I was born into a military family which meant I was destined to move around for most of my childhood. I can still remember uprooting and moving to Alabama in the 5th grade just when my awkward phase was really coming into play. The first day of school I wore a "skort" and a bow the size of a Buick in my hair; an outfit my classmates still remembered (and mocked) in High School. But, I survived the moves and even pursued a career that would have me packing my bags quite a bit.

Right after college, I left Alabama and headed to south Texas. Two years later, I said goodbye to Texas and headed back to the place I was born, Wichita.

There's no doubt being a military brat has made moving easier for me, but relocating to a new state alone is still pretty scary. The first few months I'm just trying to find my way around without getting lost every day. Plus, moving away from friends and family into a city where I know absolutely no one can be very lonely at first! (I highly recommend adopting a cat to help out there.)

I've been be here three months now, and I can honestly say relocating to Kansas was a breeze. I expected it would take much longer to settle in, make a few friends, and really start to enjoy my new town; but I felt at home in Wichita within the first two weeks. Everyone I have met has been warm, welcoming, and friendly. I'm still shocked that people I pass in the grocery store or in the park actually smile and wave to me, a complete stranger!

I've found plenty to do here too, I love the parks and running trails, the zoo, and the IMAX theater is pretty cool. So even though I've yet to see a single wet parka contest around town, I'd have to agree with Jimmy Kimmel. Wichita is pretty Wichitawesome.

Here's the tourism ad from Jimmy Kimmel, just in case you haven't seen it yet.