Top ten reasons why Houston is better than DC:
1. Abundance of cheap Mexican food
2. BBQ. Like, reeeeal BBQ.
3. Apparently you can surf in Galveston…sometimes. That’s what I’ve heard, anyways.
4. Average temperature for the month of December is 53.5ºF, which is still considered “flip-flop weather”. Washington, on the other hand, is 35.4ºF. (I’m from SoCal, OK? I can’t stand cold weather)
5. Number of self-important assholes is significantly lower
6. If you are stuck in a fire, these dudes rescue you
7. It’s a few hours closer to California (but Continental please bring back year-round service to Palm Springs!)
8. My SUV fits in very well. Actually, compared to everyone else’s vehicle, mine is small.
9. There are lots of parks and trees, and stuff.
10. Cost of living is ridiculously cheap compared to DC. A one bedroom apartment with all the amenities, located in a neighborhood where 14 year olds aren’t killing each other, costs less than what I pay now. Whoa.
I compiled this list last Sunday, on my return flight from IAH to DCA. Laura and I flew to Houston to visit Ann, who recently moved there to start a new job. I know what you’re thinking…”What the…who visits Houston for fun?” Well, I’m always looking to get away from DC as often as possible, and I had a great time last year when I traveled there for work and stayed over for a weekend with a former LSE classmate. So what the hell, why not visit again?
We went to Galveston. There are lots of oil rigs and stuff there, and really good peanut butter. I was, however, disappointed when I walked into a “surf shop” and there were NO SURFBOARDS. Huh.
Later that night we watched the Astros beat the Pirates at Minute Maid Park, which is still the most bizarre ballpark I’ve ever visited. Great chili cheese dogs, though.
So there’s this train, right? And when the Astros hit a home run it chugs down this length of track. Totally cute. I will not disclose which member of our group stated, “Ohhhh, I just realized why the train is filled with oranges.” One wonders what the train was filled with when the ballpark was named Enron Field. Probably cash stolen from the citizens of the Great State of California. But I digress…
Seventh inning stretch and sing along to Texas propaganda
I realize ice cream sundaes in mini helmets are for 5 year olds, but I can’t pass them up…come on, it’s ICE CREAM in a MINI HELMET, how effin’ sweet is that?! This is also the only photo you will ever see of two die hard Cardinals fans (Laura and Ann) wearing any sort of Astros gear.
We don’t have these signs at Angel stadium
On Sunday we met up with Cindy for some BBQ at Hickory Hollow. We were roommates back at GW, and she now works in The Woodlands (yeah, capital T or whatever, just like The George Washington University).
Yes, it was delicious
Me, Laura, Ann, Cindy
Overall, it was an incredibly relaxing weekend of baseball, reconnecting with old friends, and clogging my arteries with excellent food. I admit that I am still rather conflicted about the possibility of moving there, though. While I was waiting for my return flight to DC, my mom called me to see what I had been up to lately.
“Nothing much, just waiting for my flight back to DC.”
“Oh, that’s right, you’re in Houston. So are you going to move there?”
“I dunno, I don’t think so…I like it here a lot more than DC, but it’s not California, ya know.”
Then again, nothing ever will be.
From Linda:
Ok, #6…..Yeah! Houston can’t be ALL bad!!
From boris:
Minute maid is peculiar. What is up with the hill in center field? That has accident written all over it. Good thing Houston isnt very good this year.
From Ann:
(This is also the only photo you will ever see of two die hard Cardinals fans (Laura and Ann) wearing any sort of Astros gear.)
Damn straight! Great entry. Now I’m craving Hickory Hollow again… *sigh*
I gotta figure out when I’m coming to DC!
From Cindy:
I was so glad we could meet up while you were here
Next time you’re in Houston on a Saturday, we must go on the Brewery Tour and then out for the best Wings in town (Wings ‘n Things)!
From W. Shedd:
Interesting post about Houston. I seem to recall reading it had the greatest obesity rate in the US, which might explain all the SUVs that are bigger than yours!
Cute pictures – I like the Halliburton one, and last one with your friends. You’re all in similar style, but different colored tops – like a team of super heroes!
From Laura:
Um yea, I’ll admit it… it was me. We don’t need stupid gimmicky things like trains at my ballpark. Just give me fireworks and I’ll be just fine when my boys hit their home runs. The only good thing about the Astros is Craig Biggio.
From Lindsay:
Wow, apparently I need to blog about Houston more often…
Linda – See, Houston’s got something for everyone!
Boris – The hill out there puzzles me as well. I really don’t see the point at all and am always expecting some outfielder to run smack into the pole.
Ann – You definitely need to come out to DC again…and dude, you can drive like right down the street whenever you want more Hickory Hollow!
Cindy – good to see you again…and you know me, I’m always up for a brewery tour!
Wally – funny you should mention the tops…my friend Laura and I always have a bizarre tendency to pack similar clothes whenever traveling together, without even knowing it…we have to do a bit of coordination now so that we don’t end up traipsing about Eastern Europe dressed in the exact same clothes.
Laura – Well, glad you admitted it was you who made the comment re: the oranges…I was all set to keep it a secret.