A few weeks ago I received a call from a headhunter, offering me a position that would provide about a 25% increase in salary, plus bonuses. He said they had positions currently available in all of the major Texas cities. I asked if that included Lubbock, and he said no. The cities he considered to be major included DFW, Houston, Austin and San Antonio. I thanked him for his interest and politely declined.
Crazy? I had to ask myself that question. But the past few mornings on the High Plains have made me realize I definitely made the right choice. Say what you want about Lubbock, but I defy you to show me a better place to spend the Fall. Yes, winters can be cold and blustery. Spring will tear the paint off your car with sandstorms, and Summer can be blistering hot. But Fall...it just cannot be beat.
When I was a younger man, I considered the Winter Solstice to be the first day of Summer, because the days would be getting longer, and the long party days of Summer would soon be here. Then, in late June, when the Summer Solstice would appear, I would be hit with a wave of dread, knowing the days would get shorter and all I could do was wait for late December.
Now, the Autumnal Equinox is the day I look forward to every year. Soon, the mowing I started out loving, but grew to hate would finally end. The golf course would be empty of fair weather golfers, leaving its pristine beauty for me and my fellow dew-busters. Strolling out into the back yard, late at night to move the water, I am struck by the sheer wonder of Fall on the High Plains. Crystal clear skies, cool temperatures and the feeling of how truly blessed I am to be where I am, when I am.
Keep your money headhunter...I sincerely love wading about in the mediocre pond that is Lubbock. Yes Virginia, there truly is more to life than money.
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Um... Rhode Island comes to mind for autumn's best. Nothing beats the winding country Norman Rockwell roads, scarlet and gold leaves set against a big, blue New England sky... with a gentle breeze. The air is crisp and clean, almost minty, and just cool enough to inspire a sweater and light, affectionate arm about your shoulder, but not cool enough to be uncomfortable. The leaves wafting down and the quiet "shhhhhh" of the breeze. Woodland creatures busy with last minute details of preparation because... winter is coming. (Okay... couldn't resist for all you Game of Thrones fans out there... and yes, I am Stark.)
Ah... there just isn't any thing like October in Rhode Island. I visited Rhode Island once during my birthday when I lived back east. I continue to long for a return visit.
Sorry Elaine, I should have been more specific. I meant it is hard to beat West Texas for Fall in the Republic of Texas. I ain't going to no foreign country for any season.
Are you actually from Texas?
“Life in Lubbock, Texas, taught me two things: One is that God loves you and you're going to burn in hell. The other is that sex is the most awful, filthy thing on earth and you should save it for someone you love.”
Butch Hancock
Great Quote, Al.
Er, make that "grate".
Do you still have the headhunter's phone number?
Thank you for the cred Speed.
Sorry for the late post on this one. I have to say I totally agree that you made the right decision, but for the wrong reason. God bless anyone who can find something grate about one of the most forsaken, barren, harsh, featureless stretches of bad road in the world.
To me, the real redeeming factor of the South Plains is (or is it are?) the people who share that miserable experience with you. I plucked a gem out of Muleshoe and still consider you flatlander's as some of my best friends, despite the fact I find it hard to imagine I would ever visit Lubbock again, on purpose...
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