Day 53 - Perspective

The news the last few weeks has been dominated by two things over here in the USA. The "Primary" elections which are helping to shape the political landscape ahead of the upcoming Presidential election, and the outbreak of the Coronavirus. 

One is being treated as a matter of grave importance which affects the whole fabric of life and society as a whole, the other is a potential global pandemic (the sixth Public Health Emergency of International Concern since 2009) which has barely made the news here in Texas. 

Someone in the lift today at work even made the comment, "I really hope they stop overreacting about this, I have a vacation to Italy in a few weeks and it is non-refundable"! Zero perspective, zero empathy, zero understanding of the wider world and the things that others are dealing with.

It is all a matter of perspective and empathy, and somewhat related to the inherent selfishness (or at least "looking after number one" -ness) that we are often guilty of, particularly in the good old developed world. 

"What matters to me is more important than anything else".

Don't get me wrong, I get that attitude. And I'm sure I practice it sometimes! But a significant number of problems with the world in 2020 stem from the inability (and often unwillingness) of people to look beyond one's own opinion and see the world through other people's eyes. The job I do (I design chemical plants) is often lambasted in the media due to its perceived impact to the climate change problem. But people often fail to understand that without what I do, the world as we know it simply can't function. So you want the "good" without understanding there is  "downside" that comes with it.

There is no perspective, the narrative is twisted to suit the agenda of whoever is trying to make the point (FAKE NEWS!) and it doesn't drive the conversation the wrong way.

A sense of perspective is important, generally. So many things get distorted and twisted into such a position that they can seem like the end of the world - and to some people they are. To be fair, context is very important here. One person's life or death situation can obviously correspond to something which doesn't even register on someone else's radar. 

Everyone struggles with these things throughout life. We've all been guilty I'm sure of overplaying the importance of something in the past, equally I'm sure we've all had opportunity to look back and say "hmmm, maybe that was important after all!". Once again it is about balance though, as so many things in life are. Balance is something we all need, whether we realise it or not!

Passion is fantastic, having things to care about is a big part of life. Everything needs a context though - and I think that is where we can all do a bit better. We also need to do a better job of empathy. Try to understand WHY a person doesn't share the same opinion as you, or has different priorities to you. It's the old "walking a mile in people's shoes" cliche.

With the world the way it is we need to come together more. We need to help to breed a culture of tolerance and understanding. Learning to appreciate what makes others tick and what others care about, without diluting your own passions and cares - that can go a long way to making the world a better place.

Till tomorrow, Tom

Day 52 - Steak Night

One of the things I wanted this blog to do was give people an idea of what it is like to live in Houston and Baton Rouge. And a big part of that is the food and drink scene. What better place to get to know the people, the culture and the atmosphere than hanging out with the locals. Houston, unsurprisingly, has an amazing array of bars, restaurants and places to chill out - especially if you like a good beer and a good steak.

A dedicated website has everything you need to know about where to get the best steaks each and every night during the week. And Corey and I have been systematically ticking them over the last few months/years.  

Tonight's choice was Axelrad, a chilled out beer garden in the south Midtown part of town. 

Photo by Jamaal Vince Photography

Boasting a really great selection of beers (draught and bottled) this is a real cool, relaxed vibe with plenty of seating - both on benches and in hammocks. 

They have a pizza place on site and, on Tuesday's, the excellent Snow Topi brings his awesome steak options here for your enjoyment. 

Tonight's offering was a tasty New York Strip with spicy noodles and sautéed purples and greens. Sooooo good. The guy has such great cuts of meat and pairs them so well with great sides. We've encountered him at a few places now and he never disappoints. 

I just love getting into the guts of a city or country, really understanding what makes it and the people tick. And every time I'm here Houston shows me something new, something unexpected or something breathtaking. It is a great city, with fantastic people and so much to see and do. 

Got some fun plans for tomorrow night too. But you'll have to wait and see for that.

Till tomorrow, Tom

Day 51 - The Human Spirit

Having already posted once today I was scratching around for something to write about today. I wanted something bright and breezy as, well to be honest, I've had a few beers and a bite to eat and I'm feeling sleepy! Messing about on YouTube I found myself - yup that's right, me. 5 and a bit years I did a thing called an Ignite Talk.

The basic gist of this event is that you get 20 slides over 5 minutes to talk about any topic of your choosing. Each slide is on for 15 seconds before automatically advanced so you have to keep it snappy and interesting. My topic of choice? The Many World Championships of Finland.

6 years ago (I think - Poppy was born when I was away and I think she is 6 #baduncle) I spent about 2 months in Finland with my work. 

As I've already talked about in a previous blog, I love to absorb as much of the culture as possible when I'm away - and it was this that lead me to discover just how many world championship events Finland hosts. Included amongst those "sports" where you can be crowned world's best are: Mobile Phone Throwing, Mosquito Squashing, Swamp Football, Air Guitar and (my personal favourite) Wife Carrying!

It seems to be an interesting function of humankind that we can make a sport (or certainly an event) out of almost anything. Even the most humdrum activities can be "jazzed up" by making a competition of it. Toe Wrestling for example is now an event with its own world championships.

I love the human spirit when it comes to these kind of things. It reminds us all not to take things too seriously and to remember that most of the stresses we bring upon ourselves (especially in the Western world) are relatively insignificant in the grand scheme of things. So next time you find yourself faced with a task or a situation that you aren't too keen on, my advice is pretty simple - invent a "World Championships" for that task and bask in the glory of success when you beat all comers.

Of course the trick is to find something that no-one else can beat you at, but that is probably all part of the fun. I remember being a child and wanting to be World Champion at something. I thought that opportunity had passed me by but I have new hope now; there is bound to be something I'm better than everybody else at! Surely?!

Till tomorrow,

Tom

Day 49 - Learning about yourself

So according to Facebook, 5 years (and one day) ago Natalie and I completed the Chase the Yeti OCR event. Thinking back over those five years has opened up some interesting thoughts about how sometimes we need to reflect on where we were, in order to understand where we would like to be.

Natalie will tell you that it was an awful experience, honestly - and I have absolutely no qualms about taking full responsibility for that and apologising completely (I hope I've already done it directly but maybe not). I completely ruined that event by complaining the whole way round, about everything. I then sprinted to the finish to "win". Every single thing about that previous statement can rightly be classed as a dick move. Looking back I cringe at my behaviour, but even more for the reason behind it.

I let my ego and arrogance completely overtake me. Rick and I had been doing a few of these runs for a while by this point but he was getting better and I wasn't. I had stopped enjoying them because I hated losing, and I hated that I wasn't improving. Of course my arrogance at the time refused to allow me to accept that maybe it was because he was putting a shit load more work in than I was! I was frustrated and, instead of doing something about it, I just grumbled. In my arrogance I just assumed I would be able to do this because, well why wouldn't I?

Another part of it was that I didn't want to show this new girl that I was rubbish at something. Egotistical fucking asshole. 

What I should have been doing is what I am doing now - working harder to improve whilst removing ego from the equation. Instead of trying not to disappoint Natalie (and myself) I should have been taking the positives and working out how to make myself better each time. Accept your limitations, but don't let them define you, and work on making the most of them. Be humble, gracious and work hard. For some reason when I read those words back I hear them in my mum's voice, and that tells you just how good advice it is!

Fast forward 5 years. 

I stood on the line today with zero negative thoughts, zero ego and (OK maybe not completely) zero arrogance - certainly about the run. I knew what was coming and I embraced what it would tell me about myself, instead of fearing it. The difference was astonishing. I know full well I'm near the back of the field, and my time today would embarrass anyone who considers themselves a runner. 

I could not care less. I put everything I had into today, and trusted that the end product is simply what it is. No target other than complete the task. No losing mental battles. Yeah physically I struggled, despite my recent weight loss I'm still an overweight 39 year old with a chronic lack of fitness and a dodgy body. 

But it doesn't matter. I put myself out there, I put my ego and arrogance away and just enjoyed today for what it was. It was a challenge, and part of the trick of challenges is picking the right goals - the right definition of success. 

34 year old me was an arrogant, egotistical, petty child at times. Interested in the wrong things, targeting the wrong "successes" and trying to be someone I'm not, nor would I ever truly want to be. It cost me a lot, and it deserved too.

But 39 year old me is (I hope) a better human being. The one I wanted to be when I was 18, the one with all the dreams for the future and the whole world ahead of me. The one with a sense of pride, but in the right things. The one I hope Katie is proud of, and the one I hope (some of you at least!) are happy to call a friend. It's a long journey back to me, and I'm still on the road. But as long as I focus on the right things, I'll get there.

Post Race Party

No surprises that today's charity is the amazing Christie Trust. I cannot repeat enough what they have done for my family over the years, and how they still inspire me on a daily basis. The world is a better place because of them, a shining beacon in the darkest, most frightening of places. They don't have all the answers, but anything you can give (here - please either donate direct or use Lil/Dad/Ann's Snowdon Event) gets us closer

For you mum, always.

Till tomorrow, Tom

Day 48 - Rodeo Eve

Houston Rodeo kicks off (kind of) tomorrow with the Rodeo Run. I'm doing the 10km, cos I found the 5km so "easy" last year lol. Anyway 0930 tomorrow morning I'll be on the start line ready for 2020 Challenge Event #2. The Rodeo and Livestock show has been going in some form or another since 1931 - so closing in on 90 years!

Howdy Partners

It is a spectacular event, with 20 days of livestock shows, rodeo events and a massive celebration of the Texas life-style. Over the last few weeks people have been heading to Houston on horseback via "trial rides" and the big parade is tomorrow. There is a cook-off, the Rodeo run itself and a whole loaf of pre-events before the main event kicks off on the 3rd. 

I'm staying at the very fancy Hyatt Regency right in Downtown Houston and I knew I should've bought a hat. There are literally hundreds of cowboys and cowgirls downstairs - and I'll definitely be joining them tomorrow. Tonight though I need to get my beauty sleep and to prepare for the run in the morning. 

The whole Rodeo thing is a huge part of Houstonian life though and something everyone should get to experience at least once. I was lucky enough to be around last year, and the timings have fallen neatly too for this year. I've got the next week in Houston and then I'll be back for the last weekend too. 

And the Rodeo itself does a massive amount for local charity, donating over $8m in local scholarships last year alone (here)! So today's charity of choice is going to be the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. A Houston institution and a phenomenal supporter of the local communities which help to sustain it. 

Till tomorrow y'all, Tom

Day 40 - Another old one

Another day, another really long one. So once again I am shamelessly pilfering a previous blog. It's a light one, and probably not that interesting really. But I'm mentally beat and I need to learn some Spanish! I promise tomorrow to write something new - probably. Yeah I should get a chance in the airport as I am waiting to travel home. 

This one was focusing on things which I called Unbreakable Laws of the Universe (ULotU). Things that no-one can really explain but are just true. Everyone inherently knows them to be.

Barriers around things

This idea is borrowed (stolen) from the great Douglas Adams but I think it certainly still holds water. Adams (when designing the “rules” for a game called Brockian Ultra Cricket which was briefly mentioned in his Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series) came up with this as a theory;            

 

Put your team and the opposing team in a large field and build a high wall round them. The reason for this is that, though the game is a major spectator sport, the frustration experienced by the audience at not actually being able to see what's going on leads them to imagine that it's a lot more exciting than it actually is. A crowd that has just watched a rather humdrum game experiences far less life-affirmation than a crowd that believes it has just missed the most dramatic event in sporting history.

 

When I first wrote this blog we were having some security turnstiles installed at work and no-one really paid much attention UNTIL a barrier was constructed around the area where they were being installed – suddenly everyone was trying to get a sneak peak and see what was going on, just in case it was the most interesting thing ever and they wanted to make sure they didn’t miss it. People just can’t help themselves. Obviously it’s not just the male gender that fall for this, but we seem to be more interested on the whole.

So ULotU Rule #1 – To make something more interesting, make it harder for people to see clearly what it is

 

Toilet Etiquette

This is something all men understand innately. I was certainly never taught this, its just there in my mind. The following diagram is a representation of the Men’s toilets at my work – the numbers correspond to the “correct” filling order.

Any disruption from the filling order (e.g. someone taking #6 when the rest of the toilets are empty) will cause great consternation if a second person comes in to use the facilities for example. Can’t explain it but if you show this to most guys I would expect you would get a very small amount of debate (if any). 

So ULotU Rule #2 – There is a way to “fill” any toilet facility. Its like the offside rule, it’s bloody difficult to explain to the uninitiated but it is unavoidable

Guys feel like James Bond when in Black Tie (i.e. DJ with bow-tie)

Sorry but we do. He’s cool and everyone in black tie wants to look like him and be him. If you are in a black suit and black tie then you start humming the Reservoir Dogs theme tune and deciding whether you want to be Mr Blonde, Mr White or Mr Orange. Obviously no-one want to be Mr Pink and Mr Purple is on another job.

 

So ULotU Rule #3 – When you wear Black Tie you could actually be James Bond. Black suit and black tie equals Reservoir Dogs.

 

It is almost impossible to use a lightsaber (or anything of that shape) without making a “woosh".

Ewan Macgregor famously added his own sound effects during the lightsaber battles he filmed for Episode 1 (until the crew politely pointed out that they could do that in sound editing later). If a fully trained professional actor can’t help himself then what chance do mere mortals have! 

Additionally, its amazing how many everyday things can be easily utilised to make a perfect lightsaber in order to be able to carry out the “whooshing” – mops, long-cardboard tubes, cricket stumps etc….

 

So ULotU Rule #4 – Lightsabers are cool. Making noises with them is even cooler

 

There are many, many other rules of men which have been talked about in great detail across vast swathes of the internet and other assorted media outlets (these things called books that I’ve heard so much about) so I won’t bore you anymore.

For the record (a) once the barrier was removed, nobody cast a glance at the turnstiles at work (b) if you do use a cricket stump for a lightsaber, check your clearances first because trying to explain to the groundsman why there is a shiny new hole in his recently redecorated changing room is neither a fun nor easy experience!

Till tomorrow, Tom

Day 39 - On the road again

Today started with a ridiculously early 0245 alarm call and is finishing with me sat in a very nice hotel room after three beers, a steak and a good evening spent with a good friend. 

It is however a hotel room with one of the most bizarre features I think I've seen - and I've been in more hotel rooms than I care to count in my my life. Just have a quick glance at the photo and see if you can work it out? Did you get it? No?

You can see the shower from the bed! Literally a clean view straight through the shower into the bathroom from the bedroom. Might have been pretty cool if I still had someone to share it with! As it is, it definitely goes onto my top 5 of odd things I've seen a bedroom (see if you can guess the other 4!).

It can get a bit tedious when you travel a lot, particular when it is short durations for work and you barely get your stuff out of your suitcase. But every now and then you see something funky like this and you realise that you haven't, in fact, seen it all! 

That's a good thing, keeping it fresh. Getting into too much of a routine (a bit is OK) isn't great, and it can often numb you a little bit to the little things. You miss them if you aren't looking. And sometimes you aren't looking because you've forgotten to pick your head up every now and then.

Anyway, it's been a long day. That big comfy bed is calling. And tomorrow is another day, hopefully with something new and exciting too.

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

Day 7 - A Change of Plans

Slight change in the plans for today. Was supposed to be off to BR but unfortunately due to the inability of Avis to provide me with a car I'm here in Houston. Which means laundry day.

First week has gone pretty well. We got everything we needed to achieve at work, Jeff got his red velvet cake and I managed to hit a few bars/restaurants that I like. This week has still felt pretty transitional as I'm living out of a suitcase (or three in fact) and so for that reason I can't wait for next weekend and to get to BR.

The closer it gets the more I'm excited to get there, start to meet people and get going with all the plans I have in mind. Obviously I'll keep everyone updated with what I'm getting up to, the successes and the failures and hopefully give you an idea of what it is like living in this part of the world - through the eyes of a 30-something single engineer anyway.

Hope you have a had a great weekend so far and whatever plans you have for the rest of it are exciting and fulfilling. Keep your eyes peeled for some interesting developments over the next few weeks and, if you enjoy this blog, please feel free to direct other people to it, comment below or just generally get in touch with me.

Till tomorrow, Tom

Day 6 - Sausages to end the first week

So it turns out I need to start making a better job of writing my blog before I go do something in the evening. It's now nearly midday if Day 7, but here is Day 6.

Friday has finally arrived and that means the weekend is on the doorstop. It's also Jeff and John's last night in town so decided to make a night of it. Started off with what John unfortunately referred to as a "sausage-fest", but he was at least half right.

Moon Tower Inn Cookshack and Sudworks (here) does an amazing line in gourmet hot dogs and beer brewed round the back of the outdoor shack. 

It is a great little place maybe 5-10 minutes cab away from north downtown and well worth exploring. 

The one shown here is Elk with Bacon and Cheese. Other delights include Pheasant and Cognac, Buffalo with Chipotle, Rabbit, Duck, Lamb. Absolutely top quality fare, down-to-earth and rustic.

Houston is a city of distinct districts and pockets. We spend a lot of our time at the south of end of Downtown in the business district, where there isn't much in the way of bars/restaurants for evening entertainment. There is a bit in Midtown but it's definitely more of a studenty type vibe with outside bars rather than the classic bar you'd see in, for example, Spinningfields or the Northern Quarter.

So we headed up to the North part of Downtown and checked out a couple of places that tick the more traditional bar model. Admittedly we got there a little on the early side (Houston doesn't really get going till gone midnight) but the vibe and the scene down there is definitely worth going. 

Okra Charity Saloon (here) is a great concept. All profits go to various charities around Houston (a different one a month to a total of around $1.3m in 7 years). There is a constantly rotating beer selection (but nowhere near the choices of places like Woodrow's and Pub Fiction) and the food is pretty good too. The homemade cookies with milk are to die for, but we steered clear this time. The other place we hit was Bovine and Barley (here). Good beer selection and the wine was well received by Jeff.

Houston really is a great place to go out in, provided you keep in the right areas. There are plenty of people if you time it right, but it never feels overcrowded. I haven't seen any hint of trouble, everyone is beyond friendly and the atmosphere buzzes. 

And there are plenty more places to try before my year is over!
Till tomorrow, Tom

Day 5 - A bit of reminiscing

Strange day today. Realised when I was sat in work that the last time I sported the suit, shirt and tie combination I had on was my mum's funeral, nearly two years ago. It also dawned on my at the time that this was the first major life-altering period I've been through without her. So that brought plenty back.

It got me thinking about the future, and how we should embrace it. My mum was too young when she died, just around the time my dad finally retired and they seemed to have everything all set up. Life is shit like that sometimes. But it also presents you with opportunities, even in the dark times.

It gives you a wake-up call and the opportunity to take stock of your life and work out what is important to you. It gives you the opportunity to make positive decisions and consciously be a positive force. Dwelling on what might have happened is unproductive, but remembering the good times and promising yourself that you'll make good memories moving forward can be constructive. 

For me the sad part is that (at almost the drop of a hat) you can lose the ability to continue to make memories with the people you love. 

So take advantage and go make those memories today. Don't put something off waiting for the right time, turn the situation into the right time. We all have the ability to influence our surroundings and our mentality if nothing else. Be positive, be amazing and be in control of your own opportunities. 

With that out of the way I'll revert back more mundane and fun topics. We finally managed to find Jeff some red velvet cake - and it was demolished at a rate of knots! 

He's been after some for a while and finally we found one that looked worth the hassle. And it was. I had a sneaky bit. This came after we managed to put away a good 1 1/2 16" pizzas between three of us from the excellent Russo's in Midtown (here).

So the healthy living is struggling a touch! I've stabilised the next few days but once I get to BR it'll all be good. 

That's it from me. Hope you have a fantastic Friday and I'll catch you tomorrow.
Till then, Tom