As much as I love our great state, GET OUT. Not that you're not wanted here, but you have a great opportunity to go somewhere that you will have heat, hot water, electricity, etc. It won't be cold. The VA services in Texas have to be better than in the U.P. You say you have always been able to overcome adversity, etc, not needed help. That's awesome. Now it's time to accept help. I'll say it again--you gave how ever many years of your life to serve us--let us serve you. If you have a hard time remember to fill out forms or a hard time prioritizing, get help. My t showed me a great way to do that involves 4 squares. PM me and I'll tell you if you want. Just my opinion here, but if you feel guilty about having your dad help you (which is what dad's do--you're lucky he wants to and is able to)--go to Texas. Your girlfriend is ready to have you there. I agree with your dad that you have some macho thing going on where you don't want to go to Texas empty-handed. Just because you go empty handed doesn't mean you go empty-hearted and that is what is important. It also doesn't mean you will stay empty-handed. Your girlfriend is well aware of your situation, she is an adult and she is asking you to move there knowing full well you are empty-handed. Please, I urge you to give serious consideration to going down there. And if you say you will end up there eventually, it would be better to do it now than to have your dad get some property or a place for you to live and then go down there. Get out before it gets colder than 20's it was last night. Change is scary, your life right now is scary, but it doesn't have to be. You have someone who loves you and wants to be with you and wants to help you. Go to her and accept that help. You deserve it.