Whole Foods and Haymarket - It's all about the Labor.

Since I've moved down here, one shopping event has become routine; a visit to Whole Foods. There are at least 4 of them within a 9 mile radius of where I live, and I've been to all of them on multiple occasions. I know which one has the wheat croissants regularly,  who holds the best variety of beer, the one with the anemic deli section,  etc. They all serve their purpose but I do have my favorites.

I've frequented the Kirby location often enough that I recognize the people who work there and talk to them as if we are familiar. Anyone who knows me or has met me understands this is just a normal part of my personality; I haven't ever met a stranger.  And with most people I've met I usually joke around with them usually during checkout. Everyone I've encountered at WF has been friendly. Not corporate friendly - gritting their teeth through their smile while asking if you want paper of plastic, but genuinely friendly when they ask you, "Do you need ice today?"

Yesterday while getting checked out in the 10 items or less register a supervisor asked the cashier, "Where is Anjo? Have you seen him lately?"  The cashiers shook their heads, "No, uh uh.. haven't seen him."  When she walked away I smiled and said to our guy, "Anjo's on a smoke break ain't he.. Good man covering for your boy." He laughed.

With cell phones and mobile technology does the 8 hour workday even exist anymore? I am of the belief that it doesn't unless you work for the government. I've worked in manufacturing and distribution where there is mandatory overtime; the corporate world, where projects and client expectations overrule any "straight eight"; and you can forget any set hours if you own your own business.  On this labor day weekend I'm reminded of those people that fought for and died for decent working conditions, and a living wage for a normal workday.  Although the Haymarket Riots happened over a century ago, we still need to observe and respect the worker who makes this economic engine possible.

Latvija 3.daļa (Latvia Part 3)

Latvia is a country with strong cultural roots and a rich history. It was my second time visiting the capital, Riga and I felt familiar with the city. That's not to say I could find my way around without a map or a translator but I did remember the feel of the city. This quiet metropolis with a relaxed atmosphere has a mixed identity. It's a modern city with proud displays of Latvian architectural landmarks, but with many relics from the Soviet occupation visible like a faint image in a cloudy mirror.

We arrived in the afternoon to a cool sunny day. The country sits pretty far
North so even in the summer you should keep a jacket handy. Our friends Aaron and Sabine hosted us and we quickly settled in for food and drink with more friends in the heart of the city. As we walked through town we stopped by the Freedom Monument to listen to music and noticed a bunch of Russian teenagers rushing over to another kid and beginning to count and then let out a big "whoopee" as if it was the kid's birthday. I watched carefully and realized they were just kids having fun. Well apparently I looked a little too long because they caught me staring, and like an Alfred Hitchcock film they came towards me arms and fingers outstretched and did the same thing to me. It's a little strange to have 20 kids surround you and start shouting in cadence and throw their hands up in celebration but I relaxed and called them the Happiness Mob. They made me smile.

We spent a couple of days in Riga then made our way to the countryside to relax and explore a couple of small towns. And aside from our war with mosquitos one night (20+ kills in a 6 hour sleepless battle) it was truly a great getaway from daily life.

We came back to Riga with high anticipation for the purpose of our trip, The Latvian Song and Dance Festival. In addition to the entire country and ex-patriots descending on the city for one of the biggest homecoming celebrations I've ever witnessed, over 30,000 singers and dancers in full traditional dress practiced and performed for 3 straight days. Ieva's parents participated and choreographed part of the celebration and I got to hear first hand all of the work it takes to put together such a magnificent tradition. The day after the performances there was a parade through downtown Riga and all of the performers representing each town and village walked the streets singing dancing and beaming with pride. The moment made me feel nostalgic for Independence Day celebrations occurring at the same time in America. I understood what those folks felt, proudly holding their town's flag high and singing songs together; tradition, patriotic, togetherness. And although I'm not Latvian I understood their pride and couldn't help but to feel fortunate to witness such an incredible celebration.

You can see my pictures here. Enjoy.

Ciao Ciao!

Houston, We Have Liftoff!

Houston. A city as humid as a newborn's diaper after feeding. Situated on the Gulf it can't help it, BUT thanks to modern technology it is quite livable in the summer; provided you don't go outside.

I've lived in the city for all of a month and the first three words that come to mind when describing the city (outside of the weather) are progressive, nice, and gritty. H-Town didn't become the 4th largest city in America by sitting on it's laurels and hoping someone else would discover all of that 'oyahll' in those waters 100 miles away. No siree! A few folks decided it was their turn to get a piece of the American pie and built an entire industry off of that Black Gold-Texas Tea. And although I'm over a century behind I'm finally getting a taste of what makes this Texas town tick.

Now I'm not one to make a point of sexual orientation when it comes to anything really. You be you, and love one another is mostly what I follow, but in this case it I think it speaks volumes about the people when they elect an openly gay woman to lead the city. My perceptions of Texas has been the entire state, excluding the Babylonian city called 'Austin', is RED; politics, money, blood, etc. And while those are all true H-town has proven itself to be this quiet anomaly to the norm. Almost half of the population is Hispanic and the booming energy sector has brought an influx of foreign nationals. Let's not forget technology and engineering pieces of the puzzle (NASA Duh!). All of these help to make Houston a progressive cosmopolitan city big enough to rival those cities on either coast that claim to be the center of the universe.

Most people think of the lack of zoning laws inevitably when the topic of Houston comes up and rightfully so actually. Recently I was out looking for a new abode and the realtor showed us a quite expensive low rise condo in the Nuevo Chic area of Montrose. There was a tattoo parlor, sex shop, and 4 star Spanish restaurant right across the street and of course I was tempted to put a bid on the place. The area was appealing because of it's proximity to the aforementioned as well as for the people. They are nice. Everyone I've come in contact with has been helpful and down to earth. When I came down, I took my old mountain bike to a local bike shop to get a tune up; something to get me to ride it vs. push it from one room of my house to another. The place looked like somewhere I would like to work; gritty, laidback, and a little chaotic. After talking with the proprietors and taking a leap of faith I left my baby with them. Minor surgery is still a cut, and trust is something you look to your gut for when nothing else presents itself. As a gesture of faith and trust that they would take care of my baby (Ieva called it a bribe), I decided to show them what my brand of nice was.. So I took them a 4 pack of Tank 7 to remember "that guy from Kansas City" when they were putting on my new forks. It worked.

Houston has its many reasons for calling me, love, career opportunities, new adventures..destiny. All very worthy causes but now it's time to peel back a few more layers and see how this KC Kid can integrate with these Mud Turtles. One thing's for certain.. we'll be nice.