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!

My Drive Across the Country (SLC to Houston)

First leg of the trip revealed that "Footlose" was really filmed in Utah...
Here is the mill where Kevin Bacon worked in the movie...

Angular view of the beautiful Utah countryside on the way to I-70 via Price, Utah.

My smiling mug along with my whole wardrobe in the back seat.
Viva la roadtrip!

This is the notorious "No Name Exit"
(it's an urban myth that I'm starting)

The scenery in Colorado is incredible, however tunnels really limit the view...

One of the less famous viewpoints from which to see downtown Denver....

This was the most exciting thing I saw in about 4 hours of traveling through Kansas...

Keeping the sunset in my rear view mirror traveling East across the Great Plains...

Where I woke up on Day 2 about 9:00 AM after getting in at 2 AM...
(I know, it's fancy)

Oklahoma City here I come!
(The rain had different ideas)

This clearly says "Welcome to Oklahoma" (right?)

The wonder that is... Downtown Oklahoma City...

I don't know why I didn't think of 25 cent cologne dispensers like they have in the truckstop bathrooms in Oklahoma... I'm sure I'd be rich if I'd thought of it first!

Yeee Haaaaw! I made it to Texas...

Ran into crappy traffic 45 minutes before Dallas. Was this a bad omen or what?

Fortunately the traffic cleared up and I made it to Dallas unscathed...

Downtown Dallas before I turned my sites on Houston and finished up the trip...

Huntington Beach Life Guard Tower 12

My Roommate Frank Titoni Standing Tall on San Onofre Breach

Tidal Ripples at Low Tide...