OK, let's just say it so happens that...

...I could pick where I want to live next. I've started formulating a list of potential places to live just for grins. A few pieces of criteria I'm taking into consideration include proximity to family and friends, access to a major airport, a good business school in the event I can find the time to complete my MBA, and outdoor activities. Here is my list, and these fall in no particular order:

Seattle, Washington - this is usually on my short list only because I've always had a liking for the Pacific Northwest because of it's outdoorsy nature, rain be damned. Having listened to Grunge music growing up (Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, etc...) Seattle had always pulled me because of it's music scene. That may not necessarily be the case now as music scenes have changed a few times since then, so I'd have to come up with other excuses to move there. Airport - check, university - check, family and friends - can't get any better than Aunt Jude and Uncle Ben - check, outdoor activities - yes, but wear your rain gear.

Denver, Colorado - again, the outdoors is the pull for Denver...not much else. Airport - check, university - eh, family and friends - not so much, outdoor activities - check.

Phoenix, Arizona - I've visited Phoenix once for the Rock and Roll Marathon and really enjoyed the city. The downtown is great and there are several different cities within Phoenix. Despite the hot summers the weather again pulls me for outdoor activity. Airport - check, university - check, family and friends - negative, outdoor activities - check.

Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas - the airport is great, there seems to be quite a bit to do, but it's in Texas and the Cowboys are there. I'm actually more fond of Ft. Worth than I am with Dallas, but the whole Metroplex as it's called seems to have a lot to offer. But again, it's Texas. Airport - BIG check, university - check, family and friends - absent, outdoor activities - check.

St. Louis, Missouri - I really do miss STL and enjoyed the time I spent there. My Cardinals, Soulard, Budweiser (RIP), Forest Park, LSL, Katy Trail. Airport - check (but it sucks), university - check (but will Wash U take me back?), family and friends - no worries here, outdoor activities - plenty to do.

Chicago, Illinois - I'd have to get over the obnoxious nature of Bears, Cubs, and Sox fans, but I think I can find a way. I have always enjoyed time spent in the Windy City. Airport - check, university - check, family and friends - I can make some, outdoor activities - check.

Indianapolis, Indiana - out of all the cities on my list, this one has the highest concentration of family and friends, so that automatically gives Naptown a significant boost. The downtown is clean and has a lot to do (Colts, Pacers, Indians, museums, bars, clubs). There are some nice places for outdoor activities (Monon Trail, White River State Park). The largest 1/2 marathon in takes place there every May, as well as the Greatest Spectacle in Racing. Indy is relatively close to Purdue, so there will more often than not be a significant number of Saturday's in West Lafayette in the fall. Airport - check (new terminal = nice), university - not great but could make due, family and friends - too many to count, outdoor activities - ready to go!

San Clemente, California - I'm sure the real estate sucks but if there is a chance my brother will move out there, I at least have to consider. The mild temps and "sunshine virtually all the time" weather are a huge draw. San Clemente itself is much more laid back than it's beach town neighbors to the north (Dana Point, Laguna Beach) and the people were pretty friendly and not so So Cal shallow. There are a lot of little shops, pubs, and restaurants up and down Del Mar and the PCH. The running and biking trail up and down the coast offers breathtaking views. Airport - check, university - why would I waste my time when I could learn how to surf instead, family and friends - maybe (hope the cute Brazilian girl is still there), outdoor activities - yup!


And who says I can't choose an international location. I've always said I would ex-pat in a heartbeat. A few of these locations are a little extreme and there would have to be a very good reason for me to go there, but hey, can a boy dream? :)

London, England - one of my favorite cities. I have never seen so much cultural diversity - just walking down the streets, taking the Tube, or flying into Heathrow is certainly better than the It's A Small World ride at Disney. Airport - check, university - check, family and friends - nobody guv'na, outdoor activities - is riding the Tube considered an activity?

Dublin, Ireland - I've never been, but I'm putting it on my list anyway. It's freaking Ireland. Airport - check, university - check (Trinity), family and friends - I have red hair so this shouldn't be an issue, outdoor activities - I'll make it happen.

Shanghai, China - I just want to be a regular at the Face Bar, my favorite bar in the world. They have the BEST Indian food I've ever had and the atmosphere is amazing. It has a good mix of ex-pats and locals. Airport - check, university - check (Wash U has an extension office), family and friends - nope, outdoor activities - COUGH COUGH COUGH.

Hong Kong, China - I've only spent a day there, but is fairly intriguing. Airport - check, university - um not sure, family and friends - don't speak Chinese, outdoor activities - HACK SNEEZE COUGH