A New Beginning

At long last I've accepted a new position and will be relocating to the Dallas - Fort Worth area in mid-April. My new company made me a great offer including a generous relocation, and when I looked at the opportunity personally, professionally, and financially - it became a no-brainer. I'm very excited about the move and the new job, but am also fighting some anxiety about it, too. The good news is I've lived in Dallas before and really enjoyed it. I don't know anyone there anymore so hopefully will start meeting people once I get there. The next couple of weeks will be a whirlwind of preparing to move into my temporary apartment, house-hunting, and starting my new job!

Carolina In My Mind

I just got back from spending the last four days in North and South Carolina. It was a great visit! I spent the weekend with my sister in Raleigh, including attending a dog show at the landmark Dorton Arena, built in 1951 with an innovative (and successful) hurricane-resistant roof design. On Saturday night we attended traditional Easter services. On Sunday I rode Amtrak over to Charlotte, approximately a 3 hour ride. The train was packed with college students apparently returning from Spring break. Upon arrival in Charlotte my buddy whisked me off to the over-the-top SouthPark Cheesecake Factory (see picture above) for a belated birthday dinner. After dropping my bags at the hotel, we went out for post-dinner celebration at the Charlotte Eagle. I went as a guest, since North Carolina liquor laws require an annual membership (after a 3-day waiting period) for most bars unless you're a guest. The next day we traveled to Spartanburg, SC to visit the BMW Zentrum museum, which is adjacent to the factory there. Spartanburg is the home of the BMW X5, X3, and Z4 roadster. Unfortunately, plant tours aren't available as the facility is currently under a major expansion. The Zentrum is smaller than I expected but was still a lesson in the history of the "ultimate driving machine." Monday night was a big treat. We stayed at the Marriott in Spartanburg, SC, which is the home of the prestigious Miss South Carolina Pageant. Once we checked in, imagine my surprise when I learned that we had the Governor's Suite for the night! It's nice to travel with a friend in the hotel business! On our return to Charlotte today, we stopped to make a solemn visit to the Cowpens National Battlefield. In 1781, American Militia, Continentals, and Cavalry under Gen. Daniel Morgan routed the British troops led by the hated "Bloody Tarleton" in less than an hour, while taking relatively few casualties themselves. This victory was the result of impressive battle tactics and quick thinking by Morgan, as well as a fair amount of luck. I hope some of that luck rubs off on me soon!

The Weekend

I'm so excited about this weekend. I'm heading down to North Carolina to visit my sister (who lives near Raleigh) and my best buddy (who lives in Charlotte). Not all of you may know this but I lived in Raleigh for three summers back in the early-mid 1990s. My sister has lived there for more than 15 years, so I enjoy getting back whenever I can. It's amazing how much the area has grown, but still retains a small-city feeling. The view here is a rendering of the new skyline once the RBC Centura Plaza (center) is complete. At 30 stories plus a spire, it will be the tallest building in Raleigh. The only time I've ever spent any time at all in Charlotte was for a Grateful Dead show many years ago! So I'm looking forward to exploring a little bit with my buddy. On Sunday, I'll take Amtrak's Carolinian from Raleigh to Charlotte. I've been promised a belated birthday dinner at The Cheesecake Factory! On Monday, we're heading to the BMW Zentrum museum in Spartanburg, SC. I can't wait! (Raleigh Skyline image credit: RaleighSkyline.com)

Birthday Surprise!

Yesterday some friends treated me to a very fun birthday surprise - stage seats to see "Xanadu" on Broadway, and then a fabulous dinner, followed by drinks at the Duplex and the Dugout. Thanks to Dino, Keith, Ken and Matt for making it so fun! Oh yes - and Cheyenne Jackson made it that much more memorable!

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport - Texas

From this video, you get a sense of just how huge this aiport really is. Is everything really bigger in Texas? When I lived here before, I didn't really test that theory..

Dallas / Fort Worth

I'm sitting in D/FW airport waiting for my return flight to Jersey. The interviews went well! I think they might extend me an offer next week - but I've learned not to over anticipate these things. Today is sunny with a forecast high of 90 in Fort Worth!!

Here are some cool links to Dallas area gay nightlife...I can tell you from personal experience that the Big D can be Fabulous.

The Dallas Eagle

Dallas Gay Bars The Oak Lawn area of Dallas is gay central. Many of the gay bars are owned by the same people - this site links to all of them!

Gaza Celebration of Terrorist Attack on Mercaz HaRav Yeshiva

I don't think this requires any comment. But one question: Why aren't the mainstream media showing these clips? Could it be contrary to the agenda of ramming anti-Israel news down our throats?

Ads I Hate Department

Taste your sweet kisses, your arms open wide.....

Don't we all feel this way sometimes? For me it was Sunday night....

Career Update

This week has been full of activity in my job search! The last 3 days have been a whirlwind of activity...phone calls, dinner interviews, breakfast interviews, preparation, and follow up. The good news is that I have 3 very strong leads right now. For two of these leads, I would have to relocate. One job is in Texas, and the other is in New York State. The third is right here in the Garden State. But more and more, I am thinking that I'm done with Jersey. I'm single and unemployed, and the nearest bar is 30 minutes away. Ever seen the gay bars in Dallas / Ft. Worth area? Yeah. They ROCK compared to here. Lots to think about!

Inspiration

For everyone who's ever been told (or felt):
You can't do it
You're too different

Watch and believe!