University. Friday night lights is a true religion here and people come by the bus loads to see the Longhorns play.

The people of Austin are sweet and live freely. They are upbeat, happy and of a free spirited mindset. Austin has a slogan that goes like "Keep Austin Weird". They value the little things, boutique shops, one of a kind things and dancing in the street. True liberals! It's one of the few cities in the Republican state that has a liberal point of view.

It's surrounded by water. Something I've become accustom to living in the Golden Horseshoe my entire life. I grew up on the lake, a big one mind you. But still seeing water is a luxury that not all people have. Situated right on the Colorado River the city is beautiful and picturesque.

From an economical standpoint Austin has promise. Since 2000 the city has been growing. With corporate moguls like Dell, HP, Facebook, 3M and Apple being just a few of the companies with presence in Austin, it's a great place for young professionals.

I'm excited to soon be able to call this place my home. My intuition is telling me that it will be a good move, with lots of opportunities and a great change.

So there you have it March 1, 2014 I become an Austinite.