Worth it

January 2024

I love when I can exploit a long layover. I had a 14 hour layover in Taipei, and of course I left the airport. After I checked in at my Airbnb, I asked the host for a dinner recommendation. He suggested the night market, and there I went. I was a little frustrated at first because I couldn't figure out what was not meat since I couldn't talk at the stalls due to the language barrier and they only took cash. Google Translate was my best friend. Once I found an ATM, I let my senses lead me, and I picked up so many delicious snacks. I found a table and enjoyed trying all the new food before walking back to my room.

Not pictured: watermelon juice, salt pepper and seaweed churros, and baked tofu

Shrimp in quail eggs

Stinky tofu with fried egg

Veggie crepe

Night market

Salt pepper and seaweed churro

Back to the beginning

I was born and raised in Dallas, TX. When it was time to pick a college, I wanted to go as far away as I could. Not because home was bad. I just wanted to spread my wings and see what else was out there for me beyond the familiar. I chose to attend Florida A&M University. I interned in Clear Lake (Houston), Detroit, and Manhattan while at FAMU. I finally saw real snow on a student ski trip in West Virginia, and I explored other cities near Tallahassee on weekend trips and football classics. I graduated with my MBA and landed a job in Houston.

I knew I would eventually return home, and that time has come. After living through nearly 25 hurricane seasons, I'm done. I'm moving back to Big D. People always ask me which city is better - Houston or Dallas. My response is always, "I can't compare because I've never lived in Dallas as an adult. "  (Give me a couple of years to adjust, and I'll give a better response.) Even though my foundation was in Dallas, I truly became an adult in Houston. I bought new, adult furniture (everything was used or plastic before). I bought a house. I bought and sold cars. I loved and experienced heartbreak in Houston. I used my passport for the 1st of many international trips from Houston. I began my professional career, networked, and led organizations in Houston. I unexpectedly became a dog mom in Houston. I became a runner in Houston.  I began my motherhood journey in Houston. I formed my chosen family. I found a home at The Harvest. I created a life in Houston.

I moved a lot when I was younger, and I've been in my current house for 16 years. It's my first time living in a place for so long. I can't say that I'm excited about moving. I just know it's time. I'm moving to be closer to my parents. I know that I'm doing the right thing for the right reasons. However, it has been challenging both physically and emotionally.

I'm selling my house and looking for a new house. I will keep my current job and work from the Dallas office. I have to find new doctors for me and my dog, new favorite restaurants, a church, my tribe, etc. 

I'm starting a brand new chapter. Every adventure and every experience has prepared me to be successful in this moment.

Where have you been?

I recently saw a story about a 79-year old woman who visited all 193 UN member states.  That's a great feat for her, which should be celebrated.  I don't have that goal.  I just want to continue exploring the world my way.  So far, I've visited 30 countries outside the US.

 I plan to update my country map with each new location that I visit.