As some of you know, I recently made the trek from just outside Birmingham, AL to El Paso, TX. My husband was offered several duty assignments, which included, FT Benning, GA, Alaska, FT Riley, KS, Korea, Ft Irwin, CA and FT Bliss, TX --- we reviewed the pros and cons of each assignment and duty location and found our best scenerio to call "home" (for at least 3-7 years) in El Paso, TX....or, FT Bliss!
Many friends and even some family were confused by our choice, but looking at our options, we felt the best place to raise our daughter, a climate I can train in year-round and a duty assignment to help catapult my husband's career, was in Texas. I mean, let's me honest, yes, Alaska would've been gorgeous...but, how many months could I actually train on my bike outside?!?!
Well - it'll be 1 month this Sunday since I've arrived to our new casa, so, I've gotten a pretty decent "lay of the land", feel for the people, taste for the climate - that is why I can feel comfortable to give you my "PROS and CONS" list of El Paso/FT Bliss, TX!
ENJOY!
Pros:
Very Friendly atmosphere...haven't met one person that has been rude to me, or treated me with disrespect.
Cons:
Driving on post is ULTRA SLOW --- I think 35 MPH is the max?!?!
Pros:
Weather has thus far been quite pleasant - it's chilly in the morning (December), but quickly warms up and you can be out on your bike taking off layers by 8-9am!
Cons:
I heard Mar/Apr is the windy season...dust, sand storms, tumble-weed -- yippee!
Pros:
My husband is happy he's back serving in the Army and my daughter goes to a great private school and she is getting a phenomenal education
Cons:
My dogs have a smaller backyard than in Alabama!
Pros:
The on-post pool is 50 meters, 8 lanes and open 7 days a week...new gym is 60,000 sq ft and has state-of the art equipment...even a TRX room!
Cons:
The pool is 50 meters...that's a long way to go before you "flip"!
Pros:
I have been introduced to some great people in the tri community here and swim with some friendly guys at noon on Wed who have been nothing but welcoming!
Cons:
I miss my training buddies in Bham...God I miss you guys!
Pros:
The roads here have SHOULDERS --- amazing concept that Bham has yet to implement
Cons:
Seems to be a lot of glass out there...what is up with all the smashed beer bottles?!?!? And why wasn't I invited to that party?
Pros:
I have extra time to spend with family and take care of my home since I no longer teach spin classes at Gold's Gym or the YMCA.
Cons:
I dearly miss my clients from the above gyms - you guys really made me feel like I was afforded the opportunity to help change, cultivate and add a POSITIVE impact onto your lives...and for that, I will forever be grateful!
Till next time - be good! Santa's watching!!!
Cheers!
Jess
Me and my agent, but more importantly GREAT friend!
Jess and Amanda
Swimming in Lake Taupo, New Zealand
"How sweet it is!"
Crossing the finish line
Representing 'Ol Glory!!!
4 comments:
I am so jealous of roads with shoulders. Ran down Hwy 17 recently and would have loved even a small one.
Ma'am!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Is me your Old Soldier!!! SSG Lorna Nichols-Urbano!!!!! I just seeing you on ESPN!!!!!!!!! OMG!!!!! You still at it!!!!! You are so my SheRo!!!! Look for me I'm still in!!!!!! Tell Jake to look me up!!!!!
We moved here 11 years ago and today are VERY SORRY. The medical care is is substandard. For instance there are 10 pulmonologists as compared to 58 in Tucson. Tucson is smaller by a few thousand people. There are ONLY 3 hand surgeons in El Paso. You don't think about these thinks when you come to a place like this but in hindsight you should. There is a treatment called Cyberknife. It has been approved in the U.S. for 12 years. The closest one to El Paso is Phoenix (7 hours). I can' wait to move from this s hole city.
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