SIZE MATTERS

This week I am dog/house sitting in the burbs of Houston and my commute to work is a BEAST. It's an hour atleast one way, giving me a lot of time to think.

Houston is too big. I like to feel like I really know a city, that I could get around it if I had to, and point out different neighborhoods on a map. No way I could even begin to understand ALL of Houston. I grew up in "Houston". An hour away from the city that is...and it's still Houston, unicorporated of course.

When I was at UT I would often be asked or hear someone else be asked that opening line question, "where are you from?" A huge chunk of longhorns (hook em' horns) are from Houston, which inevitably brings up the next question, "oh which part?" Answers: cypress, sugarland, pearland, katy, league city, memorial, river oaks, the heights, etc. etc.

It's hard for me to see how a city can have a flavor, a personality, a schtick, or a thing when it encompasses so much land and different areas. How could I ever say I knew a lot about Houston or that I know what Houston is all about?

I guess the trick is to embrace it, it is what it is right? Everything IS bigger in Texas I hear. To feel like a real, involved Houstonian you have to find your niche, which isn't easy in a city as big as Houston. I think it's best to stick to a neighborhood and know it well. Know the people, know the local restaurants and shops, the bars, and the culture of your little place. Then you can start exploring, and don't waste your time on an area that doesn't suit you.

I often feel overwhelmed when I think about trying to be "someone" is this city. How do I sparkle in a city of cement?

too early to tell...