Where we live

I was raised mainly in two places: Kailua, HI and Austin, TX. For the last two years, I have lived in Ocean Springs, MS, being stationed at Keesler AFB. It's Biloxi's less casino-infested and (IMHO) slightly classier neighbor. Just to the east of all the flashing lights, across a two-mile drawbridge, there I am. The entire area has grown a whole lot in the last decade because of the casinos, and development continues. This is fine by me, as a first-time homeowner, because I will probably have to sell in another year or less. As I've mentioned, I'm thinking hard about splitting from active duty, and if I did then I might stay for a little while. I have, however, a lot of ideas about how to spend my life, and few involve staying here. And if I stay in for a while, I will almost definitely be leaving next spring. Pity, because I am really starting to love the friends I have here. I've made my peace with the climate... 90-100 degrees and high humidity doesn't seem like such a big deal, especially after a summer in Iraq. The cost of living is great (for now), and the ocean is right nearby. Of course, you have to drive two hours east if you want the *clean* ocean, either that or take a half-hour boat ride past the barrier islands. Details. It's a great place. Tends to blow everyone's caricature of Mississippi right out of the water. Just stay within 5 miles of the coast if you visit. Please.

Yep, Highway 90. 95% of my daily commute is on it. Beautiful, indeed - especially during those times of the year when the sun rises as I'm flying across that bridge. Unfortunately, it's also one of the most dangerous stretches of highway in the country. Summer months provide drivers a plethora of distractions on the beach. The fog is just as bad at other times... my neck is still cracking from getting rear-ended on my way to work in February. All in all, though... I can't complain. I'll be sad to leave.