Tea & A Sunrise

Waking up is such a familiar concept, yet it has such a mysterious beauty to it that we never quite grasp.  You open your eyes after a slumber, whether it be during daylight or night's darkness, and begin again.  It doesn't matter whether you slept 12 hours, 24 hours, or even just an hour.  Waking up is always the same for all people, to a new beginning where you had previously left off.  Hearing the sound of an alarm, being gently awoken by a loved one's tender touch, or even being awoken due to a sudden flush of cold water being thrown on you all have the same effect of beginning anew, or at least I would hope so!

I have not been able to blog for quite a while now due to life and all its craziness, and I am not even sure that after this one I'll be able to get back to it on a regular basis, but life decided to give me a chance this morning, especially after the sunrise gave itself to me to put me in a writing mood.  I'm sure that you can understand how that feels, to finally have a mood to write after so long of not being able to.  It's not that you really couldn't, but that time and life just got in the way.  Always running and never pausing to stop and think about the racing through life that you always do.  This may not be you, but for me, it's a very familiar concept.  

Enough of that for now.  I don't know what possessed me to finally got on here after a while, but something did, and I think it had to do a little something with the course of events that happened after I woke up.  On this Sunday, October 5, 2014, I woke up as always to the sound of my alarm.  Then I went to the kitchen to make myself a bit of tea.  (Yes tea.  No, I am not a hippie, and no, I'm not British.  I just like tea.  I hope that's okay?  If it isn't, I apologize in advance, because I don't plan on changing this for a while at least.)  Then, as I opened the blinds, a steady stream of sunlight came rushing into the whole house.  At this time, I realized how much I missed doing that, as life has not allowed to me to do this simple act in a very long time.  For once, I was aware of how much I missed this small thing that reminded me of all the little things I used to do and are only held dear in my memories due to the time that has passed.  As I looked out of my window sipping my tea, I realized how much I miss what has passed, who I used to be, and the sense of always knowing what would happen next.  I guess that overused statement, "You never know what you have until it's gone," really does have some truth to it.  Don't get me wrong, there have always been times of uncertainty, but recently, a lot of things have been changing so fast that I just can't keep up like I used to.  Now, the only constant that seems to be present is my family, my faith, and the race of life with all its running and stressful moments here, there, and everywhere.  But then again, upon reflection, I wouldn't appreciate mornings like this one if weren't for the days of staying up until 1 or 2 in the wee hours of the morning working on deadlines and briefing myself for the events to come in the next 3 or 4 hours.  It's funny to think that only a few months ago, I felt that sleeping at 11pm on a M-F evening was really late, and that here I am those months later sleeping only two or three hours on some evenings, and five or six hours being a good evening.  I guess that comes with life as it progresses.  And reading through all that I've written, I realize now that I haven't really written anything concrete, and that all this is a recorded version of all the things my mind has been darting to and from for the past few minutes.  It's funny looking at all the things you start thinking about when you let your mind do its own thing.  If I could, I would do this for eternity, but life goes on, and the hands of time keep ticking the moments away.  If I'm not careful, I'll do what I've always been good and waste the day away.  These next few weeks are a bit hectic for me.  I kind of need to get ahead with the deadlines today so that I'm not drowning in weeks to come.  Whatever happens, happens for reason.  All I can do is hope for the best after I've given my share of the 110% I've pledged to life.  Then it's up to the big guy's plans from there on.  Only time will tell.

I'm sorry if this type of blogging isn't your cup of tea.  Today I just felt the need to blog it as it is.  If you like it, glad you do.  If you don't, I would hope that I would do something more concrete next time life allows me to get back to it.  No promises, only things that I would hope make you feel a bit better after reading this.  Now here's a pic I captured of mid-sunrise a few minutes ago.  

Until life's next allowance, God Bless You All.  

ShuttleBayGunner

Churrascos: Sugar Land, Texas

Are you craving a Sunday Brunch buffet that is a little different from the usual scrambled eggs, pancakes, and sausages?  If so, then Churrascos in Sugar Land, Texas can satisfy your hunger.  Every Sunday starting at 10:30 am, they offer a unique selection of Latin American delicacies to fill your stomach with goodness.  The atmosphere is excellent, with perfect balance between delicious buffet and formal dining.  I would also like to comment that the service and staff is excellent.  They are very vigilant and pay attention to all of their customers.  If you need something, they are more than ready to assist you (even when you least expect it)!  Here you can tell that it's not just a job for these people, it's a lifestyle to serve others the best they can.  If you are craving ceviche, a signature plato de plantain, or just a small cup of traditional tres leches, they have it all.  Now enough of our advertising.  If you don't believe us when we say it's good, we dare you to go and try it.  In fact, I triple dog-dare you.  Bon appetit mes amis!

The Holiday Season, A Time For Joy & Time For Preparation

Happy belated Thanksgiving to all, and welcome to the season of lights, merry-making, and cheer!  If you take a look around, a few simple hints can clue you in on what I'm talking about.  Wreaths over business doors, lights illuminating the streets outlining people's houses, and people humming (or singing) carols of bells all are signs of what's already begun.  Now is a season of joy and merrymaking.  There's no time to be gloomy, and no time to be sad.  Now is the time for all to be glad!  Enjoy having family around, and just be happy with each other.  The holidays are a time of rebirth, not only for me or for you, but for the whole world!  Not only for rebirth, but also for preparation.  People all around are scurrying trying to get shopping in.  They are also trying to get the decorations for the season up on the rooftops or filling the house.  But what also plays a major role in preparation is how everybody is preparing their hearts for the spirit of what's to come.  Whatever holiday it is you celebrate at this time, you always experience a sort of happiness that only comes around this time of year.  Enjoy it, and be prepared for what's to come, for the season has just begun!

St. Laurence Catholic Church Parish Bazaar 2013

Down in the heart of Sugar Land, Texas lies a small, but loving community.  This community, consisting of a heaping amount of Christians, is at St. Laurence Catholic Church.  Today, I went to their carnival-like event known as the "Parish Bazaar" and was amazed how much happiness and love can be exchanged while simultaneously indulging on things like games, confetti eggs, sausage on a stick, and multiple ethnic group booths.  Local organizations came out to help excite the local Church community such as the Boy Scouts of America, the Leo Club (an affiliation of the Lions Club International), the Knights of Columbus, and multiple church ministries from the parish.  I myself experienced the excitement of service when I helped supervise and operate multiple booths.  It was so lively, I could barely contain my normally calm personality that turned into one jumping for limitless joy.  This event is not just an event for manly desires, but an event for socializing with others, loving as Christ loves, serving all without a care in the world, and becoming truly a Body of Christ with happiness and love all around.  If you have time to go to this event this weekend, please go.  Even if you don't usually come down to Sugar Land, Texas too much, if you ever find yourself here in October, please stop by this parish event at St. Laurence Catholic Church.  It's something you won't regret doing, and an event of light and Christ's love that you will never forget.

Getting Caught Up & Time Passing By

Tick, tock, tick, tock.  That's a sound all of us are familiar with, a clock's second hand ticking away.  This sound marks the passing of a second, and is a constant for all of us.  It also marks the passing of precious seconds in our life hat we're meant to live to the fullest.  Throughout all of our daily routines, each of us forgets how important it is to make the most of the life we've been given, and we forget how little time each of us has on this Earth.  Of course, it is important to work at your jobs to make a living and put food on the table and a roof over your head.  Of course it's important to go to school and get your diploma and degree.  Of course it's important to tend to our individual families after this.  But in addition to all of this is the mental perspective of it all.  How many of you thank whatever force you believe in for your jobs?  How many of you just feel thankful to have a family who loves you and who you can love?  How many of you just take a moment aside each day, not even for maybe just one minute or so, just to breathe and realize the good things in life, no matter how many bad are threatening to consume us?  By doing this, we can repel the bad things at our doorstep.  A philosophy I firmly believe in is not to let fear, anger, or stress consume us when dealing with these, but rather, keeping in mind all the good things about the situation, and then taking that power from positive thoughts, and using it to vanquish the negative situation at hand.  It neutralizes all bad situations and makes it possible for us to help good blossom from bad, and light emanate from darkness.  Time passes by all of us, and of course we get caught up in its never stopping regiment.  The question now presented is, are you using that time right, and are you truly aware of all that is around you?  If so, power to you.  If not, think about ways to truly become aware of all our surroundings and appreciate the good in life.  

Traveler's Fatigue: The Inevitable & Unwanted Extra Traveling Partner

Most of us have traveled to other places other than that of your home.  Basic traveling everyday can make anybody tired, but how about to places out of city, state/province, or even country?  Whether we travel by train, car, airplane, or boat, it is an unavoidable factor of any form of travel.  There is no doubt that most of the time you travel for is worth every second of your traveling, but as they say, "You can't know success without failure," and you can't know and appreciate your vacation or objective as much if you didn't travel.  The best way that I find you can avoid the inevitability of traveler's fatigue is taking your mind off of it.  Psychology has a major impact on each of our everyday lives.  It is sometimes possible that paranoia can influence our actions if we have spent a lot of time with someone who is sick, possibly causing us to develop physical symptoms even though when checked medically, we have nothing wrong and it was all in our head.  The exact same concept applies with traveler's fatigue.  If you take your mind off of it, and socialize with family or traveling buddies, you will find yourself able to make it through all the fatigue.  Now at the end of every trip of travel, there is that period of travel that we need to set aside to take as, "a vacation from a vacation."

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Independence Day to all my fellow American patriots!  To those of you who don't know, the Fourth of July celebrates and commemorates our independence.  We remember our cycle going through British colonies to a group of United States on this day, July 4, 1776.  We, as citizens of the United States celebrate our 237th birthday as an independent country.  I hope all have a good day, and we'll continue the day with dance, songs, celebration, and feasting at the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, as well as Macy's Fourth of July Parade starting at 8:00 p.m. Eastern United States Time on the NBC Television Network.  Have a good Fourth of July everybody, and I hope you all have a good day!

                        

The Heart of Worship: St. Laurence Catholic Church

This Saturday I was notified of an all-day event at St. Laurence Catholic Parish.  This event was known as the Heart of Worship, an event started ten years ago as a way to kindle the flames within our hearts as a Catholic people to use our light to light other people's hearts on fire with God's love and grace.  I attended and was changed by the experience.  Worshiping all day and giving my heart to God through song, scripture, and conversing changed my life.  Starting in the morning with just paying an at the door fee of $20 for the whole day, I stayed all day listening to great speakers and partaking in activities often done at retreats, and in the evening before Mass, we ate a meal catered by Pappa's Bar-B-Q and were served by clubs at St. Laurence Catholic School like the Leo's Club, the National Junior Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, the National Elementary Honor Society, and etc.  One of the sayings and teachings that stuck with me was a line quoted from St. Francis de Sales, "Lord, my heart belongs to you, and to you alone."  At this retreat my heart was truly, "lit with God's love and grace," and thus the slogan for the event was fulfilled.  All of the hundreds of people attending and barely fitting in the Church were truly given, "Hearts on fire with the light of God's love."

Guru's Burgers & Crepes

With burgers only found in Texas and crepes equivalent to a 5 Star Restaurant's, Guru's Burgers & Crepes in Sugar Land is your next go to place!  With decent prices aptly retailed individually, the burgers and crepes are something to behold.  The burgers have soft bread with perfect ingredients and spices that create quite a spectacle underneath the roof of your palate, and the patties are not just a generic smoke, but rather a memorable, organic simmering that will take its place among those you never forget.  The crepes are soft and flaky, making it a, "melt-in-my-mouth," sort of taste, but having the crepes at such a delicate state, made with such finesse   The service is excellent, waiters constantly asking you (not when your mouth is full though) how you are doing to try and better serve you, accommodating your every need.  The facility itself is squeaky clean, yet laid back!  You can't find a better mix of Asian, European, and Western American food anywhere else!

The Meaning of Kindness In Our World

Kindness can be considered cordial, then it can be considered as natural, but to some, it can even be pondered as sacred.  Kindness as cordiality because of the heartfelt feeling that kindness gives to both the recipient and the giver.  Kindness requires the heart and feeling or else it is tainted with being false.  To other people, kindness can be considered natural.  Being raised to be chivalrous and courteous to others with manners can make a person think naturally to be kind to others.  In their perspective, it is otherworldly to not show kindness to others, especially when it is not an inconvenience to the giver.  Finally, kindness can even be a wonder of being sacred to some people, because in this era and generation, kindness shown to others without inconvenience or repayment is rare and sacred to the heart and treasured.  An example of this is a person who works hard everyday and tries to show kindness to those about, and when there is finally another person who tries to do the same, the kindness shown is a treasure to the heart, sacred in fact that it makes your day at least one hundred times better.

A Time To Give Thanks

At the time when the Religious Wars of Europe ended, people through all of Europe sought religious freedom for what they truly believed in.  A specific group from England that were known as the Pilgrims received permission from the King of England to go to the New World to escape the turmoil Europe was enduring at the time.  They set out sailing to the Americas, a land newly discovered and unsettled.  At the time they made landfall, it was the season of winter.  This was bad for farming. Thankfully, the Native Americans took the settlers in and provided for them and taught them to survive.  When harvest came, thanks to the Native Americans, the settlers had obtained such a plentiful income that they hosted an enormous feast that included their mentors.  We celebrate this harvest in modern times as Thanksgiving.

Children receive a break from school for a few days, and the entire family celebrates by preparing food in their own household and most commonly, "carving the turkey."  Though we are celebrating the Pilgrims' landfall in North America, we also celebrate the essence of, "being thankful," for all we have, all the blessings and our lives in general.  Things like our family, household, friends, modes of transportation, life, culture, background, etc. are what people usually are thankful for in addition to much, much more.  No matter how challenging our lives can get, there is always a light to whatever situation we can be in.  "Where there is a dove, there is a serpent, and vice versa."

Music De Cordiality

The richness of music composition just consumes me.  When I close my eyes, a piece of music can transport me to another time, place, setting, or even another universe.  "Earhart-Sounds of Courage," by Robert W. Smith is a piece of such stature.  Last weekend, on a Saturday, November 10, 2012 at the Kinkaid School in  Downtown Houston, I was invited to witness the performance of a chosen few for the, "Regional Band," in the whole area of Houston, Texas.  When I came in, there were children all running around, being ushered onto stage to get ready to perform.  The Middle School and High School region bands were ready to play, to show the world of an arrangement of such a height that would never come together in that form again to play such a piece.  Another piece that transported me to another dimension and time was the piece, "Heroes Triumphant," by William Owens.  Both pieces had an air of magnificence about them with a march style of music.  Never had I witnessed such a change in my heart until I heard those two pieces.  I was on the verge of tears like never before.  The students joined in congress, gathered from all the schools in the Houston area.  I heard that they had difficulty at first, but worked together very well to form the master band I heard upon walking into the Brown Theater on the Kinkaid Campus.  To think they only accomplished this in a span of less than 8 hours!  These kids had to have had really sophisticated training in music.   I hope that all musicians throughout the world would be inspired to try and achieve great heights and pieces like such.

Operation Viral Treats Episode IV: My Halloween Evening

I am traipsing through the woods wearing tan and green tiger-stripe camouflage with a tactical vest hanging from my chest.  Trying to remain silent, I mask the sound of my radio telling me where reinforcements are being shipped in and where tangos are hiding, waiting to pounce on their prey.  I make sure my AK-47 airsoft replica is working, and also confirm that my sidearm of a Ruger P345 airsoft replica is still intact with speed-loader handy and dead rag also reachable.  Also important, I check my hydration pack to make sure there have been no punctures and see if my green parachute cord necklace is still there to alert people if I have been infected with the zombie disease, or if I am part of the Fort Bend militia trying to contain the disease.  This is how I spent my Halloween evening, trying to help the military as Fort Bend militia to control the outbreak of zombie disease from an explosion near Katy, Texas that caused many unknown civilians to turn into zombies, with only the possibility of an airstrike to bring them back as humans, but only so many airstrikes are allowed in this military simulation.  The main objective was to contain the disease and try to survive the Operation Viral Treats:  Episode IV, without turning into a zombie.  There were also minor objectives, like trying to locate food drops to make sure civilians not affected by the zombie disease are taken care of.  The airsoft game simulates a possible real life scenario, that does not have to be with zombies, but rather hostile forces that, as civilians, we may one day be forced into going against in real life.  It helps you simulate CQB scenarios, in which a possible force may break into your home or office building and you will have to retaliate.  It also helps with field games, in which you have to pretend you are like the military, out in the woods, trying to retaliate on a big scale of land and win over your rival's objectives.  Perfect way to spend a Halloween evening right?

The Retrospective View on Things

Whenever I am in a retrospective mood, I think about events of the past in my memories, and events in history that shaped the life that I am living today.  Memories that I think about while in a retrospective mood include those of major events in my life, or events that shaped who I am, how I think, how I live, and influence my goals and dreams.  Events in history that I think about while in a retrospective mood include those like past natural disasters, past political events, past cultural changes, and evolutions that formed the world that we recognize today.  Being in a retrospective mood makes me feel grateful and blessed about my life and all the blessings in it.  It also makes me feel so young, as if I was a baby, compared to all the events in history that preceded my life by many years, whether it is a decade, a century, a millennium, or even an eon.  Lastly, they put me in a reflective mood or feeling that makes me contemplate about many things within society today, and what is in my life now, and what will be in my life forever.

Service: Hidden Among Us

Whenever I am lonely or am in need of help, there always seems to be someone who is around to get me out of the mess I got myself into.  It seems as if they are a kind of guardian angel that is there for me when I need it the most, and it makes my day a whole lot better than it was before.  Now, I am starting to see that when I help others, it makes me feel a lot better and is a sort of therapy or a break for my mind.  Doing the small services to others like helping a friend who has been wrongly accused of a mischievous act or comforting a person who grieves or is burdened by matters in life that can make a person go crazy.  Even the seemingly-large acts of service like signing up for food drives, or events at church like a bazaar, or even just signing up for volunteer events for school.  All of these acts of service, big or small, make an impact that could start a domino effect out of kindness.  Once others see you do it, they are inspired to begin this.  Thus, you become, "A city of light set on a hill that cannot be hidden."  I myself used to think that service could not be productive and is not practical for my own schedule.  But the more I allow myself to do it, the more I realize that service is one of those activities that has been hidden away, because I never tried to do it before.  It gives me a different peace of mind that actually lets me say, "Wow, I'm actually doing something that will make a difference in someone's life."

Bombay Pizza Company

Experience a culinary twist where Italian and Indian cuisine come together at the Bombay Pizza Company.  Here you'll find classic pizzas that everyone will recognize along with others that feature exotic spices and unique ingredients.  Examples of these pizzas are Mr. C's Pizza, Gateway to India, Bombay Ranch, etc.  They also have vegetarian options like the Berry Bombay, The Munshi, and Mr. Nehal's.  They also have soups, salads, mini-burgers, rolls, side dishes that complement your entree, and desserts that are the perfect finale to your meal.  They even have a private dining room that seats up to 20 people and can wirelessly stream music from your own Smart Phone.  To satisfy your desire to be outside, they have a patio, and to quench your thirst for finer beverages, a full service bar.  The Bombay Pizza Company was even featured on Food Network's "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" and has everything to accommodate all diners from the regular customer to the sophisticated food critic.  The service is excellent, and after a while, they learn your name. The facility is very clean, and the staff always make sure the table is open, and ready to seat their next customer.

Martial Arts Theory & Practice

Have you ever been to a martial arts tournament? How about seeing one on TV? Well they are fun to watch, but are harder than they seem... It all starts off with martial arts itself, which originally was a form of self defense only meant for defense against others in times of need.  Gradually throughout all the ages, generations after generations have helped it evolve into many different fighting styles, with a style unique to their own country or origins.  Martial Arts has also become more complex and involved in today's society.  There are weapons now that involve some traditional ones like swords and nunchaku or bows and arrows. Then there are some modern forms of martial arts like shooting and military training.  The main goals for martial arts that have constantly withstood the changes of centuries are the need for self-discipline, confidence, speed, agility, strength, and honor that are uniquely known to each discipline of martial arts.  I myself got to see from a firsthand experience when working at a martial arts tournament today.  Not as easy as when I myself used to compete, rather this time I had the privilege of  helping out behind the scenes by score-keeping, time-keeping, attacking during a self defense division, and even the opportunity of being a judge in the ring.  The tournament took place at a school where honor and virtue is the martial artist's pride because of the people who built it up from a small business to a successful chain of martial arts schools.  It shows the true qualities of a martial artist, because you don't have to be very athletic to be one.  All you have to do is to have honor, self-discipline, and confidence in yourself in defending yourself and/or others.

A Tribute to Family

Ever had a really long day and when you come home, you can finally take a sigh of relief that you made it to what really matters to you? I will tell you that's how I feel whenever I come home to my family after a long day doing my duties.  To some, the primary inspiration is their son or daughter, and to others, a fiance or set of grandparents.  Whoever it is, they have an impact on what you do throughout your day.  Family, the one thing that will prevail through thick and thin, in sickness and in health, through poverty and wealth, etc.  You may have your quarrels, your disagreements, your grudges, but you must admit that your family, both immediate and extended, is your refuge; your stronghold that has always been there throughout your whole life, brother or sister, niece or nephew, mother or father, aunt or uncle, grandmother or grandfather, or even mother-in-law or father-in-law.  A simple, "I love you!," can make your whole day brighter or give you an inspiration to make it through tough times, a hug or kiss can give your son, daughter, spouse, parents, etc. a better day and lift their spirits.  No matter what life can give you, success, failure, happiness, heart-breaking sadness, a family is what will always make it through, even if there are nuclear-seeming disagreements.  I can tell you this, throughout my whole life, I have had fads come and go, I have had friends who can appear and disappear in my perspective, but no matter what, my family has been a place of refuge and love that I can always depend on.  I have also learned that a family is not, "Every man for himself," but rather a cause for teamwork and team effort.  No matter what beliefs a family has, a family exists when people confide in each other as a place of refuge and support each other and love each other.  A family does not have to exist just because you are related to one another or through marital relationships. No! A family only exists with an exchange of love, true love between one another.  A family can exist between people who are not related to each other as well, but trust each other, support each other, but most importantly love each other. 

The Sweet Boutique

Have you ever wanted a french macaroon, yet could never find a place nearby serving one?  How about a gourmet cake pop, created with the best craftsmanship that only a master baker could duplicate?  Well look no further.  The Sweet Boutique is here ready to serve your craving of gourmet pastries!  Located in Sugar Land's very own Town Center, the Sweet Boutique is a nice little shop that can satisfy a person with an expensive taste of maybe french macaroons, cake pops, snicker doodles, cupcakes, and even custom cakes, at special request!  The French Macaroons are true, exquisite little pastries capturing, "heaven," in a bite, melting as soon as you start to bite in.  It makes you forget all your troubles.  The Cake Pops will satisfy your toddler's craving for a lollipop, and yet have that little firework display in your mouth.  The Cupcakes are the fun-fetti bomb, decorated with the rich and decadent sugar icing on top with edible sprinkles and your choice of red velvet, strawberry, chocolate, cookies & cream, etc.  The choices are endless and offer a satisfaction to any sweet craving of pastries of all kinds!

 
 

Dancing Through Space & Time

Have you gone to a reception or a dance club where it is supposed to be an event for dancing and everyone there does not dance at all? The truth is, studies show that this is because not as many people today know how to dance to the music of today.  The United States of America is a nation made and literally held up by the melting pot of cultures that reside here and migrated here for a variety of reasons.  Not surprisingly, all of these cultures have their very own dances.  Many people who have their roots from other countries are taught these cultural dances as children.  The dilemma is that they do not know how to incorporate them in today's, "modern," music while paralyzed in performing them well to traditional music that they were accustomed to.  What we have to come to realize is that if we allow ourselves to do that, the culture itself will die gradually because of living in the past.

  An alternative to dancing to the cultural music is doing the dances to music of today that have the same beat or tempo as the music we were taught to dance to.  One example of this is the, "Salsa," from the Latin American cultures or Spanish cultures in Western Europe.  We can put this to many different kinds of beats in the so-called, "mainstream," music of today.  How about dances from India & Bollywood? Those are also very energetic dances that be applied to the music of today and the really fast-paced choreography taught to those who have the native blood in them.  What about America's very own Hip-Hop and Break-Dancing? To those who have learned it, you can use it anywhere in America if the music has the right tempo, using dances from today, all the way back to 1980's! There are so many possibilities, that it is not impossible for people not to know how to dance.  Hopping up and down, leg in leg out, that's a dance right there.  Although some people refrain from dancing because they feel they lack the skill or rhythm to do so, I would encourage everyone to try! They might even discover their own hidden passion for dance.  A few years ago, I never thought I would enjoy dancing, but after quite a few Zumba sessions, I was hooked!