You are one of the most underrated cities in America. Yes, you are full of ozone warnings, concrete, traffic, oil people, inordinate wealth juxtaposed with abject poverty, and aggressive drivers, but you have been an amazing home to me for nine years of my life.

And what a nine years those have been. I moved here to be part of the educational reform movement for economically disadvantaged children at KIPP, I met my husband at the Astrodome while we were tutoring evacuees from Hurricane Katrina, we bought our first home in the historic Heights just north of downtown, we harbored chickens illegally in our backyard, and we welcomed little Henry

My birthday’s coming up on February 9! (Just in case you’re curious, I’m turning 34.)

It’s time to start planning my birthday party. This year, I want to be one-step ahead in the planning department (hello Halloween costume designing in August…). Besides, before I know it, it’s going to be time to start planning Henry’s birthday (February 28).

So, this year poses a bit of a challenge. We are probably moving to Austin at the end of January. I have a couple friends in Austin, but the thought of throwing myself a birthday party and inviting a couple friends doesn’t sound appealing (mainly because that’s what I did last year).

Actually, that’s a misnomer. It will feel like I’m vacation to those of you who frequent this here blog, but I’m actually going to be too busy to post. My book deadline (about how to plan a meaningful and memorable wedding without losing your savings or sanity) is January 1. Although I wrote 55,000+ words a couple years ago while I was looking for an agent, I still have to devote massive time and energy toward finishing the last 10,000 words and revising and reorganizing the whole thing.

Plus, we’ll be traveling to see both families this year. We’ll drive to Florida to see my family (in the Tampa and