Texas / California Dictionary...

Now that I've been in Houston for nearly 60 days, I thought I'd create a Los Angeles / Houston reference guide for those traveling back and forth. Both states have their quirks, so here's the quick "survival guide":

Houston / Los Angeles:
Y'all = You guys
Fixin' = 'bout to
Very = Hella
Coonass = Some sort of Cajun hillbilly
Awesome = Sick
Feeder Road = Road running parallel to the freeway (like a frontage road)
Inside the Loop = West of the 405
God = A word used in pickup lines
Money = God

Direct Comparison:
Food - Houston
Weather - Los Angeles
Nice People - Houston
Cooler Jobs - Los Angeles
More Jobs - Houston
Beaches - Los Angeles
Cheap Drinks - Houston
Governor - Los Angeles
Best Sports Bars - Houston
Road Conditions - Los Angeles (barely, they both suck)
Cost of Housing - Houston
Best Lounges - Los Angeles
Cutest Girls - Both!

Claim to Fame:
Houston - Enron, NASA
Los Angeles - Everything on TV

Waves:
Houston - Big waves = A small day in Huntington
Los Angeles - Big waves = A hurricane about 4 hours away

The Beach:
Los Angeles - Baywatch
Houston - A lakeshore

Sports Arenas:
Los Angeles - No roof so that you can enjoy the sunshine.
Houston - Retractible roof so you can avoid the sunshine.

Basketball:
Los Angeles Lakers - America's Favorite Team
Houston Rockets - China's Favorite Team















Swing Dancing:
Los Angeles - Lots of "Advanced" dancers and "Beginner" dancers, but few "Intermediates"
Houston - Lots of "Intermediate" dancers, but few of the others.

"Spiritual" Means:
California - You do yoga, own "The Secret" DVD, are probably a vegitarian, and believe energy governs the universe.
Texas - You're too lazy to go to chruch. (and you believe that the energy industry governs the universe)

Air Conditioning:
Los Angeles - A box fan.
Houston - A captive snow storm that lives in your walls.

Sexiest women's outfits:
Los Angeles - $250 designer jeans
Houston - Sun Dresses

Celebrity:
Houston - Ron Artest
Los Angeles - Everyone else...

Heat:
Los Angeles: Hot = 95 degrees
Houston: Hot = 107 degrees (while it's raining)















Weekend Summer Scene:
Los Angeles: The Beach
Houston: The Pool

Favorite Get Together Excuse:
Los Angeles - Sushi
Houston - Crawfish Boil

Boys Town:
Los Angeles - West Hollywood
Houston - Montrose

View of America:
-Los Angeles believes the USA is a terrible, selfish country that exploits children around the world and must repay the world with ineffective charities and though guilt about being successful.
-Houston believes that America is the 2nd best country in the world (Next to Texas).















Main Top Topic in a Weekly Business Meeting:
Los Angeles - Why casual Friday is so important.
Houston - Why God wants you to succeed.

Key to Getting Into Clubs:
Los Angeles - How much money you make.
Houston - Who you know.

Traffic:
Houston - Rush hour is what happens in LA at the La Cienega Exit off of the 405 any time of day.
Los Angeles - Rush hour is what happens in Houston the day before a hurricane hits.

Well, that's about it, but if you have other comparisons or insights, please share them in the comments section!

Recipe for fun...

I just wanted to express the absolute joy of the 2 beer buzz. You see, there are plenty of different types of buzzes and “drunks” out there, but nothing beats the simplicity and fun of the 2 beer buzz.

Because this is one of life's most amazing recipes, I’m going to give it to you to enjoy:

1 Empty Stomach

2 beers

1 good friend (or substitute some of your favorite music)

Mix together to create a guaranteed good time. (...and if you're drinking Dos Equis you may become more interesting with each sip).

Note: Also, done mid day with the sun shining is a nice extra touch.

Try it out and let me know if you agree that it’s one of the best things ever.

Friends in Town...

This weekend was a chance to feel a little like I was back in California, but with an extra helping of Texas hospitality. Some good friends were in town teaching a swing dance workshop (which I didn't end up attending due to holding 3 jobs currently) and because of them the dancing was good enough that even some of my shenannagans went unnoticed.

It's funny because I know Jordan and Tatiana as friends, but they were clearly only one step down from Heaven to many people here in Houston. I must have heard, "Oh my God, I want to go say hi to Jordan, but I don't dare..." more times that I heard someone say "Y'all" (and that's a LOT). And for those that I did introduce to Jordan or Tat, picture taking then swooning were the next steps in their progression of worship.

Needless to say, they are both worthy of this kind of praise because in addition to being the best west coast swing dancers in the world (in my biased yet unfalteringly accurate opinion), they are two of the best people I've ever met. Rather than being fake and ungracious, they are actually completely thankful that they get to live the life of their dreams... Now who can fault that?

Ok - Enough (completely warranted) praise... Here's a video that I thought was worth posting of their performance on Friday night at the Melody Club here in Houston. For those who don't know, this isn't a routine, it's just them dancing spur of the moment to a great version of a classic american anthem - Enjoy!



PS- If you're interested in learning how to do this kind of Swing Dancing you can find out more about where to take classes in Houston or in Southern California by clicking the links. (Or comment below if you're in other areas, and I'll hook you up.)

The Beauty of the Moment...

I'm not sure if it's a good thing or not, but I think I've been blessed with the ability to live in the moment - the problem is that the consequences in an hour or two aren't always kind to this type of rationale...

However, in tribute to living in the moment, I'm going to recap a few of my 'mucho appreciado' (no I wasn't a Spanish Major in college) living the moment, moments... and the insight that they've offered me.


1) The first time I discovered the beauty of 2 beers on an empty stomach.

2) Realizing that I do actually like sunsets and long walks on the beach.... (errr... can I take this one back?)

3) Learning to paint again at age 29 and liking it WAY better than video games (or at least until Guitar Hero 2 came out)

4) Discovering the Karaoke bars that will let you rent your own room and allow you to publicly embarrass yourself in private company.

5) The night I rejoiced at the understanding that women judge men by more than just our appearance...

6) The first morning that I realized that there are few things more underrated than putting on new socks and good smelling hand soap.

7) The understanding that everything has it's place... For example, Country music is about Sunday - Friday, and Hip Hop is all about Saturday night! Both fill different needs and aren't mutually exclusive.

So those are just a few snapshots of my 'Moments of Clarity' into how life REALLY works, and how living in the moment has made me a better man while only getting me into a little trouble.

It's a Beautiful Thing...

Oh... 1 more reason that I love Texas...
(I think the picture says it all!)

The First 30 Days in Texas...

I'd heard the stories, but didn't realize that Texas actually IS it's own country. (Guess I'm glad they didn't make me get a passport to move here). That pretty much summarizes the mad dash that has characterized my first 30 days in Houston.

I love the people here 100%. I've already met a whole gaggle of fun folks to dance, drink, and conquer the world with me... I haven't been through the crazy heatwaves that everyone complains about - but I'm not holding my breath.

Texas is also SUPER cheap. Great food, houses, drinks, etc are less than half of what they cost in So Cal, so I'm enjoying that to the fullest. For me that means dancing a few nights a week, exploring the new areas of town like Rice Village, Mid Town, Montrose and meeting lots-o-people along the way.

As for the reason that I moved here - 30 days in I've got my insurance license and am hoping to be out on the road helping business owners by next week. To accomplish this I've had to pass my test, get finger printed, file all the maddening paperwork, and deal with governmental employees... All while living on my best friend's couch. How's that for FUN?

Anyway, if my first 30 days is any crystal ball indicating how the rest of my time here will be spent, then I'm excited! If you have any suggestions on what I should check out next, feel free to comment!