The Central Texas Heat

It's been about a week since I moved back to Austin. I've gotta tell ya, it's been quite an adventure already. I began my MBA orientation last week. I've met a ton of people, each of whom is impressive in his/her own right. We go out at night, try to be as social as possible. It looks like I'm in for a fun two years.

As suggested by the headline of this post, it's hot as hell outside. I think Austin hit 100 or 101 degrees every day this week. It was ridiculous. My car's AC is definately getting a workout. I think it's going to rain next week, so hopefull it'll cool off.

I'm still getting my apartment situated, so I'll write more when I get the chance. I still have pictures to hang and my computer setup to complete. Hopefully it'll all be done soon!

Texas begins its quest to defend its national title in 6 days. I'm excited. Are you?

The Path to Greatness

I've never been afraid of change. As a young person finding his purpose in this life, I find that change is an essential part of the process. I'm constantly meeting new people, moving to new places, doing new things, and since I subscribe to the belief that we are defined by our experiences, at times I find it necessary to occasionally reflect on my significant experiences in the world.

So as I prepare for the next (albeit very short) chapter in my life (lets call it "The Graduate School Years"), I'd like to briefly reflect on my time spent in Houston.

It was with cautious optimism that I made the move from wonderful NYC to Houston. Not knowing what to expect, I sought residence in an area close to work. Work was fun, but I didn't know many people outside of it, especially that first year. So I dated a girl long distance, left town on the weekends when i could, and hated investment banking life during the week. We had the super bowl, midtown blew up, downtown blew up, and all was right in the world.

The second year was better. Peyman, Logan, Eric, Omead, Diana, Lisa, Monica, Ted, Russell, and others all migrated to the area. I reconnected with them and other friends I had lost touch with along the way. It was great. The 'stros got to the NLCS but lost. Texas made the rose bowl and won. I discovered more bars and clubs than ever. Houston began to feel like home.

The third year was great. The 'stros made the Series, Texas won the title, and I hooked up with an asian. I left banking. I went to vegas. I still kept in touch with friends and got closer to some existing ones. Jenni Taylor, who I met the night of the big 12 championship through Staci, has become a good friend of mine, so good that we hung out basically every day since last December. I also met KingwoodGirl, who I mentioned in an earlier post. She's awesome.

Anyhow, A couple of moments are particuarly impressive, and I'd like to recap them.

• Las Vegas, August 2005: Myself, the beloved Fade, and R. Jones decided to blow off some steam in the desert. After the smoothest airplane landing in world aviation history, we took vegas for all it was worth. Between caesars palace, club Pure, and the strip, we painted the town red. This was the end result.

• The Rose Bowl, January 2006: This doesn't need much explanation. R. Jones, Big Easy, The Man, and I flew out to the city of angels and watched Texas beat USC for the national title. The tickets were free! I could go on and on. Unforgettable.

• t e n i n t e n, June 2006: In the most aggresive hunt for new alcohol I've ever undertaken, my friend Jenni and experienced 10 totally new bars in the Houston area. It was a great success. I'll probably do the same in austin.

Although two of the three events occurred outside of Houston, everyone I experieced them with lives in Houston, so it counts. Clearly, this list is by no means exhaustive, but I thought I'd cherry pick some of the ones that stood out.

So as I leave Houston, I wish everyone well, I invite anyone and everyone to come visit myself and others in Austin, and I assure you all that I'll be back.

State of the Union

It's been a little over a year since I started this blog. At first, I started it because it was a way for me to deal with a tough break up. I decided I would focus on meeting new chicks and recount my experiences here. But after a while, I decided against it. Then, this blog became something fun to write and gather reaction to. People read it, liked it, commented, etc. Now, a bit more than a year later, its still fun (now that I finally got it working again), and I'll still talk about random girls, but it will perform a different function. Since I am going off to college (again), I'll use it to update people on my graduate school experience.

But first, lets review the girl action:

• March - April: met NYC girl, hooked up, determined she was nuts, cut all ties
• March - June: met medical school girl, very much into her, but totally wrong timing
• April - Present: met Cecil's chick online, total hook-up relationship...pretty cool....sorta
• May - Present: met KingwoodGirl, definitely into her, timing sucks, but willing to wait
• June - Present: met AngryChick, hooked up, found out she was AngryChick, still figuring out my angle with her, haven't ruled out cutting all ties

Whoop, there it is.

Tonight I went out to Cecil's (fucking LOVE that bar) with Jenni. She had the great idea of composing an "ode to htown" of sorts. I like the idea. So stay tuned.

Without question, I am a little sad to leave Houston. Although I am looking forward to my time in Austin, I can't get away from all the good times I've had, the new people I've met and/or reconnected with, and the amount I've grown as an individual. Fortunately, this isn't 1970 where you kept in touch with people via written letter. We have the internet, cell phones, e-mail, and more.

Stay up y'all.