Well, I finally escaped from Illinois, and I am now in Tennessee again. I had a wonderful time hanging out with family and friends back in the Vern. I got to see and reconnect with some old high school friends, Leslie and Aalok, and it was nice to spend a little time with Lisa and Hunter. We went on a few adventures, i.e. Meramec Caverns, rafting, hiking at Garden of the Gods. I finally attended a Cardinals’ game in the new stadium (very nice), and I, for the first time, sat down with Lady Luck in a game of black jack. Hunter and I walked away with 255 dollars. Not bad. Not bad at all.
Then, I decided that my time was up in Illinois and moved on to Indianapolis to meet the one and only Adam Bisesi and a friend that had ventured to Palestine with me in 2006. What can I say? What a memorable weekend? Ha, ha. Adam Bisesi was in true form. I had forgotten how funny he is. It was a delight to see Sarah again. Good times. To sum up the weekend: great food, sand volleyball, shady dance club (ah Peppers…), meeting new friends, giant wolf sightings (I will never let this down), socially awkward waiters, dinner trivia, and great discussions.
So, I sadly departed Indianapolis, and headed south via I-65 towards Frankfort, KY to spend the day with my grandpa. Our visit was rather uneventful as usual, but very nice to spend some time with him. I don’t get to see him as much as well.
The next morning, after breakfast, I departed Frankfort, and drove until I saw those green mountains rise on the horizon. Johnson City, TN. I have returned yet again. It has been an eventful week so far. When I arrived, everyone was still working, so I headed to Willow Springs Park to do some taijiquan. Willow Springs is very different than Crane Park in Houston. I love practicing outdoors with the sun and blue sky overhead and the mountains in the background. Then, I met up with RJ and Ben Lee at Starbucks for a little chat, and where Deb joined us after a while. Later that evening, I celebrated Eid with Yasmin and Amira. Always wonderful to see them. I missed them dearly.
On Friday, I got stood up for lunch, old habits, but spent around 3 1/2 hours doing taijiquan at Willow Springs. Then, I met up with Deb for a chat at Panera and then saw my old partner in crime Jennifer. Long story. Later that night, I joined RJ and his friends for a night at Newbies. Hilarious! One never leaves without good comedic material. The next morning, I woke up rather early (how, I still don’t know) to attend the Dragon Boat Races. I love these things, but I hadn’t been able to do it since 2008. I was just there to watch, but my friend’s team needed an extra, so I was able to race. It was a miserable, but fun day. It rained and rained and rained. We were soaked, but the races are so much fun. Sadly, we did not win. Afterwards, I got cleaned up, then headed to Cootie Browns for a little dinner with Andrew. Ah…how I missed Cootie’s?
Sunday morning. Do I dread this time of the day? Surprisingly, I woke up and attended St. John’s. I believe that is the first time I have been to Sunday morning service in a very long time. When you work night shift, it is extremely difficult to sit through church. Afterwards, I went to Deb to help the princess move a few things. Her new house is going to be amazing. Then, headed to the park once again to do my kung fu. I enjoy practicing alone, but I really miss my taiji family in Houston. One day I will return. Until then, I will keep working hard.
Monday and Tuesday were rather eventful. Taijiquan was included of course. RJ, Bryant and I watched the Godfather. Spent yesterday afternoon with Yasmin, Amira and their mother. Then, caught the later half of Adoration. I am slowly catching up with everyone. Also, I applied for a job at JCMC and I am waiting to hear back from them. So, if I get it, I will get a little stability for a while. If not, back on the road.
