STR8 UP WITH A TWIST

Photo - January 8, 2012

2012-01-09T21:47:00.000-06:00

I walked out of Mass last night and noticed a full moon...probably the cause of weird dreams a few hours later.

Photo - January 7, 2012

2012-01-08T12:51:00.001-06:00

So Macy's has it right! First you promote Mardi Gras and THEN you promote Valentine's Day.

And I hate myself because I went in to exchange a pair of pants and ended up purchasing a pair that was $40 more and then found a fabulous Marc Ecko shirt that I couldn't live without. Actually, there were three shirts but I could only afford one. Hopefully the other two shirts will be there in a couple of weeks.

Photo - January 6, 2012

2012-01-07T17:50:00.000-06:00

January 6 is the Feast of the Epiphany, the Feast of the Three Kings, the 12th Day of Christmas and the beginning of Mardi Gras Season. I should be posting a photo of something religious or Mardi Grasesque but instead I saw this display of Little Debbie Snack Cakes for Valentine's Day and couldn't resist...snapping a photo OR buying box.

I was ~~aimlessly~~ strolling through Target and saw this and reminded myself that IF I ever get a tattoo it is going to be the Little Debbie logo. After all, my butt wouldn't be as big as it is without Little Debbie's help.

Photo - January 5, 2012

2012-01-06T17:00:00.000-06:00

Our new building is REALLY nice and isn't too far from downtown. We are in Montrose which is an eclectic neighborhood. I'm house on the fourth floor of the building and we have a great view of the downtown skyline.

I worked late and decided to play around with some of the settings on my camera to see what type of pic I could get through the glass and without a tripod. I think I did good.

Photo - January 4, 2012

2012-01-05T20:49:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure how much was spent on the neon for this restaurant but they did an excellent job! This space was formerly the Tower Theater. I don't know much about it because by the time I moved to Houston, it was vacant and then was converted to a Hollywood Video Store.

The food is good and the margaritas will kick your ass. I have determined that two is my limit at El Real.

Photo - January 3, 2012

2012-01-04T16:52:00.000-06:00

It was a crisp, cold morning in Houston. We haven't too many of those types of days. I was out walking The Calvinator and snapped this picture just as the sun was making its appearance. That is Memorial Drive in the foreground.

Photo - January 2, 2012

2012-01-03T17:34:00.000-06:00

We were closed on Monday so I was home most of the day. Normally when I am home The Calvinator is running around. He slept most of Monday. In the evening, I looked at his eyes and they were red and watery. I guess even dogs can catch a cold.

Photo - January 1, 2012

2012-01-02T08:19:00.000-06:00

St. Anne Catholic Church in Houston is a beautiful church. There is little need for decorating it with floral arrangements. I always like the flowers at Christmas. In the Roman Catholic faith, January 1 is The Feast of the Solemnity of Mary which in 2012 coincided with Sunday Mass.

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

2011-03-08T08:01:00.000-06:00

Happy Mardi Gras! However you celebrate today, remember...it's all about the beads.

Bah Humbug!

2011-02-14T19:26:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure what the official grunt is for Valentine's Day so I chose the one for Christmas. Don't get me wrong, I like Christmas. I don't really care for New Year's Eve or Valentine's Day. So much so, in 1992 a friend of mine helped me put on the Bitter Queens Ball. We REALLY need to ressurect that party. I forced a smile and forced Calvin to pose for this picture.

So to all you love birds, don't let my bitterness poop on your parade. Tomorrow it will be February 15, just another day in the life of a single person.

P.S. Calvin is not on steroids. He was close to the camera.

Dealing With The Devil

2011-02-06T13:42:00.000-06:00

There is something that I don't like about Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys. He has a look that I don't trust.

Today in Arlington, Texas, at Cowboys Stadium Super Bowl XLV will occur. The Green Bay Packers take on the Pittsburgh Steelers. I don't have a dog in the fight so I really don't care who wins. All I know is that I have three parties to attend!

Anywho...back to Jerry. I can't remember all of the details but the City of Dallas and Dallas County wouldn't work out a deal to keep the DALLAS Cowboys in Dallas. So Jerry made a deal with the City of Arlington and probably Tarrant County to build Jerry's World in Arlington. Promises were made and so far I think the only promises that were kept are: 1) A stadium was built; and 2) there would be a Super Bowl brought to Texas again.

The last time a Super Bowl was held in Texas was Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston at Reliant Stadium...more on that later.

Anywho...$$$ danced in everyone's heads and from what I can tell, this has been an economic bust. You see...when you deal with the devil (Jerry Jones) something is going to go wrong.

First of all, the logistics don't make any sense. The parties are occurring in Fort and Dallas. The NFL Experience (I think that is the name of it) is occurring in Dallas but ESPN is making Fort Worth smell like rose by broadcasting from Sundance Square. You have too many people spread out over a large area to create a central festive zone.

Second, everyone who lives in the North Texas area knows that it is prone to ice and snow in January and February and if you want guarantee that it will happen book an event during Fort Worth's Stock Show & Rodeo...you'll get ice.

So...God don't like ugly and just to prove he ~~rained~~ iced all over Jerry's parade so to be speak. However, I think God does have a sense of humor and he decided to let the weather clear up starting yesterday. In the meantime, the $$$ will not be what was anticipated.

I'm sure after the weather fiasco leading up to Super Bowl XLV, people will forget Nipplegate at Super Bowel XXXVIII.

photo credit: Patrick Schneider

Fido

2011-01-17T20:22:00.000-06:00

A dog, 'Leao', sits for a second consecutive day, next to the grave of her owner, Cristina Maria Cesario Santana, who died in the week's catastrophic landslides in Brazil, at the cemetery in Teresopolis, near Rio de Janiero, on January 15, 2011. Brazilians Saturday braced for more rain, fearing further catastrophic landslides after walls of muddy water tore through towns and claimed some 550 lives in the country's worst flood disaster on record. (Getty Images/Daylife)

This picture has made me cry. Seriously. As I compose this, I'm crying because it is the true meaning of the word fidelity. The name Fido is a bastardization of the word fidelity.

In Jan Van Eyck's wedding portrait Giovanni Arnolfini and His Bride, a dog is positioned between the two humans to represent fidelity. The painting is full of symbolism the most notable being the pregnant bride. This isn't an indication of her current state but it represents fertility.

This has been a rough six weeks or so when it comes to dogs in the family. Right before Christmas, my brother had to put to sleep one of his dogs. On Friday, my parents found out that there dog (who is only 5) is having kidney and liver failure.

I'm going to sign off and give The Calvinator a big hug!

This Just In

2011-01-13T11:05:00.001-06:00

Last night was the kick-off party for AIDS Walk Houston 2011. It was held at The Chelsea Grille on Montrose (at Chelsea). Trevor Eade is the host of a new program produced by JCPTV1 titled What's Happening Houston. The first episode was filmed at the party and for a split second you can see STR8 Up With A Twist. Enjoy!

I Feel For You

2011-01-13T06:16:00.000-06:00

Do you ever get a song stuck in your head? If so, you know how I feel right now.

I woke up this morning singing:

You see...

Chaka Khan will be in Houston, TX, on January 15, 2011, to peform at Cabaret For A Cure. This event benefits HIV/AIDS programs at Legacy Community Health Services. I will be working the event that night and can't wait to hear her sing I'm Every Woman and I Feel For You.

Tickets are still available and can be purchased by clicking here.

It Really Works!

2011-01-08T08:05:00.000-06:00

A few months ago I purchased a Tide To Go stick and threw it in my desk at work. Fortunately, there wasn't a need to use it...until yesterday. You see...

I had a Grande Pike Coffee with some peppermint syrup, one Sweet 'n Low and some non-fat milk. I was wearing an off-white sweater vest and as I was getting out of the car to drop off some information for someone, some of the coffee spilled onto my vest. Well...

I couldn't walk into this office building with a fresh coffee stain so I zipped up my (new) leather jacket and made the delivery.

When I arrived at the office I found the Tide To Go stick and asked Mallory if she had ever used one? She said yes and told me how to use it. Guess what? It really works! There was a wet spot for awhile but I will take that over a coffee stain!

So...I highly recommend the Tide To Go stick. I need to buy more.

Happy 12th Day of Christmas!

2011-01-06T18:59:00.004-06:00

Today is the day that goes by different names: Feast of The Epiphany; Feast of The Three Kings; Feast of The Magi; The 12th Day of Christmas; The Beginning of Mardi Gras Season, 12th Night.

Many people believe that the twelve days of Christmas are the twelve days leading up to Christmas when actually the first day of Christmas is December 26.

In the Christian tradition, The Three Kings arrived twelve days after the birth of Christ. Remember, they traveled from afar bearing gifts and stopped to ask Herod about the birth of the new King...so it took awhile for them to get there.

Today also marks the first day that we can eat King Cake! Now that will give you something to smile about.

Restaurant City

2011-01-04T20:00:00.001-06:00

I tried to find statistics on the number of Houstonians who eat out. Houston is the 4th largest city in the United States and has oodles of restaurants...some good; some bad. Unlike New Orleans, we don't have a standard. For instance, in New Orleans if you can't make a good gumbo, you're going out of business. And New Orleans is known for it's Cajun and Creole cuisine. Boston is known for it's seafood and Italian cuisine.

Houston is so diverse, we don't have a standard cuisine. This makes us a formidable player when it comes to cities that have the best restaurant scene. Tex-Mex. Barbecue. Asian. Italian. Southwestern. Seafood. Steaks. The list goes on and on.

So we got a nod from Esquire Magazine who ranked Houston #7 in the top 10 of America's Best Restaurant Cities. Thanx for the nod Esquire!

What are your favorite restaurants? My list includes (in random order): Cyclone Anayas; Tony's; La Griglia; Paulie's; Jax; Phil's Barbecue; Barnaby's; Reef; Cafe Ginger; Mo Mong; Americas...just to name a few. There is one restaurant that I still mourn its closing: Anthony's. There will forever be hole in my heart. Many a good meal was shared there. And not dis chains, I do love P.F. Changs but you can find one of those in every big city...and I do!

So readers, let me know. What are your favorite restaurants?

How Did You Spend New Year's Eve?

2011-01-01T11:50:00.000-06:00

I opted to stay home. Harris County was continuing it's No Refusal Weekend. I didn't want to have an adult beverage or two and then get stopped and go through the drama of dealing with a cop on NYE. So The Calvinator and I stayed home and watched Kathy Griffin and Anderson Cooper report live from New York's Times Square. I was also flipping over to Andy Cohen's House Party on Bravo. At midnight, a wig dropped from the ceiling and Kim Zolciak sing Tardy For The Party.

Here in Houston, it was the ingaugural Gloworama. On Thursday evening, I watched a portion of the tech rehearsal. It looked like a fun, free, family evening.

I hope that 2011 is great for you and your family!

Hurricane Katrina Five Years Later (Part III)

2010-08-30T18:40:00.000-05:00

August 30, 2005 I called the JW Marriott to talk with Kevin and Lisa. They had checked out of the hotel. I asked to speak to her father; no answer. I asked to be connected to her sister and Beth answered. Kevin & Lisa left early in the morning to get closer to New Orleans. They were going to Lafayette.

I think they left before Brian Williams started broadcasting live from New Orleans for Today Show. He was standing on Canal Street and water was in the streets. The levee system failed and water was pouring into New Orleans.

Life would never be the same for hundreds of thousands of people.

What followed in the next few days is hard to believe. People were stranded in the Superdome. People took refuge at the convention center. There wasn't any food or water for these people. It would be days before any relief would be sent to them and before they would be evacuated.

Local, state and federal governments failed the citizens of New Orleans. There were no airdrops of food or water. I still find it hard to believe what happened 350 miles from my doorstep. It looked like scenes from a war-torn third world country but no, it was the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America. People died in the streets; people died in their homes. People died trying to escape; people died in hospitals.

Please let this never happen again.

Hurricane Katrina Five Years Later (Part II)

2010-08-29T16:31:00.001-05:00

On August 29, 2005, I went to the JW Marriott to meet up with Kevin & Lisa and their kids. The hotel was full of guests from New Orleans.

On the morning of the 29th, Katrina came onshore. The Mississippi Gulf Coast bore the brunt of the storm. At the last moment the storm took a turn to the east. However, New Orleans still took a beating. The roof had been ripped off the Superdome; the shelter of last resort for thousands of people. The Hyatt Regency had its windows blown out.

We walked over to The Galleria to have dinner and I have never seen the mall so full on a Monday night. The evacuees really helped the Houston economy. Restaurants were full and people were shopping and ice skating. Everybody new each other and everyone talked about how lucky they were that the levees had held. They were all making plans to go back to New Orleans on Tuesday or Wednesday.

I was glad to have spent time with Kevin and Lisa and some of their friends. They were hopeful that everything would be ok when they returned and I shared in their hopefulness.

And then on August 30, 2005, Bryan Williams reported live from New Orleans on Today Show and we found out what really happened.

Hurricane Katrina Five Years Later (Part I)

2010-08-28T08:22:00.000-05:00

August 28, 2005, I was at FIT and watching the news while I was on an elipitical machine. I knew that a hurricane was heading toward Louisiana but I didn't know that Mayor Ray Nagin had issued a mandatory evacuation of the city of New Orleans.

On my way home I started to listening to a news station and they were talking about the amount of traffic on I-10 coming in from the east. I called my Lisa to find out if she was OK.

She and her two children left New Orleans before the evacuation order was issued and had gone to Lafayette. With the storm still on course she left Lafayette and was stuck in traffic on I-10 coming into Houston. Kevin wasn't with her because he was on a business trip in San Diego/Tijuana.

She assured me that she was OK and would be meeting up with her family at the JW Marriott in The Galleria. Kevin was trying to get to Houston. I told her to please let me know if they needed anything.

This was just the beginning.

June 6: Miss Ginger's Roundup

2010-05-27T15:20:00.000-05:00

For more information, click here.

Derby Day

2010-04-26T14:14:00.001-05:00

It's time to pull out your big hat and whet your appetite for Mint Juleps! Saturday, May 1 is Legacy Community Health Services Derby Day. The fun begins at 2P at Brazos River Bottom. Entertainment. Food. Games. And of course, Mint Juleps.

The Kentucky Derby will be televised at 5P and we have a way for you to enjoy the fun even if you're not in Louisville.

For more information, contact Tim Martinez @ 713.574.9713 or tjmartinez@legacycommunityhealth.org

Thank you Dixie Carter

2010-04-11T08:31:00.000-05:00

...for giving life to Julia Sugarbaker.

Photo Journal: April 2, 2010

2010-04-03T14:48:00.000-05:00

Friend Bryan is visiting from the ATL. From what I remember and from what he tells me, good Tex-Mex food is difficult to find in the ATL. So we went for Tex-Mex last night...and Margaritas.

Photo Journal: April 1, 2010

2010-04-03T14:36:00.000-05:00

On my way to class.

Photo Journal: March 31, 2010

2010-04-03T14:33:00.002-05:00

Guess what I did today?

Photo Journal: March 30, 2010

2010-04-03T14:31:00.000-05:00

When I walk Calvin, this is the view that I have. It's all about Calvin.

Photo Journal: March 29, 2010

2010-04-03T14:29:00.000-05:00

One of favorite lunch spots is the HEB Grocery Store on Buffalo Speedway. I can eat there at a reasonable price and grocery shop during my lunch hour. This is the view from the deli.

Photo Journal: March 28, 2010

2010-04-03T14:25:00.000-05:00

It was Palm Sunday. I went to the 5:00PM at St. Anne...one of the most beautiful churches.

Photo Journal: March 27, 2010

2010-04-03T14:23:00.000-05:00

When I was a kid, my parents introduced me to Fresca. At that time it only came in one flavor. The black cherry flavor tastes really good with vodka. Just sayin'

Photo Journal: March 26, 2010

2010-04-03T14:18:00.000-05:00

I left work early and started making preparations for the Krewe meeting on Saturday. As Secretary for the organization, I had minutes and ballots to prepare as well as formatting certificates. I started at 3:30PM, took a break to eat and to walk Calvin and this is what time if I finished. More work to be done after the meeting on 3/27/10.

Photo Journal: March 25, 2010

2010-04-03T14:13:00.000-05:00

The Rice campus is lined with beautiful trees.

Photo Journal: March 24, 2010

2010-04-03T14:11:00.000-05:00

I have never eaten at Juan Mons but I think the place looks cool at night.

Photo Journal: March 23, 2010

2010-04-03T14:06:00.000-05:00

Azaleas come in different colors.

Photo Journal: March 22, 2010

2010-04-02T23:04:00.000-05:00

Yes. I know. More flowers. In a few months the heat will be unbearable and they will all be gone. I'm enjoying them while I can. Snapped this photo while walking with The Calvinator.

Photo Journal: March 21, 2010

2010-04-02T23:01:00.000-05:00

The first Blue Bonnet of the season that I saw while walking Calvin.

Photo Journal: March 20, 2010

2010-04-02T22:53:00.000-05:00

Earlier in the week the sky was blue; then it turned gray.

Photo Journal: March 19, 2010

2010-04-02T22:51:00.000-05:00

This intersection in Houston has been described as The End Of The World. You can only see two Starbucks. What you can't see is the third one inside Barnes & Noble which is located behind the Starbucks on the left.

The original plan was to shut down the small one (the one on the right) when the big one (on the right with the drive-thru) opened. However, due to customer loyalty and traffic flow the decision was made to keep both of them open. And THEN, the third one opened. OY!

Photo Journal: March 18, 2010

2010-04-02T22:45:00.000-05:00

This is the first azalea that I saw. There are many more to come.

It's been...

2010-03-29T20:04:00.000-05:00

...a busy few months. Seems like everytime I turn around something (good or bad) is happening. I still haven't re-loaded my Photoshop software and yes, I am STILL taking a photo everyday.

Yesterday, I was going to post a video in honor of ~~Palm Sunday~~ Passion Sunday ~~somebody changed the name and forgot to tell me~~. However, when I got home there was a bit of a problem. A water pipe was broken and the water had to be turned off. Do you know how many times I wash my hands? I made do but I forgot to post this video.

When Jesus Christ Superstar first premiered on Broadway, I was only 10 years old. I remember the photospread in Life Magazine. I also remember a bit of a controversy because it was a rock opera about Jesus and the week leading up to His crucificion.

It wasn't until the movie was released and the nuns took us to see the movie at the Isis Theater in Fort Worth that I actually got to hear the music and see a movie director's interpetation of the rock opera. I have viewed subsequent stage productions and it is still one of my favorite Andrew Lloyd Webber pieces.

Rear Gear

2010-03-26T07:37:00.000-05:00

This will explain the photo.

T'nT (This 'n That) for March 22, 2010

2010-03-22T19:43:00.000-05:00

I have quite a bit of catching up to do on my photo journal. I had trouble launching Photoshop the other day and just found the cd to reinstall the software. So there will be more photos.
In the meantime...let me share a few things with you.

I'm not a big fan of JLo movies. I thought she was good in Selena and she co-starred really well with Jane Fonda in Monster-In-Law. I think I might have new favorite though...The Back Up Plan and it is because of this guy.

His name is Alex O'Loughlin.

Friend Ernie was recently in New Orleans and went to the Chris Owens Nightclub on Bourbon Street. Yesterday he told me the story about his evening at the club and it was hysterical. He said that Chris did a Lady Gaga song. And wouldn't you know it? Someone has posted Chris's rendition of Lady Gaga's Poker Face on YouTube. It is TOO funny! Here it is.

Tomorrow is Free Pastry Day at Starbucks (while supplies last). I figure I spend enough money there they can give me a muffin or something. So if you want a free pastry (while supplies last), click here.

Photo Journal: March 17, 2010

2010-03-17T22:29:00.000-05:00

"Donde esta la cerveza verde?" Feliz Dia de Santo Patricio!

Photo Journal: March 16, 2010

2010-03-17T22:26:00.000-05:00

Prior to the rain, there was a green dusting on everything. It started Saturday. The pollen was falling from the trees and flowers. Many people would say, "I wish it would rain and wash this pollen away. Well...it did and this it was it looks like when it puddles in NoRO.

Photo Journal: March 15, 2010

2010-03-16T06:31:00.000-05:00

Calvin was beginning to look like Wooly Bully so he went to the groomer. Spring is right around the corner and we have been having some quasi-high temperatures recently. He is one cool dog and I wanted him to be cool.

And speaking of Wooly Bully, it took almost a lifetime to figure out what "...let's not be L7..." meant. If you look at L7, it forms a square. Hence, "...let's not be L7 (square)..."

Photo Journal: March 14, 2010

2010-03-15T18:43:00.001-05:00

It was a great day for a walk. Thank you to everyone who supported the cause. Houstonians took to the streets to make a difference. Kevin and I walked the 3.1 miles (5K) together. The rest of my posse was somewhere in front of us and behind us. To see more pics, click here.

Photo Journal: March 13, 2010

2010-03-14T22:00:00.000-05:00

Preparing AIDS Walk Houston 2010. The t-shirts for Team Legacy. Yes...I had to fold them. I think they look better that way.

Photo Journal: March 12, 2010

2010-03-14T21:41:00.001-05:00

We don't see this very often in Houston...clear, blue sky!

Photo Journal: March 11, 2010

2010-03-14T20:36:00.000-05:00

The neon on this marquee is beautiful.

Photo Journal: March 10, 2010

2010-03-13T21:43:00.000-06:00

This is my favorite building on the Rice campus. I snapped this on my way to class.

Photo Journal March 9, 2010

2010-03-13T18:59:00.000-06:00

Guess what I found at Walgreens?!?! They keep them right by the counter and I'm hoping I get the Golden Ticket!

Photo Journal: March 8, 2010

2010-03-13T18:38:00.002-06:00

(It has been a busy week and I just realized that I haven't posted any pics from the week that was. So I will try to catch up.)
Of all days to get stuck in traffic due to a wreck. A Mercedes and Mustang got into a brawl and neither of them won. In fact, the Benz still had the dealer plates on it. OUCH! I was stuck at the intersection for about 15 minutes and STILL had to get home to walk Calvin before going to class.

Photo Journal: March 7, 2010

2010-03-10T21:30:00.000-06:00

Busy day. The Oscars. Birthday Party. Bunnies Bar Bash. Here I am with my posse. And that's how we roll in H-town.

Support my efforts to raise money for AIDS Walk Houston 2010!

Photo Journal: March 6, 2010

2010-03-09T22:02:00.002-06:00

It's Rodeo Houston time in H-town. I was given two tickets to Saturday's rodeo. Couldn't find anybody to go with me so after making my way down to Pearland for a birthday party, I went to the rodeo. I also strolled around the fair grounds and snapped some pics. To see more pics, click here.

Photo Journal: March 5, 2010

2010-03-09T07:19:00.000-06:00

Cowboy up! It's Rodeo Houston time. Bunches of extra cowpokes in town. Tight Wrangler jeans everywhere. And every restaurant in town welcomes the business!

Support my efforts to raise money for AIDS Walk Houston 2010!

Photo Journal: March 4, 2010

2010-03-08T23:11:00.002-06:00

Has anyone ever been to a bar where you call it? Just wonderin'. I never have.

Support my effort to raise money for AIDS Walk Houston 2010

Photo Journal: March 2, 2010

2010-03-07T08:43:00.003-06:00

It was Primary Election Day in Texas. Republicans and Democrats vied for spots on the November ticket. Here we go again! Here is Bill and Dominique talking about Decision 2010.

Photo Journal: March 1, 2010

2010-03-07T08:37:00.003-06:00

I am taking a Continuing Education class at Rice University. We are in the Duncan Building. One evening I noticed a sign stating who had paid for the ceiling. I thought that was a bit unusual and then I looked up and saw a HUGE mosaic. This is the center of it.

Help me raise money for AIDS Walk Houston 2010!

Something For A Saturday Morning

2010-03-06T07:28:00.002-06:00

Here is something fun for you to watch while you are having your coffee.

Donate to AIDS Walk Houston 2010!

Special Offer From Calvin

2010-03-05T11:09:00.003-06:00

So Calvin wants to do his part to raise money for AIDS Walk Houston 2010. For a $20 donation, he promises not to wake you up early on March 14, 2010. He has his ways...he knows how to speed dial with his paws! So he and I both hope you will consider making a donation for the cause!

Brother & Sister Can You Spare A...

2010-03-04T16:07:00.003-06:00

$20? Ha! You thought I was going to ask for a dime. Gotcha!

Seriously. Would you please donate $20 to my fundraising efforts for AIDS Walk Houston 2010? I know times are tight but $20 really does make a difference in the work that we do at Legacy.

And for $20, I will let you stay in bed on March 14 and I will walk! Sound like a deal?

So all you have to do, is click here. I've made it that easy for you.

Jukebox Wednesday

2010-03-03T12:20:00.003-06:00

I haven't done a Jukebox Wednesday posting in a long time. I found the remix of Lady Antebellum's Need You Now. I like the original version but I *heart* this version!

Help me raise money for AIDS Walk 2010!

Photo Journal: February 28, 2010

2010-03-01T17:00:00.000-06:00

In preparation for the hockey game between Team USA and Team Canada Calvin found his Red, White & Blue (winter) attire.

I've Been Working On The Railroad

2010-03-01T05:00:00.001-06:00

I can't remember when I last did an endorsement for a proprietor. Chuck Holloman owns Studio Holloman. He is a FaceBook friend who really have never actually met. We came close to meeting one night at the P!nk Concert. I was FaceBooking and he was reading my status updates. He commented that he was one section over. So I stood up and waved and so did he.

Chuck is a very talented photographer. Last night I was looking at some new pics he posted and there were pics of my friend Jeremy. Jeremy is fine looking guy and a very nice guy too! Here are the pics. And now you know why I've been humming I've Been Working On The Railroad.

Photo Journal: February 27, 2010

2010-02-28T21:13:00.000-06:00

So...I misplaced my camera and didn't take any pics of the 25th or the 26th. I snapped his photo of the full moon. The sky in Houston was crystal clear and the moon was bright. This pic does not do it justice.

Photo Journal: February 24, 2010

2010-02-28T20:10:00.003-06:00

This is the view of Texas Medical Center from one of the parking lots of Rice University.

Photo Journal: February 23, 2010

2010-02-24T07:02:00.000-06:00

It was a quiet night for me and Calvin. I sat on the couch and he slept. He was not amused then I took this photo.

Photo Journal: February 22, 2010

2010-02-24T07:00:00.000-06:00

I was on my way to a meeting up in The Heights and got stopped at the light at Shepherd & I-10. To my left, this is what I saw.

Photo Journal: February 21, 2010

2010-02-24T06:42:00.001-06:00

BCBC had a party to sign up underwriters for Jungle 18. The party was at The Chelsea Grill which is in Chelsea Market. Snapped this shot on my way back to the car.

Photo Journal: February 20, 2010

2010-02-23T21:36:00.002-06:00

I was at the Kashmere Gardens Multi-Service Center representing Legacy Community Health Services at the Living Healthy With HIV Seminar. This was in the hallway across from my table.

Photo Journal: February 19, 2010

2010-02-21T08:11:00.002-06:00

I had to run an errand which took me into what is know as The Galleria. The Galleria itself is a HUGE shopping center. However, the neighborhood around is known as The Galleria. Shops, restaurants, hotels, high-rise residential buidlings, office towers and people everywhere. There are some unusual street signs that look like this.

Photo Journal: February 18, 2010

2010-02-20T08:03:00.002-06:00

I wasn't having a good day and this sums it up. I slammed on the brakes and my waffle fries from Chik-fil-a went flying out of the bag.

Photo Journal: February 17, 2010

2010-02-20T07:59:00.002-06:00

This is the view of the sunset from the parking lot at at Rice University Stadium.

Photo Journal: February 16, 2010

2010-02-18T19:10:00.003-06:00

Laissez les bon temps rouler! The battle cry of Mardi Gras. Around the world, people celebrated Carnivale. Leading up to Tuesday, I had my share of Mardi Gras festivities: Mystery & Fantasy Mardi Gras Ball; Krewe of Olympus-Texas Ball XL; and Tim & Ross's Pancake & Bacon Party. So...

I wasn't feeling well on Tuesday which meant I wasn't in a festive mood. However, I did get Calvin to pose with me for a Mardi Gras photo.

Photo Journal: February 15, 2010

2010-02-17T06:11:00.002-06:00

I started not feeling perky on Saturday and this is what it has turned into. Yes, I am looking for sympathy!

Photo Journal: February 14, 2010

2010-02-17T06:06:00.002-06:00

I'm not sure that anyone wished me a Happy Valentine's Day? Most of my circle was feeling a bit spent after the festivities from the previous night.

I spent most of the day on the couch and did some cleaning which included putting up Krewe costume accessories. In the Ball, I was Shanghai, China. So in honor of the Chinese New Year which was on the 14th, here is this photo. And here is a question for you...

If you broke your resolution that you started on January 1, 2010, can you restart on February 14, 2010? Discuss amongst yourselves.

Photo Journal: February 13, 2010

2010-02-17T06:02:00.003-06:00

So this was a first for me...Pancakes & Bacon for Mardi Gras Party! Along with Hurricanes, Mimosas and a hottub.

More photos can be seen here.

Photo Journal: February 12, 2010

2010-02-13T23:59:00.000-06:00

Friday was Children's AIDS Day that was put together by The Osito Foundation. It was at Rice University and it brought together many experts in the field. I represented Legacy Community Health Services and passed out teddy bears. Annise Parker showed up to read a proclamation and to share her own stories about being a soldier in the fight against AIDS.

Looking For A Valentine Card To Send?

2010-02-13T07:21:00.003-06:00

Tomorrow is one of my least favorite holidays. However, the party the other night may have changed my perspective.

So for those of you who may be hunting for the perfect VD card, I suggest you check out this site.

Photo Journal: February 11, 2010

2010-02-12T19:23:00.002-06:00

Every now and then an über-fun party unexpectedly falls in my lap. I should have known that Marcus & Shannon would throw a fun party for Valentine's Day but I didn't expect to have THAT much fun. They hired the taco truck to provide food, hired a dj to spin vinyl, hired a bartender, and rented the photo booth for guests to enjoy at their pleasure. They gave us the ingredients for a perfect storm of fun!

I have posted additional photos here. Look for Love Avengers "Amor Con Queso." There are a couple of photos of Marcus that I didn't post. Marcus is a well-built, handsome muscular man who was walking around in a VD Nurses outfit. He told me NOT to put some of the photos on Facebook and when Marcus talks, I listen!

Photo Journal: February 10, 2010

2010-02-11T07:32:00.004-06:00

For Krewe Ball XL I was Shanghai, China. I was pretty far down in the lineup of costumes so at that point most people ~~were drunk and didn't care~~ were gone so there are very few photos. However, here is pic of the dragon head that was on the back of the costume. Kevin spent quite a bit of time working on this and he did an excellent job!

Hello Old Friend!

2010-02-11T07:26:00.002-06:00

Good news! Brennan's of Houston is re-opening on February 16, 2010. I have missed you. Here is the full story as reported by Houston Chronicle.

No longer blackened, Brennan's is back
By GREG MORAGO
HOUSTON CHRONICLE
Feb. 10, 2010, 9:12PM

Alex Brennan-Martin is an anxious man this week. Don't get him wrong: he's thrilled — no, beyond ecstatic — that Brennan's of Houston will reopen Tuesday.

But the official comeback of one of the city's most beloved restaurants, destroyed in fire during Hurricane Ike in September 2008, has the usually unflappable restaurateur a tad apprehensive.

“It's exciting, but it's without a doubt nerve wracking too,” Brennan-Martin said Wednesday, explaining that the look of the iconic restaurant might be surprising to diners who have made Brennan's one of the city's top tables since it opened 43 years ago.

“Folks don't necessarily like change. We have definitely changed some things but we've tried to stay as true to the spirit of the rooms as we could be. We've tried to save the best and restore the best of the building and improve areas that, frankly, needed improvement.”

After 17 months of work — a difficult, emotional restoration that also included replacing a 40-year-old oak tree that was destroyed in the fire — Brennan's is ready to begin partying again. Perhaps it's fitting that the reopening is on Mardi Gras; Brennan's fans are undoubtedly ready to let the beads and feathers fly.

“It has been an incredible struggle. It's also been joyous in that so many of our customers and employees have stayed in touch over all this time. It does the heart good.”

James Koonce, the restaurant's “wine guy” also continues to work for Brennan's from home and currently is helping reconstruct the wine list. Koonce and his daughter, Katherine, then 4, were both severely burned in the fire that ravaged the restaurant.

“Although it's still a very long road, they're both doing much better,” Brennan-Martin said.

Opening night will mostly be for the restaurant's devoted group of loyalists. “There's a list of folks who have asked for the first night. We are full with that,” Brennan-Martin said. “We will open as much as possible to guests after that.”

Brennan's is accepting reservations beginning Feb. 17 but don't be surprised if the book already seems full. The restaurant is controlling reservations while it gets back in the gumbo groove. “We'll be ramping up” reservations as the staff gets its sea legs, Brennan-Martin said. “We can't wait to welcome back all of our friends.”

“The general look and feel and spirit of the place will evoke the best of Louisiana and New Orleans and maybe take a step or two forward at the same time,” Brennan-Martin said.

So too will the food. Executive chef Danny Trace, a veteran of the Commander's Palace family of restaurants, is ready to serve up Brennan's Texas Creole fare. “While the fish pecan, turtle soup and Bananas Foster will be identical, some dishes will have his flair to it. Without a doubt there will be a glimmer of some of his coastal influences in it.”

One thing Brennan-Martin isn't anxious about is his staff. Of the roughly 120 to 130 employees, about half are returning workers, he said.

Nervousness aside, Brennan-Martin sounds like a man who is more than ready to resume what he loves doing; to return home.

“I just want to get back to being a restaurateur,” he said. “The music to my ears is always when I hear a customer say ‘Thanks, I had a great time and we'll be back.' If there's one thing I'm looking forward to hearing, that's probably it.”

He'll only have to wait until Tuesday.

Photo Journal: February 9, 2010

2010-02-11T07:21:00.003-06:00

Calvin doesn't care to eat his kibbles without some moist food along with it; he is particular in that way. So, I mix Beneful with his Science Diet.

I went to Petco and they wanted $2.19 for one container. Knowing that HEB, Kroger and Petsmart are cheaper, I left Petco and went to Petsmart. Calvin is happy once again.

Photo Journal: February 8, 2010

2010-02-11T07:18:00.002-06:00

There were storms approaching NoRO so I left work, walked Calvin and just as we got back to the house, it started to pour. Here is a pic of what the approaching storm looked like on radar.

Photo Journal: February 7, 2010

2010-02-08T21:30:00.002-06:00

And to top off the weekend, it was Super Bowl Sunday. The Saints beat the Colts. It was a good game and I am glad the Saints were victorius. There were several parties going on and I attended two. I wore my gold and black and BIG fleur de lis! I think it was THE lucky charm.

You can view more photos here.

Photo Journal: February 6, 2010

2010-02-08T21:23:00.003-06:00

Yes. Most of last week was spent preparing for Krewe of Olympus Texas Ball XL". The downside to being in it is that I can't take pictures because I am running around.

Prior to the Ball, there was a cocktail party in the lobby of the ballroom. We used royalty trains as decorations. This is one of my favorites.

Photo Journal: February 5, 2010

2010-02-08T21:22:00.002-06:00

I spent most of Friday in Houston's George R. Brown Convention Center preparing for Krewe of Olympus Texas Ball XL. We use one of the big ballrooms on the third level. To get up there to unload costumes there is a ramp that runs parallel to Hwy. 59. And actually, the ramp is higher than the freeway. I snapped this pic of Minute Maid Park.

Photo Journal: February 4, 2010

2010-02-08T21:07:00.002-06:00

This is just a snippet of what the house looked like last week as I prepared for Krewe of Olympus Texas Ball XL. Feathers. Sequins. Glitter. Glue. Paint. And I had a small costume!

Congratulations!

2010-02-08T21:00:00.002-06:00

The New Orleans Saints won the Super Bowl yesterday. Congratulations! Many people on this side of the Sabine River were rooting for you.

Photo Journal: February 2, 2010

2010-02-02T22:40:00.002-06:00

Before I started adorning my costume with these crystals, I thought I would snap a pic for you.

Photo Journal: February 1, 2010

2010-02-02T22:36:00.002-06:00

If you're going to have a pink flamingo in the yard of your $350,000 home, you might as well make it cool looking. This is in my 'hood.

Photo Journal: January 31, 2010

2010-02-02T22:33:00.000-06:00

Preparations are underway for Krewe of Olympus-Texas Mardi Gras Ball XL. A tradition was started a few years ago of having a Ball Captain's Party prior to the Ball. This is a cocktail party that is done in honor of the underwriters who help ~~with their dollars~~ to put the ball on.

Photo Journal: January 30, 2010

2010-02-02T22:21:00.003-06:00

Saturday was the 15th Annual Mystery & Fantasy Mardi Gras Party which was held at Rich's. Prior to the party starting, a proclamation from Mayor Annise Parker was read declaring January 30, 2010, Mystery & Fantasy Mardi Gras Party Day!

This year's theme was A USO Fantasy. To see the fun fotos from the frolicking, click here.

Photo Journal: January 29, 2010

2010-01-29T23:21:00.003-06:00

There is a big party in H-town tomorrow night. Preparations are being made for the hottest ticket in town! By invitation only.

And speaking of parties, pics from The 2nd Annual Ugly Sweater Party can be seen here.

Photo Journal: January 27, 2010

2010-01-29T23:14:00.003-06:00

Recently, a new pedestrian bridge was opened at Memorial Park. This is a pic that I snapped of the cars traveling west on Memorial Drive.

Photo Journal: January 26, 2010

2010-01-26T21:53:00.003-06:00

This morning when I was out walking Calvin I noticed a how beautiful the sky looked. Crisp and clean ~~which is unusual for Houston~~. So when I went to the gym and was crossing into NoRO, I noticed how beautiful the skyline looked. So...

I went out of my way to get this pic.

Photo Journal: January 25, 2010

2010-01-26T21:48:00.002-06:00

Things that make me go grrrrrrr! Getting stopped by the train on TC Jester when you are running late.

Photo Journal: January 24, 2010

2010-01-26T21:44:00.002-06:00

This is the altar at St. Anne Catholic Church. I think it is one of the prettiest church interiors I have ever seen and enjoy going there.

Geaux Saints!

2010-01-25T14:38:00.003-06:00

Mardi Gras comes every year but the Saints going to the Super Bowl only comes once in a lifetime. Congratulations Saints!

source: Reuters