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

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

Day 4 - Tamales and Parenthood

Minor technical issue with the video. Never could get it transferred so you get a day without getting to hear my voice. I feel your pain and I'm sorry 😂😂.

Another day, another adventure. Well not so much of an adventure as it mainly involved work but that's the right attitude isn't it?!

Definitely starting to get back into US life and becoming a bit more acclimatised to the fact I'm here for a year. I won't settle properly till I get to Baton Rouge and get into a routine but I can feel the process starting.

Caught up with a couple of friends from the client side tonight. Corey was anxiously checking his phone all night as his wife is 9 months and 1 day pregnant. I always wonder what this is like, waiting and knowing that at some point in the next few days your life will be changed for ever. 

I obviously didn't have that with Katie as I met her much later bit I know for a fact that when I became Katie's dad it was the moment that everything I knew changed. Becoming a dad is the single greatest thing that has happened to me and I'm a better person for it. 

I became more aware of what is actually important in life and to understand how priorities should be. I lost that recently, and that feeling is one I'm desperate to feel again. I'm off to a good start, and always trying to look forward.

What I do know is that my world became so much bigger and better when Katie arrived and I'm so excited for Corey and Alyssa to experience that.

Anyone coming to Houston with a liking for meat is in for a treat. As well as a number of great steak restaurants we have the brilliant Houston Steak Night website (here) which details which bars have pop-up steak vendors and on which nights. Most of them come in around $20 for a steak and a couple of sides (some also include a beer). 

Last night was Little Woodrow's in Midtown (here) - and the filet was to die for. Those who don't like to see any red on their steak should look away now, I have mine essentially still moving.

Another thing LW is famous for (in my eyes anyway) is the "tamales" guy. I've been here on numerous occasions and always said at some point I'd get some. We took the plunge tonight (even after that steak) and got some. I'm not going to bore you too much with what tamales are (google/wikipedia can do that job) but I was ever so slightly disappointed. Thankfully they were rescued by some amazing jalapeño sauce and they all got polished off pretty quickly.

Finished off in the Coaches Pub, which definitely falls into the category of American bar rather than English pub but never mind. And we've still not managed to find Jeff a good red velvet cake in town. As you can see, it is definitely playing on his mind!

Till tomorrow, Tom

Day 3 - A few places to try

So today was the first day when I felt vaguely human in the morning. 3 days is about right for getting over jet lag for me these days. 

Today turned into one of those unexpected "energy" days where you feel like you can conquer the world. I've not had many of them over the last few years but I did today, and hopefully it is the sign of things to come,. It did start early doors due to the time difference to back home and the need to have a few meetings. The pic below shows the office at about 0650, just ready to get the day going.

View from KBR Tower @ far too early o'clock

One of the things I promised myself I'd do on this blog was extol the virtues of Houston and Baton Rouge. I've only spent limited time in BR but Houston has been my on and off home for a while. As a result I have managed to find a few great spots for eats and drinks - and I managed to drag two of my colleagues along.

First along is the Brass Tap in Midtown (https://www.brasstapbeerbar.com/) which was doing amazing, happy-hour, tacos and a cracking beer selection. The music choice wasn't great but the rest of it made top for it. Check out there site above for happy hour deals and get yourself down there. It'll be even better in the summer when the weather is that bit warmer.

Korean Pork BBQ Taco <- Lush

And right across from the Brass Tap on the same intersection is Holman's Draft Hall (https://www.facebook.com/HolmanDraftHall/) . It was quiet tonight but the vibe is always chilled in this converted storage warehouse. Great beer selection and the food is pretty damn tasty too (though we didn't eat here). The salads and sandwiches are excellent from past experience.

Holman's Beer Hall

Think that's all for now. Good luck for hump day and I'll see you again soon.

Till tomorrow, Tom

Day 2 - Making Plans

Day 2 back in the big city. Managed to get a reasonable amount of sleep until the train reared its ugly head (see videos below). Weight now down to 15st 10lb so trending in the right direction.

One of the big things I've been committing myself to this year is to restart my challenge events, and the first one is ready to go. February 8th, so 26 days from today I'll be doing the Mardi Gras Mambo 10km in Baton Rouge (https://runmambo.com). I'm hoping this will be the first of many this year - in fact I'm targeting one a month - but I need your help.

What do you think I should do? Is there anything you did that you think I should experience, or anything you wish you had dnone and want me too do on your behalf. I'm thinking all kinds of races (regular, OCR etc.) as well as unique challenges and one general adrenaline stuff.

Obviously it needs to be relatively affordable but the wackier the better if I can find a way to make it happen. So hit me up with your thoughts and let's get the calendar full with amazing experiences an memories. And if you want to join in, and can afford it, then the more the merrier I say.

Once I've managed to set something up these challenges will all be to raise money for the incomparable Christie Hospital (https://www.christie.nhs.uk) who provide an unbelievable service in one ion the most heart-wrenching environments. These people are simply staggering in what they do and the world needs to support them in any way it can.

That's all for today. Its only about 1:30pm here but this afternoon is likely to consist of work, the gym and maybe a beer. Oh and I'm making satay prawns tonight so keep an eye in Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for the recipe (which I'll also bob on the blog later if it is any good) - as well as all the other photos from my adventure.

Till tomorrow, Tom

Day 1 - Howdy H'Town

First day back in Houston.

Weight 15st 12lb. 

Back in the familiar environment of the noise of downtown where they seemingly like to move their trains only under the cover of night! However jet lag has already grabbed me at around 3am and doesn't seem overly inclined to let me go. Standard occurrence really but I thought I'd got the hang of it by now.

However, as part of my new plan to spend more time doing things and less time thinking about doing things a quick 4am gym session seems just what the doctor (not me, a real one) would order. 

Nothing like having the gym all to oneself, despite the minor annoyance of the lights going off halfway through. 

Sitting on a bike (and riding obviously before any smartarses shout up) apparently isn't quite enough to establish light and so the final half of the session is done in almost complete darkness.


Back for a quick shower and then I managed to catch the first sunrise of my American adventure.

Cameras never do enough justice to the view but it is actually quite beautiful as far as sunrise in a city go. There is something about the anticipation of waiting for what the day is going to bring that makes the first rays of the day quite relaxing, and something I plan to see more of this year.

Obviously it is not a patch on being out in the countryside or somewhere more remote but all things considered I think this is a positive omen to start things off.

Tomorrow it is back to the project grind, but after nearly five years it feels like we are approaching the endgame of it. It's been hard but ultimately rewarding. The work-life balance is even more important when you are away from home, and a big part of that is finding yourself exciting things to do. 

I'm fortunate in that I really do love my job, but this year is all about making sure I love what I do outside of work as well. The only question is where to start! :-)

Till tomorrow, Tom

Day 0 - An Adventure Begins

So after nearly a year with absolutely zero in the way of blogging I'd decided to have yet another rebrand! Seemingly this is a regular occurrence.

This time however I hope that I am going to actually post something, because I have a genuine motivation for this. I'm the luckiest guy in the entire world because I get to be the daddy to the most amazing daughter in the world, Katie. And a big part of this blog will help me keep in touch with her (and show her what I'm up to) from over 3000 miles away.

I'm lucky enough to travel with work, and as a result I'm relocating to Baton Rouge for a year as part of a new assignment. I've spent a bit of time in Houston over the last 4-5 years on a separate project, but this is different. This is a proper relocation complete with apartment, car and visa!

Part of being able to travel with work is being given a golden opportunity to try things I would never have been able to. 

Me and the Monkey

I turn 40 this year and Katie's mum and I recently agreed to end our engagement. We are still going to be friends and raise Katie as mummy and daddy, but nevertheless this constitutes a seismic change in my life. All the plans that were starting to mature are gone, and new plans are needed to fill the spaces that now exist.

I've also had a chance to look back on the last few years and realise I am neither the person I used to be, nor the one that I wish to be. I became so scared about the future and losing what I had, that I forgot to live in the moment and cherish what was there. I've already lost so much as a result, and with my mum dying ahead of her time a few years ago this mortality has been brought into sharper relief.

Enjoying the Business Class

So 2020 marks a change, a reversion to where I was 3-4 years or so ago. I'm going to be saying "yes" to things, instead of finding reasons to say no. I'm restarting my challenges, whilst trying to raise as much money for the fabulous Christie hospital in Manchester who supported mum unwaveringly. I'm also going to get as fit as I've been in years and tick so many things off my bucket list that I should have done with others when I had the chance.

Along the way I want to show you Houston and Baton Rouge, and dispel some of the myths people who aren't from this part of the world have. The people, places, cuisine and culture are amazing - I hope this comes through from my blog. So this is Day 0 and I'm writing this from 37,000 ft as I cross the Atlantic for the next (but by no means last) great adventure.I hope you come along for the ride, and enjoy it. 

Till tomorrow, Tom