Day 20 - Finally we'll see

So three and a half years after Britain's night of madness, it seems the most prolonged shooting of oneself in the foot has finally come to fruition. I'll be honest, I thought sense would prevail but here we are. 

Brexit. 

The UK no longer in the EU. 

No longer a medium fish in a reasonable sized pond but a tiny fish in a massive one. Our empire is long gone, our bargaining power is reduced significantly from what is was, our economy is reliant on financial services and tourism, we don't make anything which is of value to other countries and we are no longer competitive as a repository for science and engineering funding (especially at the higher education level). 

Make no mistake people, we hold NO aces here. Zero. Hell, we are playing Top Trumps while the rest of the world is on No Limit Hold 'Em.

As you can probably guess from my narrative, I voted to Remain. The industry I work in, the type of career I have and the lifestyle I want for me and my family are better suited in the EU. I appreciate for other people that isn't the case, and I respect those views. It's also true that a lot of people voted one way or the other based solely on a misunderstanding of what that voted entailed (and NEITHER side helped in that regard) or in some cases just on rank obvious racism. As I said, everyone is entitled to an opinion.

But there is no scenario, not one, that leaves me better outside of the European Union. 

Do I think the EU works as it is? No, not really. The original idea of a trade organisation works wonders but try pulling together so many disparate languages, ideologies and beliefs into a single political system and you are asking for trouble. So I can see why, to some people, bailing out and going alone is the right answer.  Maybe it might become the right answer. 

Unfortunately, to become the right answer you need strong, decisive people at the wheel of a runaway train like this. Do we have those? You must be kidding me?! I wouldn't trust a single one of them to act in the best intentions of the UK as a whole.

We come back to the inherent problem again - that Brexit might work fine if a bunch of idiots weren't left in charge of it. Douglas Adams' famous phrase from The Hitchhikers Guide comes in here, 

"Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job".

And at the end of the day, that is the worry. All the scaremongering from both sides, the predictions of apocalyptic doomsday scenarios etc. is just that - predicting. No-one for sure knows how this will go. I personally based my decisions on what looked like a logic set of extrapolations.

But humans are capable of beating the odds. We can bend the laws of probability. We have this seemingly unquenchable ability to achieve things that no-one could have foreseen, things that fly in the face of all logic and seemingly overrule the laws of the universe. We are capable of staggering, breathtaking achievements.

That is the task facing us now. And it is going to take everyone. All petty arguments must be left at the door. We are where we are. Where we are going is what matters next. And every single person MUST try to be a part of the solution. Everyone has got to pull in the same direction, one which benefits Britain (and the world). The world is suffering enough, and there is enough hostility and mistrust as it is. 

Whatever your thoughts, whatever your beliefs - now is the time for us to unite, and drive towards a common goal. It might not be the goal you were searching for, but if you remember to have your say and pull your weight, it might turn out to be the goal you needed all along.

Till tomorrow, Tom

Day 19 - United in difference

I hadn't realised until I came here just how strange a place the USA is. And I don't mean the people, or the food, or even the culture. I mean the concept of a United States. Somewhere around 330 million people live in the 50 states and 1 district, but I hadn't understood just how different that country feels and looks as you move across it. Again, I don't mean physically. It is more about how where you are can have a huge impact on your life. I know that is true for anywhere, but there is so much variety within this country that it somehow feels more unique.

Did you know for example that county in which Jack Daniels Tennessee Whisk(e)y is made is actually dry? Yep that's right. Moore County, Tennessee does not permit the sale of alcohol. You can buy a commemorative bottle at the distillery but can't drink it until you cross the county lines. 

In fact if you look at the map below you'll see that a vast majority of the counties that don't permit alcohol sales (in red) are in the southern states of Arkansas, Mississippi, Kentucky and Tennessee. Prime bourbon and moonshine country I thought. 

By File:USA Counties with FIPS and names.svg:File:USA Counties with names.svg: User:Mr. Mattéderivative work Kbh3rdderivative work: Fry1989 - This file was derived from: USA Counties with FIPS and names.svg:, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18798115

And if you look at the yellow ones you'll see huge swathes of Texas, Kansas, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and North Carolina (to name a few) that have some restrictions on them. And you can see the definition on a state-by-state basis.

Contrast that with the Western states where there is only one county in the Pacific and Mountain Time Zones where you can't buy alcohol with very few restrictions.

Doing a bit more digging and it really comes down to the control individuals states have over certain local laws. The alcohol one for example came down to the way the 21st Amendment was was written out in 1933. Individual states were still able (as they often are in the USA) to interpret the amendment in multiple ways, which leads to this type of governance. 

Everything is the same, except where it is vastly different! 

This is in direct contrast to the way I'm used to seeing things - single point of Government sets laws for all and it is only really budgets that vary across the country. Legal age for drinking in the UK is the same everywhere. To us the US model seems very strange. I mean, can you imagine not being able to get a beer in Yorkshire and having to pop over the Pennines to get one?!

You'll see a similar pattern with marijuana legality, the ages at which certain things (such as tobacco, guns, lottery tickets etc.) can bought - and so on. Hell, even income tax varies by state to state, from 14%ish in California to nothing in Texas. This sits on top of federal income tax - and perhaps explains why the state of Texas rarely struggles to encourage those in higher income professions (e.g. Oil & Gas) to move there!

So although the country is United under one (star-spangled) banner - and a more patriotic nation I have yet to spend time in - it really is staggering how vast the differences in people's day-to-day lives are. And the surface is barely scratched here.

This just makes me even more determined to go out and see as much of it as I can. I knew it was a really melting pot of cultures, local traditions, lifestyles etc., but now it is an even bigger adventure than I first thought.

Till tomorrow,

Tom

Ps - Oh, tonight's food was Creole Spiced Tilapia with Sweet Potato Mash, Sprouts, Spinach and Asparagus. It was particularly delicious even if I do say so myself!

Day 18 - February approaches

This last month or so has passed quickly! Already 5 weeks since Christmas, the weather here in Baton Rouge is starting to warm up (yeah I know, crazy right?) and you can already see the springtime on the horizon. It's crazy how quick time seems to tick over when you become an adult. Looking back to where things were only a couple of months ago its hard to actually see the path - even though I've been on it. In a couple more months time, all being well, Katie will be getting ready to visit!

And there are likely to be even more changes coming in the not-to-distant future. Not knowing what may happen next is part of what makes life so interesting. You can look at it in two ways: constant fear of the unknown, or a sense of wonder of what is to com.

I used to love change, I embraced that little bit of chaos which permeates everyone's life in some way. Then.... I didn't. Somehow, slowly, I got scared of change, scared of not knowing. What an idiot! Some change is bad, but even that type of change can be mitigated somewhat by how you react to it. I feel like the last few months have elicited a positive reaction from me in most respects (certainly more positive than I might have expected) and it has given me a fresh energy and fresh impetus to return to being the person I want to be.

Anyway, enough of that for now - that was just something that popped in my head and needed extricating and getting written down.

So what does the next few weeks/months have in store? Well I've got my run in just under two weeks - followed by another three weeks after. I'm pretty close to finalising the details of my sky dive and I've tentatively got my first weekend city break planned. Have a guess where in the US I'll be going to first and if you get it right I'll think of a prize from that place!! Yeah I know its not a great competition but I'm still small-time in the blogging world here!

Managed to grab a few more photos of my little cubicle at work for those interested to see where I'll be based for the foreseeable. 

My own whiteboard 

One computer. Plus drawing board

Other desk - plus Katie's artwork

For those who don't care about that here is a picture of dinner: Pesto turkey with courgette, mushrooms and spinach.

For those who don't care about either, here is a camel. Cos it's hump day.

That means the weekend is fast approaching. My first full one in Baton Rouge And with that another new playground will open up in front of me. Can't wait.

Till tomorrow, Tom

Day 17 - On a roll

2nd working day in Baton Rouge and already feeling on a great roll, especially for a Tuesday. 5:30am gym session, fully productive day at work and managed to get my washing and ironing all done for tomorrow. 

Now this might not seem like much, but when I'm away like this I find I'm so much happier and focused when I have my rhythm. With me, having the mundane tasks planned out and structured frees my brain up for the more interesting things to manifest in there. 

Like, what do I want to do this weekend? Oh, that gym class across the way looks good. Why don't I get back online and speak to martial arts place again. Those kind of things come to me so much more naturally when I don't have to expend brain energy on the more routine tasks.

I think its an important thing in life, to ensure you are able to balance the necessities of being an adult with the spontaneity and freedom that you enjoyed a a child. Too often we adults get held in position almost by the demands of life - and the longer we fail to break those shackles the harder it becomes. Often we don't realise that we are in these holding patterns, more often we only realise when we are jolted out of them and we lose something dear.

So being on this kind of roll is good. It means the perspective is in the right place and I'm only trying to control what is controllable. And not because I seek control in itself, but the opposite in fact. Trying to be in complete control is not viable, and can be dangerous if you don't manage it properly. It can eat away at you, make you scramble to pull more and more threads closer to you, hold tighter to the wrong things. This ultimately can never end well, either for the person who is doing the holding or the person who gets dragged into the cycle with them. Control really is about understanding WHAT you need to manage, and what can be left to, let's call it, fate. It is about understanding your limitations and putting something in place that allows you to work within those limits to benefit you and those around you.

To me, taking care of the routine business frees the mind up to be spontaneous. It allows (at least me personally) the ability say yes to whatever it was I may have said no to last time and to really live. Giving up some semblance of control actually brings order to the right things in my life - and then the rest can be explored with the freedom and enjoyment that is what adventure is all about.

Oh, and dinner was amazyballs. Absolutely top notch 👌

Till tomorrow, Tom

Day 16 - To work!

First day officially in office. Everything that has been in the works (from a career point of view) over the last 18 months or so is finally in place. It has been a long, and often painful, ride but I am here - and ready to work. 

Panorama Action

Got myself a nice little cubicle - complete with my own whiteboard, drawing desk and noticeboard. Wasted no time adding Katie's artwork to the noticeboard, including he collage of "things I want to do which you will have to work hard for Daddy". 

I wouldn't change that for the world, being able to help her realise her dreams is a big motivation for what I do. 

I know I keep going on about it but being a Dad really change my whole perspective on things. It helped me to understand what is truly important, and I genuinely consider it the greatest blessing I've had.

Also thought I'd share my cooking exploits with you all tonight. As the video says, I've been working on this new philosophy called Noom. It has really helped me to make better (if not always good!) decisions on food - particularly around portion size and understanding how to feel fuller on less calories. Food wise its pretty simple and very unrestrictive, which suits my style.

Evening meal generally need to consist of a protein, a non-starchy veg, a low-carb option and a healthy fat. The custom meal plan they provided gives. me recipes but also provides suggestions as to what each of the above might entail - to allow you to make your own recipes options.

Today's is Tom's Pesto Chicken:

200 g Chicken (the protein)

1 cup roasted squash (the low-carb)

1/2 cup sprouts (the non-starchy veg)

1 1/2 tsp pesto (the healthy fat)

Bit of spinach/kale (filler)

Clocking in at 400-450 calories according to my app, it was excellent. And a bit of forward planning means I have plenty for lunch.

Till tomorrow, Tom,

Day 15 - All you need is love

Bit of a downpour

Well it took about 24 hours before Baton Rouge decided to make me feel right at home. Woke nice and early (not sure when I became an early bird). 

Flung open the curtains. Cue sullen grey skies, driving incessant rain and a general feeling of overcast-ness (not sure that's a word but it'll be the job for now). 

Managed to get to the gym this morning as well so that's a nice positive start to my time here.

So, the big news coming out over the last few hours or so here in the USA is the death of Kobe Bryant, a former NBA (basketball) player widely acknowledged to be one of the best of all time. He was 41. His young 13 year old daughter died in the same helicopter accident. He leaves behind a wife and (I think) three or four other young kids. Last night LeBron James passed him for 3rd on the all-time scorers list and Kobe sent a congratulatory tweet to acknowledge the achievement. Less than 24 hours later and this happens. Tragedy doesn't even begin to describe this. And it is by no means the only tragedy that will happen today. There are always lives being changed in a heartbeat.

It hits home quite a bit for me. I mean I didn't earn $25m a year bouncing a ball around a court obviously, but he's two years older than me - and his daughter is two years older than Katie. The hardest thing about being away is missing her, and not being a daily part of her life. We try to talk everyday (when she can find her phone!) but not being able to give her a hug when things haven't gone great, a celebratory high-five when she manages to achieve something she's been aiming at - yeah that's so hard. I miss those moments, the ones that seem insignificant, but hurt when you can't have them.

I talked a bit about this the other day, but this whole episode kinda piled on top. It really does show how fleeting life can be and therefore how you should do EVERYTHING in your power to make sure your love ones know they are loved, every chance you get. There is no way of knowing when your (or their) world(s) may be turned upside down and changed beyond imagination. 

Knowing you have people who care about you goes such a long way to making life more pleasurable, knowing there is always someone on the end of a phone who you can rely on when you need them. Life is about love - it's about finding it, losing it, cursing it and embracing it. It causes the darkest of pain when it goes wrong, but the pinnacle of joy when it goes right. Love defines us as humans. Love is why we are here really, to experience it and see it in the eyes of others.

Make sure those you love know that tonight. And make sure you live tomorrow with as much love as you have to spare. That is what pushes us to bigger and better things. That is what makes us take chances and have adventures. Because the feeling when things come together (even the little things) is unmatchable.

Till tomorrow,

Tom

Day 14 - First Day in the Bayou

Beautiful day here in Baton Rouge for my first 24 hours on the banks of the Mississippi (well, close enough). 19ºC at 3:30pm and not a cloud on the horizon. I know it is very British to talk about the weather, but that's what we do.

Mall of Louisiana - Pretty typical US mall

Slightly hampered for the next couple of day as I am car-less until Monday. However the Mall of Louisiana is pretty close by so managed to pop in there on the way back from the rental car place. It's your typical out-of-town US mall (though a small one) and I managed to pick up a couple of things for the apartment plus a few more pairs of shoes. Shoe buying has quickly replaced baseball caps as the addiction for 2020. Once I manage to get a few more stone off then that'll extend to clothes as well!

My Room

"Katie's" Room - AKA The Spare

Rest of the day so far has been spent organising everything in the apartment, getting all my washing done and planning meals for the week. Doesn't sound very exotic but this will go a long way towards helping with my diet and exercise goals - a lack of good planning and organisation is pretty much always my downfall. 

The Front Door - Obviously

Cute little dining area

Spare Bathroom - Also Decent 

Selfie Mirrod

Got a few photos of the apartment as well for the small number of you that are interested. I'm available for real estate viewing work on the weekends to earn a bit of extra cash!

Not much planned for tomorrow. 

Probably need to go do my food shop and then might head down either to the river in downtown or maybe the university campus (LSU) to go visit their live mascot, Mike the Tiger. 

The Gym from my Lounge

The Pool - again, obviously

Positive vibes throughout the city as a couple of weeks ago the LSU Tigers managed to win the College Football Championship down the road in New Orleans. Any Americans among you (especially those from this part of the country where it is huge) will understand the gravity of that achievement. 

Where the magic happens

Where sleep likely happens

For my UK readers who probably remember university sporting events as being somewhat underpopulated it should be pointed out the Tiger Stadium holds over 100,000 people, is know as Death Valley, and isn't even the biggest stadium in this part of the world. College sports (but especially football) is a big as it gets round here.

Anyway, that's a topic for another day. Time to chill out on the excessively large sofa and start doing some research into ticking off a few bucket list items. First stop, where and how to jump out of a plane?

Till tomorrow, Tom

Day 13 - Louisiana Baby

Before

So here we go. Managed to do Houston to Baton Rouge in a time I am not willing to disclose for fear of incriminating myself. 

All I will say is that I now know what speed is required to get a Ford Mustang to leave the road while cresting a slight rise - and not damage the undercarriage or exhaust. 

I may do a charity "guess the speed" at some point. £1 in, 50% to charity, 50% to winner. Or not. We'll see. Probably not actually. Ah sod it, you can just guess in the comments or on Facebook.

After

Thankfully I don't believe I was flashed and certainly wasn't stopped. I will at some point in my future be purchasing a Mustang though. No doubt.

Unfortunately it goes back tomorrow and I suspect what I pick up on Monday from work won't quite have the same level of excitement - nor will it project baby mustangs onto the floor when you unlock it. Pure, American, overstatement - and I love it 😂

The Great Man Himself

Had my usual stop at Buc'ees on the I-10 just outside Baytown. Managed to pick up a few things to send home in Katie's first care package, plus the now traditional chopped brisket sandwich from the hot deli counter. 

If you are ever in Texas near a Buc'ees you need to check one out. Best gas station toilets in then state, some delightful Texas-branded tat and a great selection of food and drink for the journey. 

Plus stuff which you'd never see in a gas station in the UK - full size deer feeder for hunting anyone?

Settled into the apartment already, helped of course by a bunch of my stuff already being here since before the Christmas break. I'll take a few more photos tomorrow once it is light and I can show you around the complex. 

Who knew I owned so many toiletries

The hub of the operation

Really think this is going to be an amazing home for the year. Already got a lot of things how I like them and I can imagine many many nights just lazing back and chilling out on the sofa. 

Perfect for entertaining too so need to make some strides in that direction.

Anyway, that's it for today. 

Heading out to drop the car off tomorrow and then for a proper explore round the area. First impressions are good but I'll have to wait till I pick my car up from work on Monday before I can really get about much beyond the local area. Still, part of the adfvenbture is heading off in a random direction and seeing what you find eh? I'll keep you posted.

Till tomorrow, Tom

Day 12 - The adventure is about to get real

So my last night here in HTX for a few weeks at least. I check out of the hotel tomorrow and then it is well and truly on. I absolutely love this city and the great state of Texas, but I am so excited about getting started on this assignment for real. Louisiana is going to be a whole different level of adventure, and one I'm so excited for. 

I remember first getting to Houston 5 years ago and not really knowing what to expect. I had no idea about it as a city, other than the space centre and the fact there is a lot of what I do work wise down here. But it met any expectations I didn't even know I had and it exceeded all I hoped for. It's all about embracing your situation and taking those chances that come your way. And here comes that next chance.

That giddy feeling is back. Ever since I was young I've always had a passion for exploring. I drifted away from that recently, and it took the biggest backside kick imaginable, but that passion is back.

I love going on new, exciting adventures, I love discovering new places and I love sharing those places and experiences with people.  Preferably in the flesh but even through the medium of the internet there is something magical to me about seeing the world and sharing it. There is so much out there that's different, but so much that brings people together. 

In the end pretty much all of us are trying to live our best life and spend time with those who we love. I've made so many friends already just through work here in Texas, and I can't wait to see what a full year immersed in Baton Rouge brings. 

Those who know me best know I'm happier when I'm busier, when I have a purpose and a focus. I've had a few people say that there isn't much to do in Baton Rouge, but I find that hard to believe. Almost everywhere in the world has hidden delights to be discovered and memories just waiting to be made - and its all about being brave enough to put yourself out there and go experience them. 

Already got plenty in the pipeline but looking (as always) for new and exciting things to do and see. A few great ideas have already come my way and I'll be keeping you to date with those but I need more. 

So here it comes. The next adventure. Be fearless, be amazing.

Oh boy!

Till tomorrow,Tom

Day 11 - Nothing to say?

Odd day today as the video will described in a bit more detail. First real feeling of isolation, though making that video in itself was a big help. 

Drifting towards not only the weekend but the end of the month. Amazing how quickly time seems to pass as you get older. I'm sure when I was a kid a month lasted an eternity, and everything seemed so far in the distant future.

I usually find myself with a lot more time when I'm away, disconnected from the day-to-day of family life. Even when I was single in the past I always felt like I had much more time away than at home. Maybe it's because you have a very simple set of tasks to do per day - especially when living out of a hotel. 

So I've been doing some research and I've come up with a few goals I want to achieve before I come back. This is not the total list but these are targets I'ds like to hit in terms of activities/hobbies etc. I'll be doing my challenges on top of this, I've just received a big list from a work colleague of things to do in and around BR (cheers Brian C) and there are other goals around health and fitness too. 

I tend to find myself taking much more accountability for things when I formally document things, especially as I expect you lot to take me task if I don't. So here goes:

1) I will take up and maintain a hobby/activity that requires me to be outside once a week;

2) I will take up and maintain a hobby/activity that requires interaction with other human beings once a week;

3) I will devote one full night a week to no electronics

4) I will devote one full night a week to learning a new language

5) I will explore a new city at least once a month

Obviously this involves a big time commitment but I can't wait to get started. 

I've already got a few ideas for (1) and (2) but feel free to leave other suggestions in the comments.

In the meantime please enjoy the view looking East as the sun begins to set, and a picture of me in "chipmunk" mode!

Till tomorrow,
Tom

Day 10 - Keeping it fresh

One of things I'm trying to work hard on is to find things of interest to talk about during the week. I really don't want this to turn into just a food and resturant blog - mainly as I'm wanting to lose weight but also cos I'm not very good at that kind of stuff! 

So I'm really looking for ideas for things to do, talk about etc. Anything really to keep this fresh and people entertained during the week. 

The highlight so far has been wearing my cowboy boots for the first time. I know that sounds so funny (and I know people are going to be rolling their eyes cos I've not been here two weeks yet) but man what a great investment!! So comfy. Now I just need to find a hat.

7:30pm UPDATE: Oh, my, word. I have just had literally the best sausage in the world ever. Without doubt. Provided by one of the CPChem guys from a deer he shot and had properly butchered himself. Tonight's was Cajun spiced and, as the video shows, awesome. I've got 3lbs of the stuff, mainly as Jeff and John can't take it home. Muahahahahahahaha. 

I've also discovered that my laptop has a multitude of different camera settings so be prepared for a large amount of stupid photos while I experiment with it. I present exhibit A - me checking to make sure no-one is stealing my large stash of deer sausage. 

Right, that'll do it for today. Off to do a bit more research for cool things to do in Baton Rouge when I get there. Let's see what the next day on this adventure brings. 
Till tomorrow, Tom

Day 9 - Brisket, Boots and Brie

Today found myself, John and Jeff over in Baytown on site for a couple of meetings. Baytown, as mentioned oprveiously, is a bit functional. But the area around the Cedar Bayou facility has some hidden gems, you just have to know where to look. Those of you following my blog will know I have a knack for finding cool places to eat that might not seem apparent at first glance!

The very first time I ever went to the Chevron Phillips plant nearly 5 years ago I was taken to a typical Texas roadside BBQ place. And I finally managed to make it back again this lunchtime with the guys. Unfortunately I deleted the photo but the brisket and sausage at Tony's BBQ and Steakhouse in Mont Belvieu (no website) is quality all the way. And the chicken John attempted to devour was about as tender as I've ever seen. Coming in at about $14/15 for two meats, two sides and a drink this is an absolute bargain in every sense.

UPDATE: Found the food picture!

Another Texas tradition we thought we'd hit on John's last day (and Jeff's penultimate) was Cavender's (here), one of the local boot and western wear shop. For us aspiring cowboys this place is a nirvana: boots as far as the eye can see, belts, hats, shirts, pants everything you can think of. 

Thought I'd treat myself a little bit in the spirit of the "just say yes year" and so I'm now the owner of not one but two delightful pairs of damn comfy boots. Just keep an eye on future blogs for their debut performances!!

To finish the Triple B in B(aytown) we managed to find ourselves a might fine pair of cheese platters in the Hilton Garden Inn hotel. 

Featuring figs, honey, garlic bread, apricots, fig jam and berries (as well as the obvious cheeses) this was a culinary delight. 

Seriously tasty from start to finish and well worth me hanging around in Baytown another 3-4 hours for. 

Following that it was back in the Mustang and home. Jeff and John are heading back to the UK in the next few days so I'm back to being a solo Brit in the South. The gym is calling, the healthy cookbooks are singing to me - and the real adventure begins now!

Till tomorrow,

Tom

Day 8 - Back in Baytown

Morning in Houston

After a beautiful morning in Houston, Sunday finds me heading to Baytown so I can be on site Monday morning. 

I've spent a lot of time over in this part of SE Texas - and most would agree that it is probably best described as functional! 

Still it has a few good places to grab some food and as I write this at nearly 4pm on Sunday afternoon the mind is already starting to wander towards the delicious steak that will probably be tonight's delicacy from the Texas Roadhouse (here).

There is common perception about the USA that everything is bigger, louder and brasher. Now obviously stereotypes tend to be come stereotypes because there is at least some truth in them. Once you get used to the people and the culture here then there actually isn't too much of a difference in truth.

One thing however that is definitely different is the quality and size of hotel rooms. 

Having spent more time than I can recall over the last few years in a number of different hotel rooms (Hilton Diamond Member baby) I can confirm that they are just simply better over here. 

I'm only in Baytown for a night but check out the single I've got for that night. This room costs about £90pn and as you can see it is frankly ridiculous! I can't do it justice but I'm sure this would cost you a small fortune in most of the UK.

My humble ride

Another thing the US tends to do bigger and brasher is the humble car. My last car in the UK was a Ford Fiesta, something that I'm not even sure exists in this part of the world. 

A couple of the client guys I work with have trucks with tailgates so big that I think I could park my old fiesta in them. This is after all the home of the most sold vehicle of all time (I think), the good old Ford F-150. 

Normally I get a reasonable sized saloon or maybe even a small SUV depending on what is available - however today I got there brash end of the scale instead of the big. Having arrived at the rental car place to be told that (despite pre-booking) my car wasn't available I ended up having to take whatever they had - difference in price being to their account obviously. So for the next week, instead of a little SUV I am the proud owner of a Ford Mustang. I intend to enjoy myself (whilst obviously obeying all traffic laws).

Just shows the benefit of being dynamic and able to adjust to whatever life throws at you - as well as showing that a healthy dose of "right time, right place" luck doesn't go amiss either!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and make next week better than the one just gone.

Till tomorrow, 

Tom