Dear Utah

Dear Utah,
The time has come.  I am going to tell you unabashedly, without reservation, and without remorse or guilt - I like you.  If you were a facebook post, I'd "like" your status.  If you were a blog post, I'd comment on your fine features.  If you were a quote, I'd share you with others. If you were a photo, I'd  want a copy for my wallet.  You're OK.

I can't go so far as professing love, or even adoration.  That is reserved for my beloved Texas.   But you are well ahead of the game.  After fifteen years of New England life, our relationship never progressed beyond acceptance and cooperation - and compromise.  Sure, there was an inital honeymoon period and a joy in the novelty of snowy winters, colorful falls, and pleasant summers.  But it was still superficial.  I never felt acceptance, but for the sake of my children, it was tolerable.  Even so, it was floors above Southern California's rockin and rollin'.  California did have a redeeming factor in birthing Matthew.

So while you don't have the status of love and you certainly are not loathed, you are beyond compromise.  I think we're going to get along just fine.  The fact is has been the least snowiest December on record doesn't hurt a bit either.  You are friendly and sociable.  Only time will tell where this leads.  It definitely has promise.

Sincerely,
A Native Texan