::: In Exile :::

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jv — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 06:37:41 +0000

365 days later – Thankful

jv — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 06:22:39 +0000

It’s been exactly one year since i left nashville. I haven’t been back yet which is odd – i thought i would have visited by now. I will plan a trip soon ( early 2010). Although it was difficult i am glad to have moved back and have been blessed in so many ways. It is almost indescribable how great it has been to be back in Texas. There are too many things that i’m thankful for but i’ll list the highlights of the past year:

being near my family
reconnecting with my friends
being there for the birth of my niece
holding my niece
making new friends and developing friendships
Gruene Hall
looking at the stars out in the country
finding a job that I really enjoy
Astros
the summer trip to New Orleans
the tomato and corn cake appetizer at Cochon in NOLA
the engagement of one of my best buds to a lovely woman
being asked to be the best man
sailing ( i can’t even swim)
just knowing that you are where you are supposed to be

2009 isn’t quite over yet and there are plenty of good times to be had especially in the next few weeks. I am truly blessed and thankful.

nov 22, 2008 – crossing the rubicon

Bonfire

jv — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:09:57 +0000

1999 – Texas A&M University’s Aggie Bonfire (pictured) collapsed, killing 12 people and injuring 27 others, and causing the university to officially declare a hiatus on the 90-year-old annual event.

Oct 22 – Sam Houston

jv — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:02:30 +0000

1836 – Sam Houston became the first president of the Republic of Texas. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Houston

OTD

jv — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:23:45 +0000

1928 – Scottish biologist and pharmacologist Alexander Fleming (pictured) noticed a bacteria-killing mold growing in his laboratory, discovering what became known as penicillin. – source wikipedia.com

Sailing, Fear, Respect and Mosquitos

jv — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 22:51:53 +0000

Yesterday I did something that was a bit out of character for me. In general i wouldn’t call myself very adventurous but when an invite came to join some friends sailing, after a little hesitation, I accepted. Hesitation because i tend to sink like a rock in the water and I can’t swim. But i was assured a life jacket was all i needed to stay afloat.

I must say the conditions were ideal and it was exhilarating sailing for the very first time, the fresh ocean air, the wind in your face and just enjoying the day with good friends. I still have a healthy respect for the sea and i really need to learn to swim. I’m hope to go sailing again some day.

We followed up the sailing with a wonderful grilled meal and two types of salads. The only damper on the evening was the swarm of mosquitos that joined us but that is just part of communing with nature.

I’ve decided to be more adventurous it makes for better stories than sitting on a couch all day long.

Stay thirsty my friends.

One Small Step – On This Day – July 20

jv — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:20:11 +0000

The Apollo 11 lunar module landed on the Sea of Tranquillity, where Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first men to walk on the moon six-and-a-half hours later. – source wikipedia.com