Denver

It looks like I'll be staying in Denver.  It's too perfect here.  Got a job interview lined up, an apartment that I want, it's all coming together nicely.  Now I just have to get back to New York and get my stuff.

Denver

I've been in Denver for a few days now, and I have to say it's really awesome.  It has everything I'm looking for in a city.  I got a place here for two weeks, to investigate the job and housing market.  It's definitely a possibility that this trip will be cut short, and I'll stay here.  I'll keep you updated.

Oklahoma City

Here's something interesting: I plan on driving to Denver today from Austin, so last night I check the weather forecast.  Clear skies expected, except there's a little stuff on the radar around Austin, some light showers.  So it's a go.  I leave really early this morning, drive about 5 hours into Oklahoma, and BAM! there's a torrential downpour, and the landscape starts to resemble an ice field.  So, instead of heading all the way to Denver, I'm taking a break from driving and am holed up in a Ramada Inn here in Oklahoma City.  I check the weather again, and instead of some scattered showers over southern Texas, a big patch of color is covering the state of Oklahoma.  It looks like I'll be here today, and will continue the drive tomorrow.

Austin

The Good:  Erin has been very accommodating.  The nightlife is great with lots of live music, no cover charges, and cheap drinks.  I already know some people here in Austin, and the new people I've met have all been really nice.  The cost of living here is low.

The Bad:  The heat.  It's February and I've had a few days where I'm sweating bullets.  Even today, it's nice and cloudy (my favorite weather), but it's humid enough where I'm sweating.  I can't imagine what it's like in July.

New Orleans & Baton Rouge

Chris and I were in New Orleans for the beginning of Mardi Gras.  The city this time of year wasn't as crazy or as crowded as I thought it would be, which is a good thing.  We had a really great time, and I still consider N.O. to be one of my favorite vacation destinations.  Our hotel was right in the French Quarter, with easy access to everything we wanted to do.  We had tickets to a balcony party where we got free food, an open bar, and about 20 pounds of beads to throw to (or throw AT) party-goers on the street below.  I will not be moving there, but would definitely go back to visit again soon.

After dropping Chris off at the airport, it was a quick ride to the next city on the agenda: Baton Rouge.  Watching the Giants win the Super Bowl was great, and the next day we took Staci's daughter to the Baton Rouge Zoo: the most ghetto zoo in the country.  Although they did have a white tiger.  Speaking of tigers, we also visited LSU's campus and saw Mike, the school's mascot.  I'm here for a few more days then it's off to Austin, TX.