JJB

Fran - There are lots of cockroaches in places like Florida and Hawaii, too, and people flock there and think nothing of it. Personally, I hardly ever see one.

Malcolm

If you need any further proof that the sun has set, this is it. Gone are the days when Brits adventurously trekked out to all points of the world, and became a cosmopolitan civilization. Now we're afraid of cockroaches! Does anyone really think that a city the size of Houston has nothing to recommend it?

corporate

Tina, you said your husband's American company looks favorably upon those employees who are willing to do a stint in the U.S.

Let me clue you in here. American companies will often hold the carrot on a stick, implying that if you do their bidding and suffer through it, you will reap rewards in the future. This is often not the case.

I used to work for a division of one of the largest corporations in America, and they used the carrot on stick lure all the time. They wanted their managers to endure a certain amount of "combat time" (i.e., live and work in one of the many overpriced, decaying urban centers in the U.S.) in order to be considered for promotion. Most managers either refused or left the company, because like you, they had families to consider. Those who did succumb to the promise found themselves permanently trapped in the urban centers because no one else would agree to live and work there.

The moral of the story: never believe a n American company which promises future rewards for present suffering. The future seems to arrive! You have made the right decision. Stay in England (do you live in St. Albans, BTW?)

kk

Malcom in the UK--what an interesting point of view! You are so right. What a turn of events.
And thank you for the implied compliment and sanity about Houston.
Do come visit some day. Cheers, Kay Kendall (if you are of a certain age, you will recall the wonderful English actress of that name)

k

Oops, sorry, Malcolm, for the typo above in spelling your name.
It was all those cockroaches nibbling on my fingertips as I typed that kept me from keying in your name properly!

John

This is a serious question. Read Tina’s post again. It’s not just her life, but also her kids’, and a whole pattern of relationships, work, personal history, relatives, the lot. I have numerous friends who’ve moved over an ocean for employment opportunities, and the success of their and their families’ adaptation to a new environment is a mixed bag. One friend moved with his family from San Francisco to the Persian Gulf – weather like Houston’s but with a decidedly limited range of lifestyle choices for kids or professional women. The kids thrived, got to experience all sorts of different cultures (in the middle east and Europe) but the marriage blew up – sensory deprivation for the non-working spouse. Part of the problem was that the working spouse felt obliged to work his buns off to prove his worth for the vote of confidence and the big check, so their family life tanked. I knew British folks who moved to Alaska during the oil boom – talk about a culture shock – but they thrived and their kids are better off for it.

The point about the British tradition of overseas living is a good one. But Houston is not the Raj, and fortunately we now live in a world where the concerns of spouses and children count for more than they did when the mem saab retired to her room and the men gathered at the club for gin and whist.

Good luck with your decision, Tina.

tina

I am staggered at the huge response to this and thanks to you all for taking the time to put across your points of view. My husband is due back to the UK this weekend so I will get his perspective. I will let you know our final decision.

Peggy

I live 1 1/2 hours north of Houston. It is VERY hot; however we have great air conditioning. WE do have roaches, but great pest control (I probably see less than 2 a year in my house); we have touring Broadway plays and great local theatre (Houston has much more local theatre than we do);our schools are graded, so I suggest looking for a "blue ribbon school", etc. If this is a temporary move, may I suggest that you try it. It would be a wonderful cultural experience for the kids and they WILL live thru it. I also suggest that you get a Friday Houston paper as it has all the cultural events and may give you a better idea. Good luck.

topper

btt

xxx

Remember, Tina, there are 3 things we can never get back in life:

Time
Words
MISSED OPPORTUNITIES

warren

Tina -

I have been following this post and was wondering - have you decided?

fran

So Tina----what have you decided? What did your husband think of Houston?

Jayne

Hello Tina

My of my you have had a lot responses. What I guess it shows you that people do see where you are comming from.

I am british and although stuck in Britain do have some insight into the legality of what happens to ALIEN - Yes, that is who we are..

Women that have no identify, no respect blah blah...

The American immigration black hole is dark!!! However, tina I moved from Britain for a better more varied life...

The US is special it has a life an offering that Europe and I believe Britain cannot offer... I miss the pubs, my friends, but the scenery, people and pride I respect and have come to love... And, although I grit my teeth and wait patiently for that bloodly green card - I believe it is worth it...

I truly believe that if you see the positive you can make a really good life for you and your children..

If you need a pen pal send away..

Take Care

kk

TINA, come back and give us your update! Please! What's happening???

Where'sTina?

Come in Tina....

Ann

Why is it that when someone defends a city, they always say "Well, we have a world-class symphony, and theater and restaurants." Then apparently every single city in the U.S. has a world-class symphony, theater, and restaurants.

topping4

Tina...

The crowd is very anxious...

where

Tina, Tina, please come in.

janis

Tina seemed to provide a legit e-mail address - if you are so anxious to find out, someone should send her a note.

Ava

Y'all got wagers on Tina's decision, or what?