Today was a good day. Maybe a day that ends well is well.

Tonight Rebecca and I laid together and reflected on our coming move to the Mile High City. There are several areas of consequence when moving 1200 miles across country, but the positives include a new bustling city, job opportunities, being closer to Rebecca's family, Nate nearby, outdoor activities, and a higher quality of life.

There are negatives, however, and these are what people seem to overlook. Not only are we leaving my entire family, but we're leaving the only friends I've ever known, and several new ones that we've recently made. As a matter of fact, 'the people' are the only true negative involved in the move. I'm not overly attached to Beaumont, and while I'm leaving an excellent job, better career opportunities await.

How tough is it going to be away from my family, though? My parents are my inspiration. My grandparents are my conscience.

If there were negatives in having a relationship with someone from another state, it's that one of us will always be away from the ones we love most.

I'm trying to find a bright side -- but I'm not sure there is one.

It's tough, for me and my parents alike. I can't imagine how they must feel.

While it was a good day, Rebecca sleeps and it becomes more difficult for me to be awake. I'm still in Texas, and my fiance lies next to me, but I still feel alone. People criticize others when they move away from home but return after a short time. While I have no doubts that our move to Denver will be long-term, I understand that hollow feeling people feel by being so far from their families.

It's not my first time away from home; I lived 900 miles away while in Orlando, but this feels different. This hurts. Am I more mature? Does family mean more now?

Strength. I need strength. And it's that strength that will combine with determination and keep us in Denver -- I have no doubt about that. It doesn't mean it's supposed to be easy.

Maybe it's not such a good night, after all.

Labels: Beaumont, Denver, Family

Posted by M. Derrick Davis at 2:51 AM | Permalink | Comments

So the City of Beaumont has passed a ban that will prohibit smiking in enclosed public places. Basically, starting August 1, bars, restaurants and clubs can kiss their ashtrays goodbye.

Lots of people are upset, and their seems to be some sort of appeal to the council from bar owners to find common ground. Some like the complete indoor ban (with few exception, like the ordinance passed), while others would like bars to allow smoking and restaurants would have to make it disappear.

It seems to me, that if we're going to have a smoking ban, the one passed is the most feasible for everyone. Basically, it removes smoking from all bars, clubs, and restaurants, with exceptions being private establishments, hotel/motel rooms designated smoking, etc.

Bottom line is that when you go to Star Bar to have a drink, you'll be drinking Jack Daniel's without your Pall Malls.

If they pass a partial ban prohibiting smoking in places that primarily sell food (like my restaurant), but allow smoking in clubs and bars that primarily serve alcohol, the restaurants will be hurt -- significantly. Smokers won't come to Carrabba's to have a drink, they'll go straight to the bars.

There are several cities in Texas that currently have bans in place. What should we expect for businesses?

With all the argument, let's see if the City Council has the fortitude to keep it in place, or if they buckle under pressure.

Thoughts?

Labels: Beaumont, Smoking

Posted by M. Derrick Davis at 12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments

Maybe I'll take advantage of it this time -- our annual tax-free weekend!

For you people who aren't blessed to be born in Texas, for three days every year (before school starts), clothing items and accessories are 8.25% cheaper.  Those three days begin today.

It never fails -- for some reason, I haven't taken advantage of it in years.  Not only do you save tax, but retailers have huge sales.  Maybe I'll stop by the mall after class.

One thing's confirmed, though: I'll likely have a mall to shop in.  Our latest threat from Mother Nature has weakened to a tropical depression.

Before Rita, I was excited about the possibility of leaving town for a few days while we wait for the storm to pass.  Unfortunately, the storm did a bit more than that, but this year, I'm graduating.  I don't need a hurricane to push back my opportunity to get out of this fine institution.

And have you noticed the date?  It's August 4, 2006 -- three days after the Beaumont smoking ban.  People are still trying to get it lifted, but it's not going anywhere. 

Catch up with the world, smokers!  Put the cig down!

"But why didn't we get to vote on it?" becomes the main gripe.

Apparently, the City Council is treating this like a helmet law (even though Texas doesn't have one) or some other law on public safety.  The difference is that bikers who don't wear helmets are their own worst enemy.  Non-smokers can't control the actions of others.

Labels: Beaumont, Hurricane Rita

Posted by M. Derrick Davis at 11:48 PM | Permalink | Comments