December 31, 2011

Ruben and I were so lazy during the final week of 2011. We spent most of it curled up on the couch with the dogs, watching episodes of ‘Community’ on Hulu. If you haven’t seen that show, watch it. My friend Catherine got us hooked on it. Anyway, we attended one final holiday event at Mike and Tom’s place along with Brian and Chris. It was a nice, relaxing evening spent with friends. A few days later, Ruben and I drove down to Houston to count down the final seconds of 2011 with Liz, Vann, Elsa, and Travis. Let’s hope 2012 is a much better year for us all.

February 6, 2011

This entry will cover a few events Ruben I took part in over the past few weeks. The fun began on a cold evening in John and Paul’s backyard as we joined them and a few of their friends for laughs and drinks around a warm fire. A week or so later, we attended a birthday party for our friend, Will. The final event was Super Bowl Sunday at Chris and Brian’s place. We weren’t really into the game. We just referred to it as the pre-Glee show. LOL

August 14, 2010

Saturday evening, Glenn and I attended Chris and Matt’s wedding reception. I wish Ruben could have been there but he was home visiting family.

Chris and Matt are an unforgettable couple. It’s impossible to think of one without thinking of the other. They share their faith, an enthusiasm for helping others and a passion for music. A few months ago, Chris and Matt decided to get married in Iowa. Not only is it Chris’ home state, but also one of the few places they could legally wed. Eventually, they wanted to celebrate their official union with all their friends in Texas. On the 14th of August, Friends’ Church was filled with Chris and Matt’s extended family. It was a very special and heartwarming event.

June 26, 2010

Saturday evening, Ruben and I met some mutual friends at Atami’s to celebrate Chris and Brian’s birthdays. Afterward, some of us continued the celebration at Chris and Brian’s home.

May 22, 2010

The guy pictured above with Ruben is my friend, Chris. We grew up in the same small town, but never interacted with each other until our paths crossed in Aggieland. Early Saturday morning Ruben and I accompanied Chris to Huntsville State Park for a mountain biking excursion. This beautiful, 2,000+ acre park is located just an hour away. We only explored a small section of the park but I have a strong feeling we’ll be back. Thanks Chris for introducing us to this great location.

February 7, 2010

The 44th Super Bowl became the most watched televised event in American broadcast history. 106 million people watched the New Orleans Saints defeat the Colts and we were among that viewership. We attended a low-key Super Bowl party at Chris and Brian’s place. Watching the game was just an excuse to eat all kinds of good tasting (non-healthy) foods. BTW: You know you’re showing your age if you can remember watching the show that had held the 27-year record for being the most watched television event. It was the finale of “M-A-S-H” back in 1983.

July 31, 2009

Ruben and I joined a group of friends at Padraic and Mark’s home to celebrate Mark’s birthday.  That night, we also celebrated David’s birthday (He’s James’ BF). We had a great time that evening relaxing with friends and enjoying lots of laughs. Oh, Mark, who happens to be from Australia, introduced me to Vegemite. It’s……ahh….different. Every time I hear the word, Vegemite, I think of the 80s band, Men At Work.

This year, Ruben and I decided to celebrate the 4th with friends at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum.  Once again, Brian was zipping around the library campus (on his Segway) doing his part to make sure the festivities that day went as planned.  The celebration began with a flyover of F-16s followed by several musical performances.  Mike and Tom coordinated our pot-luck buffet.  There was plenty of good eating…..maybe a little too much. The celebration concluded with a performance by the Brazos Valley Symphony and a spectacular fireworks show.   Check out the images below and the HD video footage of the fireworks.

Click Any Image Below

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Thanks again for letting me share part of my world with you.

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Wednesday night, Ruben and I joined a group of friends at Jess and Kevin’s home for a surprise birthday party.  Chris, a fellow 1969 baby hit the big 4-Oh.  His hubby, Brian, did a wondeful job of getting everyone together, and I’m surprised we were able to keep this secret celebration from Chris for so long.  He had no idea until he walked into the trap.

BTW: Chris is a big Disney fan..

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRIS

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Thanks again for letting me share part of my world with you.

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April 24, 2009

I knew this day would come when I would reach the age of 40….well, I was hoping I’d reach it.  When it comes to this milestone in life, I think of the comedian, George Carlin and his stand up routine on the subject of aging:

“Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we’re kids? If you’re less than 10 years old, you’re so excited about aging that you think in fractions.

“How old are you?” “I’m four and a half!” You’re never thirty-six and a half. You’re four and a half, going on five! That’s the key.

You get into your teens, now they can’t hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead.

“How old are you?” “I’m gonna be 16!” You could be 13, but hey, you’re gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life . . . you become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony . . YOU BECOME 21. YESSSS!!!

But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk! He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There’s no fun now, you’re Just a sour-dumpling. What’s wrong? What’s changed?

You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you’re PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on the brakes, it’s all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 and your dreams are gone.

But wait!!! You MAKE it to 60. You didn’t think you would!

So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE it to 60.

You’ve built up so much speed that you HIT 70!”

The Big Day

This year, my birthday fell on a Friday! That morning, I went to work the office with my head held high. I was determined not to be one of those people afraid to be 40.  I’m going to be like Molly Shannon’s character from Saturday Night Live who was proud of her age….”I’m 40 years old and I’m lovin’ it…lovin’ it….lovin’ it!”

First Cake of the Day

Cake #1

At one point that morning, I was called into the studio by one of the students. They tried to surprise me with a cake, but the 40 candles they lit on the cake burned quicker than they had anticipated, but I got there just in time to blow out the layer of burning wax.  LOL It was a great way to start the day, and I have to thank Shyam (Viz student and friend) for being the instigator of this little gathering.

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Making a Wish

Shyam, the Party Planner

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MMmmm More Cake!

Cake #2

A couple of hours later, I was summoned to the main department office.  There I was surprised with a second cake.  Two cakes in one day….this rocks!

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Whatever!

Another Wish

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Chris and Brian

Ruben and Me

Rev. Dan and Glenn

Dinner With Friends

When the workday was over, it was time to spend the remainder of my birthday with friends. That evening, a group of us headed to Carino’s for dinner (Glenn, Dan, Brian, Chris, Kyle, Scott, Ruben, me).

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Simple Fun

Since I’m more like 40 going on 14, why not have some kid-like fun. After dinner we headed to a local entertainment complex on highway 6 called Grand Station. While we were there Martin, Robbie, and Esteban joined the group. We had fun acting like a gang of kids.

Esteban -Score Master

Blacklight Bowling

Glowing Balls

Martin and Esteban

Glenn loads his game card

Blacklight Putt Putt

Blacklight Putt Putt

Dance Dance Trip Trip

Ruben and Esteban Jammin'

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