You may all go to hell, and I'll go to Texas...

So sayeth Davy Crockett. So sayeth.. well, Davy Crockett. I admire the attitude.. sad thing is, all those politicians that Mr. Crockett so eloquently expressed that attitude for back in Tennessee were still alive and kicking after the King of the Wild Frontier lost his life to Santa Ana's men.

Believe it or not, I really enjoyed visiting the Alamo. I've had a great time getting out and about in San Antonio, and I'm a little sorry that I'm only going to be here another week. Classes have been interesting, if a bit grueling.. lots of technical minutae to memorize. I'm feeling that it's been well worth the trip at this point, even though the company is trying to feed us to death. I've never eaten so much over the course of seven days in my life. I think I've put on ten pounds since I got here!

I went out tonight to La Hacienda de Los Barrios.. my friends
Jamie and Maggie had both said that they'd read about the puffy tacos the restaurant is famous for and suggested I poke my head in for a taste. Good call, y'all.. they don't look like much, but those were damn good. Everything I had there was, as a matter of fact.. so good that I'm going back for more before the week's out.



The only thing I'm bummed about so far is missing out on some really neat local Dio De Los Muertos art work.. I passed up the purchase in hopes of finding a larger/less expensive selection elsewhere in the town. I'm hoping I can get back out for another chance to buy some before I have to head home. I'm missing family and friends, and looking forward to getting back to Carolina.. but since I'm down here for a few more days yet, y'all may go to hell.. I'll keep eating in Texas!

Texas bound..

In about 24 hours, I'll be leaving Chucktown for San Antonio, TX. I'll be out there for two weeks, attending product training and procedure classes for work. I'm excited and a bit nervous.. it's supposed to be some fairly intense classroom training. The past few days have been an absolute whirlwind.. trying to get some required prerequisite training out of the way in time for the trip, my travel advance and paycheck came in late.. I didn't get either until late Friday afternoon. Mad rush to get by the bank, and now I'm in a mad rush to get everything else done. Laundry, packing, washing the dog (my folks are going to be looking after the wondermutt), last minute bills. Urg. I'm just ready to go, already. Luckily I'll have a laptop with me, and free wifi at the hotel, so I'll still be able to feed the internet monkey that's on my back! I've got one single day off while I'm there, so I'm hoping to get a little sightseeing done then. I've heard the Riverwalk was nice, and it might be against the law to visit without seeing the Alamo, so those two destinations are a given. I'm hoping I can dig up some more interesting stuff in the next few days..

iPhorgot about the iPhone...

...as soon as I saw the Neo 1973. It doesn't look quite as slick or refined as the iPhone, but it offers TOTAL freedom in regards to service providers and software. Me likey. It's a product that fairly screams "hack me!" and I'm down with that in a big way. Here is the Neo Advanced kit that has me drooling like a Great Dane at a cookout. "If you can't open it, you don't own it."

Right on.

New job, new shoes, new outlook..

New job, anyway. I recently accepted a position as a service consultant with a company that manufactures and provides critical care equipment to area hospitals. I've got to say, it's turned out to be much more interesting than I had expected. I've been dividing my time between intensive product and procedural training classes, diassembling and sanitizing equipment at the warehouse, and popping in and out of ICU/CCU's to deliver and setup this equipment. It's enjoyable, lets me get out and about the lowcountry, and satisfies my inner "tinker demon". And, it feels good.. like I'm helping folks in a small way. Also.. profound respect for health care professionals.

On the other end of the emotional spectrum: lonely. I went to the grocery store today, and noticed that they've begun decorating for fall already. I snatched up a cinnamon broom for my wall (I'm a sucker for them), and the scent made me think of the holidays. Generally, that brings such a pleasant nostalgia.. but this year I felt anxious. And a bit empty. And I'm not ready for any holiday cheer. I suppose it's because of the relationship struggles my girlfriend and I have been having. Blech.

So, tonight I've got a pot of chili on, some Pink Martini (I love Sympathique), and a shiny new bottle of Nassau to help sanctify my soul. If I'm stuck with the melancholy, at least I can shoot for a pleasant state of melancholy. Also, upcoming travel plans to make.. I'm being sent to San Antonio for more training for work in a week.. two weeks in Texas! I've never been to any points west before, so I'm really looking forward to the trip.