My first post, relocation and living in the RGV.

So I'm living in the RGV. Some may be wondering what is the RGV? The RGV is what locals call the Rio Grande Valley. The Rio Grande Valley is located about as far south as you can get in Texas without applying for a passport.

I arrived in Texas on Oct 19th and spent a week in Dallas before heading down to the RGV. I spent three weeks trying my luck bidding on last minute hotel specials on Priceline.com. My favorites are Las Palmas and the Marriot Residence Inn. My least favorite was the Ramada Limited. Limited being the service, the cleanliness, and my desire to stay there longer than I had too. On the other hand it was the least expensive.

A couple weeks ago I moved into the corporate housing unit. I know it sounds fancy when you combine corporate and housing in the same sentence so let me clear it up. It works like this, the relocation company finds a three bedroom apartment, sets up the utilities, calls rentacenter gets several twin beds and one double bed, a small table with four chairs, a TV and DVD player with out a remote, a small couch and non-reclining recliner and says enjoy this luxurious gated community. From now on when you hear Corporate Housing I want you to associate it with a Refugee Camp.

Things I've learned about relocation:

1. You say, "I need a four bedroom unit" They say "that shouldn't be a problem" what they mean, "three bedrooms and a fold out cot should do nicely."

2. They say, "We're here to make this a smooth transition." What they mean is you're on your own.

3. You respond to questions about when you'd like your vehicle shipped. They never respond. You respond again by email and voicemail. They still do not respond. You respond again telling them that if you do not hear by Friday you will road trip the car on your own. You drive 25 hours straight through breaking several long standing land speed records not to mention the record for the greatest amount of caffeine consumed in a day. Monday you get a call from the vehicle transport company to schedule a pickup.

4. Your Boss asks "who is your assigned rep from the relocaiton company?" You respond and he says, "I'm sorry to hear that, she's terrible."

This may look like the entryway to my "Corporate Housing Unit," but I call it a really small garage.

This is a wonderful shot of my multi-purpose room, i.e. living room, family room, theater room and guest bed room should anyone dare to visit.

Bedroom 1&2

This is my formal dining area. Not sure if it will seat seven.

Tune in next time for more on the RGV and life in Texas.