I've never had a strong desire to start a blog...until I moved to Texas (which for the record was a week ago). I've always felt like putting the time into one should produce something consistently fabulous and that the blogosphere was saturated with people doing just that. As the past 7 days have gone by, at least one experience a day, has caused me to say out loud (whether or not I had an audience) one or more of the following phrases: "Are you serious?! Where am I?? "Only in Texas." "Wow, this is too good." and "You can't make this stuff up." Figured now's as good a time as any to share the love and blog about this very unexpected adventure I've signed up for. I owe these stories to you, to someone, trust me.
Some context - I've lived in Manhattan for 7 years, with an interlude in sunny San Diego and exotic international destinations in between. Being a California native, I've never considered myself to be a "Yankee", until I began interviewing with several west coast companies, including many in my blessed Bay Area and heard them (or felt them) say, "So you're the city girl, the New Yorker right?" I don't want to step on any "real" New Yorker's toes, I'm aware of the 10 year policy, but I will say with my professional development shaped in New York City, the northeast has certainly rubbed off on me, whether or not I noticed it. And I'm certainly feeling it here in Texas, a state I've respected from afar, but never seen myself living in. I've worked with Texans and loved all of them, I've had many a layover in Mr. Bush's airport, had the pleasure of visiting the charming and eccentric Austin, but never had I seen myself here, certainly not so soon. And not in Houston.
But thanks to a professional journey I dreamt up this summer, here I am. As a friend of a friend told me, after I expressed my admiration for Texans strong culture and opinions (whether or not I agree with them all is another story), "Well Mala, at least you're moving to a place they write songs about." And there you have it folks! This may be the one commonality between California, New York, and Texas. Isn't it a magical one?
Let the adventure begin, I hope you enjoy these moments as moments as much as I have.
Mala, I just read all of your adventures and am cracking up and loving. Please keep posting, I need to know more about the great country, er state, that now claims you. My favorite sister in law lives in Houston (Sugar something, by Katy), if you ever need a home cooked meal and 6 kids running around...
ReplyDeleteSara! It's been so long. So glad you got a kick out of these, figured they deserved a little attention because I can't believe half of them really happened. Would love to meet your sis in law - what's her name?
ReplyDeleteBest idea ever. I am loving every one of these adventures...all 10 of them so far. I can't believe you've been able to write so much. I'm so happy that you started a blog...it's one step closer to your very own talk show.
ReplyDeleteShayna and talk show is what we're going for obviously. Entertainment for the masses...or something like that. Thanks for reading! :)
ReplyDeleteAs a 10-year converted New Yorker and someone who knows Mala's heart I'll allow myself to speak for the others and attest that Mala Grewal is a solid New Yorker, even those few years in between she never really "left," and no matter where she lives she will always have New York in her heart!
ReplyDelete"Being a New Yorker is a state of mind, not a matter of birth." -anna wintour -vogue feb. 2013 I love this and I can't wait to read about all the adventures. God Bless Texas and you of course too!
ReplyDeletetake the security setting off too you gotta type a code in to leave a comment :(
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