Favorite Hang-Outs

The question "Where are you from?" always bothers me because I never really know how to answer without a fairly drawn out statement.  I was born in Austin, grew up in Yoakum, call Houston 'home', and currently reside in Fort Worth.  So where am I from?  Who the hell knows?!  I suppose home is where the heart resides.  If that is the case, I have several places in which to call home, but the most prevalent and thought-provoking home is Houston.  It is the place where I forged an identity and truly lived out who I was as an individual, in spite of the large quantities of alcohol consumed.  Two fond memories of Houston are the times when I was able to escape to and find refuge in my two favorite hang-outs: Molly's Pub and Diedrich's Coffee.  Both places are night and day different in atmosphere, but they both were an oasis from the storms of life.  Molly's Pub is an Irish bar located in Clear Lake, a suburb of Houston.  Upon first moving to Houston in 1994, a former friend and acquaintance introduced me to the pub.  And for the following twelve years I was a regular frequenter of the establishment.  Early on I joined the dart league and developed a few real interpersonal relationships.  Unfortunately none of the relationships lasted once I moved to Fort Worth.  However, I have yet to find in Fort Worth that one hangout to play darts and to meet new people.  Diedrich's Coffee was another favorite hang-out to frequent.  Over the years I would spend more and more time there reading or meeting friends.  Almost every morning I would swing by for coffee and breakfast, which consisted of two cranberry muffins.  Patronizing the coffee shop would remain a highlight of my day.  When a close friend informed me of its closing, I was heart-broken.  (I had already moved to Fort Worth at this point.)  This was equivalent to a significant chapter slamming shut in my life.  Of course I have other find memories of 'home' (Houston), but these two remain near the top of my list.  Often I do grow homesick for the good old times, but realize I can't live in the past.  I am now moving forward forging a new identity and more memories.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Nightmare is Over

A little over a week ago, I finished working at Ole Grapevine Cigar & Tobacco Shop for a second tour of duty.  Once again, I found this particular place of employment extremely toxic and dysfunctional.  With the exception of one other staff member, the crew at the shop were too chummy with one another in very unhealthy ways.  Similar to the first experience, I was micro-managed and isolated from feeling a part of the "family", as the manager liked to call the company.  I never felt included...only taken advantage of and then made to feel inferior and worthless.  The customer base wasn't too much better than the work environment.  In some ways, the customers were worse...a bunch of entitled, rich people who wanted their way while everyone else be damned.  Spoiled-rotten brats!  The manager summarily decided, without even consulting me, that I would be moved to an "on call" position.  Since I'm not naive, I realize this means I'll never wor...
Read more

Seeking Closure!

Last week I was able to get away from the land of exile in order to visit and spend time with family.  Even though part of our plans for a trip to East Texas fell apart, I very much enjoyed spending three wonderful days with my mother in Yoakum.  During this time, as she still had to work her shifts at the church, I was able to scratch off quite a few items from the bucket list.  Many of these items have been on there for several years awaiting much-needed closure.  On top of the list, but really in no particular order, was to visit the Alchoholics Anonymous group in Victoria where I tried to get sober in 2004.  Even though I didn't recognize anyone in attendance, I did enjoy the time spent in fellowship.  Then a visit was made to Memory Gardens Cemetery where three acquaintances are interred.  One in particular, my friend Amy, was buried there in 2021.  Regretting not being able to attend her funeral services, I made every effort to locate her gr...
Read more

New Beginnings!

Today I began working a secondary form employment with Cartan's.  It is a shoe store selling men's and women's footwear located on Magnolia in the Near Southside of Fort Worth.  Ever since I moved here I have tried to get hired on with this place of business.  I formerly worked for the owner at the Rockport Shops in Houston.  Figured I was a "shoe" in with the amount of experience yours truly offered.  Finally, I was hired on and began by working from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  I dove right in and tried my best.  Slowly but surely, all of my skills and abilities will come back.  The manager seemed pleased and thought I really didn't need much help.  I shadowed him and a few other employees while they waited on customers.  In addition, I helped to put away drags, which are leftover shoes from the sale.  The store hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed on Sunday.  Woohoo!  Think I have found my home....
Read more