Preparing For The Move To Texas

Following years of unfortunate separation, I reunited with my wife and two children twelve months ago. We’ve been enjoying a long-distance relationship between Colorado and Texas for the past year. Every few weeks, I fly to Houston and spend a few days down south with my family. Global Pandemic be damned, I’m not scared to travel.

In the near future, I’ll be moving to Texas. In preparation for this move, I’m wrapping up business here in Denver. I’ve moved nearly everything into storage, keeping just the essentials needed for survival. You know, stuff for work and my toothbrush.

I’m currently searching for employment close to Houston. I won’t move until I’ve finished locking down a job with medical benefits. Whether I travel for the interview or use Zoom, I’ll do whatever it takes to secure employment before I leave. The job market in the Houston area is well stocked.

If you’ve been reading my blog for any length of time, you may already know I graduated from probation and outpatient drug therapy one year ago. I’ve been sober for nearly three years, but my drug history is extensive. I’m a well-documented professional drug addict. Part of my preparations involved moving out of the house I’d rented for two years. To keep things simple, I decided to move back into a Sober Living House until it was time to relocate to Texas. The rent isn’t bad, and I have a solid connection to the Sober Community through my history with Drug Court.

How many people do you know who would make such a decision? Eight roommates, sobriety, curfew, rules, chores, meetings, and so many personalities. My commitment to my sobriety and my family is what matters. It’s not that bad anyway. Besides, there are so many exciting things to write about. I’ll begin with this tomorrow. One of my roommates just tested positive for COVID-19.

Joseph Shanklin

September 11, 2021