Good Luck on the Challenge. I was in a similar position last year when I graduated. My family is also in Houston and I had a large number of miles on Continental, as well as Gold status. I promptly started flying AA, though, and haven't looked back. CO is great... IF you want to go to IAH, EWR, or CLE (MSP, DTW, MEM on Northwest). Bascially everywhere else requires a connection.

I suppose that might be acceptable, but if you need to get somewhere quick for an interview, connections can get annoying fast.

When you combine the connection issue with what everyone else has already pointed out, I think going with AA is a nobrainer.

Welcome to AA, and welcome to Flyertalk.